Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
A recent study published at Masonic Medical Research Institute found that electrocution-induced physiological stress can lead to overlapping cardiac conditions in individuals. The research used human induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate the mechanisms behind these conditions, shedding light on potential new treatments.
A new study finds that left-sided breast cancer radiation therapy increases the risk of coronary artery disease in younger survivors, with a significant increase in risk seen at 10.5% for those who received left-sided radiation therapy compared to 5.8% for right-sided.
A new study has found that consuming more dairy fat may actually be beneficial for heart health, challenging traditional dietary guidelines. The research analyzed data from over 43,000 people and found that those with higher intakes of dairy fat had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with low intakes.
A study of 200 heart attack survivors who used a smartphone app showed that they had a 52% lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days. The app, which tracked medication use and lifestyle changes, also motivated users to improve their quality of life.
Researchers have identified the potential of 7HP349 as an oral medication to strengthen the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly for populations that struggle with immunosuppression. The study suggests adding 7HP349 to standard vaccination can improve vaccine efficacy without reformulating the vaccine.
Researchers discover that sudden cardiac episodes are caused by a combination of genetic mutations and chemical modifications in heart cells. The study uses new technology to manipulate the protein, demonstrating that phosphorylation can affect its function, particularly when paired with mutations.
Adults with heart disease living in rural areas experience higher levels of hopelessness and an increased risk of death. The study found that living in a rural setting is a significant risk factor for feelings of hopelessness among people with heart disease, which can more than triple the risk of death or heart attack.
A new study by the University of California, San Francisco found that consuming even one alcoholic drink can significantly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. The research involved tracking 100 patients with documented AF and found that those who consumed more alcohol had higher odds of experiencing an AF episode.
The APAF-CRT trial shows that ablation plus cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure in severely symptomatic permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with narrow QRS. The therapy is superior to pharmacological rate control, supporting it as a first-line t...
A new AI approach has been developed to identify patients with heart failure who will benefit from beta-blocker treatment. The study found that the AI method could accurately predict response to beta-blockers in both normal heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
A new global study found a significant decline in solid organ transplants performed during the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020, with over 48,000 years of patient life lost. Kidney transplantation showed the largest reduction across nearly all countries.
The LOOP study found that continuous electrocardiogram monitoring and treatment of atrial fibrillation did not reduce the risk of stroke or systemic arterial embolism in patients at high risk. However, detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation were more common in those undergoing ECG monitoring.
Researchers developed a model to predict the risk of death and unplanned cardiac hospitalization among patients awaiting cardiac surgery. The tool, based on an ethnically diverse group of 62,375 patients, identifies factors such as gender, urban residency, and cardiac symptoms that increase the risk of adverse events.
The study found that immediate coronary angiography in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients without ST-segment elevation is not superior to a delayed/selective approach. The composite secondary endpoint of all-cause death or severe neurological deficit at 30 days occurred more frequently in the immediate angiography group.
Atrial fibrillation screening in 75- and 76-year-olds may significantly reduce the risk of stroke, severe bleeding, and death. The study, published in The Lancet, found that at least 2,300 cases of stroke or death could be avoided per year with national screening.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully deployed drones to deliver defibrillators to patients with suspected cardiac arrests, with the drones arriving on target ahead of ambulances in most cases. The pilot study showed a median response time benefit of 1 minute and 52 seconds, improving survival rates.
Researchers confirm FDA recommendation that patients keep consumer electronics, such as cell phones and smart watches, six inches away from implanted medical devices. Studies found that these devices can trigger magnet mode in pacemakers and defibrillators, posing a risk to patient safety.
Researchers at Masonic Medical Research Institute are using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to create scientific models for studying cardiac arrhythmias and testing therapeutics. The integration of mathematical modeling tools enables the prediction of drug efficacy with minimal adverse effects.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) living in poor or Black metropolitan areas have higher amputation rates. The analysis also noted significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among different racial and socioeconomic groups.
