Heart Disease News and Research

Latest Heart Disease News and Research

RNA binding motif protein 20 regulates titin splicing

Cardiomyopathy comprises a deterioration of the heart muscle that affects the organ's ability to efficiently pump blood through the body. Previously researchers have tied forms of the disease to the alternative splicing of titin, a giant protein that determines the structure and biomechanical properties of the heart, but the molecular mechanism remained unknown.

2 Apr 2012

New guidelines offer guidance on how and when to switch between RA drug classes

A trend toward more aggressive treatment in patients just starting to develop rheumatoid arthritis is among the most important changes in treatment guidelines for the disease, according to updated American College of Rheumatology recommendations published today in the journal Arthritis Care & Research. The trend may proceed from emerging opinions that joint damage caused by RA is irreversible, and that early, intensive therapy better preserves physical function, quality of life and capacity to work.

2 Apr 2012

Hypoxia in tumors can predict prostate cancer recurrence in men

Low oxygen levels in tumors can be used to predict cancer recurrence in men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer even before they receive radiation therapy.

2 Apr 2012

Study shows how fat cells can protect the body against diabetes

In a finding that may challenge popular notions of body fat and health, researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have shown how fat cells can protect the body against diabetes. The results may lead to a new therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes and obesity-related metabolic diseases, the authors say.

2 Apr 2012

FDA won’t ban bisphenol A from food packaging

In a long drawn decision the U.S. government announced Friday that it will not ban bisphenol A, an industrial chemical believed to disrupt the reproductive and nervous systems, from food and drink packaging.

1 Apr 2012

Nasal spray to prevent fat and plaque built up in the heart on the horizon

Researchers found a treatment that was much more effective in removing fat from arteries than established methods. The vaccine can be given as an injection or in a slightly different form as a nasal spray. A trial on 144 heart disease sufferers is under way in the US and Canada.

1 Apr 2012

Obesity drugs need more heart safety scrutiny: FDA panel

According to federal advisors last Thursday, obesity drugs should undergo clinical trials to ensure that they do not cause heart attacks. This would make it harder for these drugs to receive approval.

1 Apr 2012

Synthetic Marijuana banned in NY

Brands like “Mr. Nice Guy”, “Smiley Dog”, “K2”, “Spice”, “Galaxy Gold” and other brands of fake pot sold across the counter in convenience stores and tobacco shops face the ban. The ban was issued by New York State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah and his New York City equivalent with immediate effect.

1 Apr 2012

Johns Hopkins Hospital's new home to open on May 1

The Johns Hopkins Hospital's new home, set to open on May 1, will redefine the very essence of the hospital experience, and cutting-edge technology designed to improve care, streamline workflow and encourage efficiencies will play a central role.

31 Mar 2012

Sleep deprivation does not disturb performance of interventionists during PCI procedures

A single-center study found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures performed during the middle of the night do not adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of procedures performed the next day by the same operator.

31 Mar 2012

New ACR guidelines recommend use of topical NSAIDs for older patients with knee OA

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Subcommittee on Osteoarthritis Guidelines has approved and issued several updates to clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).

31 Mar 2012

USF Health opens $38M advanced medical learning and simulation center

Patients around the world will benefit from better training and testing of health professionals as USF Health opens its $38 million Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) in downtown Tampa.

31 Mar 2012

Perspectives: All this fuss about the word 'tax'; Civic lessons from the Supreme Court

It is now clear that the law will impose heavy burdens on state and family budgets and increasingly possible that its mandate that all Americans purchase health insurance or face penalties will be ruled unconstitutional. ... We and our Republican colleagues voted against the law two years ago and will continue to work toward a smarter, step-by-step solution that will make health care available to more Americans at a lower cost to the federal government, the states, and individuals seeking care.

31 Mar 2012

Clinical findings from Transgenomic's NuclearMitome Test study on nuclear mitochondrial disorders

Transgenomic, Inc. today announced that Jeana DaRe, Ph.D., Assistant CLIA Laboratory Director at Transgenomic, presented clinical findings from patients tested for nuclear mitochondrial disorders using Transgenomic's NuclearMitome Test on Thursday, March 29, at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) in Charlotte, North Carolina.

31 Mar 2012

HHS Secretary announces six winners in HHSinnovates program

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced six winners in the HHSinnovates program today in a ceremony at HHS headquarters, saying all the entries "show a vibrant culture of innovation" within the department.

31 Mar 2012

UH clinical trial to evaluate stool DNA testing for colon cancer

In a first-of-its-kind clinical trial, physician-scientists at University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center's Seidman Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine are studying a promising new non-invasive technology for colon cancer screening. The four-year study is recruiting patients to compare the effectiveness of stool DNA (SDNA) testing with colonoscopy for detecting large colon polyps.

31 Mar 2012

PLC Systems fourth quarter total revenues increase to $189,000

PLC Systems Inc., a company focused on innovative medical device technologies, today reported financial results for the three- and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2011.

31 Mar 2012

Starvation during childhood may increase risk of heart complications

Russians born during the Leningrad Siege in World War II, which was responsible for some of the greatest losses of civilian life in history, are giving scientists new strategies to identify people who experienced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and starvation during childhood at greatest risk of developing long term heart complications.

31 Mar 2012

Cambridge Heart fourth quarter total revenue decreases to $557,000

Cambridge Heart, Inc., a developer of non-invasive diagnostic tests for cardiac disease, today reported results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011. Full financial statements and corresponding commentary can be found in the Company's Form 10-K, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2012.

31 Mar 2012

Nile Therapeutics to sell 3.6 million shares of common stock

Nile Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that develops novel therapeutics for heart failure patients, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell 3.6 million shares of its common stock at a price per share of $0.40 for aggregate gross proceeds of $1.44 million.

31 Mar 2012