Articles tagged with Heart
A six-week cycling study found that regular exercise activates hundreds of genes in young, healthy men, some linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study also showed that individuals who improved their performance most activated more genes in the muscles, a phenomenon not previously seen.
Researchers found that a personalized physical exercise and Mediterranean-style diet plan improved vascular structure and function in volunteers with pre-clinical cardiovascular disease risk factors. Average VO2 max increased by 3.2 mL/min/kg, while body weight decreased significantly.
Researchers discovered that a 'fickle' enzyme plays both protective and detrimental roles in the heart. When its cofactor is present, it helps regulate blood flow and heart function, but without it, the enzyme produces factors contributing to oxidative stress.
A recent study found that only three out of 21 streptokinase preparations met the minimum requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia, highlighting the need for stricter calibration and monitoring. The lack of reliable testing methods and inadequate post-marketing control allow substandard drugs to enter the market.
Researchers found that more than half of patients with heart failure have normal ejection fractions but still experience symptoms. The study suggests that conditions like anemia, obesity, and hypertension may play a role in causing heart failure.
The study found that women who received stents experienced a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events and death rates compared to those treated with balloon angioplasty. Stenting was also shown to decrease the need for re-intervention, a critical factor contributing to higher mortality risk in women.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation has created new, comprehensive guidelines to help organ centers update their policies. The guidelines aim to bridge patients to transplant by offering pharmacological, surgical, and device-based interventions.
A new pump device, partnered with stem cell technology, aims to address heart failure and improve heart function. Research on ventricular assist devices (VADs) and pediatric devices is also ongoing, with a focus on developing smaller devices for children and improving outcomes.
A new study from Rice University found no independent relationship between Lp(a) levels and coronary calcium in either whites or African-Americans, suggesting an unknown mechanism may be at work. The study used a large multiethnic dataset of Dallas County residents to examine the link between Lp(a) and heart-attack risk.
A new study published in Nature Medicine shows that infants with Type O blood can accept hearts from donors with Type A blood due to their immature immune system. This breakthrough allows for greater donor compatibility and more successful transplants.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that HDL (high-density lipoprotein) activates an enzyme called eNOS, leading to a cellular signal that depends on cholesterol efflux. The activation of eNOS is mediated by two intact domains of SR-BI, which act as 'cholesterol sensors' triggering cellular events.
Research suggests that moderate red wine consumption (2-3 ounces per day) may have beneficial cardiovascular effects due to its high content of polyphenols. Polyphenols are also found in berries, green tea, and chocolate and can help prevent cell deterioration, plaque buildup, and blood clotting.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new initiative called Women at Heart to improve the handling of women with cardiovascular disease. The initiative aims to highlight the growing burden and under-appreciation of women's heart disease, and promote better understanding and treatment among medical professionals.
Researchers found that black high-risk patients were more likely to receive older treatments and less likely to receive newer drugs, including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and clopidogrel. Despite these disparities, short-term outcomes did not differ significantly between blacks and whites.
A recent study found that cardiologists significantly underreported racial and ethnic disparities in care, with only 12% reporting disparities in their own hospitals. The study suggests that increasing awareness through practice data analysis can help address these disparities.
A study by Emory University Health Sciences Center found that drug eluting stents are at least equivalent to vascular brachytherapy in preventing restenosis. SES treatment had a lower incidence of heart attacks and major adverse cardiovascular events compared to conventional VB treatment.
Orqis Medical's Cancion CRS therapy has shown promising results in improving cardiac index and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in patients with severe heart failure. The therapy provides continuous aortic flow augmentation, enabling progressive hemodynamic improvement without taking over the heart's function.
Researchers found that African-American patients receive lower rates of cardiac catheterization for heart attacks compared to white patients, despite disparities narrowing over time. The study highlights the need for improved patient education and dialogue with medical teams to address racial disparities in healthcare.
Researchers found that women with diabetes had over two and a half times the risk of heart disease compared to women without diabetes. Men with diabetes had about a 90% higher risk of dying from CHD as men without diabetes.
Women with acute coronary syndrome are being prescribed aspirin, beta-blockers, and statins as frequently as men, according to a recent study. However, significant disparities remain in the use of lipid-lowering medications, with women living significantly longer after their hospitalization.
