Evidence already exists for the beneficial effects of drinking moderate amounts of alcohol on the risk of developing a number of heart conditions; however, the role it plays in the risk of developing heart failure has been under-researched with conflicting results. Now, a large study of nearly 15,000 men and women, published in the European […]
Category: Cardiology
Blood sugar levels in heart failure patients predict risk of early death, hospitalisations and diabetes
New research suggests that people who arrive at hospital emergency departments with acute heart failure should have their blood sugar levels checked on arrival. This simple and inexpensive measure could identify patients at high risk of early death, further hospitalisations, or the development of more health problems, such as diabetes. Results of a large study […]
New analysis of the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial of renal denervation to lower blood pressure highlights key factors that may have contributed to the unexpected outcome
A new analysis of an important trial of the blood pressure-lowering procedure, renal denervation, shows that the main results may have been affected by a number of confounding factors that partially explain the unexpected blood pressure responses in patients. The analysis, published in the European Heart Journal [1], identified factors in the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial, […]
‘Utter neglect’ of rheumatic heart disease revealed by results from global study
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) – the most common acquired heart disease in children in many countries of the world – is being neglected and poorly treated, according to new findings from the Global Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry (the REMEDY study), published online in the European Heart Journal [1]. RHD accounts for up to 1.4 million […]
Everest expedition provides first evidence of effects of altitude on blood pressure monitored over a 24-hour period
An expedition to Mount Everest by Italian researchers has shown for the first time that blood pressure monitored over a 24-hour period rises progressively as people climb to higher altitudes. The researchers also found that while a drug used for lowering blood pressure, called telmisartan, was effective in counteracting the effects of altitude up to […]
Latest research shows rates of heart disease and stroke continue to decline in Europe, but more people are hospitalised
Deaths from heart disease and stroke are declining overall in Europe, but at differing rates, according to research, published online in the European Heart Journal [1]. The research, which provides an update for 2014 on the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe, shows that death rates from CVD (diseases of the heart and blood […]
Mothers of women with PCOS have increased risk of early death
Mothers of daughters with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a significantly increased risk of death, particularly if they also have diabetes, when compared to the general population, according to new research. The Dutch study, published online in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals, compared death rates of mothers and fathers […]
Passive smoking causes irreversible damage to children’s arteries
Exposure to passive smoking in childhood causes irreversible damage to the structure of children’s arteries, according to a study published online in the European Heart Journal [1]. The thickening of the arteries’ walls associated with being exposed to parents’ smoke, means that these children will be at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes in […]
Outbursts of anger linked to greater risk of heart attacks and strokes
Outbursts of anger may trigger heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems in the two hours immediately afterwards, according to the first study to systematically evaluate previous research into the link between the extreme emotion and all cardiovascular outcomes. The study – a systematic review and meta-analysis – published online in the European Heart Journal […]
Fit teenagers are less likely to have heart attacks in later life
Researchers in Sweden have found an association between a person’s fitness as a teenager and their risk of heart attack in later life. In a study of nearly 750,000 men, they found that the more aerobically fit men were in late adolescence, the less likely they were to have a heart attack 30 or 40 […]