Mayo Genomic Discovery: Protecting Kidney Function During Heart Failure

Mayo Clinic cardiology researchers have found a peptide that helps preserve and improve kidney function during heart failure, without affecting blood pressure. Earlier variations of this peptide caused blood pressure to drop limiting the potential benefits to the kidneys. The findings appear in the current Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Reduced Risk Of Stroke, Further Heart Attack And Death For Patients After A Heart Attack Or Unstable Angina With Oral Rivaroxaban

The findings of the ATLAS ACS-TIMI 46 study are reported in an article Online First and in a future edition of The Lancet, and written by Dr Jessica L Mega, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA, and collaborators. They suggest that the intake of the oral anti-clotting drug rivaroxaban in patients after an acute coronary syndrome (such as a heart attack or an unstable angina) reduces the risk of stroke, another heart attack, and death.

Markers Of Inflammation Are More Strongly Associated With Fatal Than Non-fatal Cardiovascular Events In The Elderly

A study published this week in the open access journal PLoS Medicine shows that for elderly people at risk of cardiovascular disease, the presence of inflammatory markers in the blood can identify that an individual is at a higher risk of a fatal rather than a non-fatal heart attack or stroke. Inflammation is an immune response to injury. However, inflammation is also thought to play a role in cardiovascular disease.

New Therapy Found To Prevent Heart Failure

A landmark study has successfully demonstrated a 29 percent reduction in heart failure or death in patients with heart disease who received an implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy device with defibrillator (CRT-D) versus patients who received only an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD-only).

Income, Education, Important Factors In Heart Disease Risk

Doctors who ignore the socioeconomic status of patients when evaluating their risk for heart disease are missing a crucial element that might result in inadequate treatment, according to a University of Rochester Medical Center study published in the June 2009 American Heart Journal.

The Alliance For The Advancement Of Adult Stem Cell Therapy And Research Announces Successful Treatment Of End-Stage Heart Disease With Stem Cells

Zannos Grekos, MD, Associate Clinical Professor at Nova Southeastern University, has announced six month follow-up results for a patient treated with adult stem cells in a clinical study of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

MiCardia® Announces First U.S. Implant

MiCardia® (MiCardia Corporation, Irvine, California) announced the completion of the first U.S. implant of its Dynaplasty® mitral valve repair technology. The surgery was performed last week at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan. Francis L. Shannon, M.D., who is a partner in SEMCVS and Director of CV Surgical Research and Quality Outcomes at Beaumont, commented, "The MiCardia® device implanted easily and conformed well to the patient's mitral annulus.

30% drop in heart disease deaths in Canada over a decade

A new study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) reports that the rates of death and hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease declined thirty percent over a ten year period in Canada. The findings draw attention to successful efforts to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. But, for the first time, there is indication that more women than men are dying of cardiovascular causes.

HeartWorks Simulation - A Breakthrough In Education For Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists

The world's first virtual heart has been developed to improve teaching of peri-operative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) skills in the care of patients with heart disease. HeartWorks, a uniquely realistic computer-generated model of the heart and echocardiography simulator, is the result of a 4 year project driven by a team of three London-based cardiac anaesthesiologists.

Cameron Health Announces CE Mark Of The Minimally Invasive Totally Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillator For Treatment Of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Cameron Health, Inc. announces CE approval for Cameron Health's Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillator (S-ICD®) System. The minimally invasive S-ICD System is prescribed for use in patients at risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The system is unique in that the implantation of the system is entirely subcutaneous; no leads are in or on the heart.

Hospital Bedside Technology Solution Results In 74 Percent Reduction In Heart Failure Readmission Rate

A significant study was released today demonstrating the efficacy of Interactive Patient Care technology on improving outcomes in heart failure care. GetWellNetwork, the leading provider of Interactive Patient Care solutions, released a White Paper reporting significant improvements in heart failure readmission rates, average length of stay and patient satisfaction, achieved by leveraging the company's bedside technology to more fully engage patients in their care.

Heart Failure Patients With Cognitive Impairment Have Higher Mortality Risk

"There are data in the literature suggesting an increased mortality in patients with chronic heart failure who are additionally suffering from cognitive decline", said Dr. Clotilde Balucani (Perugia, Italy) at the current meeting of the European Neurological Society (ENS). This major meeting in European neurology is gathering more than 2,900 experts from all over the world in Milan. Dr. Balucani and her colleagues are presenting a study funded by a research grant of the ENS.

