Arrhythmia

Biological pacemaker to treat heart rhythm disorders by gene therapy

Researchers develop first minimally invasive gene therapy procedure to treat heart rhythm disorders by transforming ordinary heart muscle cells into specialized rhythm-keeping cells, potentially eliminating future need for electronic pacemakers – Cardiologists at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute have developed a minimally invasive gene transplant procedure that changes unspecialized heart cells into “biological pacemaker” cells that keep the heart steadily beating.

How heart arrhythmia occurs in people

Researchers discover how heart arrhythmia occurs – Researchers have discovered the fundamental biology of calcium waves in relation to heart arrhythmias. The findings published this month in the January 19 edition of Nature Medicine outlines the discovery of this fundamental physiological process that researchers hope will one day help design molecularly tailored medications that correct the pathophysiology.

Sleep apnea treatment reduces hypertension and heart disease risk

Studies examine CPAP treatment and cardiovascular outcomes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea — Treatment of Obstructed Sleep Apnea With CPAP Therapy Associated With A Lower Risk Of Hypertension – Two studies that included adults with obstructive sleep apnea examined the effectiveness of reducing the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, including high blood pressure, by treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Z-pack antibiotic azithromycin carries heart risk

Vanderbilt researchers find common antibiotic carries heart risk – Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a rare, but important risk posed by the antibiotic azithromycin, commonly called a “Z-pack.” The study found a 2.5-fold higher risk of death from cardiovascular death in the first five days of taking azithromycin when compared with another common antibiotic or no antibiotics at all.

Stroke risk greater for older women with atrial fibrillation

Risk of stroke greater for women than men among older patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation – In a study that examined use of the anticoagulant medication warfarin and risk of stroke following a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in older patients, women, especially those 75 years or older, had a higher risk of stroke than men, regardless of their risk profile and use of warfarin, suggesting that current anticoagulant therapy to prevent stroke might not be sufficient for older women.

Circadian rhythms linked to sudden cardiac attack

Study Links ‘Body Clock’ to Sudden Cardiac Death — ‘Biological clock’ may be behind sudden heart attacks – A new study uncovers the first molecular evidence linking the body’s natural circadian rhythms to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Ventricular arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, are the most common cause of sudden cardiac death: the primary cause of death from heart disease. They occur most frequently in the morning waking hours, followed by a smaller peak in the evening hours.

Chantix increases risk of heart attack or arrhythmia

Chantix associated with 72 percent increased risk of serious CV events — Popular smoking cessation drug significantly increases risk of hospitalization due to serious cardiovascular problems – Smoking cigarettes is a dangerous habit that many are struggling to break, but for the smokers who choose to use one of the most popular smoking cessation drugs on the market, new warnings about the risk of serious cardiovascular events are on their way. Use of varenicline ? marketed by Pfizer under the brand name Chantix ? is associated with a 72 percent increased risk of hospitalization due to a serious adverse cardiovascular (CV) event, such as heart attack or arrhythmia.

Young You recalls weight loss pills

Young You Corporation Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Weight Loss Pills Found to Contain an Undeclared Drug Ingredient – Young You Corporation has been informed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that four weight loss dietary supplements sold and marketed by the firm contain an undeclared drug ingredient.