Heart Disease

17 Sep

Posted at 15:18h in Global Health, Heart Disease, Pediatrics

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Muthu Jothi

Senior Consultant Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon

Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are heart conditions that are present at birth and can affect the structure and function of a child's heart. While some defects may be mild and require only monitoring, others can require complex cardiac procedures or surgery during infancy. To help parents better understand congenital heart diseases and the treatment options available, MedicalResearch.com spoke with Dr. Muthu Jothi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi. With more than 32 years of experience, including nearly a decade of training in the UK, Dr. Jothi specializes in the surgical treatment of congenital heart diseases in children. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in 100 babies born in the United States each year, and advances in diagnosis and surgical care have dramatically improved long-term survival rates over recent decades.

MedicalResearch.com: What are congenital heart diseases?

Dr. Jothi: Congenital heart diseases are heart conditions that are present at birth. They affect the structure of the heart and can range from relatively mild defects to more complex conditions requiring early intervention. Some children may have few or no symptoms initially, while others may require treatment during infancy. The treatment approach depends on the specific heart defect, its severity, and the child's overall condition.

01 Sep

Posted at 18:38h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Lipids

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Shoaib Afzal, MD, PhD, DMSc

Professor; Chief Physician, Clinical Biochemistry

Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Herlev Hospital, Denmark

Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen Link to Video of Interview

[caption id="attachment_75832" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Shoaib Afzal Dr. Shoaib Afzal[/caption]

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Afzal: With aging populations, the burden of dementia is projected to rise but we still do not have effective treatments. However, there may be a window of opportunity for prevention earlier in life as several treatable risk factors are associated with higher risks of dementia. One of these risk factors is elevated LDL cholesterol that can be lowered with statins. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people with type 2 diabetes are at significantly elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and statin therapy is a cornerstone of risk reduction in this population.

Our study showed that in type 2 diabetes patients being on statins was associated with 15% lower risk of dementia and that those starting earlier rather than later had even lower risk.

29 Jul

Posted at 12:11h in Education, Heart Disease

Cardiac emergencies don't wait for convenient timing, and neither should the training that prepares people to respond to them. Whether the goal is meeting a workplace requirement or simply feeling equipped to help a family member in an emergency, more people are turning to an online CPR course as a practical way to get certified without disrupting their schedule. What was once limited to in-person classroom sessions has become far more accessible, without sacrificing the quality of instruction needed to respond effectively in a real emergency.

Research supported by the American Heart Association continues to refine CPR protocols, and recent NIH clinical trials have even compared continuous chest compressions to standard CPR to determine the most effective techniques for bystanders and trained responders alike — underscoring why keeping certification current matters. For more on the science behind CPR research, see this overview of NIH trials evaluating CPR techniques and cardiac arrest outcomes.

[caption id="attachment_75324" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Online CPR Course-pexels.jpg Photo by Tahir Xəlfəquliyev[/caption]

15 Jul

Posted at 11:53h in Dental Research, Heart Disease

For decades, medical science treated the human body as a collection of isolated systems, often viewing oral care as a separate discipline entirely. However, modern research is rapidly proving that overall health is deeply interconnected. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the relationship between the mouth and the rest of the body. Preventable oral health conditions, including severe gum disease and untreated decay, currently contribute to approximately 4.5 percent of all non-fatal disease burden in Australia. This growing body of evidence highlights that a healthy mouth is not just about a bright smile, but a fundamental requirement for long-term systemic wellbeing.

For patients in Victoria, working with experienced Dentists in East Melbourne provides access to comprehensive periodontal assessments that address these systemic risks before they progress.

[caption id="attachment_75001" align="aligncenter" width="500"]periodontal-disease-heart-disease-pexels Photo by Bijen Amatya[/caption]

14 Jul

Posted at 19:54h in Dental Research, Heart Disease

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Chenyang Li, M.D.

Department of Cardiology

Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases

Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College

[caption id="attachment_74997" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Chenyang Li Dr. Chenyang Li[/caption]

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Li: Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is one of the most common valvular heart diseases in older adults, affecting approximately 2–7% of individuals over the age of 65. Although chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to disease progression, the upstream triggers remain incompletely understood.

