Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
Reducing time interval for transported organs has been shown to increase survivorship and improve outcomes in heart transplant patients. The Organ Care System (OCS) uses warm blood perfusion technology to maintain organs in a living state during transport, allowing for evaluation of organ function and reducing cold ischemic time.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) is evaluating a new mathematical modeling system for lung allocation in the US, focusing on its effectiveness and comparing it to systems used in Europe. The system aims to give every patient an equal chance at transplant based on various factors.
Most dental patients with heart disease no longer need antibiotics before dental procedures to prevent infective endocarditis. New guidelines recommend antibiotics only for patients at greatest risk, including those with artificial heart valves or congenital heart conditions.
A new counter-flow heart pump being developed by Queensland University of Technology has the potential to support both chambers of the heart simultaneously, reducing mortality rates. Clinical studies have shown that permanent left heart pumps can reduce mortality risk by up to 47%.
A new study found that ibuprofen significantly raises the risk of heart attacks in high-risk cardiovascular patients taking aspirin for osteoarthritis. The Mount Sinai researchers' findings underscore the importance of considering NSAID interactions with aspirin in these patients.
Researchers at Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease identified a critical genetic factor, microRNA miR-1-2, that regulates heart form and function. The study found that deletion of this microRNA causes defects in heart growth, function, and electrical conduction, potentially leading to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital reviewed fetal cases of prenatal cardiac interventions, finding success rates of 79% and improvements in heart rate recovery after birth. Additionally, studies showed that most children with heart transplants regain sufficient heart function for exercise over time, with improved peak heart rate...
A study at Temple University found that listening repeatedly to heart sounds on an iPod improved the stethoscope skills of general internists, increasing correct identification rates to 80%. This technique relies on intensive repetition and is essential for recognizing abnormal heart sounds and identifying dangerous conditions.
Researchers studied the outcomes of treating ST- elevation myocardial infarction with PCI alone or with distal protection, finding similar major adverse cardiac events and electrocardiographic results. However, post-procedure blood flow was improved in patients treated with distal protection.
A new study presents the first US controlled clinical trial using muscle stem cells to treat congestive heart failure. The procedure involves injecting autologous skeletal myoblasts into scarred tissue via a minimally invasive catheter, showing improved quality of life and potential cardiac function.
A community-based study found that intensive dietary therapy and early dosing with a medication blocking harmful hormonal effects in the heart can improve cardiovascular health and survival rates after a heart attack. The Mediterranean diet was equally beneficial as a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
A study published in The Lancet found that chest-compression-only resuscitation boosts survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study analyzed 4,068 cases of witnessed collapse and found a 19.4% favorable neurological survival rate when bystanders administered chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth ventilations.
Increased expression of an accessory subunit of L-type calcium channels is linked to altered channel behavior in human heart failure. Researchers have identified a causal role for this protein overexpression in the development of cardiac dysfunction.
Research from the Framingham Heart Study found that people with long-lived parents are more likely to avoid high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other cardiovascular risk factors in middle age. Long-lived parents also conferred a lower risk of cardiovascular disease over time.
A new study reveals that specialty heart hospitals are associated with a significant rise in heart procedures, such as bypass surgery and angioplasties. The study found that the opening of a new specialty cardiac hospital is linked to a regional increase in these procedures, particularly among patients without heart attacks.
A new study by Dr. Vivian Ho found that Certificate of Need regulations have minor benefits for open heart surgery but no benefits for angioplasty. The regulations may inadvertently increase the number of procedures performed to meet minimum volume quotas.
A Mayo Clinic study has identified a genetic mutation associated with an inherited predisposition to atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat. The discovery may lead to improved identification and treatment of younger patients affected by this condition.
A new study published in PLoS Biology found that cells change size and shape to form the heart's chambers, with blood flow and cardiac contractility influencing cell shape. The researchers propose a balance of internal and external forces necessary for optimal chamber curvature, potentially underlying some types of heart disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that an enzyme important in fetal heart-cell development regulates cardiac hypertrophy, a key step in congestive heart failure. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme can prevent the onset of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Researchers at University College London have discovered the structure and function of a crucial gene regulating blood pressure. The study reveals that loss of activity in this gene leads to reduced nitric oxide production, a key player in cardiovascular health.