Deaths From Heart Disease In Canada Decreased 30 Percent: 10-year National Study

Rates of death and hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease declined 30% over a 10-year period in Canada, according to a new study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), pointing to successful efforts to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. However, for the first time, more women than men are dying of cardiovascular causes.

800th Implant Of World's Only Approved Total Artificial Heart Performed By Heart And Diabetes Center NRW

On June 12, the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany, performed the 800th implant of the SynCardia temporary CardioWestâ„¢ Total Artificial Heart.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors Have Increased Risk Of Stroke And Transient Ischemic Attack

Patients treated for Hodgkin lymphoma with radiation therapy have a substantially higher risk of stroke, according to a new study published June 17 online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study was undertaken because information on clinically verified stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), or a "mini stroke," following Hodgkin lymphoma is limited. In order to quantify the long-term risks, Flora E. van Leeuwen, Ph.D.

Bioheart To Introduce Improved Heart Failure Monitoring Systems At Heart Failure Nurses Annual Meeting

Bioheart, Inc., (OTC Bulletin Board: BHRT) a company committed to delivering intelligent devices and biologics that help monitor, diagnose and treat heart failure and cardiovascular diseases announced that the company will be introducing its heart failure monitoring systems at the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses 5th Annual Meeting. This year's meeting will take place from June 25 - 27, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

MADIT-CRT Trial Meets Primary Endpoint

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) and the University of Rochester Medical Center announced that the landmark MADIT-CRT trial has met its primary endpoint. Preliminary results show Boston Scientific cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds) to be associated with a significant 29 percent reduction (p=0.003) in death or heart failure interventions when compared to traditional implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

Health Research Agencies Form Global Alliance To Curb Humanity's Most Fatal Diseases

Six of the world's foremost health agencies, collectively managing an estimated 80% of all public health research funding, today announced formation of a landmark alliance to collaborate in the critical battle against chronic, non-communicable diseases: cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), several cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and type 2 diabetes.

Dutch Ambulance Service First To Purchase ZOLL Integrated Automated Compression-Defibrillation System

ZOLL Medical Corporation (Nasdaq GS: ZOLL), a manufacturer of resuscitation devices and related software solutions, announced that the ambulance service, RAV Gooi en Vechtstreek in Hilversum, The Netherlands, is the first EMS organization to equip its ambulances with a revolutionary new system that allows rescuers to defibrillate a heart without the need to stop chest compressions.

Trans Fats Hinder Multiple Steps In Blood Flow Regulation Pathways

Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils in processed foods contain trans fatty acids that interfere with the regulation of blood flow. A new report reveals a new way in which these "trans fats" gum up the cellular machinery that keeps blood moving through arteries and veins.

Heart Patients Are Twice As Likely To Quit Smoking With Intensive In-Hospital Support

A new study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) shows that patients admitted to a hospital with coronary artery disease are twice as likely to quit smoking after receiving intensive smoking cessation support than those receiving minimal support. The researchers, through a randomized clinical trial, compared intensive intervention with minimal intervention.

Enzyme Doesn't Act Alone In Atrial Fibrillation

An overactive enzyme is behind a leaky calcium channel that plays a role in the development of atrial fibrillation, which is the most common cardiac arrhythmia that is responsible for a third of all strokes. However, it doesn't act alone, say researchers at Baylor College of Medicine. The findings can be found online in the current edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation. "When the heart pumps properly, the muscle contractions are regulated by waves of calcium.

ACOG Refines Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Guidelines

Refinements of the definitions, classifications, and interpretations of fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring methods were issued today in new guidelines released by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The objective of the guidelines is to reduce the inconsistent use of common terminology and the wide variability that sometimes occurs in FHR interpretations.

New Treatments Should Be Introduced Gradually To Avoid Later Problems, Says Expert

Concerns over whether the tests a treatment undergoes before release onto the market are enough to ensure its long-term safety are raised in an editorial published by BMJ Clinical Evidence today. Dr Vijay Sharma suggests that treatments should be introduced gradually so that evidence can be built up and the treatment can find its proper niche. To illustrate this, he discusses the recent debate on the long-term safety of drug-eluting stents.

