Articles tagged with Cardiac Function
Researchers at UCLA have identified the protein GPNMB as a critical regulator in the heart's healing process after a heart attack. GPNMB promotes heart repair by binding to receptor GPR39, triggering a cascade of signals that limit scarring and improve cardiac function.
A study finds that cardiometabolic indicators like metabolic syndrome and diabetes impair coronary microvascular function, increasing cardiovascular risk. The presence of subclinical atherosclerosis also contributes to altered microvessel function.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that hearts stored in a 'heart-in-a-box' method experienced lower rates of heart failure and severe organ failure after transplantation. This breakthrough method uses hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion to keep the heart oxygenated and functioning better.
A new study reveals that the protein CRTC plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy heart by ensuring it is neither too thick nor too thin. The research also shows that overexpression of CRTC causes cardiac hypertrophy, leading to adverse cardiovascular events.
A dual-chamber wireless pacemaker demonstrates reliable performance over three months, synchronizing contraction of the upper and lower heart chambers 98% of the time. The device continues to work well even when patients engage in activities or have elevated heart rates.
Researchers developed an AI model to analyze heart MRI scans, which can save NHS time and resources. The model provides a complete analysis of the entire heart using a view that shows all four chambers, leading to faster and more accurate diagnosis of heart failure and other cardiac conditions.
Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered a critical link between the heart and brain in KBG syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. The study found that mutations in the ANKRD11 gene impact both brain development and heart defects.
Researchers compared human hearts with those of great apes, discovering a more compact muscle structure in humans, related to greater cardiac function. This finding supports the hypothesis that human heart evolved to meet higher demands of human physiology, such as larger brain size and physical activity.
A study led by Washington State University scientists found that inhibiting CDK7 could help prevent heart damage associated with doxorubicin, a commonly used cancer chemotherapy medication. The researchers also discovered that CDK7 inhibition enhances the medication's cancer-killing capability.
A new study reveals how accumulation of IMAT drives diseases such as muscle loss, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise and healthy diet can prevent and reverse IMAT accumulation.
A new study led by UT Health San Antonio found that long-term ketogenic diets can induce senescence, or aged cells, in normal tissues, affecting heart and kidney function. However, an intermittent ketogenic diet regimen eliminated these pro-inflammatory effects.
A new study has improved the detection of heart failure in women, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment. The research used magnetic resonance imaging to fine-tune how pressures inside the heart are measured, increasing accuracy by 16.5% for female patients.
Researchers studied cardiothoracic surgeons and found that accumulating failures triggers forces both increasing the opportunity to learn and decreasing motivation. This effect is higher for surgeons with lower perceived abilities to learn.
Researchers discovered that IL-6 signaling in CD4-positive T cells promotes pulmonary hypertension development and progression. Treating mice with IL-6 inhibitors improved symptoms and decreased damage to the lungs and heart.
A recent Finnish study discovered that high levels of sedentary behavior and low physical activity in children are associated with a higher cardiac workload and increased risk of heart disease in adolescence. Regular moderate to vigorous physical activity from childhood can help prevent these issues.
Scientists developed a new method of gentle defibrillation to control cardiac arrhythmias using low-energy pulses. The approach uses optical light pulses triggered by measured arrhythmic activity, effectively terminating arrhythmias with minimal impact on the heart.
Researchers have discovered a direct link between the C122Y mutation in the Kir2.1 potassium channel and life-threatening arrhythmias in Andersen-Tawil syndrome, which affects fewer than 1 in a million people. The study highlights the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that half of patients discharged from hospital after a heart attack are treated with beta-blockers unnecessarily. The study shows that these patients have suffered a small heart attack and have retained heart function afterwards.
A review of existing literature on caloric restriction (CR) reveals its benefits on cardiovascular health, including reduced cholesterol levels, improved endothelial function, and enhanced vascular renewal. CR's role in regulating sirtuin activity is also explored, with seven identified sirtuins mediating cardiovascular benefits.
A review of mitochondrial energy metabolism in diabetic cardiomyopathy reveals disrupted dynamics and oxidative stress as key triggers. Targeted therapies, such as antioxidants and ketogenic diets, show promise in combating this debilitating condition.