A new preclinical study validates the spleen's role in cardiac healing and suggests targeting S1P as a potential treatment for heart failure. The study discovered interactions between S1P and the heart during transition from acute to chronic heart failure.
Research on rats suggests that aerosols from a range of vaping devices impair blood vessel function, similar to traditional cigarette smoke. The study found that even newer, coil-less ultrasonic vaping devices can have adverse effects on vascular health.
A new study published in Hypertension Journal Report found that flavonoid-rich foods, including berries and wine, can lower blood pressure by modulating the gut microbiome. The study of 904 adults suggested that increasing flavonoid intake may be a valuable strategy for preventing hypertension.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified eight primary factors that increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack. The study, published in European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, found that smoking, blood pressure, and blood glucose are among the new predictors.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Hispanic and Latino adults who perceive themselves as having higher social status are more likely to have ideal markers of cardiovascular health. The study suggests that subjective markers of social status may have stronger effects on the cardiovascular h...
The American Heart Association highlights recommendations to safely manage pain, screen for opioid use disorder, and support treatment. The advisory aims to mitigate the devastating intersection of opioid abuse and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers investigated high schools' safety policies to protect student-athletes from heat, cardiac arrests, traumatic brain injuries and more. Thirty-eight states have adopted legislative changes improving safety for student-athletes, including West Virginia.
Obstructive sleep apnea is common in kids and adolescents, affecting 1-6% of all children and 30-60% of obese adolescents. It can raise blood pressure and link to insulin resistance, abnormal lipids, and cardiovascular health issues. The American Heart Association calls for further studies on the topic.
Research found that longer and more frequent night shifts increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease. Genetic predisposition did not affect the link between night shifts and AF risk.
Despite guidelines and legal requirements, women remain underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, limiting treatment data on cardiovascular disease. Research shows that women respond differently to drugs than men, highlighting the need for sex-specific data in optimal care.
Research published in the BMJ Open journal suggests that middle-age height loss is associated with a heightened risk of early death from heart disease or stroke in Northern European women. Regular physical activity may help prevent height loss and lower cardiovascular disease risk, according to the findings.
A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has developed a lab-grown model of heart cells that mimic the behavior of real heart cells and are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers showed that an experimental peptide drug, DX600, can prevent the virus from entering the heart cells and reduce levels of infection.
A new study by Staffordshire University found that users of the Heart Age Test (HAT) were more likely to make healthy lifestyle changes. The test aims to provide early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, encouraging users to reduce their heart age through diet and exercise.
A recent study published in Circulation found that eliminating 200 calories and exercising four days a week significantly improved aortic stiffness in older adults with obesity. The results suggest that moderate caloric reduction and aerobic activity are more effective than restrictive dieting for improving vascular health.
The Wayne State LEAP-HTN project aims to improve access and delivery of care for Black adults with high blood pressure living in under-resourced neighborhoods in Detroit. The program deploys mobile health units and community health workers to provide personalized coaching and direct healthcare.
The American College of Cardiology has issued clinical guidance on reducing ASCVD risk in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, recommending lifestyle intervention and non-statin therapies. The guidance emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition guidance for these patients.
Research found that patients with ICDs who increased physical activity outside of cardiac rehab experienced fewer hospitalizations and lower death rates, with every 10 minutes of added activity reducing death risk by 1.1%
A large-scale study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that higher levels of physical activity and lower levels of sedentary behavior are associated with a lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea. The study suggests that promoting an active lifestyle may have substantial benefits for both prevention and treatment of OSA.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that heart problems in children hospitalized with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) mostly resolved within a few months. The study, which followed 45 patients, showed that most cardiac and immunologic abnormalities returned to normal within weeks after hospital discharge.
Scientists have developed a minimally invasive exosome spray that helped repair rat hearts after myocardial infarction, outperforming traditional injection methods. The spray lasted longer and healed injuries better than injected exosomes, with promising results for heart repair
Leading cardiovascular organizations call for global action to improve clinician well-being, citing drivers such as lack of control over workload and misalignment of values. The organizations suggest strategies to prevent burnout, including supporting psychosocial health and creating healthy work environments.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School study how electrical impulses in the heart travel from cell to cell, using gap junctions. The connections between cells facilitate a local current flow due to voltage gradients and low electrical resistance pathways.
