Researchers discovered two simple physical maneuvers to effectively reduce blood pressure drops and alleviate symptoms of IOH in young women. Lower body muscle preactivation (thighs) and tensing improved cardiac output and stroke volume, respectively, leading to a reduction in symptoms upon standing.
A study found that subtle changes in heart structure and function between early adulthood and middle age are associated with declines in thinking and memory skills. The research, published by the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that a single echocardiogram may help identify people at higher risk of cognitive impairment.
Researchers from Osaka University created patient-derived heart cells that exhibit reduced contractility and impaired desmosome assembly when carrying a mutation associated with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Replacing the mutated gene restored normal function, suggesting a potential treatment approach for this disease.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that VE-cadherin is a key player in the maintenance and function of lymphatic vessels in the heart. However, they found that loss of these vessels was not associated with decreased heart function, contradicting previous assumptions.
The International Cardiac Rehabilitation Registry (ICRR) is designed to assess the quality of cardiac rehab programs worldwide, improving patient outcomes. The registry enables programs in low- and middle-income countries to benchmark their services against international standards.
An extensive study of over 400,000 individuals found no association between total alcohol consumption and ventricular arrhythmias, contradicting the traditional Holiday Heart Syndrome. Higher spirit intake was linked to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, but not SCDs.
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that individuals with a resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute or higher had a 55% higher risk of dementia. The association remained significant after adjusting for other cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a potential link between elevated heart rate and cognitive decline.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that manipulating certain nerve cells may trigger the formation of new heart muscle cells, restoring heart function after heart attacks. The study found that removing specific genes associated with circadian rhythms increased neonatal heart size and cardiomyocyte numbers by up to 10%.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center have developed a therapeutic agent to improve treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The new approach targets alternative splicing in cardiac disease, using antisense oligonucleotides to stabilize sensitive molecules and trigger desired response.
Research found that individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience cardiac autonomic dysfunction, which is improved by regular vigorous physical activity. The study assessed participants' ability to increase heart rate during exercise and recover afterwards, finding a relationship between vigorous physical act...
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have identified a new type of cell in the heart that may play a crucial role in regulating heart rate. The cells, termed nexus glia, resemble astrocytes found in the brain and are located in the outflow tract of the heart, where many congenital heart defects occur.
A new study reveals that glial cells in the heart play a critical role in regulating heart rate and rhythm, as well as driving its development in the embryo. The discovery suggests that glia may also be important in other organs.
Researchers found that slow release of TT-10 from nanoparticles improved heart function after a heart attack, accompanied by increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and smaller infarct size. The study suggests that PLGA nanoparticles could be used to improve treatment administration efficiency for cardiovascular drugs.
Scientists at Lewis Katz School of Medicine discovered that reintroducing the protein LIN28 into adult heart stem cells improves their chances of survival. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for heart disease using stem cell therapy.
Researchers have found that heart cells regulate their circadian rhythms through changes in sodium and potassium ion levels, which can impact heart rate. This new understanding may lead to better treatments and preventative measures for combating heart conditions.
Left atrium emptying fraction derived from cardiac CTA improves predictive performance of established clinical risk scores. A reduced LAEF independently predicts all-cause mortality within 24 months post-procedure.
Researchers developed a new system to measure and stimulate the entire ventricular surface of mouse hearts, allowing for simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity. The POEMS system provides accurate measurements of action potential propagation with minimal differences between modalities.
Researchers developed a low-cost sensor that can diagnose heart attacks in minutes by targeting miRNA, distinguishing between acute heart attacks and reperfusion injuries. The technology addresses an unmet clinical need, offering improved diagnosis efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
A study published in Blood Advances found that hydroxyurea therapy can improve or even reverse cardiac complications in individuals living with sickle cell anemia. The longer duration of treatment was associated with better cardiac outcomes, suggesting the need for early screening and treatment initiation for this patient population.
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.
A new study found that 44% of micro-arteries from patients had abnormal myogenic tone, associated with excessive caldesmon presence and poor cell alignment. This abnormality affects blood supply within the heart and other organs, impacting quality of life and life expectancy.