04 Jun

Posted at 19:36h in Heart Disease, Technology
[caption id="attachment_74088" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Wearable Heart Monitors-pexels.png Image courtesy of Pexels[/caption]

Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AF or AFib, is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, and it is far more common in older adults than most people realize. What makes it particularly concerning is how quietly it can develop. Many seniors for months or even years Fortunately, a new generation of wearable cardiac monitors is making it easier than ever to catch Afib early, especially in patients who receive care at home.

18 May

Posted at 18:47h in AI and HealthCare, Emergency Care, Heart Disease, JAMA

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Nimit Desai, BA Medical Student and Affiliate Researcher UC San Diego School of Medicine and Qualcomm Institute John W. Ayers, PhD, MA Vice Chief of Innovation, Head of AI, and Professor UC San Diego School of Medicine, Altman Clinic and Translational Research Institute, and Qualcomm Institute Christopher Horvat, MD, MHA, MSIT Associate Professor of Critical Care Medicine, Pediatrics, Biomedical Informatics, and Clinical & Translational Science Associate Director, Safar Center for Resuscitation Research More than 350,000 Americans go into cardiac arrest outside a hospital every year, yet only about 2% of the population is certified in CPR. When someone collapses, most bystanders call 911 and wait — and even when dispatchers walk callers through CPR instructions, it often takes nearly three minutes before chest compressions begin. Researchers at UC San Diego set out to close that gap with AI. The result is ChatCPR, an open-source AI system built on actual 911 dispatcher training protocols and decades of CPR evidence. In head-to-head comparisons using real, de-identified 911 calls, ChatCPR outperformed human dispatchers on every measure — scoring 15 percentage points higher on basic steps and 36 points higher on advanced steps.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: There are over 178,000 published articles about AI in medicine. But "when will AI actually save lives?" We didn't have a good answer. So that question became the starting point. We looked at where AI could make the biggest immediate difference, not in documentation or billing or any of that, but in a moment where seconds literally determine whether someone lives or dies. And the answer was obvious: out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. More than 350,000 Americans go into cardiac arrest outside a hospital every year. Yet, only about 2% of us are certified in CPR. When someone collapses from an arrest, most people just call 911 and wait, and wait, and wait. And even when dispatchers eventually walk callers through CPR instructions, they're juggling multiple tasks and it often takes nearly 3 minutes before chest compressions even start. We thought AI could close that gap.

10 Mar

Posted at 14:41h in Heart Disease
Global Destination for Advanced Heart Care Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, making access to timely and high-quality cardiac care critically important. In recent years, patients from many countries — including the United States — have increasingly looked beyond their local healthcare systems for advanced treatment options. One destination gaining international attention is Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), widely recognized as a leading cardiology hospital in Israel. Located in the heart of Tel Aviv, Ichilov has built a strong reputation for providing cutting-edge cardiology in Israel, combining advanced medical technologies with internationally trained specialists and a patient-centered approach. Each year, thousands of international patients travel to the medical center for heart treatment in Israel, seeking highly specialized procedures, innovative therapies, and the opportunity to receive treatment without long waiting lists. This unique combination of medical expertise, efficiency, and international experience has made Ichilov one of the most prominent destinations for cardiovascular disease treatment in Israel.

08 Jan

Posted at 13:45h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Lipids
[caption id="attachment_71964" align="alignleft" width="256"]Ask T. Nordestgaard, MD PhDPostdoctoral research fellow Division of Preventive Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, MA 02215 Dr. Nordestgaard[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ask T. Nordestgaard, MD PhD Postdoctoral research fellow Division of Preventive Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, MA 02215   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Elevated Lp(a) is associated with high risk of CVD in multiple cohorts. We have recently shown that Lp(a) in the highest quintile is associated with 30-year risk of CVD; however, among healthy individuals, these results may be driven only by those with very extreme Lp(a) levels (e.g., above the 99th percentile). Therefore, in this follow-up study, we examined associations between various clinical thresholds of Lp(a) and CVD across 30 years of follow-up among apparently healthy women.

