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Fetal ECG readings offer no advantage over heart rate monitoring during labor

A new study by the National Institutes of Health found no significant differences in birth complications between fetal ECG monitoring and traditional heart rate monitoring during labor. Infants in ECG-monitored groups were slightly more likely to have low Apgar scores, but overall outcomes remained unchanged.

Aquariums deliver health and wellbeing benefits

New research published in Environment & Behavior found that watching aquariums and fish tanks can improve physical and mental wellbeing. The study showed noticeable reductions in blood pressure and heart rate, with higher numbers of fish helping to maintain attention for longer.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateJul 29, 2015

Lower heart rate variability turns women off

A new study published in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback found a significant link between lower heart rate variability and sexual dysfunction in women. Women with below-average heart rate variability were more likely to report sexual arousal problems and overall sexual difficulties.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback·DateJun 17, 2015

High-intensity exercise found safe and effective in long-term heart transplant recipients

A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that high-intensity interval training is safe and more efficient than moderate intensity exercise for improving exercise capacity and blood pressure control in stable heart transplant recipients. VO2 max increased by 17% in patients performing high-intensity interva...

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateAug 18, 2014

Depression can lead to heart disease

A recent study conducted by Concordia University found that depressed individuals are twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to non-depressed individuals. The study also showed that depressed individuals take longer to recover their normal heart rate after exercise, indicating a dysfunctional stress response.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateNov 28, 2011

Study of 143,000 children shows reference heart rate and breathing rate ranges differ widely from published guidelines

A new analysis of 69 studies involving 143,000 healthy children has identified new reference ranges for heart rate and respiratory rate that differ significantly from existing guidelines. The study found a decline in respiratory rate from birth to early adolescence, with infants under 2 years showing the steepest fall.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 14, 2011

'Healthy' patients at high risk of cardiac death identified

Researchers found that an abnormal response to early heartbeats can predict cardiac death in healthy-looking individuals. Those with no conventional markers of cardiovascular disease were eight times more likely to die from cardiac causes if they had abnormal heart rate turbulence.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology·DateFeb 15, 2011

Periodic heart rate decelerations in premature infants

A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine reports the discovery of periodic heart rate decelerations in premature human infants. The researchers developed a mathematical model based on Hopf bifurcation theory to describe the dynamics of these decelerations, which are statistically correlated with impending sepsis in neonates.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateApr 22, 2010

Towards a natural pacemaker

Researchers created a cell culture model that accurately mimics HCN channel function in whole mammalian hearts, enabling the genetic reprogramming of individual channels. This breakthrough facilitates the development of practical biological pacemakers by allowing for rapid assessment of channel mutations before animal testing.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 9, 2009

Short-term effects of spit tobacco suggest long-term health risks

A Mayo Clinic study found that spit tobacco use can cause dramatic increases in heart rate and blood pressure, blunting the body's natural protective mechanisms. This raises concerns for both short-term users and individuals with established heart disease, suggesting a link to long-term cardiovascular risks.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 14, 2005

Higher pain tolerance in males can't be bought

A study of 81 undergraduates found that males exhibit higher pain thresholds and tolerances than females. The researchers also discovered that psychological factors can influence the association between physiological responses and pain responses, and additional research is needed to replicate these findings.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateApr 9, 2003

Korean Americans at risk for high blood pressure

A Johns Hopkins study found that one-third of Korean Americans have high blood pressure, with almost 75% not controlling it. The prevalence is 32%, much higher than the American rate of 24% and Korean rate of 22%. English-speaking ability directly impacts hypertension control among Korean Americans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateNov 9, 2000

Dramatic geographic variation in heart attack deaths among men explained by University of Pittsburgh researcher at American Heart Association meeting

A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Akira Sekikawa found a wide range of death rates across the US, with southern states having the highest CHD mortality rates. The researchers attributed these differences to variations in cigarette smoking and high school graduation rates among men aged 35-44.

Fish Oils And Heart Disease

The study found that dietary DHA and EPA supplementation significantly influenced heart rate, with improved left ventricular diastolic filling observed in the marine oil groups. The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids may affect cardiac mechanics in humans.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 1, 1998