http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/heart_disease/ Read current medical research on risk factors, causes and prevention of heart disease, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease. What new treatment options are under development? en-us Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:05:01 EST Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/heart_disease/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106111003.htm A drug that raises levels of 'good' cholesterol, when taken in addition to standard statin therapy to lower 'bad' cholesterol, can reduce the furring up of arteries in patients with established heart disease, a new study has shown. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106111003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091107115827.htm Among eligible Medicare beneficiaries, increased use of carotid arterial stenting procedures to treat carotid stenosis -- the narrowing of the carotid artery -- is associated with higher rates of mortality and adverse clinical outcomes, including heart attack and stroke, according to researchers. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091107115827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145408.htm Researchers found that a bystander who attempts CPR can quadruple the survival rate to over 50 percent. But they have also found only 30 percent of bystanders in Toronto are willing to help, one of the lowest rates of bystanders helping others in the developed world. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145404.htm Enrollment has ended early in a large, multi-center clinical trial comparing two distinct resuscitation strategies delivered by emergency medical service providers to increase blood flow during cardiac arrest. Preliminary data suggests that neither strategy significantly improves survival. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103112245.htm Researchers have made an important discovery about why potassium builds up to dangerous levels in the bloodstream, a relatively common medical problem that affects about eight percent of hospitalized patients. They have identified a new molecular pathway and a new class of molecules responsible for preventing potassium from being excreted normally through the kidney. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103112245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144810.htm A new study has found that statins have beneficial effects on patients with systolic heart failure, but those with diastolic heart failure experienced the opposite effect, including increased dyspnea, fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104085228.htm Postmenopausal women who have higher testosterone levels may be at greater risk of heart disease, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome compared to women with lower testosterone levels, according to a new study. This new information is an important step, say researchers, in understanding the role that hormones play in women's health. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104085228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172425.htm Higher levels of phosphorus in the blood are linked to increased calcification of the coronary arteries -- a key marker of heart disease risk, according to a new study. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172423.htm Declining kidney function is linked to a higher risk of heart failure, heart attack, peripheral arterial disease, and early death in individuals with or without kidney disease, according to a pair of studies. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121215.htm A new study indicates dentists can play a potentially life-saving role in health care by identifying patients at risk of fatal heart attacks and referring them to physicians for further evaluation. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172026.htm Researchers in the UK have identified a particular combination of health problems that can double the risk of heart attack and cause a three-fold increase in the risk of mortality. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132817.htm While studying how the heart is formed, scientists serendipitously found a novel cellular source of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of abnormal heart beat. They identified a population of cells in the atria of the heart and pulmonary veins of humans and mice that appear to be the seat of AF. The finding may lead to a more precise way to treat AF, with reduced side effects. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025091140.htm The gender difference between men and women is a lot smaller than we've been led to believe when it comes to heart attack symptoms, according to a new study. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025091140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013210331.htm New research, using an existing and inexpensive drug could help thousands of stroke patients to recover their mobility at a faster rate. Medical researchers are investigating whether L-Dopa (commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease) could help in this new context. There is existing evidence to show that certain nerve pathways in the brain are important in learning movement skills. The drug works by enhancing the activity of these pathways and if taken at the same time as conventional physiotherapy, could increase the effect of current treatment. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013210331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144824.htm Myocarditis is an important, and often unrecognized cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Several new diagnostic methods, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are useful for diagnosing myocarditis, according to a new study. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204421.htm By relying solely on a patient's clinical risk profile or the results of one imaging test when assessing patients with chest pain, physicians may be missing important, early signs of atherosclerotic disease and opportunities to intervene, according to new findings. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172041.htm A new study suggests that the inner sense of our cardiovascular state, our "interoceptive awareness" of the heart pounding, relies on two independent pathways, contrary to what had been asserted by prominent researchers. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171411.htm High blood pressure, evidence of arterial disease and markers of inflammation in the blood in middle age appear more common in individuals whose parents have Alzheimer's disease than in individuals without a parental history of the condition, according to a new report. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171219.htm Cardiac complications around the time of noncardiac surgery are relatively common and can be serious. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have released a Focused Update to the Practice Guidelines based on new clinical trial data. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091031002510.htm Medical researchers have developed an innovative optical system to simultaneously image electrical activity and metabolic properties in the same region of a heart, to study the complex mechanisms that lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091031002510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164100.htm Unstable carotid artery plaques -- those in danger of rupturing and leading to a stroke -- contain more inflammation and significantly less omega-3 fatty acids than asymptomatic plaques, according to new research. This suggests that increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in carotid artery plaques could either prevent strokes or improve the safety of treatment. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026132935.htm Physicists investigate the forces that deform red blood cells into asymmetric slipper shapes, and strive to learn how the deformation is important in blood flow and various blood flow-related diseases. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026132935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132547.htm Charcoal may provide a new approach to managing the high rate of heart disease in patients with advanced kidney disease, according to preliminary research. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095515.htm A new study finds that heart failure patients willing to take part in clinical trials have a better prognosis than those unwilling to do so. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090654.htm Migraine with aura (temporary visual or sensory disturbances before or during a migraine headache) is associated with a twofold increased risk of stroke, finds a new study. Further risk factors for stroke among patients with migraine are being a woman, being young, being a smoker and using estrogen-containing contraceptives. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085254.htm More than half of patients with acute coronary syndrome don't get any counseling on their ability to drive after angioplasty -- and this could be putting lives in danger, researchers say. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028162632.htm Several observational studies over the years showed that HRT use by younger postmenopausal women was associated with a significant reduction in total mortality. A major 2002 study indicated increased risk for certain outcomes in older women, without increasing mortality. This sparked debate regarding HRT. In a new study, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of available data using Bayesian methods and concluded that HRT almost certainly decreases mortality in younger postmenopausal women. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028162632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028192605.htm Intensive lifestyle changes aimed at modest weight loss reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes by 34 percent compared with placebo in people at high risk for the disease, researchers conclude based on 10 years of data. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028192605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142229.htm Inflammation still ravages the lungs of some smokers years after they quit the habit. What sparks that smoldering destruction remained a mystery until researchers found that certain dendritic cells in the lung -- the cells that "present" a foreign antigen or protein to the immune system -- provoke production of destructive T-cells that attack a key protein called elastin, leading to death of lung tissue and emphysema. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028114017.htm A new study finds that similar statin drugs can have profoundly different effects on brain cells -- both beneficial and detrimental. These findings reinforce the idea that great care should be taken when deciding on the dosage and type of statin given to individuals, particularly the elderly. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028114017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001181049.htm For men with type 2 diabetes, a cell type linked to allergic inflammation is closely linked to a key indicator of diabetic kidney disease, suggests a new study. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001181049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026162535.htm The risk of life-threatening blood clots increases with obesity, but may also depend on the location of excess body fat and gender. Women are at higher risk when they carry extra pounds on their hips, while men are at elevated risk when fat is around the waist. The results challenge research that has suggested increased hip circumference is protective against blood clots. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026162535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001181047.htm A new study found that bundling two generic, low-cost drugs -- a cholesterol-lowering statin and a blood pressure-lowering drug -- and giving daily doses to 68,560 people with diabetes or heart disease for two years prevented 1,271 heart attacks and strokes. The clinical observational study followed 170,024 ethnically diverse Californians and found that offering lovastatin and lisinopril daily for two years reduced risk of hospitalization for heart attack or stroke by more than 60 percent. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001181047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085300.htm Even one cigarette has serious adverse effects on young adults, according to new research. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085300.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085256.htm A move from a traditional diet to the sodium-laden Western diet is fueling a spike in the blood pressure of the Inuit in Canada's North, researchers have found. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152820.htm Birth control pills nearly double the risk of stroke, according to a new review article. For women who take the Pill and also smoke, have high blood pressure or have a history of migraine headaches, the stroke risk is even higher. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125405.htm A new study suggests that video capsule endoscopy, a procedure that uses wireless technology in diagnosing intestinal disease, is safe for patients with heart devices. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125405.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914131902.htm Reducing sodium intake is a major public health priority that must be acted upon by governments and nongovernmental organizations to improve population health, experts urge in a new article. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914131902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161534.htm The "Get With The Guidelines" quality improvement program significantly improves adherence to evidence-based care for hospitalized patients with coronary artery disease. This improvement in adherence to quality measures also diminishes gender- and age-related disparities in care. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085306.htm UT Southwestern Medical Center patient Michael LeBlanc, 40, is the first in North Texas to receive the newest generation of a mechanical device designed to improve heart function. It will be his lifeline while he awaits a heart transplant. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085302.htm A seven-year ongoing study examining over 20,000 Canadian grade 9 students shows most already have at least one major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085258.htm Adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin significantly boosted the attainment of lipid targets as specified by both Canadian and European guidelines in elderly patients aged 65 and older and the combination produced superior results than simply increasing the dose of atorvastatin alone, a new study shows. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162528.htm Researchers have identified a key protein that promotes the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in humans and mice. This groundbreaking discovery has implications for future drug therapies that may extend the life of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and prevent the need for lung transplantation, currently the only cure for this debilitating disease. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093228.htm Heart attacks appear to have become more common in middle-aged women over the past two decades, but all women and especially those younger than 55 have recently experienced a greater increase than men in their chances of survival following such a heart event, according to two new reports. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093223.htm Researchers recommend that people over age 40 be screened for peripheral artery disease (PAD), which puts people at high risk for serious medical complications including heart disease, stroke and possible lower limb amputation. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093221.htm A team of Canadian cardiologists, in collaboration with oncologists, are playing an important role in fighting breast cancer. At issue is how to use a highly effective drug therapy for early-stage breast cancer -- trastuzumab (herceptin) -- while maintaining the cardiovascular health of the patient. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111429.htm Children whose bones are "older" than their chronological age may be at an increased risk of hypertension, according to a new study. As a result, the investigators suggest that markers of biological maturity should be evaluated in hypertensive children, and that physical activity and diet may deter the accelerated development of biological maturity. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025091138.htm Just three months of physical activity reaps heart health benefits for older adults with type 2 diabetes by improving the elasticity in their arteries -- reducing risk of heart disease and stroke, researchers say. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025091138.htm