ScienceDaily: Heart Disease News

Do Men's and Women's Hearts Burn Fuel Differently?

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:35:35 EDT

Gender specific shifts in cardiac metabolism under stress may shed light on heart disease.

Newer diabetes medications may have additional cardiovascular benefits

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:50:50 EDT

A newer class of medications used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics may also improve cardiovascular health.

Target to prevent hardening of arteries identified

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:17:17 EDT

The gene Dkk1 encodes a protein that plays a key role in increasing the population of connective-tissue cells during wound repair, but prolonged Dkk1 signaling in cells lining blood vessels can lead to fibrosis and a stiffening of artery walls.

Depression linked to almost doubled stroke risk in middle-aged women

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:16:16 EDT

Depression among women 47-52 years old is associated with an almost doubled risk of stroke. Researchers call for greater awareness of depression as a preventable risk factor for stroke among younger middle-aged women.

Security risks found in sensors for heart devices, consumer electronics

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:39:39 EDT

The type of sensors that pick up the rhythm of a beating heart in implanted cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers are vulnerable to tampering, according to a new study conducted in controlled laboratory conditions.

Engineers monitor heart health using paper-thin flexible 'skin'

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:57:57 EDT

Engineers combine layers of flexible materials into pressure sensors to create a wearable heart monitor thinner than a dollar bill. The skin-like device could one day provide doctors with a safer way to check the condition of a patient's heart.

Long-term outcomes in patients with advanced coronary artery disease are better than expected

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:45:45 EDT

Death rates associated with patients with refractory angina, or chronic chest pain, are lower than previously considered; therefore, physicians should focus on relieving the chest pain symptoms and improving the quality of life in these patients according to a new article.

Jekyll into Hyde: Breathing auto emissions turns HDL cholesterol from 'good' to 'bad'

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:40:40 EDT

Academic researchers have found that breathing motor vehicle emissions triggers a change in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, altering its cardiovascular protective qualities so that it actually contributes to clogged arteries. The finding, shown in mice, reveals how car emissions activate the early cell and tissue damage called oxidation that causes inflammation leading to hardening of the arteries and HDL cholesterol may play a key role.

Getting fit in middle age can reduce heart failure risk

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:50:50 EDT

Already being fit or getting into shape during middle age can reduce future heart failure risk. Low fitness is an independent, modifiable risk factor for heart failure.

Four genes identified that influence levels of 'bad' cholesterol

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:14:14 EDT

Scientists have identified four genes in baboons that influence levels of “bad” cholesterol. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Body fat hardens arteries after middle age

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:53:53 EDT

Having too much body fat makes arteries become stiff after middle age, a new study has revealed.

Studies support population-based efforts to lower excessive dietary sodium intakes

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:27:27 EDT

Recent studies that examine links between sodium consumption and health outcomes support recommendations to lower sodium intake from the very high levels some Americans consume now, but evidence from these studies does not support reduction in sodium intake to below 2,300 mg per day, says a new report.

Living close to major road may impair kidney function

Mon, 13 May 2013 20:24:24 EDT

Living close to a major road may impair kidney function -- itself a risk factor for heart disease and stroke -- and so help contribute to the known impact of air pollution on cardiovascular risk, suggests new research.

Heart disease: Healthy lifestyle offsets work-related stress, study suggests

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:33:33 EDT

People with job stress and an unhealthy lifestyle are at higher risk of coronary artery disease than people who have job stress but lead healthy lifestyles, found a new study.

Non-inherited mutations account for many heart defects

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:12:12 EDT

New mutations that are absent in parents but appear in their offspring account for at least 10 percent of severe congenital heart disease, reveals a massive genomics study.

Spontaneous mutations play a key role in congenital heart disease

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:06:06 EDT

Although genetic factors contribute to congenital heart disease, many children born with heart defects have healthy parents and siblings, suggesting that new mutations that arise spontaneously —- known as de novo mutations —- might contribute to the disease. New research shows that about 10 percent of these defects are caused by genetic mutations that are absent in the parents of affected children.