18 Dec

Posted at 22:18h in Author Interviews, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_71837" align="alignleft" width="150"]dr_kramer_headshot Dr. Holly Kramer[/caption] Dr. Holly Kramer MD, MPH Professor of Public Health Sciences and Medicine Division of Nephrology and Hypertension Loyola University Chicago MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this survey? How is UACR measured? Would you explain the significance of albumin in the urine and what creatinine represents? Response: Approximately 36 million people live with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the U.S. today, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) being the number one cause of death for this patient population. About 1 in 3 adults with T2D has UACR >30 mg/g with prevalence approaching 40% in older patients. Compared to patients with T2D alone, those with elevated UACR face:
    • 5-times higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure
    • 4-times higher risk of CV mortality
    • 3-times higher risk of myocardial infarction
Interestingly, once thought of as a traditional renal biomarker, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) >30 is also a critical biomarker and urgent signal of cardiovascular (CV) risk. When checking UACR, we look at two things: the amount of albumin leaking into the urine and the creatinine level. Albumin shouldn’t be getting through the kidneys’ filters at all, so when we see a UACR >30 mg/g, it’s a sign of systemic vascular endothelial dysfunction. So, if albumin is leaking through the blood vessels inside the kidneys, there’s also damage in the vessels across other organs, like the heart. UACR is such an important early indicator of CV risk in T2D because even small increases follow a clear ‘rule of three’s’. Healthy kidneys secrete 3 mg/g of albumin to creatinine per day, but when it rises to 30 mg/g, a tenfold increase that signals vascular dysfunction and increasing CV risk. At 300 mg/g, another tenfold increase, the damage is more advanced, and CV risk accelerates. Patients with eGFR >60 BUT UACR >30 mg/g can have up to 3.6 times increased risk of CV mortality. As a nephrologist, I’ve been vocal about the potential for this common urine test that we regularly perform, a UACR test, in helping detect CV risk, not just kidney damage, in more patients.

12 Dec

Posted at 23:01h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_71774" align="alignleft" width="150"] Prof. Fairbairn[/caption] Prof. Timothy Fairbairn MBChB, PhD FRCP  and [caption id="attachment_71775" align="alignleft" width="150"] Dr. Bell[/caption] Dr.  Jack Bell Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Liverpool, UK   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive heart scan used in the first-line investigation of patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD). While CCTA clearly shows blockages in coronary arteries, it is limited in its ability to estimate reduced blood flow, which is necessary to diagnose angina. An artificial intelligence-based tool (Heartflow) has been developed that analyses CCTA images and provides an estimate of blood flow: CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT). The real-world, retrospective English FISH&CHIPS study demonstrated that including FFR-CT as a decision-making tool in the diagnosis of stable CAD reduces the number of subsequent invasive and non-invasive tests performed. Whether FFR-CT could also be used prognostically, to predict future major cardiovascular events, was not fully understood. Previous studies have had small patient numbers, short follow-up and investigated combined cardiovascular outcomes. We performed an analysis on the national FISH&CHIPS population, which was large enough to determine if FFR-CT adds incremental value to traditional cardiovascular risk factors in predicting cardiovascular outcomes and death.

05 Nov

Posted at 11:45h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Pharmacology
In medicine, we often picture massive, straight-line progress: hypothesis to experiment to result. But the truth is, many of the greatest leaps forward start with something much smaller—an unexpected signal, a moment of deep curiosity, or what scientists playfully call a "blip". That’s exactly how the groundbreaking story of XXB750 began. In a Novartis research lab, scientists noticed a subtle irregularity in the data—something that simply didn't fit their expectations. The easy thing would have been to ignore it, to write it off as an error. Instead, they decided to dig deeper. That single decision, driven by curiosity, is what led to a potential new therapy for heart failure and resistant hypertension—two conditions that profoundly affect millions worldwide. This isn't just a clinical breakdown of molecules and lab tests; it’s a powerful reminder that behind every breakthrough lies persistence, genuine curiosity, and an unwavering desire to give patients a better life. discovery-transform-heart-failure-treatment

