Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified two cases of 'broken heart syndrome,' a rare condition that mimics a heart attack, resulting from opioid withdrawal and cocaine use. The findings highlight the importance of cautious medication management and patient education to prevent serious complications.
A study published by The Reis Group found that the survival rates of young competitive athletes experiencing sudden cardiac arrest are significantly lower than expected, even with proper CPR and defibrillation. The authors suggest that underlying heart conditions may be a major factor contributing to these poor outcomes.
The study found that activating hedgehog signals in adult mouse hearts increased blood vessel density, offering an alternative to invasive procedures. The researchers believe a drug treatment targeting hedgehog signaling could provide substantial benefit to patients with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarctions.
A new device developed by Dr. Babs Soller detects circulatory shock earlier than current methods, which rely on blood pressure and heart rate. The sensor analyzes muscle oxygen and acid levels to predict impending problems.
A recent clinical trial has shown that heart attack patients with cardiogenic shock who undergo emergency angioplasty or bypass surgery within six hours experience improved long-term survival rates compared to those receiving intensive medical therapy. The study enrolled 302 patients and found significant benefits from early revascular...
A study found that obese teenagers have larger and heavier hearts, with impaired function, which cannot be explained by high blood pressure alone. The research suggests that childhood obesity can lead to long-term consequences on heart disease risk.
A new study found that a clot-busting drug can revive cardiac arrest patients with a 26% success rate, compared to 12% for standard therapy. The treatment, tenecteplase, was administered to 50 patients who didn't respond to standard therapy and showed improved overall survival.
Researchers investigate the effects of hypoglycemia on insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes and discover a potential solution using urocortin I. Urocortin I suppresses the counterregulatory response to low blood sugar, impairing glucose-sensing neurons in the brain.
Abnormal rhythms were found to occur 27% of the time during cardiac arrests in children, with initial shockable rhythms having better outcomes than those developing later. Prompt defibrillator shocks improved survival rates, but subsequent VF had poor outcomes due to underlying heart disease or late diagnosis.
Researchers identified risk factors for PAD progression in large blood vessels, with smoking being a powerful predictor, while diabetes was linked to small vessel PAD. Effective preventive measures include smoking cessation, altering cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
The European Society of Cardiology has released updated guidelines for managing stable angina pectoris, providing recommendations on treatment methods and risk stratification. The guidelines aim to improve the quality of life for European populations affected by cardiovascular disease.
Azim Karim and Hassan Khalil, two University of Houston graduates, received prestigious national fellowships. Azim's $20,000 Merage fellowship will support his goal to become a medical doctor specializing in cardiovascular sciences.
Late-breaking clinical trials presented at HEART RHYTHM 2006 reveal ablation to be more effective than anti-arrhythmic drugs for treating atrial fibrillation. Additionally, catheter ablation significantly reduces ICD therapies in post-heart attack patients.
Researchers identified two genes, CAV3 and RyR2, linked to SIDS. The study found molecular and functional evidence in these genes suggesting a possible explanation for the condition. The findings point to the heart as a critical area of investigation for SIDS.
Regular exercise helps patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) maintain a regular heartbeat. Moderate physical activity decreased the patients' ventricular rate by 12 percent in those with chronic AF. Researchers also explored new pacemaker technology using acoustic energy, found to be safe and effective.
Multiple studies investigated ICD replacement complications, with one study finding a 1.24% complication rate and another reporting 8.1% complications. A decision analysis model was developed to guide management of device recalls, concluding that risks are not insignificant but should only be considered for high-risk patients.
Between 1996 and 2005, the FDA issued 52 advisories involving AEDs or accessories, affecting over 385,000 devices. More than one in five AEDs were recalled due to potential malfunctions, with electrical and software problems being the most common causes.
Researchers found less improvement in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among women and the elderly, with a shift towards other forms of CVD. Out-of-hospital deaths have not dropped as much as in-hospital deaths. The study suggests opportunities for improved prevention and interventions to address these disparities.
A survey by the European Society of Cardiology found that care for adults with congenital heart disease in Europe is suboptimal, with many specialist centres failing to meet basic standards. The report identifies key areas for improvement, including the need for more trained healthcare professionals and specialized equipment.
A study of 2,498 hospital patients with acute myocardial infarction found that 22% were depressed, with women and younger patients at highest risk. The prevalence of depression was 40% in women aged 60 years or younger, highlighting the need for aggressive screening and treatment.
Patients with severe sleep-disordered breathing have a higher prevalence of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. The study found that individuals with SDB are more vulnerable to nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.
A University of Alberta study found that older donor hearts are just as good as younger ones, with similar survival rates at the end of 10 years. Despite initial risks, such as increased mortality within 30 days and pretransplant diabetes, long-term outcomes were comparable.
A recent study by Northwestern researcher Nalini Rajamannan reveals that bone growth, rather than wear and tear, is the primary cause of heart valve disease. This active process can be treated with medications similar to those used for coronary artery disease, offering new options for prevention and treatment.
Research supports pioneering hypothesis that infants' immature immune systems allow them to accept transplanted organs from mismatched blood groups. This results in improved infant survival and expands the potential donor pool.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.