A Mayo Clinic research study found that over one-third of young people who died suddenly and inexplicably had genetic heart defects. The defects were caused by mutations that impair the heart's rhythm center, leading to conditions such as Long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
A blood test for NT-proBNP accurately predicts the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death in patients with known cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of NT-proBNP are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular events or death.
A new study found congenital heart disease prevalence increased by 85% in adults and 22% in children between 1985 and 2000. Most heart defects cause blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal way or obstruct blood flow, leading to a major public health problem.
Scientists found that persons with high multimarker scores had a risk of death four times as great and a risk of major cardiovascular events almost two times as great as those with low scores. The study used 3209 participants for 10 years, measuring 10 novel biomarkers in addition to established risk factors.
A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that an olive oil emulsion improved stent delivery in patients with abnormal heart arteries. The emulsion was successfully used to place lubricated stents in 85% of patients with no negative effects months after the procedure.
A nationwide study reveals that over 500 sudden unexplained cardiac deaths occur annually in England, mostly among young men. The researchers found that only a third of cases were correctly identified as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), with most victims having no prior heart history or symptoms.
Researchers found that strong neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets can cause interference with cardiac devices like pacemakers and ICDs, potentially leading to fatal consequences for patients. The study recommends caution and warning labels on products containing these magnets.
Researchers develop a 3D model of a child's heart using MRI scans to simulate blood flow and optimize surgical procedures for complex congenital heart defects. The system aims to improve quality of life for children with single-ventricle hearts by reducing the need for multiple surgeries.
A UK review concludes that an implantable pump can help patients with rapidly deteriorating heart failure live and recover strength while waiting for a transplant. However, the device's use is limited due to high costs and quality-of-life restrictions.
A study published in Nature demonstrated TB4's ability to regenerate coronary vessels in mice, a finding that could lead to new treatments for human heart disease. TB4 may prevent loss of heart muscle cells and restore blood flow, providing a much-needed treatment modality.
A new resuscitation approach called Cardiocerebral Resuscitation has been shown to improve survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims. The technique, which eliminates mouth-to-mouth breathing, enhances the willingness of lay individuals to engage in resuscitation.
Researchers found a 36% survival rate for blacks and 46% for whites, despite similar levels of coronary disease. The disparity is attributed to various factors, including bias in treatment, mistrust of the medical system, and socio-economic barriers.
A study found that heart failure is associated with more common factors than previously believed, including preserved ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction. Patients with preserved ejection fraction were older and less likely to be smokers, while those with reduced ejection fraction had higher mortality rates.
Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing interventional heart procedures are at higher risk for dying within a week and experiencing complications such as blood clots and bleeding. The study analyzed nearly 20,000 patients and found PAD to be a strong predictor of life or death in these cases.
Adult heart transplant recipients who received HCV-positive donor hearts had higher mortality rates and lower survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years. The study suggests that transplanting hearts from donors with hepatitis C should be avoided if possible.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that blocking aldose reductase can short-circuit sepsis, protecting heart function and reducing deaths. The compound is similar to an existing diabetes drug in stage three clinical trials.
A study by researchers from the University of Turin found that hospital admissions for acute heart attacks among people under 60 fell by 11% after Italy's public smoking ban was introduced. The decline was largely attributed to reduced exposure to passive smoking, with only a small fraction due to active smoking.
The Heart Rhythm Society has published final recommendations for pacemaker and ICD performance, emphasizing greater transparency and patient safety. The guidelines include specific guidance for physicians, manufacturers, FDA officials, and Congress to prevent adverse events due to device malfunctions.
A systematic review of 13 clinical trials found that early, intensive statin therapy reduced cardiovascular death, unstable angina, and revascularization. The benefits were sustained for two years, with slightly less than a 20% reduction in adverse coronary events.
Researchers have identified calcineurin as essential for complete lung development, and its absence led to respiratory problems in mice. A new model of human placental development also sheds light on the complex process of placentation, while a study on thyroid structures reveals that mature T cells trigger their formation.