06 Oct

Posted at 08:43h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, NEJM

Aspirin in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome Receiving Oral Anticoagulation

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70865" align="alignleft" width="200"]Gilles Lemesle, M.D., Ph.DRadcliffe Cardiology Interventional Cardiologist Lille University Hospital, Lille, FR Prof. Lemesle[/caption] Gilles Lemesle, M.D., Ph.D Lille University Hospital, Lille, France Guillaume Cayla, M.D., Ph.D Université de Montpellier, France Martine Gilard, M.D., Ph.D Hospital Cavale Blanche, Brest, France   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and receiving long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC), mainly but not solely for atrial fibrillation, are at high risk of both atherothrombotic events on one side and bleeding events on the other side. Therefore, the optimal antithrombotic management for these patients with CCS requiring OAC after stenting is critical, especially in those patients at high residual atherothrombotic risk. Previous studies reported that in this specific context, the addition of antiplatelet therapy on top of OAC increases bleeding without a clear benefit on ischemic outcomes. Nevertheless, these studies presented several limitations, which restricted the applicability of their results in clinical pratice. They were indeed all open-labelled, included patients without stenting and/or at low atherothrombotic risk, and focused on Asian patients who have different atherothrombotic and bleeding risks as compared to Europeans. Thus, the rationale of the AQUATIC trial comes from the need to better identify the optimal antithrombotic regimen in high-risk patients with CCS and previous stenting, who receive long-term OAC, in order to optimize the atherothrombotic/bleeding risks in this population. The AQUATIC trial analyzed the efficacy and safety of adding aspirin to OAC, a combination that is still commonly used for this high-risk population in clinical daily practice.

14 Aug

Posted at 21:32h in Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Heart Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70301" align="alignleft" width="92"]Takeshi Tsuda, MDSenior Pediatric Cardiologist Nemours Cardiac Center Nemours Children’s Health Delaware Dr. Tsuda[/caption] Takeshi Tsuda, MD Senior Pediatric Cardiologist Nemours Cardiac Center Nemours Children’s Health Delaware MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  Would you briefly explain the condition of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? Response: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and wasting, resulting in severe disability during childhood due to absence of dystrophin protein in the muscle cells. Cardiac disease (cardiomyopathy) also develops during early adolescence, potentially leading to heart failure. Because of its insidious progression, the onset of DMD cardiomyopathy is not clearly identified. Early treatment is essential for better outcomes, but the recognition of the preclinical stages of disease is challenging. MedicalResearch.com: Is Unrelieved Wall Stress a commonly recognized echocardiogram finding? Response: Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy is a unique myocardial abnormality caused by the absence of dystrophin, which serves not only as a cytoskeletal protein to maintain cellular integrity but also as a mechano-sensor to adjust wall stress to normalize myocardial oxygen demand. Dystrophin deficiency results in lack of these functions, resulting in rapid myocyte death without compensatory response to normalize wall stress. By our methods, we are able to identify the unrelieved wall stress (increase in iWS) as an early sign of DMD cardiomyopathy before visible ventricular dysfunction prevails, not by the known routine approach.

07 Jul

Posted at 08:22h in Environmental Risks, Heart Disease
summer-with-lvad Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities to be active outdoors. But for people living with a mechanical LVAD heart pump, this season also brings a unique set of daily challenges. Heatwaves, high humidity, and strong sun can put both your body and your LVAD device under additional stress. It’s not just about comfort—it's about safety, mobility, and avoiding complications that could interfere with your daily routine.

Why Summer is so Hard for LVAD Device Users?

Hot weather increases the risk of your body overheating, which can affect circulation, energy levels, and overall well-being. At the same time, the LVAD device itself may become more difficult to manage, especially when sweat or moisture build up around its contact points. This can lead to skin irritation, increased infection risk, or discomfort when moving. The good news is that with the right knowledge, preparation, and clothing, you can enjoy your summer fully. In this guide, you’ll learn how to pick breathable, skin-friendly fabrics, manage body temperature, and protect your LVAD device in practical ways—so you can stay safe and comfortable while enjoying everything summer has to offer.

