Articles tagged with Cardiac Function
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people exposed to high aircraft noise levels had stiffer and thicker heart muscles, which contracted and expanded less easily. This was especially true for those exposed to higher noise at night, potentially due to impaired sleep and stress responses.
A new study found that exposure to high aircraft noise levels can lead to stiffer and thicker heart muscles, increasing the risk of poor heart function and major cardiac events. People exposed to night-time aircraft noise were particularly at risk, with increased risks of heart attacks, life-threatening rhythms, and strokes.
Researchers from Korea University have developed a groundbreaking technique to transform fibroblasts into mature cardiomyocytes, holding promise for regenerative medicine in treating cardiovascular disease. The method combines fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) with vitamin C to accelerate cell maturation and enhance function.
Researchers found that babies' first vocalizations and attempts at forming words coincide with fluctuations in their heart rate. This discovery may indicate that successful speech development depends on predictable ranges of autonomic activity during infancy.
A study published in JACC found that children who started tobacco smoking at age 10 were significantly more likely to experience premature cardiac injury and increase their risk of cardiovascular mortality. Researchers also discovered that continued smoking from childhood can cause lasting damage to heart muscle and function.
A new gene therapy has reversed the effects of heart failure in a large animal model by increasing blood pumping efficiency and dramatically improving survival rates. The therapy restored critical functions of heart cells and improved heart function on the microscopic level.
Researchers identified the critical role of TIMM50 protein in mitochondrial energy production and its link to a severe and rare neurological disease. The study's findings suggest potential targets for future drug treatments and advance research on protein import into mitochondria in brain cells.
A groundbreaking study has established the world's largest and most geographically comprehensive international norms for handgrip strength, covering 2.4 million adults from 69 countries. The new norms enable global peer-comparison, health screening, and surveillance across the adult lifespan, helping clinicians identify people at risk ...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University identified a mini-brain within the heart with its own nervous system that controls the heartbeat. This discovery challenges current views on how the heartbeat is controlled and may lead to new insights into heart diseases and treatments.
A University of Michigan-led study suggests that recycled pacemakers can be used safely and effectively in patients with life-threatening cardiac conditions. The international clinical trial involved nearly 300 people across seven countries and found no significant differences in pacemaker function up to 90 days after the procedure.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze data from 50 CF-LVAD patients and identified six prognostic factors that predicted post-implantation stroke. Lower levels of OxPhos proteins were associated with an increased risk of new strokes after implantation.
A new study found that beta blockers, commonly used to treat heart attack patients with normal pumping function, may lead to increased depression symptoms. Researchers observed more severe depression symptoms in patients who received beta blockers compared to those who did not.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have developed an innovative computer model of blood flow in the human heart that captures normal heart function and predicts responses to different levels of blood flow. The model has potential applications in medical device design, personalized therapy, and cardiac digital twins.
New research at Lund University reveals that heart transplant patients often suffer from long-term pain and symptom distress after the procedure. However, with simple support in symptom management, patients can regain control over their life and feel more competent, active, and confident. The study found that a person-centred approach,...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.