Younger athletes are at greater risk of atrial fibrillation than older athletes, with a 3.6 times higher likelihood. Mixed sports athletes also have a higher risk compared to endurance sport athletes. The study suggests that athletes face significantly greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Vasan Ramachandran, a renowned cardiovascular epidemiologist, has been awarded the Louis and Artur Lucian Award for his groundbreaking work on hypertension. His research has significantly impacted clinical practice and cardiovascular health by shedding light on high blood pressure progression and screening guidelines.
A new AI tool automatically measures fat around the heart from MRI scan images, linking it to increased diabetes risk. The tool was tested on over 45,000 people and accurately calculated their risk of developing diabetes.
Regularly consuming a Southern-style diet characterized by added fats, fried foods, eggs, organ meats, processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. In contrast, following a Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and legumes can decrease this risk.
A recent study investigated the association between midlife changes in wealth and the risk of cardiovascular events after age 65. Researchers found that individuals experiencing a decline in wealth during midlife were at increased risk of cardiovascular events later in life.
The EPFL engineers have successfully implanted their first artificial tubular muscle in a pig, achieving 24,000 pulsations with the cardiac assist device. The device maintains blood flow while minimizing invasive procedures.
A case report highlights the importance of recognizing remdesivir-induced hemodynamically unstable sinus bradycardia in COVID-19 patients. The patient experienced significant bradycardia after starting treatment with remdesivir, but resolved after stabilization with dopamine infusion.
The Carmat Total Artificial Heart (CTAH) has shown promising results in its 'Auto-Mode' feature, which adjusts to changing patient needs. This allows for minimal device management changes and potentially improves quality of life for patients with end-stage heart failure.
A new study by UC San Francisco finds that individuals with HIV are more than twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death due to fibrosis in the heart. The study also reveals that one-third of sudden deaths initially attributed to cardiac causes were actually caused by drug overdoses.
A clinical trial conducted at the University of Louisville showed that cell therapy using cells derived from a patient's own bone marrow and heart improved quality of life and reduced major adverse cardiac events. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in hospitalizations and improved outcomes for patients with heart failure.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal found that young adults who regained cardiovascular health had a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. The study analyzed data from over 3.5 million adults and found that improving cardiovascular health reduced risks by 25-42%.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that patients with cardiovascular risk factors are more likely to experience severe outcomes from COVID-19. The research highlights the potential benefits of promoting heart health as a strategy to improve COVID-19 outcomes.
Research found nearly 20% of patients with unexplained sudden cardiac death carried rare genetic variants that raised their risk. Genetic screening may have prevented deaths if doctors knew about the genetic predisposition to heart disease.
A recent study suggests that using CPAP therapy for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea reduces the risk of heart problems. Patients with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events, but those who use CPAP have a lower risk.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that many adults with a history of cardiovascular disease continue to use tobacco products, despite being aware of the increased risk. The research revealed that only 2% of smokers with CVD quit using tobacco over a period of five years.
Researchers have developed a new AI-powered diagnostic tool using electrocardiograms (ECGs) to diagnose coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. The tool achieved an accuracy of over 98.5% in classifying patients' ECG signals.
Research suggests that mask-wearing, hand-washing, and physical distancing may reduce Kawasaki disease incidence in children. The study found a 40% decrease in cases after COVID-19 prevention efforts began in February 2020.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that consuming two servings of whole fruits per day significantly lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 7,700 participants, suggests that a healthy diet and lifestyle, including frui...
Four leading cardiovascular organizations urge governments to implement the World Health Organization's MPOWER framework to reduce tobacco use. The joint opinion outlines comprehensive strategies, including lowering nicotine concentrations in combustible tobacco products and enforcing strong systems and premarket assessments of all tob...