Articles tagged with Heart
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that hospital staff preparedness significantly impacts survival rates for cardiac arrests during night shifts. The research indicates that patients experiencing cardiac arrest at night have a lower survival rate compared to those who experience it during the day or evening shifts.
Atrial fibrillation is associated with decreased endocardial nitric oxide in the left atrial appendage, leading to increased superoxide levels and higher risk of blood clots. The study's findings may provide new avenues for therapeutic interventions in humans with AF.
Researchers at the Emory Heart Center found that oral tetrahydrobiopterin can significantly lower blood pressure in patients with poorly controlled hypertension. The study showed a significant reduction in blood pressure after just three weeks of therapy, likely due to increased availability of nitric oxide and enhanced vasodilation.
Researchers found that women with coronary artery disease and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator have a lower rate of sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation compared to men. Additionally, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in health clubs reversed sudden cardiac death in six out of eight victims, supporting the ...
The study found that public access defibrillation increased from 0.82% to 2.05% between 1999 and 2002, with a 50% survival rate for those treated. Over 4,000 people were trained to use the devices, and 457 AEDs were registered.
A new study published in the CREST trial found that cilostazol significantly reduces stent restenosis by 39.5% compared to standard therapy alone. The drug showed promise in patients with diabetes and small blood vessels, a subgroup previously difficult to treat.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that heart failure patients often leave the hospital without receiving life-prolonging therapies or complete discharge instructions. The study, which analyzed data from over 33,000 patients, highlights the need for hospitals to improve their adherence to established guidelines.
A study found that nearly a quarter of families with deceased individuals had inherited heart disease, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death among relatives. The researchers suggest screening 12-lead ECGs for first-degree relatives of those who died suddenly and unexpectedly.
A Canadian study compared outcomes for patients with elevated cardiac markers who received a home health nurse-delivered disease management program versus those without. The results showed significant reductions in hospitalization days for congestive heart failure and angina. A commentary highlighted the need for a national program to ...
A study of 27 women aged 35-44 found that 50% of their deaths were due to undetermined causes, a stark contrast to men of the same age group. Researchers are now focusing on novel, unorthodox causes for these unexpected deaths.
Elevated G-alpha-i levels in aging hearts lead to decreased cardiac function, but beta-blockers show promise in reducing these levels and improving heart function. The study's findings suggest that targeting G-alpha-i could be an effective way to protect the heart from age-related decline.
A study found that disrupting PI3Kgamma preserves beta-adrenergic receptors on heart cells, leading to improved heart function and longer survival in mice. The loss of beta-adrenergic receptors contributes to heart failure, but this intervention may provide a new therapeutic approach.
Researchers discovered that a single dose of erythropoietin may provide acute protection after myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery. The treatment also preserves the ischemic and infarcted heart in the long term, showing promise for preventing future heart attacks.
A global physician survey found that six in ten doctors believe men are more likely to die from stroke than women, despite women being 11% more likely to die from the condition. The study highlights the importance of addressing hypertension as a major risk factor for strokes and improving awareness among women about their risk factors.
Researchers Drs. Michael Brown, Joseph Goldstein, and Eric Olson recognized for their contributions to cardiovascular disease management and treatment. Their groundbreaking research led to the development of statins used by 13 million Americans to treat high cholesterol.
Researchers have discovered that oral medications commonly used to treat hypertension are also effective in preventing iron overload from causing permanent damage to the heart. The study suggests that these drugs may offer a new treatment option for patients with hereditary hemochromatosis and other genetic disorders
A study by the University of Iowa and Michigan found that defibrillators in high-risk locations, such as hospitals and airports, are cost-effective. However, low-risk sites like schools and hotels are not economically viable options due to low usage rates.
Researchers discovered that 'hot pepper' receptors on the heart trigger symptoms of heart attack and may lead to new treatments for angina pectoris. The study found that these receptors cause blood vessels to constrict and increase blood pressure, leading to chest pain.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that everolimus significantly reduced the incidence of acute rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant patients. The medication also lowered rates of cytomegalovirus infection, a major risk factor for these complications.
A study by Mary A. Whooley and colleagues found that depressive symptoms are a better predictor of poor quality of life in patients with coronary disease than previously thought. The researchers measured depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and found that these patients were more likely to report lower healt...
