Articles tagged with Heart
A recent study found that calorie-restricted diets can lower fasting insulin levels, body temperature, and oxidative damage to DNA in humans. After six months on a low-calorie diet, participants showed improvements in heart function compared to those who didn't restrict calories.
A study found that elevated BNP levels are associated with increased mortality and significant pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic lung disease. Pulmonary artery pressure above 35 mmHg is a key indicator of this condition.
A new 3D ultrasound scanner is being developed to improve minimally invasive surgeries, offering a more precise view of the target area in real-time. The technology has shown promise in animal testing, particularly for monitoring heart function during cardiac surgery without general anesthesia.
A study found that experienced physicians can effectively auscultate the third heart sound (S3), a crucial indicator of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The presence of S3 was associated with decreased ventricular compliance and may indicate early signs of heart failure.
A virtual classroom was found to be superior to a traditional one in teaching medical students to identify heart sounds, with accuracy rates increasing from 32% to 81% after intensive repetition. The study, led by Michael Barrett, suggests that cardiac auscultation can be mastered through online training.
Researchers found that repeated ECG measurements over time are more effective in identifying children at risk of life-threatening heart rhythm disorders. The study suggests re-evaluating low-risk patients with multiple ECG readings to accurately determine their risk for sudden cardiac death.
A study at Temple University School of Medicine found that medical residents improved their ability to identify abnormal heart sounds by up to 69% with the use of electronic stethoscopes. Researchers used these devices to play back recorded heart sounds repeatedly, allowing residents to practice and improve their skills.
Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital tested a new device to close Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) holes, finding it effective in sealing the opening and preventing recurrent strokes. The study used the Cardia PFO closure device, which was successful in closing PFOs in 89 out of 90 patients.
Temporary esophageal stenting is a new alternative to surgery for correcting esophageal perforations, which can occur during atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. This non-invasive method has been shown to be effective in healing the esophagus without surgery.
Researchers identified issues with commonly used anti-PKC-delta antibodies that affect immunoblotting studies of phosphoproteins. This limitation may lead to misinterpretation of PKC-delta expression levels in heart cells.
Researchers found that early placement of cardiac resynchronization therapy devices can prolong patient lives and reduce rehospitalizations. The study analyzed data from 5,791 patients and showed a significant reduction in deaths and rehospitalizations among those who received the devices.
Researchers suggest using a microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) test to help determine which patients need implanted defibrillators, reducing costs for Medicare. The study estimates that this approach could save $690 million annually.
A study of 170 patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation found that those who underwent early surgery lived longer and had better health outcomes compared to those who waited. The results support current guidelines for treatment, which recommend surgery for asymptomatic and moderately symptomatic patients.
Women's heart health is underestimated due to differing risk factors compared to men. The European Society of Cardiology recommends considering age as a significant factor in diagnosis and treatment planning for women.
Researchers found that a third of patients without signs of reduced blood flow during exercise testing had temporary changes in heart rhythm or restricted blood flow when role-playing stressful situations. This phenomenon may indicate more severe coronary artery disease in these patients.
The REALITY trial found that sirolimus-eluting and paclitaxel-eluting stents had similar rates of restenosis and major adverse cardiac events. Longer follow-up is needed to determine if one stent type has a clinical advantage
A multi-hospital project led by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center improved angioplasty care, increasing preventive medication use, reducing heparin and dye, and lowering complication rates. The study found a strong association between quality improvement efforts and patient outcomes.
Grande-Allen's team aims to identify specific drug therapies for patients with valve disease by recreating conditions such as neurohormone buildup and serotonin levels. The bioreactor will simulate mechanical stimulation and fluid movements found inside a living heart.
A new test can identify up to a third of patients who are unlikely to benefit from implanted cardiac defibrillators. The Microvolt T-wave Alternans (MTWA) test measures electrical activity in the heart and may reduce healthcare expenses due to lower ICD implantation costs.
Researchers found that patients who consistently took aspirin had a 42% reduction in risk of death, while beta-blocker and lipid-lowering medicine users saw 37% and 48% reductions respectively. However, consistent use was low for these medications, with only 71% of aspirin users taking it regularly.