The new device measures cardiac micropotential energies in real-time, allowing early detection of abnormal heart function. It has shown sensitivity and potential to prevent sudden cardiac death, with successful tracking of a volunteer's heart function over four years.
A new hyperinvasive care approach improved six-month survival rates for patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, especially those resuscitated for over 45 minutes. The study showed better neurological function recovery in the hyperinvasive group at 30 days.
A new clinical trial found that a tailored, earlier heart failure rehabilitation program improved frailty, depression, and overall quality of life in hospitalized patients. The study showed significant gains in physical functioning and self-perception of health status.
Researchers created synthetic hearts using statistical shape analysis to identify how heart shape relates to function. The study included 1000 new synthetic hearts made open access for testing and analysis.
A plant-based diet, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MIND), was found to slow down heart failure and lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The study of 2,512 participants showed that a diet rich in berries and green leafy vegetables can positively impact cardiac function.
A new clinical trial shows that a more sensitive test can detect heart function issues early, reducing the risk of heart failure in cancer patients. The test, which measures Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), detected heart damage earlier and reduced cardiotoxicity in patients.
Researchers have developed a safe and efficient stem cell therapy to regenerate cardiac function in pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The therapy, using cardio sphere-derived cells, has shown promising results in small human trials, reversing damage and improving heart function.
A genetic mutation in the cystic fibrosis gene may accelerate heart function decline in DMD patients, suggesting a potential benefit from more aggressive and earlier cardiac interventions. Researchers identified this specific mutation as exacerbating cardiomyopathy in DMD patients.
The study data show that Procizumab promptly restored cardiac dysfunction in a preclinical sepsis model by inhibiting the cardiac depressant factor DPP3. The administration of Procizumab improved heart function by increasing cardiac output, stroke volume, and left ventricular shortening fraction.
Research found occupational exposures to pollutants, including burning wood and vehicle exhaust, were associated with abnormal heart function and structure. Long-term exposure to these pollutants may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially among low-income occupations.
A clinical trial by Newcastle University found that levothyroxine does not improve cardiac function in patients who have had a heart attack and are suffering from mild or subclinical hypothyroidism. The treatment, which is commonly recommended for these patients, may actually be of no benefit.
A recent study from Iowa State University has uncovered a link between liver and heart disease, with researchers finding that liver dysfunction can contribute to the deterioration of the heart. The study, published in Nature Communications, focuses on the role of peroxisomes in regulating lipid metabolic processes and detoxification.
A study at Bar-Ilan University found that group drumming fosters both behavioral and physiological synchronization among participants. This synchronization enhances cohesion, predicts a heightened sense of group bonding, and even improves performance in subsequent group tasks.
Researchers found a significant association between coronary artery calcium and changes in the left ventricular mass index and aortic root diameter. This suggests that higher calcium scores may be linked to potential adverse effects on heart function, emphasizing the need for a healthy lifestyle to prevent calcification of arteries.
A world-first study led by Monash University demonstrates significant benefits to premature babies' heart and brain function when held by parents in skin-to-skin contact. One hour a day of kangaroo care significantly improved blood flow to the brain and cardiac function, compared to measurements done while in the incubator.
Patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent supervised exercise training showed significantly improved heart function and increased cardiovascular fitness compared to those on a low-energy diet. A low-energy diet, however, led to favourable effects on the structure of the heart and reversal of diabetes in 83% of participants.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Columbia University discovered that a protein called Rad dampens the activity of voltage-gated calcium channels, which are responsible for heart contraction. When adrenaline stimulates these channels, Rad releases, increasing channel activity and heart beating.
A new University of Guelph study finds that BPS can hinder heart function, especially in females, with effects occurring within minutes of exposure. The study's findings raise concerns about the safety of BPS as a replacement for BPA and suggest banning it from consumer products.
A study by Queen Mary University of London suggests regular cannabis use may be associated with an enlarged left ventricle and early signs of impaired heart function. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the cardiac impact of recreational cannabis use.