Older Men With Breathing Problems During Sleep More Likely To Have Irregular Heartbeats

Increasingly severe sleep-related breathing disorders in older men appear to be associated with a greater risk of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), according to a report in the June 22 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. In addition, different types of breathing problems appear more closely associated with different categories of arrhythmia.

New Study Demonstrates NanoScan's Novel Contrast Agent May Identify Heart Attack In Waiting

NanoScan Imaging, LLC announced the publication of new data demonstrating the use of its investigational, radio-opaque contrast agent (N1177) to visualize vulnerable plaques that can cause heart attack or stroke using advanced, non-invasive and high-resolution computed tomography (CT) techniques. Results of the study were published in the current issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Nuclear Medicine (J Nucl Med. 2009 Jun;50(6):959-965).

Stroke Patients Less Likely To Meet Treatment Goals Than Heart Disease Patients

A majority of high-risk stroke patients are less likely to meet clinical treatment targets to prevent repeat stroke or heart attacks compared to those with heart disease, suggesting the need to examine new therapeutic strategies, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital neurologist Dr. Gustavo Saposnik. What's more, medical procedures or ongoing specialty care may improve patients' awareness and consequent treatment success.

Recommendations For Diabetes Patients Include Regular Exercise, Weight Training

To reduce their cardiovascular risk, people with type 2 diabetes should do at least two-and-a-half hours per week of moderate-intensity or one-and-a-half hours per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercises, plus some weight training, according to an American Heart Association scientific statement published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Heart Age Could Help Revolutionise CVD Risk Management

Unilever and the World Heart Federation announce a joint initiative to promote awareness of Heart Age - a new, personally motivating way of expressing an individual's risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

Teens' Risk Factors For Heart Disease, Diabetes Reduced By Lap Band Weight Loss Surgery

In teenagers, laparoscopic gastric banding surgery for treatment of extreme obesity can significantly improve and even reverse the metabolic syndrome, a new study found. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society's 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. An increasing number of obese adolescents have the metabolic syndrome, said a study co-author, Ilene Fennoy, MD, MPH, a pediatric endocrinologist at New York City's Columbia University Medical Center.

St. Jude Medical Announces Leading Sponsorship Of Landmark Clinical Trial To Study Atrial Fibrillation

St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ) today announced that it is the leading sponsor of the Catheter Ablation Versus Anti-arrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation (CABANA) Trial.

Research Shows BPA May Cause Heart Disease In Women

New research by a team of scientists at the University of Cincinnati (UC) shows that bisphenol A (BPA) may be harmful for the heart, particularly in women. Results of several studies are being presented in Washington, D.C., at ENDO 09, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, June 10-13.

Early Signs For Diabetes In Kids As Young As 7 Documented For The First Time By LSUHSC Researchers

Research conducted under the direction of Melinda Sothern, PhD, Professor and Director of Health Promotion at the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Public Health, showing early signs of diabetes in healthy children as young as seven years old was presented at the American Diabetes Association 2009 Annual Scientific Session Meeting in New Orleans. Dr.

Roche To Commence Phase III Trials With Innovative Treatment Designed To Lower Cardiovascular Risk In Diabetes Patients With Recent Heart Attack

Roche announced it will start Phase III clinical investigations for aleglitazar, its innovative PPAR co-agonist R1439 which is uniquely designed to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in high risk patients with type 2 diabetes. This decision is supported by data from the Phase II SYNCHRONY study published today in The Lancet(1) and announced at the American Diabetes Association meeting in New Orleans. The Phase III program is anticipated to start in the second half of 2009.

Retirement Study: Hypertension Among Lower-Status Employees Lingers Well Into Retirement

Retirement from some occupations may not provide relief from the potentially devastating health effects of work-related hypertension, according to a new study from UC Davis.

New Study Highlights Monstrous Cost Of Smoking To UK, Says Heart Charity

In response to a study, funded by the British Heart Foundation and published online by Tobacco Control Journal , Betty McBride, Policy & Communications Director, at the British Heart Foundation, said: "We are now spending over £5bn a year dealing with the health consequences of smoking. This is money being drained out of the NHS as a direct result of something we have the power to prevent.

Probability Of Developing Precursor Of Heart Failure Increased By 4 Risk Factors

Four well-known risk factors for heart attack significantly increased the size of the heart's left ventricle, a key precursor of heart failure, according to a study in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. High blood pressure, excessive weight, smoking and diabetes were strongly correlated with greater size of the heart's left ventricle over the short term (four years) and the long term (16 years) in a study of more than 4,217 people.