New 3-D technology to treat atrial fibrillation

Sat, 11 May 2013 19:49:49 EDT

Researchers have developed a new 3-D technology that for the first time allows cardiologists the ability to see the precise source of atrial fibrillation in the heart -- a breakthrough for a condition that affects nearly three million Americans.

Pets may help reduce your risk of heart disease

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:39:39 EDT

Owning a pet, particularly a dog, could reduce your risk of heart disease. It is unclear whether owning a pet directly reduces risk. Despite the likely positive link, people shouldn't get a pet solely to reduce heart disease risk.

Rejuvenating hormone found to reverse symptoms of heart failure

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:34:34 EDT

Heart failure is one of the most debilitating conditions linked to old age. A new study reveals that a blood hormone known as growth differentiation factor 11 declines with age, and old mice injected with this hormone experience a reversal in signs of cardiac aging. The findings shed light on the underlying causes of age-related heart failure and may offer a much-needed strategy for treating this condition in humans.

Carnitine supplement may improve survival rates of children with heart defects

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:18:18 EDT

A common nutritional supplement may be part of the magic in improving the survival rates of babies born with heart defects, researchers report.

Whole walnuts and their extracted oil improve cardiovascular disease risk

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:30:30 EDT

Consumption of whole walnuts or their extracted oil can reduce cardiovascular risk through a mechanism other than simply lowering cholesterol, according to researchers.

Review on aspirin to treat and prevent heart attacks and commentary on aspirin to prevent colorectal and other cancers

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:24:24 EDT

A commentary and review provides clinicians with the optimal utilization of aspirin to treat and prevent heart attacks, and advice on aspirin in the prevention of colorectal and other cancers.

Sunshine could benefit health and prolong life, study suggests

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:58:58 EDT

Exposing skin to sunlight may help to reduce blood pressure, cut the risk of heart attack and stroke -- and even prolong life, a study suggests.

Protecting the heart health of diabetic patients

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:45:45 EDT

Diabetics have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease and plaque build-up in their arteries, even if they receive cholesterol-lowering therapies. New research reveals that high blood sugar levels also boost the production of inflammatory cells, which contribute to plaque in blood vessels.

Scientists build a living patch for damaged hearts

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Biomedical engineers have grown three-dimensional human heart muscle that acts just like natural tissue. This advancement could be important in treating heart attack patients or in serving as a platform for testing new heart disease medicines.

Link between heart, blood, and skeletal muscle

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:54:54 EDT

New research has shown that by turning on just a single gene, Mesp1, different cell types including the heart, blood and muscle can be created from stem cells.

Increases in heart disease risk factors may decrease brain function

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:54:54 EDT

Increases in heart disease risk factors may decrease brain function. The association between the two was noted in young and middle-age adults as well as the elderly. Smoking and diabetes were especially linked with reduced brain function.

Seven simple lifestyle steps may decrease risk of blood clots

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:54:54 EDT

Blood clots in the legs or lungs (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) kill an American about every 5 minutes. Adopting seven simple lifestyle steps could help reduce your risk of these potentially deadly blood clots, according to new research.

Heart cells change stem cell behavior

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:27:27 EDT

Stem cells drawn from the amniotic fluid of pregnant women change their behavior when near heart cells, but do not become heart cells.

Increased risk of heart attack and death with progressive coronary artery calcium buildup

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Patients with increasing buildups of coronary artery calcium face a six-fold increase in risk of heart attack or death from heart disease.

Mechanism for how grapes reduce heart failure associated with hypertension identified

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:02:02 EDT

Grapes are able to reduce heart failure associated with hypertension by increasing the activity of several genes responsible for antioxidant defense in the heart tissue, new research shows.

