Articles tagged with Heart
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
According to American College of Cardiology guidelines, several factors increase cardiovascular risk, including obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes. World Heart Day promotes awareness of these risks and encourages individuals to adopt healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced diet, and q...
The Gladstone Institutes' team supplied original stem cells for the exhibit and trained museum staff on techniques to activate cells. The exhibit showcases the development of cardiac myocytes from undifferentiated state to pulsating heart cells.
A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reveals a significant link between heavy drinking and atrial fibrillation. The research, which analyzed data from 16,415 individuals, found that men who drank 35 or more alcoholic beverages per week had a 45% increased risk of developing the hazardous heart rhythm.
Researchers are investigating a drug that may block the deadliest form of inflammation in heart bypass patients, including those who have had previous strokes or heart attacks. The study focuses on high-risk patients and pediatric cases, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity related to heart surgery.
Researchers identified a genetic link between inflammation and an increased risk of stroke after heart surgery. A specific combination of polymorphisms in genes responsible for C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 was found to be associated with a higher rate of stroke in patients.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a potential biomarker, GRK2, that can predict the severity of heart failure. Elevated levels of this enzyme in the blood are associated with more severe heart failure and may help identify patients who would benefit from specific treatments.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MRI is more comprehensive than SPECT in assessing heart damage in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. MRI was able to detect small areas of heart damage and provide important data on cardiac function, whereas SPECT only became relevant if no abnormaliti...
A new study found that not enough exercise in women can lead to serious heart problems and death, with those who cannot achieve 85% of their age-predicted fitness level being twice as likely to die. The researchers developed a chart for women to interpret their exercise capacity based on normative values for their age.
A new review of the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines aims to streamline diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary events. The goal is to provide faster treatment that may even prevent a heart attack or damage to the heart before it happens, benefiting millions of patients each year.
Recent studies using transgenic mice have shown that overactive Akt1 can lead to cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy. In contrast, Akt1 is critical for adaptive angiogenesis in the heart after ischemia. The research highlights the importance of understanding Akt1's role in regulating cardiovascular function.
Key findings highlight the importance of including women in clinical trials due to differences in response to drug therapy, such as higher levels of adverse reactions and varying mortality rates. This lack of data affects treatment strategies, with many drugs prescribed to women adapted from studies conducted mainly in men.
Researchers have discovered that during early stages of heart failure, the heart uses too much fatty acid and not enough carbohydrate; later on, it doesn't use enough fat. This new knowledge can lead to better treatments, but the existing drugs don't remedy the inefficiency.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have made a breakthrough in understanding the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI(3)K) in heart failure. They found that preventing PI(3)K's activation could block the loss of heart receptors, potentially improving heart function in patients with heart failure.
The European Commission's Heart Health Conference aims to promote cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention measures across Europe. The conference concluded with key actions for member states and the EC to implement to improve cardiovascular health in Europe, emphasizing the need for a long-term approach through public health strategies.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that daclizumab can reduce organ rejection in heart transplant patients by 25%. The treatment also showed a lower rate of bacterial infections compared to placebo. Researchers believe this incremental step will help improve outcomes for heart transplant patients.
Caffeine can increase heart activity, making it harder to see cancerous lesions on scans. Patients who consumed coffee before scans had higher myocardial uptake than those with low or no caffeine intake.
A recent UCLA study has found a significant association between obesity and impaired coronary circulatory function, highlighting the importance of early detection and monitoring. Quantitative PET imaging may help identify at-risk individuals, enabling targeted interventions to prevent cardiovascular events.
A study of 59 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation found a strong link between Helicobacter pylori infection and elevated C reactive protein levels, suggesting chronic gastritis may predispose to atrial fibrillation. The researchers also noted that H pylori has properties enabling it to evade the immune system.
A large European survey of 11,000 patients admitted with heart failure found that only two thirds had received a heart tracing, while four out of ten patients lacked an ACE inhibitor prescription. Multidisciplinary treatment can cut hospital admissions and deaths from heart failure.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that inflammation is the cause of postoperative atrial fibrillation, a rapid and irregular twitching of the upper chambers of the heart. Anti-inflammatory therapy may prevent or lessen this condition by increasing uniformity of electrical impulses in the atria.
Researchers have discovered a link between mutations in the MRTF-B gene and congenital heart disease in mice, which mimics human conditions such as truncus arteriosis. The study found that defects in cardiac neural crest cells lead to impaired blood vessel development and outflow tract defects.
A significant association was found between air pollution and an increased risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias among patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators. The risk was particularly high when particulate air pollution, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide were present.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 3-D cardiac imaging probe that offers sharper, high-contrast images and real-time guidance for therapeutic treatment devices. The probe's ability to generate three-dimensional images may shorten patient time in clinics and reduce radiation exposure.
A recent study found that patients taking SSRIs before heart surgery have higher mortality rates four years later. The researchers suggest that depression itself is the primary cause of increased mortality, rather than medication use. The study recommends closer monitoring and treatment for depressed patients undergoing heart surgery.
Researchers discovered non-coronary findings in 60 patients via heart CT scans, including lung cancer and aneurysms. Radiologists' training is crucial for early disease management and improved patient prognosis.
A study at Duke University Medical Center found that genetic variations in platelet surface receptors and coagulation proteins are associated with increased post-operative bleeding. This discovery may lead to genetic screening as a tool for pre-operative evaluation of heart surgery patients.