A 12-week Tai Chi exercise program showed high completion rates and health benefits among 27 Chinese women with cardiovascular risk factors. The program's success was attributed to cultural relevance, accessibility, and the Yang Style of Tai Chi.
Researchers have discovered a potential link between protease inhibitor drugs and heart rhythm irregularities in HIV patients. The study, published in The Lancet, found that certain drug combinations could trigger adverse heart effects, highlighting the need for closer monitoring of vulnerable individuals.
Researchers found that marital strain can increase a woman's risk of death from any cause, with self-silencing during conflict being a significant factor. Married men also had a lower risk of developing heart disease compared to unmarried men.
A report by the British Cardiac Society highlights the challenges women face in pursuing careers in cardiology due to long hours, lack of flexible training, and sexism. The specialty is losing talented female applicants, with only 9% of those applying for specialist registrar posts being women.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiac Surgery found that older patients who receive a heart transplant fare just as well as younger counterparts, even many years after surgery. The study showed no statistically significant differences between heart transplant recipients aged over 60 and those under 60.
The Sulpizio Family Cardiovascular Center will offer advanced cardiac care with a range of treatment options and expanded access to clinical trials. Construction is set to begin in 2009, with plans for the new facility including diagnostic and treatment areas, office space, and 16-20 examination rooms.
A new math model of heart cells has identified a novel calcium pathway that regulates cardiac electrical activity and is linked to arrhythmia research. The study, published in Circulation, provides a valuable tool for understanding the relationship between calcium handling and cardiac arrhythmias.
Researchers identified a specific antibody causing congenital heart block, targeting the p200 part of the Ro protein. The level of this antibody in mothers correlates with the degree of damage to the heart, highlighting a potential marker for high-risk pregnancies.
Researchers discovered that failing hearts experience an energy deficit due to a 50% reduction in ATP energy supplied by creatine kinase. This finding suggests new treatments may target the energy supply to improve heart function.
Studies show that hospitals implementing GWTG–Stroke programs experience significant improvements in secondary preventive measures, including anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and treatment with aspirin-like drugs. Timely intravenous tPA use also increases by up to 89%.
Hermes A. Kontos and John R. Marler receive prestigious awards, while Hong Li and Shelagh Coutts win research accolades for their work on stroke mechanisms and treatment.
A study found that doctors underestimate women's heart risk, leading to less preventive care. Despite having the same calculated risk as men, women are more likely to be classified as having lower risk and receive less preventive care.
Researchers found significant differences in mitral valve tissue between healthy and congestive heart failure patients, affecting the valve's strength and hydration levels. These changes may contribute to recurring surgical outcomes for patients with mitral regurgitation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that sildenafil can treat enlarged hearts by blocking the breakdown of cyclic GMP, a key molecule involved in heart stress. The study showed significant improvements in heart function, including increased contractility and cardiac output, even after hypertrophy had developed.
Dr. Russell, a Yale cardiovascular researcher, is awarded the Bayer Fellowship for his work on heart function and metabolism in disease states. His research focuses on glucose transporter expression, AMP-activated protein kinase, and mitochondrial uncoupling proteins to understand and treat heart failure.
A new study suggests that rotary blood pumps may be effective in children with heart failure, potentially saving thousands of lives by sustaining heart function until recovery or transplantation. Researchers believe the technology has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for pediatric patients.
Autoantibodies disrupt calcium ion fluctuations, leading to toxic build-up and cell death in heart cells. Researchers are searching for the binding target of these antibodies to develop a new way to identify women at risk for congenital heart block.
Researchers discovered a link between brain activity and abnormal heart rhythms during stressful events, particularly in people with pre-existing heart disease. The study suggests that uneven brain signals can disrupt heart function, leading to potentially fatal arrhythmias.
A new study suggests that implantable pacemakers could identify and prevent potentially fatal cardiac abnormalities in patients with epilepsy. The devices monitored heart rhythms during seizures, revealing that four patients had periods of asystole and received permanent pacemaker insertion.
A study found that fine particulate matter from brake wear and engine emissions increases inflammatory cells, clotting pathways, heart rhythm variability, and red blood cell volume in drivers. Exposure to pollution causes cardiovascular risks through effects on the heart rhythm and blood clotting pathways.
A novel AT2R gene transfer approach has been shown to prevent hypertension-related enlarged heart, cardiac fibrosis. The study found that the procedure prevented the heart from enlarging and prevented thickening of the ventricular walls.