Five 'sudden symptoms' of stroke: Recognizing these could save a life – even a young life

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:35:35 EDT

Quickly recognizing the signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical care from stroke specialists can minimize the effects of the disease or even save a life. Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and the No. 1 cause of adult disability. Nearly 20 percent of strokes occur in people younger than age 55.

Exposure to everyday noise influences heart rate variability

Thu, 02 May 2013 08:17:17 EDT

Exposure to noise, for example from road traffic, may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. Until now, underlying mechanisms linking noise to elevated cardiovascular risk have rarely been explored in epidemiological studies. Scientists have now shown that exposure to noise during everyday life influences heart rate variability, i.e. the ability of the heart to adjust the rate at which it beats to acute events.

Diet, 'anti-aging' supplements may help reverse blood vessel abnormality

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:31:31 EDT

A diet low in grains, beans and certain vegetables -- combined with "anti-aging" supplements -- improved blood vessel function, in a new study.

Heart-healthy diet helps men lower bad cholesterol, regardless of weight loss

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:31:31 EDT

A heart-healthy diet helped men at high risk for heart disease reduce their bad cholesterol, regardless of whether they lost weight, in a new study.

Zinc: The Goldilocks metal for bioabsorbable stents?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:44:44 EDT

Stents can be lifesavers, propping open blood vessels to allow for healthy blood flow. But the longer a stent is in the body, the greater the risk of side effects such as inflammation and clotting. Designing a stent that will dissolve harmlessly after the artery has healed has been a challenge. Now scientistsare experimenting with a novel material that may lead to a new generation of bioabsorbable stents: zinc.

Secondhand smoke presents greater threat to teen girls than boys

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:14:14 EDT

When teenage girls are exposed to secondhand smoke at home, they tend to have lower levels of the "good" form of cholesterol that reduces heart disease risk, according to a recent study.

Low HDL-cholesterol: Not quantity, but quality

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

Many of the genes regulating the inflammation and immune response of the body are also associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels in the circulation, tells the recent study. The research also discovered that the quality of HDL particle can vary considerably. Cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Elevated LDL-cholesterol, commonly known as the ‘bad cholesterol,’ is associated with the increased risk of heart disease while HDL-cholesterol, the ‘good cholesterol’, is associated with decreased risk.

Obesity in early 20s curbs chances of reaching middle age

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:09:09 EDT

Young men who are obese in their early 20s are significantly more likely to develop serious ill health by the time they reach middle age, or not even make it that far, suggests research.

People with congenital heart disease need physical activity, study suggests

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:48:48 EDT

People born with a heart defect need physical activity. Some irregular heart beat conditions may require activity restrictions but for most patients physical activity is unlimited.

Patterned hearts: Bioengineers create rubber-like material bearing micropatterns for stronger, more elastic hearts

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:36:36 EDT

Bioengineers report creating artificial heart tissue that closely mimics the functions of natural heart tissue through the use of human-based materials. Their work will advance how clinicians treat the damaging effects caused by heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Growing new arteries, bypassing blocked ones

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:05:05 EDT

Medical researchers have uncovered the molecular pathway by which new arteries may form after heart attacks, strokes and other acute illnesses bypassing arteries that are blocked.

Molecular role of gene linked to blood vessel formation uncovered

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:55:55 EDT

Researchers have discovered that disrupting a gene that acts as a regulatory switch to turn on other genes can keep blood vessels from forming and developing properly.

Obesity may influence heart function through sex hormones

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:48:48 EDT

New research suggests that changes in sex hormones as seen in obesity may have possible effects on the heart. The study suggests effects on heart function in healthy men with artificially raised estrogen levels and artificially lowered testosterone levels to mimic an obese state.

Intermittent fasting may help those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, study suggests

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:54:54 EDT

Intermittent fasting is all the rage, but scientific evidence showing how such regimes affect human health is not always clear cut. Now a scientific review suggests that fasting diets may help those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, alongside established weight loss claims.