Improvements In Prevention And Cardiac Care Mean Fewer Heart Attacks And Fewer Deaths

A new report tracking selected indicators of health system performance over 10 years in Canada shows significant improvements in the prevention and management of heart disease, with fewer Canadians having a heart attack, one of the leading causes of death in this country.

Cardiology Experts At Rush University Medical Center Successfully Use Unique Interventional Procedure To Save A Girl With A Very Rare Heart Defect

Seventeen-year-old Sara Abousuiony, who has been homebound since she was an infant, never imagined that she would be able to leave her home in Cairo, Egypt, and travel to the United States for a life-saving heart procedure. According to her mother Safa, "Sara would be connected to an oxygen mask all day to help her breathe when most young girls her age should be in school, hanging out with friends and enjoying her youth.

Life-Saving Cardiac Rehabilitation

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and a major driver of medical and economic costs, especially among older adults. It has long been established that cardiac rehabilitation improves survival, at least in middle-aged, low- and moderate-risk white men.

Early Signs Of Cardiovascular Disease Increased By Childhood Obesity

By as early as 7 years of age, being obese may raise a child's future risk of heart disease and stroke, even without the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, a new study found. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society's 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The study, conducted by researchers at Nemours Children's Clinic and Dr. Charles DelGiorno, an Endocrine trainee from the Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville, Fla.

Genetically Elevated Levels Of Lipoprotein Associated With Increased Risk Of Heart Attack

A genetic analysis of data from three studies suggests that genetically elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, according to a study in the June 10 issue of JAMA. Myocardial infarction (MI; heart attack) remains a leading cause of illness and death despite targeting of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by statin therapy.

The Recommended 8 Hours Of Nightly Sleep Achieved By Less Than Half Of Older Americans

Older Americans with depressive symptoms and poor mental health tend to get seven hours of sleep per night or less, according to a research abstract that will be presented on Wednesday, June 10, at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.

Physio-Control Named A Medical Device Excellence Award Winner

Physio-Control Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medtronic, Inc., (NYSE: MDT), announced that it has received a Gold Medical Design Excellence Award (MDEA) for its LIFEPAK® 15 monitor/defibrillator. Physio-Control accepted the award at the MDEA ceremony held last week at the Medical Design & Manufacturing East 2009 Conference and Exposition in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City.

Can Omega 3 Fatty Acids Prevent Depression In Coronary Heart Disease?

Depression is an established risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy patients and for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with existing CHD. Dietary factors resulting in lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids not only increase CHD risk, but may also be involved in the pathophysiology of depression.

To Promote Cardiovascular Health, Tulane University Partners With South American Universities

Cardiovascular disease researchers at Tulane University are partnering with faculty at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to establish the South American Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular Health. The center has received a five-year, $2.3 million dollar grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health. The focus of the center's activities will be on cardiovascular health research and education.

BPA May Cause Heart Disease In Women, Said Scientists Studying Rats

A team of scientists in the US suggested that bisphenol A (BPA) may harm the heart, particularly in women, because of what they discovered in tests on female rats and mice. BPA is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate, a hard clear plastic used to make food containers, among other things.

New Research At University Of Leicester Offers Hope For Heart And Cancer Treatments

Researchers in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Leicester are developing a new way to make protein based drugs with potential applications in stroke, vascular inflammation, blood vessel formation, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Why Smoking Increases The Risk Of Heart Disease And Strokes

Researchers at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles and Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona have discovered a reason why smoking increases the risk of heart disease and strokes. The study, which was presented at The Endocrine Society's 91st annual meeting in Washington, D.C., found that nicotine in cigarettes promotes insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic condition that raises blood sugar levels higher than normal.

HSPH Assistant Professor To Serve As Co-Principal Investigator Of Center In Guatemala To Combat Cardiovascular Disease

Eduardo Villamor , Assistant Professor of International Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), will serve as co-principal investigator of a research and training center in Guatemala to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Mesoamerican region, which includes Central America, the Caribbean, and Southern Mexico.

Life-Saving Cardiac Rehabilitation

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and a major driver of medical and economic costs, especially among older adults. It has long been established that cardiac rehabilitation improves survival, at least in middle-aged, low- and moderate-risk white men.

