Higher than normal blood pressure is linked to more extensive brain damage in the elderly, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal [1]. In particular, the study found that there was a strong association between diastolic blood pressure (the blood pressure between heart beats) before the age of 50 and brain […]
Category: Cardiology
Study estimates exposure to air pollution increases COVID-19 deaths by 15% worldwide
Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of dying from COVID-19 and, for the first time, a study has estimated the proportion of deaths from the coronavirus that could be attributed to the exacerbating effects of air pollution for every country in the world. The study, published in Cardiovascular Research […]
Researchers identify genetic variants linked to toxic side effects from bevacizumab
In the largest study of its kind, researchers have found two common genetic variants that can be used to predict whether or not cancer patients might suffer severe adverse side-effects, such as high blood pressure, from the drug bevacizumab. The study is unique because researchers found and analysed hundreds of thousands of genetic variations in […]
Existing heart drugs may help cancer patients respond better to PD(L)1 immunotherapy
Researchers have found that a class of commonly-used heart drugs may also improve patients’ responses to anti-cancer immunotherapies called PD(L)1 inhibitors, according to preliminary findings to be presented at the 32nd EORTC-NCI-AACR [1] Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, which is taking place online. Angiotensin receptor II blockers (ARBs) are often prescribed for high […]
Young women who suffer a heart attack have worse outcomes than men
Women aged 50 or younger who suffer a heart attack are more likely than men to die over the following 11 years, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal [1]. The study found that, compared to men, women were less likely to undergo therapeutic invasive procedures after admission to hospital with […]
Catheter ablation linked to reduced risk of dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation
People with atrial fibrillation have a reduced risk of dementia if they undergo a procedure called catheter ablation to restore the normal rhythm of their heart, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal [1]. Previous work, published last year in the EHJ, by the same group of researchers showed that atrial […]
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women treated for breast cancer can be predicted with computer analysis of routine scans
Automated analysis of breast cancer patients’ routine scans can predict which women have a greater than one in four risk of going on to develop cardiovascular disease, according to research presented at the 12th European Breast Cancer Conference. Women who have been treated for breast cancer may have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease […]
‘Selfies’ could be used to detect heart disease: new research uses artificial intelligence to analyse facial photos
Sending a “selfie” to the doctor could be a cheap and simple way of detecting heart disease, according to the authors of a new study published in the European Heart Journal [1]. The study is the first to show that it’s possible to use a deep learning computer algorithm to detect coronary artery disease (CAD) […]
First comparison of dangers of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes and water pipes
Any smoking and vaping technique may increase risk of COVID-19 infection and death Smoking and vaping, whether by means of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes or waterpipes, stiffens the arteries, causes inflammation and damages DNA, leading to a variety of health problems, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal [1]. In addition, smoking and […]
High blood pressure linked to increased risk of dying from COVID-19
Patients with raised blood pressure have a two-fold increased risk of dying from the coronavirus COVID-19 compared to patients without high blood pressure, according to new research published in the European Heart Journal [1]. In addition, the study found that patients with high blood pressure who were not taking medication to control the condition were […]