Metabolic disorders predict the hardening of the arterial walls already in childhood

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:14:14 EDT

Metabolic disorders, such as excess abdominal fat, raised blood pressure, higher levels of insulin, glucose and triglycerides and lower levels of the beneficial HDL cholesterol can be found in children as young as 6 to 8 years of age, according to a new study. These metabolic risk factors often accumulate in overweight children and, in the newly published study, this accumulation was linked with mild artery wall stiffness.

Gut bacteria byproduct predicts heart attack and stroke

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:52:52 EDT

A microbial byproduct of intestinal bacteria contributes to heart disease and serves as an accurate screening tool for predicting future risks of heart attack, stroke and death in persons not otherwise identified by traditional risk factors and blood tests, according to new research.

Costs to treat heart failure expected to more than double by 2030

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:22:22 EDT

By 2030, you — and every U.S. taxpayer — could be paying $244 a year to care for heart failure patients, according to a new policy statement.

Air pollution and hardening of arteries

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:27:27 EDT

Long term exposure to air pollution may be linked to heart attacks and strokes by speeding up atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries", according to a new study.

Binge drinking in college can lead to heart disease later in life

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:19:19 EDT

Frequent binge drinking in college can cause more than a hangover. Regularly consuming multiple drinks in a short window of time can cause immediate changes in circulation that increase an otherwise healthy young adult's risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life, according to new research.

Tart cherries linked to reduced risk of stroke

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:21:21 EDT

For the millions of Americans at risk for heart disease or diabetes, a diet that includes tart cherries might actually be better than what the doctor ordered, according to new animal research.

The biology of fats in the body

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:21:21 EDT

Researchers are studying triglycerides, cholesterol and other fats to learn more about normal and abnormal biology. Chew on these findings the next time you ponder the fate of the fat in a French fry.

Alternative therapies may help lower blood pressure

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:57:57 EDT

Alternative therapies such as aerobic exercise, resistance or strength training and isometric hand grip exercises could help people reduce blood pressure. Biofeedback and device-guided slow breathing reduced blood pressure a small amount. Due to their modest effects, alternative therapies can be used with -- not as a replacement for -- standard treatment.

New method to assess options for heart-disease surgery

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:57:57 EDT

Researchers have developed a method of predicting which patients with heart disease would benefit more from surgery and which would benefit more from angioplasty.

Highly active antiretroviral therapies may be cardioprotective in HIV-infected children, teens

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:55:55 EDT

Long-term use of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) does not appear to be associated with impaired heart function in children and adolescents in a study that sought to determine the cardiac effects of prolonged exposure to HAART on children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), according to a new report.

Grape intake may protect against metabolic syndrome-related organ damage

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:12:12 EDT

Consuming grapes may help protect against organ damage associated with the progression of metabolic syndrome, according to research presented this week at the Experimental Biology conference in Boston.

Social stress and the inflamed brain

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:38:38 EDT

Depression is the leading cause of disability with more than 350 million people globally affected by this disease. In addition to debilitating consequences on mental health, depression predisposes an individual to physiological disease such as heart disease, and conversely heart disease increases the risk of depression.

Development of novel therapies for endothelial damage may heal atherosclerotic plaques

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:38:38 EDT

Heart disease and approximately half of all strokes are the results of advanced atherosclerosis with damaged endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. In 2009, the direct and indirect annual cost of heart disease and stroke was approximately $312.6 billion. Projections are for the total cost of heart disease to increase from $523 to $1.126 billion from 2013 to 2030.

Commonly used drug can limit radiation damage to lungs and heart for cancer patients

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 07:45:45 EDT

Unavoidable damage caused to the heart and lungs by radiotherapy treatment of tumors in the chest region can be limited by the administration of an ACE inhibitor, a drug commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, a group of Dutch researchers have found.

Scientists scan the human heart to create digital anatomical library

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:42:42 EDT

Medical researchers have demonstrated the anatomical reconstruction of an active human heart. The research uses contrast-computed tomography (CT) to allow in-depth 3-D computer modeling of hearts that can be used for prolonged archiving.