A study presented at EuroEcho 2019 found that bariatric surgery significantly improved subclinical heart function, reversing abnormal heart structure and function in obese individuals. The surgery also led to improvements in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, resulting in a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that early diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is associated with improved outcomes in women diagnosed during late pregnancy or shortly after delivery. Black women are disproportionately diagnosed later, which may explain disparities in outcomes.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered that genetic variations in NKX2-5 protein affect heart function, revealing a common mechanism across multiple heart-related traits. The study uses skin-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to analyze the role of NKX2-5 variants.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed an antibody to target cadherin-11, a major contributor to inflammation in cardiac fibrosis. The study shows that the antibody can fine-tune inflammation and reduce scarring, leading to improved cardiac function.
A study found that human hearts have evolved to handle sustained endurance activity, while sedentary lifestyles lead to more 'ape-like' hearts and increased hypertension. Researchers compared heart function in apes and four groups of humans with varying activity levels.
Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan significantly improves cardiac structure and function in patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure. The drug's neprilysin inhibition also reduces blood levels of biomarker NT-proBNP, associated with lower risk of death and hospitalization.
Anabolic-androgenic steroid use is associated with decreased heart function, as revealed by a study of male weightlifters. The study found that AAS users have thicker hearts and reduced ability to contract ventricular chambers, increasing mortality risk.
A new study suggests that increased levels of the protein sarcospan improve cardiac function by reinforcing cardiac cell membranes, which become feeble in patients with DMD. Sarcospan could also act as a scaffold that supports other essential proteins at the cell membrane.
Research found that three months of high-intensity interval training improved heart function in adults with type 2 diabetes without medication changes. High-intensity exercise reversed some changes in heart function that precede diabetic heart disease.
A novel minimally invasive method using catheter-based ultrasound measures cardiac output with similar precision as a traditional device. This technology is less invasive and can be used while patients are awake, making it more clinically practical for young children.
A new noninvasive technique has been developed to simulate repairs to the heart's mitral valve with high levels of accuracy. This will enable surgeons to provide patient-specific treatments, potentially reducing recurrence rates after surgery.
A study funded by the American Heart Association aims to investigate whether pyruvate can enhance cardiac output in pediatric patients with low cardiac output syndrome following heart surgery. The researchers hope that this could lead to better recovery times, reduced hospital stays and improved quality of life for these children.
A systematic review of literature found that cardiac rehabilitation attendance is associated with improved sexual function and sexual frequency in patients with cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the effectiveness of sexual counseling interventions to improve sexual health outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that reproducing Scn5a missplicing in mice with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) recapitulates cardiac function defects present in patients. The findings highlight a non-mutational mechanism contributing to arrhythmias and open possibilities for novel interventions.
Researchers found that maintaining high levels of the protein vinculin in fruit flies' hearts reduced the effects of aging and improved their life span, quality of life, and metabolism. Flies bred with higher vinculin levels lived up to nine weeks, compared to six weeks for typical fruit flies.
A $1.54 million NIH grant will support research on modifying troponin T to improve cardiac function in heart failure. The study aims to develop a new approach for treating this condition by targeting the physiological modification of cardiac troponin T.
A wireless device called Vivio accurately detected heart dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors treated with anthracycline chemotherapy. The device displayed high sensitivity and a low false-negative rate compared to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.
A new preclinical study finds that early BPA exposure may slow heart rates, cause irregular rhythms and calcium instabilities in developing hearts. The research highlights the need for alternative biomaterials to improve patient safety outcomes.
Researchers found that a defective protein in Huntington's disease disrupts the mTORC1 pathway, leading to cardiac problems. Adjusting this pathway improved heart function in experimental animals, offering new insights into the biology of the disease.
New mouse studies show that tamoxifen and raloxifene improve cardiac, respiratory, and skeletal muscle functions while increasing bone density in muscular dystrophy models. The treatments delay or halt disease progression, reducing muscle pathology and inflammation.