Heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart. It is caused by atherosclerosis, an accumulation of fatty materials on the inner linings of arteries that restricts blood flow. When the blood flow to the heart is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack because the heart is starved of oxygen.
Bone marrow cell therapy may be beneficial for patients with ischemic heart disease – The injection of bone marrow cells into the heart of patients with chronic myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to some areas of the heart) was associated with modest improvements in blood flow and function of the left ventricle, according to a study in the May 20 issue of JAMA.
Heart disease patients carrying extra pounds do better, live longer – Weight of evidence still points to purposeful weight loss, further research needed. – Being overweight or obese is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors; however, in patients with established CVD, obesity appears to play a protective role.
Study indicates that a common virus could cause high blood pressure – Cytomegalovirus affects majority of adults worldwide. – A new study suggests for the first time that cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common viral infection affecting between 60 and 99 percent of adults worldwide, is a cause of high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Genes that influence start of menstruation identified for first time – Two genes clarify the genetic control of female sexual maturation, and point to regulatory mechanisms involved in human growth and development. – Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School, along with collaborators from research institutions across Europe and the United States, have for the first time identified two genes that are involved in determining when girls begin menstruation.
Folic acid to prevent congenital heart defects – Researchers at the MUHC show the effectiveness of folic acid in preventing congenital heart defects. – The Canadian policy of fortifying grain products with folic acid has already proved to be effective in preventing neural tube defects. And the latest study shows that folic acid also decreases the incidence of congenital heart defects by more than 6%.
Women with chest pain less likely then men to get proper treatment from paramedics – Penn study shows gender disparities in pre-hospital care. – Women with chest pain are less likely than male patients to receive recommended, proven therapies while en route to the hospital, according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Interim Analyses Indicate CHAMPION Program Will Not Meet Efficacy Endpoints. Company to Continue and Accelerate Phase 2/3 Studies of Cangrelor in Settings Where Oral Drugs Cannot Be Used or Short Half-Life Is Desirable. – The Medicines Company (NASDAQ: MDCO) announced that it is discontinuing its Phase 3 CHAMPION clinical trial program of cangrelor in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Walking often and far or walking for 45 to 60 minutes a day at a moderate pace reduces risks in heart patients. – An exercise program that burns a lot of calories reduced cardiac risk factors better than standard cardiac rehabilitation in overweight coronary patients, researchers report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
This study provides evidence of protection against early AMD from regularly eating fish, greater consumption of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and low intakes of foods rich in linoleic acid. Regular consumption of nuts may also reduce AMD risk. – Regularly eating fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-three fatty acids and avoiding trans fats appears to be associated with a lower risk for the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, according to two reports in the May issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Study shows benefits of anti-clotting medications reduced by common heartburn drugs. Proton pump inhibitors interfere with anti-clotting protection of clopidogrel. – The anti-clotting action of the medication clopidogrel (Plavix) can be compromised by common drugs for the treatment of heartburn and ulcers resulting in a roughly 50% increase in the combined risk of hospitalization for heart attack, stroke and other serious cardiovascular illnesses, according to a new study presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions.
Study conducted by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation is published in the New England Journal of Medicine; Largest randomized comparison of drug-eluting and bare-metal stents ever performed. – The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) announced that its landmark study comparing the safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents and bare-metal stents was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Influenza of all types can pose greater dangers for people with heart failure, or with any cardiovascular disease. – In general, influenza of all types can pose greater dangers for people with heart failure, or with any cardiovascular disease. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
