Add BrightSurf on Google Email

What happens when we pass out? Researchers ID new brain and heart connections

Scientists have discovered a genetic pathway between the heart and brain tied to fainting, suggesting that the heart sends signals back to the brain that can change its function. The study found that vagal sensory neurons play a key role in fainting, with their activation leading to rapid pupil dilation, suppressed heart-rate and breat...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Women with atrial fibrillation significantly benefit from pulsed field ablation procedures

A new study reveals that women with atrial fibrillation (AF) have comparable outcomes to men when undergoing pulsed field ablation (PFA), a safer and more precise procedure. The results show improved AF recurrence rates in women after PFA, making them an eligible candidate for this life-enhancing treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

First classification of four stages of heart attack based on heart muscle damage is released

A new classification system for heart attacks based on heart muscle damage is released, offering a more differentiated definition and improving understanding of acute atherothrombotic MI. This system has the potential to stratify risk more accurately and lay the groundwork for development of injury-stage-specific therapies.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 31, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal published updates on hypertensive heart disease burden in older adults

The study analyzed global data from the past three decades, revealing an overall increase in hypertensive heart disease (HHD) prevalence but a decrease in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The burden of HHD is particularly concerning for healthcare systems due to higher prevalence with lower mortality rates.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2023

Older adults from distressed communities attend less cardiac rehab after heart procedures

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that older adults from distressed communities are less likely to attend cardiac rehabilitation after coronary revascularization. The study found that only 26% of patients from these areas used cardiac rehab, compared to 46% from prosperous areas.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2023

Extreme sports: How body and mind interact

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.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeCase study·DateOct 10, 2023

TAVR: Less than one-third of patients enter cardiac rehab after heart procedure

A recent study found that less than one-third of TAVR patients participate in cardiac rehabilitation within 90 days after discharge. Factors such as age, frailty, and medical complexity contribute to lower enrollment rates. The study highlights the need for improved education and hospital protocols to promote post-procedure care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

Physiology: Classical symphonies may lead to synchronised physical responses

A study of 132 people found that classical music induces synchronisation in physical responses among concert audience members. Personality traits such as agreeableness and openness are associated with increased likelihood of synchronisation. Synchronisation was observed in movement, heart rate, breathing rate, and skin conductivity.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Formalized education on breast cancer survivorship can help nurses provide more streamlined care, MU study finds

A new MU study found that APRNs recognize the importance of breast cancer survivorship care and can benefit from standardized education. The findings suggest that formalizing education on breast cancer survivorship could lead to improved healthcare for patients, including symptom management, monitoring, and follow-up appointments.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023

Asian adults in U.S. less likely to survive cardiac arrest despite bystander CPR equal to white adults

Research highlights an unexpected disparity in survival for Asian adults compared to white adults in the US, with lower survival rates despite comparable bystander CPR rates. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from nearly 279,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 26, 2023

Activating volunteer system increases bystander CPR, AED use and improves survival

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that alerting volunteers can increase bystander CPR and AED use, leading to improved survival rates. The volunteer system increased rates of CPR and defibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, giving victims a higher chance of receiving early care.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Ketone supplements worsen performance in trained endurance athletes, researchers find

A new study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that ketone supplements impaired performance in well-trained endurance cyclists. The researchers recruited experienced athletes who cycled for five or more hours per week, simulating race conditions before conducting a 20-minute time trial.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

HRS, APHRS, and LAHRS release cardiac physiological pacing guideline

The new guideline provides guidance on the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy and conduction system pacing in patients with indications for pacemakers or heart failure. The authors emphasize the importance of shared decision-making between providers and patients, and highlight areas for future research.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 20, 2023

Non-biological factors and social determinants of health important in women’s CVD risk assessment

The new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of including non-biological factors and social determinants in CVD risk assessment for women. These factors include economic stability, neighborhood safety, education level, and access to quality healthcare, which disproportionately affect women from dive...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateApr 10, 2023

Communication may guide family members’ decisions after sudden cardiac death

A new study finds that clear and accurate information about the cause of death, provided in multiple formats, can influence family members' decisions to seek follow-up screening for inherited heart conditions. The study suggests that communication from death investigators and health care professionals is crucial in addressing families'...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateApr 4, 2023

Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week

A systematic review of clinical trials found that strength training with moderate to vigorous intensity, two or three times a week, can significantly lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The study analyzed over 21,000 scientific articles and concluded that effective results appeared around the twentieth training session.

A video-based decision support tool may aid decision-making for Black individuals considering ICD implantation

A randomized clinical trial found that a video-based decision support tool increased patient knowledge, but not assent, to ICD implantation among Black patients. The study also highlighted the complexity of aversion to cardiac procedures in Black communities, emphasizing the need for further research on social determinants of health.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 3, 2023

Scientists of the University of Malaga found the origin of congenital coronary fistulae

Scientists have discovered the origin of congenital coronary fistulae, a condition where abnormal connections form between blood vessels and heart chambers. This study may help improve early diagnosis and treatment of this condition, which affects up to 0.2% of patients undergoing medical examination.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

This ‘Harry Potter’ light sensor achieves magically high efficiency of 200 per cent

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a photodiode with sensitivity exceeding 200%, using green light and a double-layered cell design. This breakthrough enables the device to detect weak light signals, making it ideal for medical purposes, wearable monitoring, and machine vision applications.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Psychological stress impedes performance, even for Olympic athletes

A study by Yunfeng Lu and Songfa Zhong found that high contactless real-time heart rates are associated with poor performance in elite archers. Athletes' age and gender did not significantly influence the relationship between stress and performance, but factors like competition ranking and score influenced the results.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

New study finds depression, poor mental health linked to higher heart disease risks among young adults

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that young adults with depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and have poor heart health. The study analyzed data from over half a million people between the ages of 18 and 49 and found that those who self-reported feeling depressed or having poor mental heal...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 30, 2023

Patients with depression less likely to follow critical medication plan following heart procedure

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with depression are less likely to adhere to essential medical therapies following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study examined over 124,000 patients who underwent PCI and were diagnosed with depression, revealing a significant proportion of individuals with...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateDec 12, 2022

Novel wearable belt with sensors accurately monitors heart failure 24/7

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have developed a prototype of a novel wearable device that can continuously monitor physiological parameters associated with heart failure in real-time. The device uses sensors embedded in a lightweight belt to track thoracic impedance, electrocardiogram, heart rate, and motion activity, pro...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022