29 May

Posted at 16:08h in Author Interviews, Cannabis, Heart Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_68847" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Springer Dr. Springer[/caption] Matthew L. Springer, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Medicine Division of Cardiology Cardiovascular Research Institute Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center for Tobacco Control Research & Education Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California, San Francisco MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: It's been known for many years that chronic tobacco smokers have poor endothelial function, even if they have not smoked recently, and so do non-smokers who are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke.  Endothelial dysfunction, even in otherwise outwardly healthy people, is an indication of unhealthy arteries and increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.  I realized that many people who would presumably avoid secondhand smoke did not mind it if it came from cannabis, and I wondered if that could be true since both kinds of smoke included the thousands of chemicals that resulted from burning plant material. A number of years ago, we developed a way to study changes in endothelial function in rats, using a technique very similar to how we measure it in humans, and we saw that, as in humans, even brief exposures to secondhand smoke from tobacco impaired vascular function in the rats.  We subsequently showed that brief exposures to secondhand smoke from marijuana, and active smoking of marijuana, similarly impaired vascular function in the rats, even if the smoke was from marijuana lacking THC and the other cannabinoids.  That again raised the question of whether the endothelial dysfunction observed in human tobacco smokers would also occur in human marijuana smokers, and whether secondhand smoke from marijuana should be avoided like secondhand smoke from tobacco. These questions form the basis of our current study..  In our study, it is quite clear that chronic cannabis smokers had endothelial dysfunction similar to that of chronic tobacco smokers.  Whether frequent exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke similarly impairs endothelial function like secondhand tobacco smoke is still unknown, and that's one of the major questions we want to answer next.

03 Apr

Posted at 15:43h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Stroke
[caption id="attachment_67750" align="alignleft" width="250"]Sai Rahul Ponnana, M.SAdvanced Data Analytics Research Analyst Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Wolstein Research Building, Cleveland, OH. 44106-7288 Sai Rahul Ponnana[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sai Rahul Ponnana, M.S Advanced Data Analytics Research Analyst Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Wolstein Research Building, Cleveland, OH. 44106-7288 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm which have become a pervasive environmental pollutant, detectable in air, water, food, and even human tissues. While their ecological impacts have been well-documented, their influence on human health, particularly cardiovascular health, remains underexplored. Recent mechanistic studies suggest that microplastics can induce inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which are pathways implicated in chronic disease and ASCVD. In our study, we analyzed a total of 709 U.S. coastal census tracts to investigate the association between marine microplastic concentration data obtained from NOAA NCEI database and the prevalence of stroke and other chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as high blood pressure and diabetes, sourced from CDC places database.

28 Mar

Posted at 21:30h in Heart Disease, Technology
[caption id="attachment_67678" align="aligncenter" width="500"]iwatch-ekg-ecg Photo by Pixabay[/caption]

The Apple Watch ECG feature is a game changer in heart health screening and gives users an easy way to take a single lead ECG from their wrist. The ECG app on the Apple Watch uses an electrical heart sensor to detect the heart's electrical activity and identifies atrial fibrillation (AFib) early on – a condition that, if not treated, can lead to serious consequences including stroke. This is done through a simple process of launching the app and placing the finger on the digital crown for about 30 seconds and the users will have their heart rhythm categorized as normal, AFib, or inconclusive. The results can then be easily sent to healthcare providers through the Health app thus increasing the accessibility of health information.

Accuracy and Reliability

It has been established that the Apple Watch ECG is quite effective in its operation. Clinical studies have shown that the sensitivity of AFib detection using the Apple Watch is more than 98% and specificity is more than 99% compared to the traditional 12 lead ECGs. This high level of accuracy makes the device a good screening tool for the early detection of heart arrhythmias. It is crucial to identify AFib early as this gives patients a chance seek medical attention before complications occur. In this way, the Apple Watch not only provides convenience but also possible life-saving services.

