Articles tagged with Cardiac Function
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.
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.
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 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.
A study of 5,065 participants found that stronger hand grips are associated with a lower heart mass and reduced remodeling of the heart muscle, indicating a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. This suggests that hand grip strength may be an important indicator of cardiovascular health.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with adverse changes in cardiac structure and function, but may be linked to some healthier heart characteristics. The research examined 1,604 post-menopausal women and found significantly smaller left ventricular and left atrial chamber volumes.
Researchers developed a method to obtain critical information about cardiac function using machines that help failing hearts circulate blood. The new approach may pave the way to self-contained mechanical circulatory support systems for patients suffering from cardiogenic shock after a heart attack.
The NRG Oncology trial found that trastuzumab did not negatively affect cardiac function in patients with node-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer who survived without cancer recurrence. Both groups maintained good cardiac function at a median of 8.8 years after treatment.
Research published in Experimental Physiology found that spinal cord injury affects the heart, with changes dependent on injury severity. The study suggests preserving more nerve fibers can improve heart function in individuals with spinal cord injury, who are at higher risk of heart disease.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that blocking a molecular pathway can stop or slow cardiac fibrosis, organ enlargement, and preserve heart function. The study provides new insights into what causes cardiac fibrosis and opens the potential for finding new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found that a fatty acid-derived bioactive molecule called lipoxin improved heart function after a heart attack by inducing the resolving immune response. Lipoxin treatment also reduced left ventricle and lung mass-to-body-weight ratios, improving ejection fraction, and decreased kidney inflammation.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that Gata4 can reduce post-heart attack fibrosis, leading to improved cardiac function in small animal models. The study's results suggest a novel role for Gata4 in heart regeneration and may lead to new treatments for heart failure.
Researchers discovered a receptor protein on heart cells that promotes chronic heart failure, and found that inhibiting it could help treat the disease. The study suggests that targeting this protein could lead to new treatments for millions of people affected by chronic heart failure.
Researchers found that statin users had improved left ventricular mass and volume, and reduced thickened heart muscle and large heart chambers. This suggests that statins may lower the risk of future heart attacks, heart failure, or stroke by reversing negative changes in the heart.
Researchers at Temple University Health System reveal that mitochondrial calcium efflux is essential for proper heart function and identifies a promising therapeutic target to limit heart disease. The study shows that augmenting NCLX expression can prevent cell death and protect against the progression of heart failure.
A study published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology shows that left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can fully restore heart function in some patients. Researchers found that 38% of individuals who recover enough to allow device removal demonstrated equivalent heart function to healthy individuals.
A new study published in Circulation shows that supervised exercise training can improve the pumping function of a damaged heart and reduce hospitalization rates. Patients who performed 3,000 steps in 30 minutes at moderate intensity experienced significant benefits, including decreased strain on the heart and improved oxygen uptake.
A new report in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found significant disparities in referral patterns among heart function clinics with and without onsite cardiac electrophysiology services. Rural patients were less likely to be referred for implantable cardioverter defibrillators, leading to higher mortality rates.
Scientists have discovered that hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) establish metabolic boundaries between cardiomyocytes to regulate maturation and contraction of the muscle. This pathway challenges previous models on heart metabolism, playing a critical role in correct formation of ventricles.
Researchers discovered that gene mutations in titin protein can impact heart function even in healthy individuals, potentially affecting up to 35 million people globally. The study sheds light on the paradox of how some people with genetic mutations appear unaffected.
A multicenter trial found that 13 out of 36 advanced heart failure patients treated with LVAD and intensive drug therapy recovered enough heart function to have the device removed. The study suggests that these devices can be used to reverse heart failure, especially when combined with drug therapy.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health observed relationships between impaired glucose regulation, adverse cardiac measures, and early onset diabetes mellitus. The study suggests that targeting insulin resistance may be beneficial for optimal cardiac health and heart failure prevention.
A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery suggests that patients with isolated moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation may benefit from surgical repair at an earlier stage than previously thought. The research, led by UAB/VA investigators, found severe underlying cardiac muscle damage in asymptom...
A new electric mesh device has been developed to wrap around the heart and deliver electrical impulses, improving cardiac function in experimental models of heart failure. The device is designed to mimic the properties and functions of heart tissue, closely imitating its elasticity and conductivity.
Researchers at George Washington University are studying a potential new treatment for heart failure by restoring parasympathetic activity to the heart, which could improve cardiac function. The study uses high-speed optical assessments of heart function to identify heart-specific benefits of oxytocin nerve activation.
A study published in Pediatrics found that exclusive breastfeeding improved heart volume and function in premature babies, with those consuming more breastmilk having better outcomes as adults. The research suggests that breastfeeding may be able to mitigate the negative effects of premature birth on cardiac development.
Researchers have discovered a combination of cells and genes that can repair damaged heart tissues in animal models of myocardial infarction. The study found that different biological treatments target various aspects of cardiac function and scarring, with some showing significant improvements in contractile function and angiogenesis.