A recent study has identified GATA4 gene mutations as a primary cause of human cardiac septal defects, which are characterized by the incomplete formation of the heart's four chambers. The discovery is significant, as it may one day enable doctors to prevent congenital heart defects by fixing the problem before birth.
Researchers found a significant reduction in micro-emboli during off-pump coronary bypass surgery compared to traditional pump-assisted procedures. This decrease was associated with lower rates of neurological complications and cognitive decline after surgery.
The Georgia Tech research aims to develop advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques to study blood flow turbulence in heart valves. The team will create a virtual environment that accurately models the turbulent flow environment, which could lead to better design and reduced thromboembolic complications.
Researchers found that patients with combined devices showed significant improvements in quality of life, physical functioning, and exercise capacity compared to those without the devices. The study's findings have implications for treating heart failure, a disease with a five-year mortality rate of 50 percent after diagnosis.
Research shows that omega-3 fish oils stored in heart cells can prevent sudden cardiac death and fatal arrhythmias. Studies found a 29% reduction in deaths among men who ate fish at least twice a week, attributed to fewer fatal arrhythmias.
Researchers highlight importance of controlling blood pressure and vascular risks in heart failure management. They propose a new classification system for heart failure stages, emphasizing the need for early intervention.
A Northwestern Memorial HealthCare-led study presents data demonstrating calcification in human tissue as the primary cause of aortic valve blockages. Statin therapy may delay progression and reduce need for surgical replacement.
A new study by NYU Langone Health's cardiac surgeons found that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) reduces hospital mortality, stroke risk, and complication rates in high-risk patients with severe aortic atherosclerosis. OPCAB results in lower mortality rates (6.5% vs 11.4%) and shorter hospital stays compared to conventi...
Researchers studied 987 patients and found that those with multiple potential causes of syncope died earlier than those with a single cause. The study identified predictors such as older age, atrial fibrillation, and cardiac medication use.
A new study analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and found that 69% of sudden cardiac deaths in women were the first sign of heart disease. Women with smoking, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity had significantly increased risk of SCD, while high cholesterol was not associated with elevated risk.
Researchers discovered that one out of six patients with a history of atrial fibrillation had asymptomatic episodes, highlighting the need for regular blood thinning to prevent stroke. The study suggests doctors should assume the worst when treating patients at risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke.
A study found that men with high CRP levels were 3.8 times more likely to experience a stroke over 10-15 years compared to those with low CRP levels. The researchers also discovered that inflammation may trigger stroke by causing cell growth, cholesterol accumulation, and plaque formation in blood vessels.
A six-month public smoking ban in Helena, Montana, significantly reduced acute myocardial infarction hospital admissions by nearly 60%. The study found that smoke-free environments not only protect against long-term secondhand smoke effects but also rapidly prevent heart attacks.
A new Emory University study reveals that depression has a negative impact on CABG outcomes, with depressed patients experiencing less improvement in physical function. The research emphasizes the importance of treating symptoms of clinical depression aggressively in cardiovascular disease patients.
At the ACC's 52nd Annual Scientific Session, Emory Heart Center physicians will share information on the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Douglas Morris will present on new biological insights and approach to post-bypass patients, highlighting recent achievements in cardiac rehabilitation.
The American Heart Association's scientific statement highlights the importance of preventing childhood obesity to reduce adult heart disease risk. Studies show that obesity in children is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for early interventions.
The American Heart Association has released comprehensive guidelines for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in children. The guidelines recommend health promotion goals, identifying risk factors in childhood and safely modifying them without harm to the growing child. For high-risk children, specific testing is recommend...
Researchers found that MDMA use can alter cardiovascular function and produce toxic inflammation in the heart. Chronic MDMA binge pattern was shown to change heart rate and blood pressure responses, similar to a vasovagal reflex, increasing risk of cardiovascular damage.
A team of researchers has identified a genetic mutation in phospholamban that disrupts calcium regulation in the heart, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying heart failure and holds promise for future treatments.
A new clinical trial found that a drug called milrinone strongly reduces the risk of heart failure in children after cardiac surgery. The study involved 238 patients and showed that high-dose milrinone is 55% less likely to cause low cardiac output syndrome compared to a placebo.
