Articles tagged with Heart
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.
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 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.
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.
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.