SPECT MPI With Cardiolite(R) Used In BARI 2D Study To Evaluate Type 2 Diabetes And Coronary Artery Disease Treatment Strategies

Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., a worldwide leader in diagnostic imaging, announced today that the company's leading imaging agent, Cardiolite® (Kit for the Preparation of Technetium Tc99m Sestamibi for Injection), was used in a recently completed five-year study examining appropriate treatment regimens for patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.

Knight To Take Pulse Of A Nation Arrhythmia Awareness Week To Target

The general public will be encouraged to 'Know Your Pulse' by legendary smoothie Sir Roger Moore, as part of Arrhythmia Awareness Week (8-14 June 2009). A new online video brings the quintessential Bond back to screens. Having a heart rhythm problem himself, Sir Roger is taking the opportunity to encourage the public to 'Know Your Pulse' as an important diagnostic of a potentially fatal heart rhythm. Cardiac arrhythmia is the UK's No.

Bypass Or Angioplasty No Better Than Drug Therapy In Reducing Deaths Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes And Heart Disease

There is no difference in mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes and stable heart disease who received prompt bypass surgery or angioplasty compared to drug therapy alone, according to a landmark study focused exclusively on patients with both conditions.

In Patients With Diabetes And Stable Heart Disease, Medical Therapy Equal To Bypass, Angioplasty

Optimal medical therapy for patients with diabetes and stable coronary heart disease is equally effective at lowering the risk of death, heart attack, and stroke as prompt revascularization procedures with either coronary bypass surgery or angioplasty, according to results from an international multicenter clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health.

The Recommended 8 Hours Of Nightly Sleep Achieved By Less Than Half Of Older Americans

Older Americans with depressive symptoms and poor mental health tend to get seven hours of sleep per night or less, according to a research abstract that will be presented on Wednesday, June 10, at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.

Research Shows BPA May Cause Heart Disease In Women

New research by a team of scientists at the University of Cincinnati (UC) shows that bisphenol A (BPA) may be harmful for the heart, particularly in women. Results of several studies are being presented in Washington, D.C., at ENDO 09, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, June 10-13.

Probability Of Developing Precursor Of Heart Failure Increased By 4 Risk Factors

Four well-known risk factors for heart attack significantly increased the size of the heart's left ventricle, a key precursor of heart failure, according to a study in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. High blood pressure, excessive weight, smoking and diabetes were strongly correlated with greater size of the heart's left ventricle over the short term (four years) and the long term (16 years) in a study of more than 4,217 people.

Rosiglitazone For Type 2 Diabetes Does Not Increase Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease Or Death But Increases Heart Failure And Fractures In Women

Using rosiglitazone (Avandia) in combination with standard diabetes treatments (metformin or a sulfonylurea) to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetics does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or death. However, the study confirms that using rosiglitazone more than doubles the risks of heart failure, and also increases the risk of fractures, mainly in women. The findings of the RECORD study are published in an Article Online First and in an upcoming edition of The Lancet.

Rolofylline Did Not Demonstrate Efficacy For Acute Heart Failure In Clinical Trial

Merck & Co., Inc. said that preliminary results for the pivotal Phase III study of rolofylline (MK-7418), the Company's investigational medicine for the treatment of acute heart failure, show that rolofylline did not meet the primary or secondary efficacy endpoints. While Merck will continue to analyze the data with outside experts, the Company will not file applications for regulatory approval this year. The results from this study will be presented at a medical meeting later this year.

New Heart Ultrasound Research Reveals Life-Saving Treatment Alternatives And Advancements For Heart Patients

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) welcomes the world's leading researchers in cardiovascular medicine to present their most-recent findings at its 20th Annual Scientific Sessions, June 6-10, at the Gaylord National Convention Center in Washington, DC. This year, NBA basketball player and former heart patient, Ronny Turiaf will be in attendance to talk about how echocardiography, otherwise known as heart ultrasound, saved his life.

Surgery No Better Than Drugs For Heart Disease Survival In Diabetes Patients

An international landmark study found that death rates for patients with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease was the same whether they received drugs or had prompt surgery or angioplasty. The research was led by a team from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and was published online on 7 June in the New England Journal of Medicine, NEJM. It was also presented at the American Diabetes Association 69th Scientific Sessions.

New Study Highlights Monstrous Cost Of Smoking To UK, Says Heart Charity

In response to a study, funded by the British Heart Foundation and published online by Tobacco Control Journal , Betty McBride, Policy & Communications Director, at the British Heart Foundation, said: "We are now spending over £5bn a year dealing with the health consequences of smoking. This is money being drained out of the NHS as a direct result of something we have the power to prevent.