Researchers discovered ERMA, a cellular transport 'pump', plays a crucial role in guiding magnesium to heart cells. Targeting ERMA could lead to new treatments for heart conditions by maintaining stable calcium balances.
A team of UMass Amherst engineers has developed a tissue-like bioelectronic mesh system that can simultaneously measure the electrical signal and physical movement of cells in lab-grown human cardiac tissue. This breakthrough device allows researchers to observe how the heart's mechanical and electrical functions change during developm...
A preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024 found that lifetime exposure to sexual assault and other traumatic stressors can negatively impact subsequent stroke recovery. Researchers analyzed data from the STRONG study and discovered that stroke survivors exposed to sexual ass...
A study published in Science Advances identifies a mitochondrial protein called MCJ as the first therapeutic target to preserve cardiac function in pulmonary hypertension. Modulating MCJ levels can activate a signaling pathway essential for adaptation to low oxygen levels, protecting the heart.
A biorobotic heart with a silicone robotic pump system can mimic the structure and function of a healthy or diseased heart. The device allows surgeons and researchers to demonstrate various interventions while collecting real-time data, bridging gaps between current simulators and animal studies.
A new method allows for the estimation of exercise thresholds based on dynamical correlation properties of heart rate variability, optimizing athlete training and injury prevention. This method utilizes heartbeat interval measurements from sports watches and heart rate monitors, providing a reliable alternative to current methods.
A Phase 2B clinical trial, led by City of Hope, found that carvedilol may improve heart health markers and reduce the risk of heart failure in childhood cancer survivors. The study suggests that carvedilol could benefit long-term survivors and those who are highly adherent to the treatment.
A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.
A novel technique to test platelet function within a person's blood sample is faster, easier and more precise than methods currently in use. The technology has the potential to assess the effects of antiplatelet drugs on individuals and gain a clearer picture of bleeding risks for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
A new study finds that consuming more oily fish like salmon and mackerel can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with a family history. The research suggests that these fatty acids EPA/DHA play a crucial role in mitigating this risk, especially for those with close relatives who have suffered from cardiovascular disease.
A study found that pregnant women with high blood pressure who received tight blood pressure control immediately after pregnancy had lower blood pressure levels and improved cardiac function compared to those with usual care. This could lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers are conducting a four-year study to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing stable angina-related chest pain. The study will enroll 112 participants and compare acupuncture treatment to watching TED Talk videos for symptom relief.
A new deblurring algorithm has been developed to improve the resolution of microscopy images without amplifying noise. This breakthrough technique, called 'deblurring by pixel reassignment,' uses local gradients to sharpen images while preserving larger structures.
A study published by Vienna University of Technology analyzed the effects of extreme physical and mental stress on a rowing athlete's body. The research found that the variability in heart rate, sleep quality, and regeneration during sleep phases were closely related to the athlete's psychological condition.
The iHEART Simulator combines electromechanics, haemodynamics, and cardiac perfusion into a single platform for unprecedented biophysical accuracy. Researchers can study coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and guide cardiac surgeons in delicate procedures.
A large Kaiser Permanente study found that moderate aortic stenosis patients have similar outcomes to those with mild stenosis. Fine-tuning physician assessment could help identify patients who may benefit from surgery, improving treatment strategies.
A nationally representative study found that at least one out of five prescriptions for commonly prescribed generic medications were cheaper through Amazon Prime or GoodRx Gold discount cards compared to actual out-of-pocket payments made by patients. The findings highlight the disproportionately higher frequency of out-of-pocket payme...
A recent clinical trial led by Professor Holger Thiele found that ECLS does not reduce 30-day mortality after cardiogenic shock, but is associated with more complications. The study involved 420 patients and compared ECLS therapy with standard intensive care unit treatment.
The August issue of CHEST journal features a new clinical practice guideline for managing patients with neuromuscular weakness and a multisociety evidence review on the effect of race and ethnicity on pulmonary function testing interpretation. This is complemented by other research and reviews covering various aspects of chest medicine.
A new kidney function equation has been shown to be more accurate than the old equation in estimating kidney function, particularly for Black individuals. This new equation may reduce racial disparities in cardiovascular disease by making previously ineligible patients eligible for heart failure therapies.