27 Mar

Posted at 10:30h in Heart Disease, Personalized Medicine
[caption id="attachment_67598" align="aligncenter" width="500"]personalized-cardiology-care-Dr-Marshall Photo by Pavel Danilyuk[/caption] Sponsored post How we treat heart disease remains a major health concern in today's fast-pace world. More healthcare professionals are turning to personalized, prevention-based care as medical tools improve and our understanding of cardiovascular risk grows. An example of that change is interventional cardiologist Dr. Robert Marshall, who is known for his clinical expertise but also for his patient-centered approach. Building a Strong Foundation Dr. Marshall has spent years refining his approach to cardiology, combining traditional medical training with deep knowledge in nutrition. This background gives him a unique, holistic perspective when it comes to heart health. But what truly makes his care stand out is how he adapts his knowledge to fit the individual needs of each patient.

05 Feb

Posted at 01:24h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66370" align="alignleft" width="200"]Cande V. Ananth PhD MPH Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs Chief, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, NJ Editor-in-Chief, Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology Prof. Ananth[/caption] Cande V. Ananth PhD MPH Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs Chief, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, NJ Editor-in-Chief, Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The rate of twin pregnancies worldwide has risen in recent decades, driven by fertility treatments and older maternal ages. MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Response: Compared to singleton pregnancies with normal blood pressure, people with twins with normal blood pressure were around twice as likely to be hospitalized with cardiovascular disease. For those with twins with high blood pressure during pregnancy, the risk was more than eight times higher. 

13 Dec

Posted at 12:19h in Heart Disease, Legal-Malpractice, Women's Heart Health
[caption id="attachment_65475" align="aligncenter" width="500"]heart-disease-in-women Pexels Image[/caption] Heart attacks are not just a male health issue. Every year, 30,000 women in the UK are admitted to hospital after having a heart attack. Despite this, women are 50% more likely than men to receive an incorrect initial diagnosis, delaying critical care. The most common heart attack symptom for both sexes is chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t subside. However, women often experience additional symptoms that can easily be missed, such as:
  • Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, stomach, or arms.
  • Nausea, dizziness, or feeling faint.
Clinicians unfamiliar with these gender-specific differences may misinterpret these symptoms as being unrelated to the heart. Tragically, women whose heart attacks are missed at first have a 70% higher risk of dying compared to those promptly diagnosed.

10 Oct

Posted at 11:29h in Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Heart Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63906" align="alignleft" width="160"]Stanley Hazen, MD, PhDChair, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences  Lerner Research Institute CoSection head, Preventive Cardiology & Cardiovascular Rehabilitation  Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute Cleveland Clinic Dr. Hazen[/caption] Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD Chair, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences Lerner Research Institute CoSection head, Preventive Cardiology & Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute Cleveland Clinic MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  One of the unique features of COVID is that in some subjects, there unfortunately appear to be long term adverse effects that can occur following resolution of the acute infection.  These studies add to the growing body of data showing that COVID-19 infection can enhance risk for experiencing adverse cardiac events (heart attack, stroke, and death) over time.

11 Sep

Posted at 17:29h in Aging, Author Interviews, BMJ, Heart Disease, Statins
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63267" align="alignleft" width="146"]Borislava Mihaylova, DPhilAssociate Professor & Senior Health Economist Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK & Professor of Health Economics Wolfson Institute of Population Health Queen Mary University of London, UK Prof. Mihaylova[/caption] Borislava Mihaylova, DPhil Associate Professor & Senior Health Economist Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK & Professor of Health Economics Wolfson Institute of Population Health Queen Mary University of London, UK MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Despite high risks of heart disease and stroke in people over 70 years old and high need for preventive treatment such as statins, fewer older people use statins [compared to middle-aged people]. This, at least in part, is likely due to fewer older people, particularly those without previous heart attacks and strokes, included in the randomized studies of statin treatment. This has led to more limited evidence among them with larger uncertainty. Thus, we set to re-examine the value of statin treatment using the latest evidence and contemporary population data.