Researchers at University of Bristol have made a major breakthrough in measuring energy levels inside living heart cells, real-time. This could lead to better understanding of heart disease and improved recovery of the heart during cardiac surgery or after a heart attack.
Patients with end-stage renal disease have a significantly shorter life expectancy after ICD implantation, highlighting the need for continued research on prevention and treatment strategies. The study calls into question the survival benefit of ICDs in patients with kidney disease who meet current implant indications.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation releases comprehensive global guidelines for managing heart failure patients prior to transplantation. The guidelines aim to enhance patient care, optimize outcomes, and improve resource allocation.
A new study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that genetic defects, particularly those related to Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), are significant risk factors for sudden cardiac death in teenagers. The study also identified changes in puberty among teens with LQTS as a predictor of life-threatening events.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that GRK2 protein levels are elevated in patients with failing hearts compared to those with normal heart function. The study suggests that GRK2 could be a biomarker for heart failure and potentially predict patient response to treatment.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine reveals that diabetes mellitus significantly slows nerve recovery after a heart transplant. This finding highlights the importance of understanding nervous system abnormalities to guide therapeutic efforts aimed at reducing cardiac risk for patients with diabetes.
The US FDA has approved a new totally implanted artificial heart, providing hope for patients with severe heart failure. The device is designed for those who are not eligible for a heart transplant and have a short life expectancy without the device.
A lack of cardiac calsequestrin protein can cause irregular heartbeats during exercise, but not at rest. Researchers found that the protein's absence triggers premature calcium release, leading to life-threatening conditions like CPVT.
Studies found that trastuzumab treatment can cause impaired heart function in 28% of women with advanced breast cancer, which may be reversible. Additionally, radiation therapy to the left side of the chest increases the risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease.
A study analyzed FDA recalls and safety alerts involving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and accessories between 1996 and 2005. The findings show that AEDs were recalled in 9 of 10 years, with electrical or software problems being the most common cause.
As heart procedures increase, it's essential to monitor success of new treatments and technology to keep costs down and quality high. Financial incentives from insurance companies and peer review teams can help improve care while reducing expenses.
The revised guidelines recommend using risk factors for stroke to determine whether anti-clotting therapy is given to people with atrial fibrillation. Aspirin or warfarin is recommended for patients with certain risk factors, and daily aspirin therapy is suggested for those without stroke risk factors.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that moderate exercise has no negative impact on the heart's ability to pump blood or increase in size. Exercise improves heart function and reduces abdominal fat, benefiting those who make gains in physical fitness.
Researchers found that transvenous pacing, a procedure inserting a lead into the heart, is a better first alternative for patients with ongoing difficulty maintaining their heart rate. The study suggests this approach can help prevent cardiovascular problems and death in these patients.
A study of children and young adults treated with doxorubicin for bone tumors found progressive worsening of heart damage, with nearly half showing diastolic dysfunction. Regular echocardiography is recommended to monitor heart function and prevent further deterioration.
Diastolic heart failure is increasingly common, now accounting for over half of heart failure cases. Women, particularly elderly women, are disproportionately affected. Therapies for diastolic heart failure may need to be distinct from those for systolic heart failure.
Study reveals rats' hearts can withstand severe hypothermia with minimal oxygen loss, highlighting the importance of continued CPR efforts. However, prolonged exposure leads to fatal heart failure upon rewarming, suggesting improved cardiac output as a key factor in survival.
Researchers identified a common genetic variation that determines response to beta-blockers in patients with heart failure. The Arg-389 variant showed a 38% reduction in death rate among those with two copies of the gene. This discovery may lead to personalized medicine for heart failure treatment.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine successfully manipulate cells to regenerate damaged heart tissue using cyclin A2. The findings hold promise for future therapy and treatment of heart disease, potentially leading to less surgery and medicine.
The ESC recommends developing joint clinical services with common diagnostic pathways, trained specialists in multiple imaging modalities, and evaluation of tests based on clinical outcomes. This collaboration aims to improve the quality of life of European populations by reducing cardiovascular disease's impact.