Articles tagged with Heart
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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 are studying how damaged hearts heal differently in men and women, with a focus on estrogen's role. The study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of cardiac remodeling and its impact on heart failure.
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.
Women with diabetes having acute coronary syndrome are at a higher risk of presenting with ST-elevation-ACS and dying in hospital, compared to men. Diabetes has a differential effect on the pathophysiology of ACS based on patient sex.
Patients with atrial fibrillation are at increased risk for stroke and clotting complications, yet a significant percentage do not receive recommended clot-preventing medications. Asymptomatic patients should instead receive simple rate controlling drugs like beta-blockers, digitalis or verapamil.
The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has awarded UT Southwestern a $12 million grant to continue the Dallas Heart Study, which aims to develop new biotechnology and treatments for heart disease. The study has already made significant discoveries, including identifying key chemical signals that change stem cells into heart cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new class of nitroxyl-releasing compounds that seem to strengthen cardiac contractions and relaxation in dogs with heart failure. These compounds, which produce nitric oxide (HNO), have shown promising results in early studies.
A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals that AMP-activated protein kinase plays a crucial role in protecting the heart against ischemic stress. The kinase mediates increased glucose uptake in the heart during ischemia, which helps prevent post-ischemic cardiac dysfunction, apoptosis, and injury.
A team of researchers has developed an implantable electronic device that can help doctors monitor heart rhythms and prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) attacks. The device uses lower energy shocks to terminate AF episodes, reducing pain and risk of complications.
The CryoCor system, developed by CryoCor of San Diego, has shown a 98% overall treatment success rate in international clinical trials. The technology uses ultracold temperatures to block abnormal electrical signals causing arrhythmia, providing a potential cure for the condition.
A new study links irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation with sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with AF are twice as likely to have sleep apnea, highlighting the need for screening and treatment in high-risk patients.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered a link between heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that toxic protein clusters called beta-amyloids, associated with Alzheimer's disease, are also present in the hearts of patients with heart failure.
Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging method to track new blood vessel growth in the heart after a heart attack. The technique uses a radioactively labeled protein to detect changes in damaged areas over time, providing clear visualization of healing processes.
Researchers used 3D technology to map the electrical pathways in patients with atrial flutter, revealing additional abnormal circuits that could be missed by conventional methods. Radiofrequency heat energy was then used to destroy these tissues, curing the patients and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that high levels of lead and cadmium in adults were associated with a 2.8 times greater risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Smoking was also found to increase the risk of PAD, possibly due to cadmium's damage to blood vessel linings.
A new system, PEWS, measures vital signs to predict life-threatening events in children, identifying deteriorating conditions up to 4 hours prior. Experienced nurses can detect subtle changes, but less experienced ones rely on an objective tool for early intervention.
Researchers are exploring innovative treatments for atrial fibrillation, including radio frequency ablation and gene transfer techniques. These methods aim to regulate the heart's irregular rhythm without the dangerous side effects of current medications.
The University of Pittsburgh is developing a heart assist device for infants with severe congenital heart defects, utilizing suspended magnetic levitation technology and miniaturization. The goal is to create a bridge-to-transplant device that allows infants to recover or survive until a donor heart becomes available.
Duke researchers found that slower rewarming reduces brain temperature and hyperthermia risks after coronary artery bypass surgery. This leads to improved cognitive outcomes for patients six weeks post-surgery. A seven-year analysis of 6,334 patients showed significant reductions in hyperthermic episodes.
A 24-month study found that everolimus reduced intimal thickening and cardiovascular events, while sirolimus showed plaque regression. The results suggest that intravascular ultrasound measurements can be used as a valid surrogate for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers found that everolimus, when combined with cyclosporine and steroids, prevents transplant rejection and lowers risk of infection and complications more effectively than traditional anti-rejection therapy. A two-year study demonstrated the drug's improved safety and efficacy in preventing heart transplant rejection.
A Temple University study found that patients with diseased aortic valves before receiving an LVAD have significantly lower survival to transplant rates. Conversely, those with normal aortic valves have higher survival rates, suggesting the importance of valve repair or upgrade in heart transplant optimization.
A randomized, prospective study found that tacrolimus + mycophenolate mofetil and steroids significantly reduce incidence of treated rejection and improve graft function compared to other regimens. The combination therapy also showed better lipid profiles and reduced risk of certain infections.
A new study further reinforces CellCept's cardioprotective profile, demonstrating lower rates of coronary artery disease in patients treated with CellCept compared to azathioprine. This finding could explain the superior survival benefits observed with CellCept.
A recent study found that mycophenolate mofetil reduces intimal thickening and improves long-term outcomes for heart transplant patients compared to azathioprine. The study used a site-to-site IVUS analysis of 196 patients, showing significantly less progression of vascular disease in CellCept-treated patients.
Researchers are investigating the safety of heart and lung transplants for HIV-positive patients when viral infections are well-controlled. Transplant teams must balance anti-rejection drugs with anti-retroviral therapies to avoid complications.
A study found that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) had similar graft patency and clinical outcomes as conventional CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass. OPCAB also resulted in lower hospitalization costs, with a mean savings of $2,272 at discharge and $1,955 at 1 year.
Dr. Magdi Yacoub will receive the ISHLT Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in heart recovery using support devices. His approach, known as 'bridge to recovery,' has broadened the usage of heart assist devices and improved patient outcomes.
A new analysis of 4,657 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery found that discontinuing beta blockers and ACE inhibitors can lead to abnormal accelerations in heart pumping known as atrial fibrillation. However, these medications also appear to offer protection against the condition. The study identified a risk index that c...
A new AAN guideline has resolved debate surrounding the role of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) in stroke risk. The guideline found no evidence to support or refute closing PFOs, but notes an increased risk for younger patients with both a PFO and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). Further research is needed to determine the best treatment options.
A new study found that children who stayed in the ICU for more than 48 hours after cardiac surgery were at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Five out of 43 children met diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with symptoms including disorganized behavior, nightmares, and concentration problems.
A team of researchers from Cornell University and Gene Network Sciences Inc. has developed a 3D computer model of the canine heart to simulate ventricular fibrillation. The model aims to help understand the causes of this life-threatening condition, currently treated with electrical shocks that can damage the heart.
A 40-minute surgical procedure called left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) reduces the risk of cardiac arrest and fainting episodes in people with long QT syndrome, a rare heart disorder. The study found that LCSD surgery reduced cardiac events by 91 percent compared to pre-surgery rates.
Researchers found a strong relationship between increasing blood pressure and CVD risk in women, with even borderline elevations associated with an increased risk. The study of 5,218 female health professionals showed that for each 10 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure, CVD risk rose by 9 percent.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a way to block fluid leakage that causes long-term tissue injury after a heart attack. A single dose of a compound can drastically reduce tissue injury and increase long-term survival following a heart attack.
Emory researchers discovered significant racial and gender disparities in heart attack treatment, with African-American women receiving the least aggressive care. The study analyzed records of over 672,000 white and black patients younger than 75 and found no trend towards improvement in recent years.