Recommendations For Diabetes Patients Include Regular Exercise, Weight Training

To reduce their cardiovascular risk, people with type 2 diabetes should do at least two-and-a-half hours per week of moderate-intensity or one-and-a-half hours per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercises, plus some weight training, according to an American Heart Association scientific statement published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

BMI Doesn't Tell The Whole Story, Health Risks Begin In Overweight Range

Being overweight is a health concern, and using only body mass index (BMI) to determine weight classification may not give an accurate picture of a person's health, according to an advisory published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. About one-third of the U.S. population is overweight - the middle range between normal weight and obesity. Overweight in adults is a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9. BMI is a numerical value of weight in relation to height.

Diabetes: Long And Short Sleep Durations Are Associated With Increased Risk

According to a research abstract presented on Monday, June 8, at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, both long and short sleepers are at greater risk for diabetes. Individuals sleeping for more than eight hours per night may be particularly vulnerable. Results indicate that the adjusted odds ratio was 1.24 for diabetes associated with short sleep (five hours per night or less) and 1.

Roche To Commence Phase III Trials With Innovative Treatment Designed To Lower Cardiovascular Risk In Diabetes Patients With Recent Heart Attack

Roche announced it will start Phase III clinical investigations for aleglitazar, its innovative PPAR co-agonist R1439 which is uniquely designed to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in high risk patients with type 2 diabetes. This decision is supported by data from the Phase II SYNCHRONY study published today in The Lancet(1) and announced at the American Diabetes Association meeting in New Orleans. The Phase III program is anticipated to start in the second half of 2009.

Retirement Study: Hypertension Among Lower-Status Employees Lingers Well Into Retirement

Retirement from some occupations may not provide relief from the potentially devastating health effects of work-related hypertension, according to a new study from UC Davis.

Heart Age Could Help Revolutionise CVD Risk Management

Unilever and the World Heart Federation announce a joint initiative to promote awareness of Heart Age - a new, personally motivating way of expressing an individual's risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

Prestigious French Award For Heart Research Won By Olson

Dr. Eric Olson, chairman of molecular biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been awarded the Institut de France's prestigious Lefoulon-Delalande Foundation Grand Prize for his work on gene regulation in the cardiovascular system. The prize has an international reputation as the most prestigious award in cardiovascular research.

Early Signs For Diabetes In Kids As Young As 7 Documented For The First Time By LSUHSC Researchers

Research conducted under the direction of Melinda Sothern, PhD, Professor and Director of Health Promotion at the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Public Health, showing early signs of diabetes in healthy children as young as seven years old was presented at the American Diabetes Association 2009 Annual Scientific Session Meeting in New Orleans. Dr.

Prompt Bypass Surgery Or Angioplasty Does Not Lower Mortality Risk Compared To Drug Therapy In People With Type 2 Diabetes And Stable Heart Disease

The long-awaited results of the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) study, a multicenter trial led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, were reported at a symposium here today at the American Diabetes Association's 69th Scientific Sessions.

Stroke Patients Less Likely To Meet Treatment Goals Than Heart Disease Patients

A majority of high-risk stroke patients are less likely to meet clinical treatment targets to prevent repeat stroke or heart attacks compared to those with heart disease, suggesting the need to examine new therapeutic strategies, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital neurologist Dr. Gustavo Saposnik. What's more, medical procedures or ongoing specialty care may improve patients' awareness and consequent treatment success.

AF Aware Cardiology Groups Call For Greater Awareness And Better Education On Atrial Fibrillation

Four leading patient and medical associations announced the formation of AF AWARE (Atrial Fibrillation AWareness And Risk Education), a joint initiative to highlight and address issues that contribute to the growing burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) worldwide.

BPA May Cause Heart Disease In Women, Said Scientists Studying Rats

A team of scientists in the US suggested that bisphenol A (BPA) may harm the heart, particularly in women, because of what they discovered in tests on female rats and mice. BPA is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate, a hard clear plastic used to make food containers, among other things.

What Is A Heart Attack? What Causes A Heart Attack?

If the heart muscle does not have enough blood (and consequently oxygen) it dies and a heart attack occurs. Another name for a heart attack is myocardial infarction, cardiac infarction and coronary thrombosis. According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, a heart attack is "infarction of a segment of heart muscle, usually due to occlusion of a coronary artery".

