Articles tagged with Heart
A study of 321 participants found that higher CRP levels are associated with increased coronary calcium and atherosclerosis, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. The findings suggest a potential new link between inflammation and heart disease.
Researchers found that low potassium intake increases stroke risk, while increasing potassium in the diet may help prevent strokes. Diuretics used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions were also linked to an increased risk of stroke in people with low potassium levels.
A new study confirms high cholesterol as a significant risk factor for stroke death in women, particularly those under 55. Cholesterol levels were found to be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke death across all age groups.
Researchers found that combining irbesartan with amiodarone significantly reduced the likelihood of recurring atrial fibrillation. The study involved 154 patients and showed a nearly 85% probability of maintaining a stable heartbeat for those treated with irbesartan, compared to 63% for those without.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that balancing ACE 1 and 2 genes leads to healthy hearts in mice models. The study sheds light on the complex relationship between ACE 1 by-products and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that beta-blockers provided significant protection to the brain and its functions in patients undergoing bypass surgery. The study analyzed medical records of 2,575 patients and found a 1.9% rate of adverse effects for those taking beta-blockers compared to 4.3% for those who did not.
The study found that patients given beta-blockers before bypass surgery had a 30-day mortality rate of 2.8%, compared to 3.4% for those not receiving the drug. The researchers also observed fewer instances of kidney problems and mechanical ventilation time in patients taking beta-blockers.
A study of 122 men and women who suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrests found that women were more likely to report psychological stressors as triggers before their arrest, while men were more likely to report physical exertion. The study suggests that emotional triggers may play a role in sudden cardiac death for women.
Researchers discovered genes performing similar tasks in different organs, revealing the existence of peripheral timepieces. These findings could impact postgenomic research and circadian medicine, shedding light on why organs function at different rates.
Pooled data from two randomised trials show that off-pump surgery substantially reduced in-hospital complications compared to on-pump surgery. The need for blood transfusions was significantly lower, with a reduction of 33%.
Researchers at Penn find a cure for atrial fibrillation by targeting triggers in pulmonary veins, eliminating the need for pacemakers and medication. The new procedure has shown effectiveness and low complication rates, offering hope for patients with this serious condition.
A four-year study found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators reduce death rates by 31% in patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The devices detect irregular heartbeats and deliver electrical shocks to restore normal function.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College and University of Barcelona found that moderate drinking from one to four drinks a day improved heart function in men with alcohol-related heart failure. The study suggests a threshold drinking level for alcohol-related heart damage, below which there is no harm.
UT Southwestern researchers say automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be used by anyone with minimal training, and are becoming increasingly widespread. Studies have shown that early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates for cardiac arrest victims.
A 7-year clinical trial comparing aspirin and warfarin found that both drugs are safe and effective in preventing recurrent strokes in most patients. Aspirin slows clotting of blood platelets, while warfarin inhibits circulating clotting proteins.
A pilot study demonstrates a new self-expanding cylindrical filter is effective in preventing plaque dislodgement and blockage in older vein grafts. The procedure collected plaque material from 77% of patients without complications, paving the way for further clinical trials.
Researchers found that chest blows from objects such as baseballs or swings can lead to commotio cordis, a type of sudden cardiac death. The study identified 124 cases, with most victims being male children under 12 years old, and emphasized the importance of public education and awareness in preventing these incidents.
A new handheld echocardiography device has been shown to detect heart abnormalities with minimal training, offering a major step forward in heart health screening. The device can reasonably detect left ventricular dysfunction and pericardial effusion, but may require additional training for other conditions.
Researchers at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center are testing two forms of behavior management to help patients with chronic heart failure manage their illness. The 18-week course and weekly tip sheets aim to teach patients how to monitor their reactions to stressful events and make lifestyle changes.
Researchers found that patients who received intercessory prayer in addition to coronary stenting had better clinical outcomes than those treated with standard stenting therapy alone. Noetic interventions, including prayer and guided imagery, were shown to reduce adverse outcomes by 25-30 percent.
Researchers will study 12 astronaut crew members before, during and after space missions to assess cardiac mass, compliance and relaxation. Findings may help prevent cardiac atrophy and arrhythmias in individuals confined to long-term bed rest or with conditions associated with cardiac stiffness.
Researchers have developed a new treatment option for atrial fibrillation using bipolar radiofrequency, which shows promising results in treating the condition. The procedure can be done without using the heart-lung machine and has been tested on sheep with successful outcomes, indicating it may be safe for human patients.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital successfully used gene therapy to improve survival rates and energetic state of the heart in a rat model with heart failure. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
A large study found that having sex increases the risk of a heart attack by 2 hours later, especially for those with low exercise frequency. However, the absolute risk per hour is very low, and doctors should not advise patients to abstain from sex due to this risk.
A recent study has found that shift workers are more likely to experience abnormal heart rhythms, with the risk increasing with the number of night shifts worked. The study measured changes in premature ventricular complexes and heart rate variability among employees working day and night shifts.
A new study found that implanted cardioverter defibrillators save the most lives among patients with severe heart disease who suffer from abrupt heart rhythm malfunctions. The device monitors electrical signals and acts within seconds to restore a normal heartbeat, providing life-saving benefits for high-risk patients.
A study found that pacemakers and ICDs can be infected with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia without obvious signs, highlighting the need for accurate documentation and removal of devices to prevent serious illness and death. The researchers concluded that removing cardiac devices is essential for patients who develop staph infection.
Researchers found that patients with either a third heart sound or elevated jugular venous pressure were more likely to have progressive heart failure and subsequent hospital visits due to heart failure. The study highlights the importance of physical examinations in predicting outcomes for heart failure patients.
Researchers warn that angiogenesis therapy could trigger growth in abnormal tissue, increase artery-clogging plaque, and stimulate inflammatory response. Despite these potential complications, the authors remain hopeful that the therapy will ultimately prove effective and safe.
The American Heart Association has recognized four dedicated volunteers for their outstanding work in advancing the association's objectives. Edward Freis, Patricia Mahoney, Michael Moore, and Robert Roberts were honored for their efforts to reduce high blood pressure and promote heart health research.
Distinguished leaders Bryant, Robertson, and Warfel were honored for their dedication to the American Heart Association. The organization has grown to include over 22.5 million volunteers and supporters, dedicating $337 million to research support and community programs.
A team of scientists has discovered a 66-million-year-old Thescelosaurus with a complete fossilized heart, suggesting the dinosaur's circulatory system was more advanced than that of reptiles. The finding supports the hypothesis that dinosaurs were warm-blooded and could have had metabolic rates higher than typical reptiles.