A miniature human heart model, approximately half a grain of rice in size, has been developed to transform drug testing and cardiovascular research. This self-paced, multi-chambered model provides real-time measurements of essential parameters, enabling unprecedented insights into heart function and diseases.
A team of researchers developed a novel method that leverages temporal characteristics of blood pulse to estimate heart rates with improved accuracy, especially in scenes with ambient light fluctuations. The proposed method showed a 36.5% improvement in estimation accuracy compared to conventional methods.
A new open-source software, NMSM Pipeline, enables clinicians and engineers to create personalized computer models of patient movement to optimize treatment designs. The software uses physics-based models to predict and optimize functional outcomes for patients with various mobility impairments.
Researchers at Sahmyook University repurposed meclofenamate to treat abnormal respiratory mucus, reducing mucin secretion and characteristics of respiratory mucus. This study offers an alternative solution for patients with respiratory diseases, saving time and costs compared to conventional drug development strategies.
Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg discovered that mutations in the RBM20 gene cause familial DCM by disrupting normal RNA splicing, leading to detrimental cytoplasmic granules. Targeted gene editing via CRISPR-Cas9 and restoring nuclear localisation of RBM20 could improve therapy options for patients.
Rice University scientists use light-activated molecular machines to trigger intercellular calcium signals, revealing a powerful new strategy for controlling cellular activity. The technology could lead to improved treatments for people with heart problems, digestive issues, and more.
Researchers developed a soft, wireless implant that monitors the heart and delivers electrical stimuli to stop atrial fibrillation. The device dissolves harmlessly in the body after a clinically relevant period, reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a method for producing heart valves in just minutes, using focused rotary jet spinning. The valves mimic the extracellular matrix and showed immediate functionality in sheep, with potential for regenerative properties. Long-term studies are needed to test their endurance.
A large-scale study found that patients with pulmonary embolism treated with mechanical thrombectomy showed significant improvement in symptoms, quality of life, and cardiac functions. Long-term data also suggested low mortality rates following treatment with the FlowTriever System.
Researchers found that a mutation in RPL3L, expressed only in heart and skeletal muscle, leads to impaired cardiac contractility by causing ribosomal collisions and protein folding abnormalities. The study aims to develop new treatments for cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that children who met more UK Government dietary guidelines during childhood had better cardiometabolic health when they became young adults. The study, which analyzed data from the Children of the 90s cohort, found that almost a third of children only met one out of ni...
The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure acute pressure changes inside the heart, discovering that pressure increases when patients receive a specific medication called adenosine. This technology can help doctors better diagnose and monitor patients with heart disease and heart failure.
Researchers developed a graphene 'tattoo' implant that senses irregular heart rhythms and delivers electrical stimulation without constraining the heart's natural motions. The device is optically transparent, allowing for external light to record and stimulate the heart through the device.
A new study found that sedentary time increases cardiac mass by 3.8g/m2.7, while moderate-to-vigorous physical activity results in a smaller increase of 1.2g/m2.7. Light physical activity shows no effect on cardiac mass but improves cardiac function.
A new study finds that wireless pacemakers can safely regulate slow heartbeats in select pediatric patients. The leadless pacemaker, a miniature device implanted directly into the heart, has shown stable performance with no reported complications in children aged 4-21.
A new study published in Nature finds that artificial intelligence (AI) surpasses human sonographers in accurately assessing cardiac function from echocardiogram studies. The research, conducted at the Smidt Heart Institute, demonstrates AI's potential to improve the quality and effectiveness of heart evaluations.
A recent study suggests that cardiac sphericity, or the roundness of the heart, may be a useful indicator for diagnosing cardiovascular conditions. The research used machine learning to analyze medical images and found a link between increased sphericity and future heart troubles.
A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine suggests that light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), can improve heart function and reduce the thickness of the cardiac wall in middle-aged mice. The research also found improved neuromuscular coordination and a significant survival rate among mice with severe heart disease.
Adolescents with blood pressure above 130/85 mmHg are at risk of premature heart damage, which doubles in prevalence over a 7-year period. The study found significant differences in heart damage risks between males and females.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have discovered that dysregulation of energy production is an early sign of heart failure. They found that lysine demethylase 8 (Kdm8) helps maintain balanced energy use, but its suppression leads to changes in metabolism.