Monash Researchers Lead The Way In Blood Clotting Discovery

A Monash-led research team has discovered an entirely new mechanism that promotes blood clot formation - a major breakthrough that will impact on treatment and prevention of heart disease and stroke. The discovery is published in the prestigious Nature Medicine journal.

Acute Heart Failure: Recognizing Signs And Symptoms

Although heart failure is a chronic condition, acute exacerbations are frequent and occur with serious complications; patients with heart failure and their families can help improve prognosis in acute events if they are taught to recognise the tell-tale signs of worsening condition and seek immediate medical help.

Novel Biomarkers In Heart Failure At Heart Failure Congress 2009

Several new biomarkers have been recently described in Heart Failure (HF) syndrome either in stable chronic patients as in the settings of acute decompensation. Biomarkers are used to diagnose disease risk, to predict outcome and to tailor treatment to individuals.

'Beating' Heart Machine Expedites Development Of New Surgical Tools, Techniques

A machine developed at North Carolina State University in Raleigh may allow researchers to expedite development of new tools and techniques for heart surgery. The dynamic heart system pumps fluid through a pig heart so that it continues to function like a live heart even after it's been removed from the animal's body.

Anemia Associated With Greater Risk Of Death In Heart Disease Patients

A new study appearing in Congestive Heart Failure has found that the presence of anemia in patients with chronic heart failure is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. The findings also show that anemia is associated with a poorer degree of left ventricular function and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, an objective measure of cardiac function. Heart failure is a common and serious chronic illness.

Results And Additional Analyses From Efficacy And Safety Study Of Corthera's Relaxin In Acute Heart Failure To Be Presented At Heart Failure Congress

Results and additional analyses from the Phase II portion of a Phase II/III clinical trial of Corthera's investigational drug relaxin for the treatment of acute heart failure will be presented at the Heart Failure Congress, the annual meeting of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology in Nice, France. Marco Metra, M.D.

Lower Blood Glucose Levels Reduce Heart Disease Risk, Says New Research

New research claims that people with diabetes can cut their risk of a heart attack if they lower their blood glucose levels. The study by researchers at the University of Cambridge pooled the information collected on 33,000 patients across five trials. About the study They found that intensive treatment of Type 2 diabetes led to 17 per cent fewer heart attacks.

Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center Launches Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic For Women With Menopause Symptoms Who Are At Risk For Heart Disease

Women who are at risk for heart disease and who are also experiencing menopause symptoms now have an added resource - a highly specialized clinic in the Division of Cardiology at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. The Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic at the Women's Heart Center recently opened and is offering comprehensive cardiac risk assessments designed specifically for women who are in menopause.

Advanced Technologies Pump Growth Into European Cardiac Rhythm Management Market, Affirms Frost & Sullivan, UK

The incidence of cardiovascular disease is rising due to factors such as ageing, obesity, smoking and other cardiac ailments. Each year cardiovascular diseases cause over 4.3 million deaths, accounting for 48 per cent of all mortalities in Europe. As a result, the European cardiac rhythm management (CRM) market offers significant growth potential.

Cytori Completes Enrollment In First Adipose Stem & Regenerative Cell Therapy Trial For Chronic Heart Disease

Cytori (NASDAQ:CYTX) completed enrollment in the first study to investigate adipose derived stem and regenerative cells in chronic heart disease. The trial, which has been named the PRECISE study, was carried out at leading cardiology centers in Europe. It specifically enrolled patients suffering from an advanced form of chronic heart disease, known as chronic myocardial ischemia, for which there is no generally accepted treatment.

NFL Players Have More Favorable Glucose Levels, Similar Cholesterol Levels, Higher Rate Of High Blood Pressure Compared To Other Healthy Young Men

Despite being larger in size and heavier in weight, an analysis of the cardiovascular disease risk factors of about 500 National Football League players finds that overall, they have a similar cardiovascular risk profile compared to the general population.

Researchers Urge Individuals To Adopt Healthier Lifestyles, Particularly In Middle Age

Despite the well-known benefits of having a lifestyle that includes physical activity, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol use and not smoking, only a small proportion of adults follow this healthy lifestyle pattern, and in fact, the numbers are declining, according to an article published in the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

Families Of Sudden Unexplained Death Victims Should Receive Comprehensive Cardiogenetic Testing

Relatives of a young person who dies suddenly should always be referred for cardiological and genetic examination in order to identify if they too are at risk of sudden death, a scientist told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics. Dr.