A new study published in Annals of Pharmacotherapy found that beta blockers reduced hospital stays and atrial fibrillation by 59% and 55%, respectively. Early use of beta-blockers also led to significant reductions in patient death, fluid in the lungs, and need for a balloon pump.
Researchers found that masked hypertension, a blood pressure condition where patients have lower office readings but higher 24-hour averages, poses an independent risk for target organ damage. Emotion-cognitive variables play a significant role in how patients appraise the seriousness of their heart attack symptoms.
Researchers at Children's Hospital studied the impact of genetic variations on neurological outcomes after heart surgery. They found that children with tetralogy of Fallot were more likely to have worse neurodevelopmental scores if they had a genetic syndrome or variant gene. The study also explored the effectiveness of implantable car...
A randomized clinical trial of 433 patients with advanced heart failure found that pulmonary artery catheterization is not associated with increased death and hospitalization. The study suggests that PAC should not be used routinely to guide therapy due to its potential complications.
Researchers found that seven percent of patients implanted with VADs were successfully weaned off the devices without needing a heart transplant. The study showed that VAD support can facilitate dramatic recovery in patients with acute inflammatory cardiomyopathy or post-partum cardiomyopathy.
Researchers found microwave energy successfully ablates AF in most patients, while anxiety and low social support are associated with higher risk of relapse in heart failure patients. Additionally, women with non-ST elevation heart disease undergoing angioplasty face a higher risk of adverse events compared to men.
A study found that higher levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) intake were associated with a significantly lower risk of dying from sudden cardiac death or coronary heart disease in women. Women who consumed the most ALA had a 46% reduced risk of dying from sudden cardiac death compared to those with the lowest intake.
A new magnetic-assisted intervention system has shown a high success rate in navigating tortuous coronary arteries, making it easier to treat patients with difficult lesions. The system, developed by Stereotaxis, Inc., uses two permanent magnets to generate a magnetic field and guide wires through the heart.
A study of 43 families of sudden unexplained death victims found an inherited disease in 17 cases, while another pilot study showed yoga and meditation improved endothelial function. Strong social support was linked to lower blood pressure, while adherence to guidelines for angioplasty procedures led to better outcomes.
A study of 9,611 older adults found that regular physical activity in middle age significantly reduced the risk of early death. Even light activities like walking or gardening provided a protective effect.
A new study suggests that using drugs to slow heart rate (rate control) is more cost-effective than restoring normal heart rhythm (rhythm control) for treating atrial fibrillation. The American College of Physicians released a tip sheet with these findings and several other articles on related topics.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found a possible link between the strange electrical waves in their hearts and the cause of accelerated heartbeats. They discovered that when implanted cardioverter defibrillators triggered a series of unusual electrical pulses, they sometimes triggered the formation of these same spiral waves.
Researchers developed a new, less invasive approach to treat atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting over 2 million Americans. The procedure uses bipolar radiofrequency ablation and achieved similar success rates as traditional surgery, but with significantly shorter operative times.
A new study suggests that using whole blood for priming in pediatric heart surgeries may not be the best option, as it can lead to increased hospital stays and costs. Reconstituted blood, which combines red blood cells and plasma, has been shown to be just as effective but with lower risks of bleeding and inflammation.
Babies who received reconstituted blood during heart surgery had shorter ICU stays (70.5 hours vs 97 hours) and spent less time on mechanical ventilation (36.3 hours vs 53 hours). The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, puts to rest a decades-long debate and could save patients and blood banks money.
Researchers used embryonic stem cells to rescue congenital heart defects in mice by releasing signals that corrected neighboring heart cells. The study found a critical role of the Id protein and two signaling molecules, IGF-I and WNT5a, in this process.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology found radiofrequency ablation to be a safe and effective treatment for children with various forms of heart problems. The procedure showed high success rates, with over 98% of patients able to be cured, regardless of demographics or specific disorder location.
The 'beating heart' method eliminates damaging effects of heart bypass machines during re-do surgeries, reducing predicted deaths by 74.5%. The study's results show that off-pump surgery is a safer alternative to traditional procedures, with improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center conducted the first comprehensive study on liposuction's physiological impact, analyzing its effects on the heart and lungs, as well as electrolyte changes. The study found that levels of lidocaine and epinephrine must be closely monitored to ensure patient safety.