The American College of Cardiology has introduced Clinical Performance Measures to ensure eligible patients receive proven therapies, including aspirin prescription and cholesterol-lowering therapy. By implementing these measures, physicians and hospitals can improve healthcare quality and prepare for the future.
The study found MDCT angiography to be a reliable tool for evaluating the coronary veins prior to pacemaker lead placement and other procedures. It improves diagnosis quality by providing better planning before surgery, making it a valuable alternative to conventional angiography.
Researchers developed a virtual reality system using 3D echocardiography to analyze heart defects. Ten heart specialists successfully diagnosed healthy and unhealthy hearts within minutes, showcasing the technology's potential for better understanding cardiac anatomy.
Researchers studied early heart development using Drosophila genetics, finding that Slit and Robo proteins play a critical role in proper alignment of heart tube cells. This misalignment can lead to observed heart defects, and the study may soon be applied to develop diagnostic tests for congenital heart defects.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have made a breakthrough discovery about the role of miRNA-1 in the early stages of heart development. They found that miR-1 helps determine heart progenitor cells and maintain them until later embryonic stages, which could lead to new strategies for cardiac regenerative medicine.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic found no association between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and increased risk of stroke. PFOs are common congenital conditions that may be 'innocent bystanders' rather than causative factors, according to the study.
Dr. Olson and Dr. Abraham Rudolph receive the Pollin Prize for their work on congenital heart disease and gene control. Their research has advanced understanding and treatment of this common birth defect.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in unravelling the causes of sudden cardiac death in young people, linking it to genetic mutations in calcium release channels. These mutations destroy the channels' ability to work properly after stress or exercise, leading to fatal heart rhythms.
The new guidelines provide a concise diagnostic and treatment guide for patients with PAD. They emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment, recommending specific questions, clinical clues, and therapeutic choices to maintain functional independence and decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
A recent study found that nitric oxide, normally considered protective against atherosclerosis, can be converted into peroxynitrite, causing cell dysfunction and death. This reaction activates the ER stress response pathway, leading to devastating cytotoxic effects and accelerating atherosclerosis.
A large-scale study has found that trained volunteers and laypeople can safely use defibrillators to save the lives of cardiac arrest victims. The study showed a significant increase in survival rates for patients in urban areas, with potential to save up to 15 out of 100 lives within an 8-minute response time.
A study published in JAMA Network found that US Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure had significantly better 30-day mortality rates compared to Canadian patients. However, one-year mortality rates were similar between the two groups.
Darbepoietin showed significant protection to heart tissue and improved cardiac function when administered 1-2 hours or 24 hours after an ischemic event. The findings suggest potential for quick translation into clinical trials.
Dr. Hobbs and Dr. Grundy, two UT Southwestern researchers, have been recognized by the American Heart Association as Distinguished Scientists for their contributions to cardiovascular research and treatment. The recognition acknowledges their lifelong dedication to advancing our understanding of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers found African-Americans had a 70% lower risk of dying in the hospital and better one- and six-month outcomes following coronary interventions. However, these benefits disappeared after one year, highlighting the need for aggressive adherence to risk reduction recommendations.
A German study of 37 men and 18 women found that some riders experienced increased heart rates that could lead to arrhythmias, especially in those with high blood pressure or previous heart attacks. Researchers suggest operators have external defibrillators on hand for safety.
Researchers found that GRK2 increases in the adrenal gland, leading to high catecholamine release and desensitization of alpha-adrenergic receptors. Reducing GRK2 levels improves receptor function and reduces catecholamine release.
A study of diabetic women found that dobutamine stress echocardiography predicts cardiac death and heart attack. The test's accuracy was shown to be higher than previously thought, allowing doctors to rule out ischemia in more patients, thereby extending their lives.
The NHLBI research presented at the American Heart Association's scientific sessions highlights important findings on women and heart disease, including a link between high levels of male sex hormones and coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women. The study also explores the impact of socioeconomic status on cardiovascular diseas...
Researchers have developed a new tissue-engineered vessel made from the patient's own cells, which can replace synthetic grafts used in coronary bypass surgeries. The first human trial showed promising results, with no failures noted during the first five months of use.