YouGov Survey Reveals Low Awareness Of Potentially Fatal Heart Condition That Affects Significant Number Of People In UK

As many as 700,000 people in the UK suffer from a heart abnormality called arrhythmia, a potentially fatal condition, which the majority of Londoners have never heard of - according to a recent survey conducted by YouGov[1]. Many of the deaths associated with arrhythmias could be prevented due to advances in the identification and treatment of high risk patients.

New Strategies For Cell Therapy To Regenerate Damaged Heart

Research undertaken at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) and the University Hospital of Navarra has shown that, in animal models, stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue enhance heart function after a cardiac attack. In concrete, bone marrow cells act on the damaged tissue, while fatty cells have the ability to transform themselves into both blood vessels and cardiac cells.

Cytori Reports Publication Of Cardiovascular Preclinical Study; Adipose Stem & Regenerative Cells Improve Function In Heart Attack Model

Cytori (NASDAQ: CYTX) announced publication of the first preclinical study to demonstrate adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells (ADRCs) significantly improved cardiac function after a heart attack. This preclinical cardiac cell therapy study was reported online ahead of print in the International Journal of Cardiology. The study was funded by Cytori Therapeutics and conducted at Tulane University.

Discovery Of Shared Genetic Link Between The Dental Disease Periodontitis And Heart Attack

The relationship between the dental disease periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been known for several years. Although a genetic link seemed likely, until now its existence was uncertain. Now, for the first time, scientists have discovered a genetic relationship between the two conditions, a researcher told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics. Dr.

Laugh A Little To Help Protect Heart, Lower Blood Pressure

Laughter is not only an effective stress-reliever, but can be heart-healthy, according to research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine's 56th Annual Meeting in Seattle. Two separate studies examined the role of a good laugh as it relates to health. One of the studies took an inverted approach to previous research on the harmful cardiovascular tolls of stress and negative mood.

Atherosclerosis Vaccine Development Receives EU Support

The atherosclerosis vaccine development program by AFFiRiS AG is receiving financial support from the EU's EUROTRANS-BIO call. The respective project is being carried out in cooperation with German company EMC microcollections GmbH. The aim of atherosclerosis vaccination is to increase the amount of "good" high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) in the blood and thus reduce the occurrence of harmful fatty deposits in the arteries.

Telemonitoring Systems At Heart Failure Congress 2009

Telemonitoring systems, by which the symptoms of heart failure can be remotely assessed, now provide a strategy for the improved personalised care of patients, according to Professor John Cleland from the University of Hull, UK.1 He told Heart Failure Congress 2009 that the management of heart failure is complex but most effective when tailored to the individual patients' needs and condition.

Heart Tissue Repaired By Injecting Adult Bone Marrow Stem Cells Into Skeletal Muscle

University at Buffalo researchers have demonstrated for the first time that injecting adult bone marrow stem cells into skeletal muscle can repair cardiac tissue, reversing heart failure. Using an animal model, the researchers showed that this non-invasive procedure increased myocytes, or heart cells, by two-fold and reduced cardiac tissue injury by 60 percent.

Results From 8 Late-Breaking Clinical Trials Presented At Heart Failure 2009

Results and updates from eight studies were presented during a late-breaking trials session at Heart Failure 2009. Reviewing them at a press conference, Professor John McMurray, President of the Heart Failure Association, described the trials' objectives and main implications.

Gene Links Gum Disease And Heart Attack Risk

Scientists in Germany have discovered a gene that links the gum disease periodontitis and increased risk of coronorary heart disease (CHD) and although they don't yet fully understand the underlying mechanism of the link, they urged dentists to make sure they diagnose and treat cases of periodontitis as early as possible to mimimize the risk of heart disease.

Risk Of Heart Failure Doubled By Obesity And Diabetes -- Patients With Both Conditions 'Very Difficult' To Treat

The twin epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes will continue to fuel an explosion in heart failure, already the world's most prevalent chronic cardiovascular disease, according to John McMurray, professor of cardiology at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, and President of the Heart Failure Association. He reported that around one-third of patients with heart failure have evidence of diabetes, and for them the outlook is very serious.