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Vest can detect earlier signs of heart muscle disease

A new vest can map electric impulses of the heart in fine detail, detecting abnormalities from a potentially fatal heart disease much earlier. The study found that the vest identified electrical changes among 1 in 4 individuals with a gene mutation for whom no signs of disease were detected via standard tests.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles provide novel insights into previously unknown disease mechanisms

Researchers decode underlying mechanisms of DCM, hippocampal neurotoxicity, and dysbiosis mediated AD progression using mass spectrometry imaging. The studies found metabolic changes in DCM rat hearts and regulation of CYPs in the hippocampus, providing new perspectives on treatment strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Heart vest could help predict sudden cardiac death risk

A new study by UCL researchers suggests that a vest mapping the heart's electrical activity could help identify people at high risk of sudden cardiac death. The electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) vest combines signals with MRI images to generate 3D models, potentially predicting risk factors for life-threatening heart rhythms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2023

Understanding the dynamic behavior of rubber materials

A team of researchers has developed a novel experimental system to simultaneously measure the mechanical properties and internal structure of rubber-like materials. The study found that strain within these materials is non-uniform, depending on the shape and size of composite particles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Some experts believe that routine mask-wearing should continue in health care settings

Public health experts recommend continuing routine mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff from COVID-19. The authors argue that while severe cases have decreased, asymptomatic spread remains a threat, particularly among high-risk patients and healthcare workers who may not be aware they are infected.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 21, 2023

Less-invasive cardiac MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool in the early evaluation of patients with acute chest pain

A new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and accurate tool to evaluate complex patients. Cardiac MRI reduced the need for invasive angiography over the long-term follow-up period, making it a highly reliable first-line testing option.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 20, 2023

Innovative endoscopic imaging system can detect multiple fluorescent tracers

Researchers developed a novel endoscopic imaging system with a bioinspired sensor that can detect multiple fluorescent probes, enabling more accurate fluorescence-guided cancer surgery. The system showed improved spatial resolution and sensitivity in detecting tumors, paving the way for the adoption of multi-tracer FGS.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMay 26, 2023

The shape of your heart matters

Researchers from the Smidt Heart Institute found that individuals with spherical hearts are 31% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and 24% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy. The study identified four genes associated with cardiomyopathy and a greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

Imaging the adolescent heart

A recent MRI study by the CNIC has established reference values for anatomical and functional parameters in adolescents' hearts, providing a crucial resource for clinical practice. The study involved 123 adolescents and aimed to fill the knowledge gap on 'normal' cardiac parameter values in this age group.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 3, 2023

Validation of the feasibility of in-office mapping of the heart without the need for surgery or CT scans for the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia

Researchers validate non-invasive ECGi technique to detect atrial fibrillation, providing detailed information about the electrical activity of the heart. This breakthrough reduces patients' exposure to ionising radiation and costs, making it more universal for clinical practice.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalJournal of Electrocardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 30, 2023

ICD detection and treatment of arrhythmias not impacted by MRI

A cohort study of over 600 persons with non-MRI-conditional implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that these devices continue to appropriately treat detected tachyarrhythmias after MRI scans. The findings suggest that patients with non-MRI-conditional ICDs can safely undergo MRI exams without compromising device function.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2023

Female and male hearts respond differently to stress hormone in mouse study

Researchers discovered that female and male mouse hearts react uniformly at first to noradrenaline but exhibit differences in recovery time, affecting electrical activity. These findings may contribute to arrhythmia susceptibility between men and women, offering new insights into sex-based responses to stress hormones.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Portable and affordable all-optical system for testing lab-on-a-chip human hearts

Researchers have developed a novel portable and low-cost macroscopic mapping system for all-optical cardiac electrophysiology using optogenetics and machine vision cameras. The system can stimulate and image engineered networks of human heart cells, providing insights into cardiac wave function and stability.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 11, 2023

Blinding eye disease strongly associated with serious forms of cardiovascular disease

A new study from Mount Sinai Hospital finds a strong association between age-related macular degeneration and severe forms of heart disease, including heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of increased screening for eye disorders to diagnose undetected heart disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open Ophthalmology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Interdisciplinary researchers receive $2M to develop next-generation 3D ultrasound imaging device

Interdisciplinary researchers at the Beckman Institute have received a four-year, $2M award from the National Institutes of Health to develop a device that can instantly enable real-time 3D ultrasound imaging. The device, named FASTER, is designed to improve high-quality medical imaging accessibility in diverse communities.

CT-derived body composition with deep learning predicts cardiovascular events

A large retrospective study found that visceral fat area from fully automated and normalized abdominal CT analysis predicts subsequent myocardial infarction or stroke in Black and White patients. The study suggests that body composition analysis using machine learning could be widely adopted to add prognostic utility to clinical practice.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 31, 2022

Spanish scientists combine genetic and imaging data to improve the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy

A Spanish study combines genetic and imaging data to predict patient prognosis, identifying those at risk of malignant arrhythmias or severe complications. The findings open the way for personalized medicine in treating dilated cardiomyopathy.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 26, 2022

“One change a day makes 365 changes in a year”

A study published in the European Heart Journal found that making small behavioral changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Participants who received a lifestyle intervention showed improvements in physical activity, diet, and sedentary time, leading to decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 26, 2022

Remote programming of cardiac implantable devices is safe for MRI scan

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have developed a novel approach to reprogramming cardiac implantable devices during MRI scans remotely. This technology has shown safe and effective results, saving time and money by eliminating the need for device representatives or on-site personnel.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2022

Spanish scientists discover a new method for the early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis

A study identifies new biomarkers that predict the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, providing a non-invasive way to detect cardiovascular disease. The research team analyzed blood plasma samples and validated three proteins as biomarkers, improving the prediction of cardiovascular risk.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 29, 2022