Dr. Warlow will receive the prestigious Thomas Willis Award for his extensive work on clinical trials, meta-analysis, and epidemiology in stroke research. The award recognizes a senior investigator who has made significant contributions to understanding stroke over a sustained period.
Researchers from the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and Duke University discovered the genetic defect in humans and mice linked to LQT4, which affects an important adaptor protein called ankyrin-B. The defect leads to inadequate calcium regulation, causing chaotic heartbeats and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
Researchers found that CRP levels above 3.0mg/L significantly increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular disease in women with metabolic syndrome. Higher CRP levels were also associated with higher cardiovascular risk, even among those with lower CRP levels.
Researchers found that intensive blood pressure control reduces cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and PAD. The study suggests aggressive blood pressure management is particularly beneficial for the diabetic population, even among those with low ankle-brachial index.
A study of ICD patients found a significant increase in dangerous irregular heartbeats after a terrorist attack, highlighting the impact of stress on the heart. The rate of ICD discharges remained elevated for a month following the attack.
A new chest compression device has been shown to restore blood flow four times better than manual compressions, potentially saving more lives. Researchers tested the device on 20 pigs in cardiac arrest and found it restored vital organs with improved oxygenation.
A Johns Hopkins-led research team identified a control valve within heart cells that can be switched on to help the organ survive injury during a heart attack. The discovery could lead to new therapies for heart disease.
A study found that aerobic exercise did not prevent aging-related bone loss, while higher body fat, especially in the abdomen, was linked to increased bone mineral densities. Muscle strength also played a role in maintaining bone health, contrasting previous studies suggesting aerobics could have a protective effect.
Researchers found that beta blockers significantly reduced overall death rates by 16-34% in two years, regardless of inducible tachycardia presence. However, the drugs did not reduce arrhythmic death or cardiac arrest, but showed a trend towards fewer events with combined antiarrhythmic and beta blocker therapy.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that shocking the heart after prolonged cardiac arrest can cause further damage, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options. The study suggests that waiting a few minutes before defibrillation may be a more effective approach.
The OHSU team will develop three miniaturized ultrasound devices that can be inserted into the heart to provide treatment through a single catheter, eliminating the need for invasive surgeries and improving patient outcomes. The devices will feature Doppler imaging and high-frequency sound waves to detect and treat abnormal heart rhythms.
Researchers found that everolimus reduced scar tissue growth in stents, preventing re-blockages by 46-40 percent. The oral medication shows promise as a treatment for restenosis and may reduce the need for stenting.
Researchers identified Kir6.2 as a protective mechanism against stress in the heart, which helps maintain equilibrium under peak workloads. The study found that mice lacking this protein experienced severe cardiac distress and died, while those with it survived stress tests.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine reveals that heart transplant patients with depression are at a higher risk of mortality compared to those without depression. The study found significant correlations between depression and poor post-operative survival in ischemic disease patients.
A randomized multicenter trial of 840 patients with severe heart attacks found no difference in mortality between pre-hospital fibrinolysis and emergency angioplasty. Despite this, experts advocate for early intervention with antiplatelet therapy and primary PTCA, regardless of hospital proximity.
Researchers found that depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) reduces flow-mediated dilatation, a key indicator of endothelial function. DMPA can still be used safely by healthy women without cardiovascular risk factors, but those with risk factors should review their decision with their physician.
A study by Pennsylvania State University researchers found that having control over a situation can reduce an individual's cardiovascular disease risk. Participants in a video game experiment were either told they could control the noise level or not, and those who felt in control experienced lower blood pressure and reduced stress on ...
The development of a 3D animated heart took one and a half years to complete, using multiple ovine data sets from a Stanford University study. Medical animation software integrated into robotic systems will create a new modality in visualization for cardiac surgery.
Researchers found a gene variant associated with abnormal heart rhythm in African Americans, affecting an estimated 4.6 million people. The SCN5A gene variant increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias when combined with other factors.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a gene, HDAC9, that limits abnormal heart-muscle growth. The study shows that HDAC9 restricts cardiac growth in response to stress but does not affect normal growth during development or exercise.