A new study has successfully treated 99.1% of children with heart rhythm problems using a 3-D computer-assisted navigation system, reducing radiation dose by nearly half compared to traditional methods. The treatment also resulted in fewer RF applications and improved accuracy in finding specific locations.
African-American patients with heart failure are less likely to receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), despite similar prescription rates for evidence-based medicines. The disparity is attributed to lack of access to care, limited availability of cardiologists and specialized electrophysiology training.
Researchers found that people with nonsystolic heart failure can refill their hearts properly, but struggle with pumping blood during exercise. This challenges conventional wisdom and suggests alternative therapies, such as pacemakers or drugs that enhance blood vessel dilation, may be beneficial for these patients.
Researchers found that while adherence to recommended medications increased, physicians were slow to incorporate newer heart drug treatments, with a usage rate of 95% or higher representing successful adoption. The study analyzed data from over 113,000 patients treated at 434 US hospitals between 2002 and 2004.
Myosight captures data from dozens of cells at once, delivering unbiased results on how compounds affect typical and atypical heart cells. This technology enables researchers to see whether drugs carry a risk of causing arrhythmias or other adverse effects.
The Get With The Guidelines program has significantly improved treatment adherence for patients with coronary artery disease, with the greatest improvements seen in men over age 75 and women under age 65. Despite these gains, disparities in care remain, prompting ongoing research to address these issues.
Researchers followed nearly 6,000 women with metabolic syndrome over nine years, finding that cardiorespiratory fitness reduced overall deaths and heart disease-specific deaths to rates similar to those without the condition. Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with lower risk factors and improved heart health.
Dr. Robbins' research focuses on understanding the cellular functions of the heart and identifying genes associated with heart disease. He has developed genetically modified laboratory models to study the connection between protein mutations and heart disease.
Research shows women with acute coronary syndromes are under-treated, leading to more ongoing heart problems. The study analyzed data from the CURE trial and found that women were 35% less likely to undergo invasive procedures than men.
Researchers uncover a new mechanism for post-ischemic arrhythmias, exploring the therapeutic potential of mitochondria-targeting compounds. Leptin signaling is shown to reverse obesity, diabetes, and infertility in mice. FcRn is identified as a promising target for treating autoimmune skin blistering diseases.
A comprehensive US clinical trial reveals that competing medicated stents are equally effective in preventing target vessel re-vascularization (TVR) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The STENT registry, a nationwide study involving over 14,000 patients, provides insights into the efficacy of drug-eluting stents.
A study analyzing Medicare records found that patients receiving cardioverter-defibrillators from low-volume physicians experienced significantly higher rates of mechanical complications and infections. Higher-volume physicians showed similar complication rates when performing at least 11 devices per year.
A study has found that EBCT scans can detect congenital abnormalities, including coronary artery anomalies, more accurately than traditional catheter angiography. This is especially important as it helps identify patients at risk of a heart attack or sudden death.
An international study found that 21% of coronary patients continued to smoke, with younger patients and those with angina less likely to quit. The survey highlights the need for more effective smoking cessation programs, particularly among younger patients and those with lower education levels.
Night-time hemodialysis patients showed comparable cardiovascular measures to healthy patients, with restored endothelial progenitor cell biology and improved blood pressure. This therapy may address high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease patients.
Research on 24 young men and women found that faster music speeds up breathing and circulation, while slower music decreases heart rate. Musicians experienced a stronger effect due to their ability to synchronize breathing with musical phrases.
A recent study found that variations in the beta-2 gene significantly determine length of survival for acute coronary syndrome patients on beta-blockers. High-risk groups had a five times higher risk of death, while low-risk groups had a six percent mortality rate after three years.
A new imaging tracer, Zemiva, reveals metaabolic disturbances in the heart and shows that disturbances in fatty acid metabolism can persist up to 30 hours after an ischemic episode. The study used SPECT images to evaluate the tracer in patients with myocardial ischemia.
A study of 1,234 stroke patients found that heart and neck scans were less commonly used in women than men, despite being crucial for preventing second strokes. Women were 36% less likely to receive an echo-cardiogram and 43% less likely to have carotid artery exams.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of healthy weight and exercise in preventing heart disease. Studies show that moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, while a balanced diet and weight management can also help mitigate the impact of existing heart conditions.