03 Jul

Posted at 18:50h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, JAMA, Lipids
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62223" align="alignleft" width="150"]Evan A Stein MD PhD FACCCOO/CSO LIB Therapeutics Cincinnati. OH USA 45227 Dr. Stein[/caption] Evan A Stein MD PhD FACC COO/CSO LIB Therapeutics Cincinnati. OH USA 45227 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is increasing in rapidly industrializing countries and is projected to cause more than >20 million deaths annually over the next 15 years. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is well established as a major, easily modifiable, risk factor for CVD. Reductions with statins and, more recently, PCSK9 inhibitors, all agents which directly or indirectly upregulate the LDL receptor and enhance LDL-C clearance, have demonstrated CVD event reductions in cardiovascular outcome trials. Extensive data from these trials, provide a rough estimate that every 40 mg/dL reduction in LDL-C will reduce the risk of major CV cardiovascular events by 22% to 24%. Furthermore, trials with PCSK9 inhibitors added to statins which achieve substantial additional LDL-C reduction show and CVD event reduction remains linear to very low LDL-C levels without signals of adverse events. Based on this body of evidence, recent revisions to national and international guidelines, now advocate for greater LDL-C reductions and lower LDL-C treatment goals, for patients not achieving these goals on statins alone. The current consensus target goal for LDL-C in patients with CVD, or who are at very-high risk for of CVD, is now less than <55 mg/dL, and <70 mg/dL for those at high risk. This global trial of over 900 patients with CVD, or at very or high risk for CVD, on maximally tolerated statins assessed the 52-week efficacy and safety of monthly lerodalcibep.

14 Jun

Posted at 16:20h in Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Heart Disease, Nature
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61964" align="alignleft" width="136"]Ben Omega Petrazzini, B.Sc.Associate Bioinformatician Ron Do Laboratory Ben Petrazzini[/caption] Ben Omega Petrazzini, B.Sc. Associate Bioinformatician Ron Do Laboratory [caption id="attachment_61965" align="alignleft" width="143"]Ron Do, Ph.D.Professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences Director, Center for Genomic Data Analytics Associate Director in Academic Affairs, The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine Charles Bronfman Professor in Personalized Medicine Dr. Ron Do[/caption] Ron Do, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences Director, Center for Genomic Data Analytics Associate Director in Academic Affairs, The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine Charles Bronfman Professor in Personalized Medicine Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Rare coding variants directly affect protein function and can inform the role of a gene in disease. Discovery of rare coding variant associations for coronary artery disease (CAD) to date have only had limited success. Genetic studies typically use standard phenotyping approaches to classify cases versus controls for CAD. However, this phenotyping approach doesn’t capture disease progression or severity in individuals. We recently introduced an in-silico score for CAD (ISCAD) that tracks CAD progression, severity, underdiagnosis and mortality (Forrest et al. The Lancet, 2023, PMID 36563696). ISCAD was built using a machine learning model trained on clinical data from electronic health records (EHR). Importantly, ISCAD is a quantitative score that measures CAD on a spectrum. The quantitative nature of the score provides an opportunity to discover additional rare coding variant associations that may not have been detected with the standard case-control phenotyping approach. Here in this study, we performed a large-scale rare variant association study in the exome sequences of 604,915 individuals for ISCAD, a machine learning-based score for CAD.

13 Jun

Posted at 22:10h in Author Interviews, Critical Care - Intensive Care - ICUs, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, NEJM
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61951" align="alignleft" width="150"]Prof Giovanni Landoni, MDAssociate Professor Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy Prof. Landoni[/caption] Prof Giovanni Landoni, MD Associate Professor Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects approximately 10-15% of hospitalized patients, and up to 50% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In cardiac surgery one patient out of three will face AKI during the postoperative period, and this will lead to higher morbidity and mortality. AKI is associated with an elevated risk of chronic kidney disease, as well as, in the most severe cases, with the use of renal replacement therapy, which may double hospitalization costs, reduce quality of life, and increase long-term mortality. So far, no preventive measure with level I of evidence did exist for AKI. The PROTECTION trial is a multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, conducted at 22 centers in 3 different countries. We recruited 3,511 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass to receive an intravenous infusion of amino acids (AA) (Isopuramin 10%, Baxter), at 2g/kg/day up to a maximum 100g/day, or an equivalent dose of placebo (Ringer’s solution), for a maximum of 72 hours. The primary outcome was the incidence of any stage of AKI, according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 creatinine criteria.