Category: Cardiology

Statin intolerance is “over-estimated and over-diagnosed”

World’s largest study shows less than 10% suffer side-effects caused by the drug As many as one in two patients stop taking statins, reduce the dose or take them irregularly because they believe the cholesterol-lowering drugs cause muscle pain and other side-effects. Now, a new study of over four million patients has shown that the […]

Atrial fibrillation and death are more common during the first year after breast cancer diagnosis

Women are significantly more likely to develop an abnormal and often rapid heart rhythm in the first year after being diagnosed with breast cancer than women without cancer, according to research published in the European Heart Journal [1]. The study also found that patients who developed the condition, known as atrial fibrillation, after a breast […]

Most mothers born with heart defects can become pregnant and give birth safely

Expert medical care and counselling are essential Most women who are born with heart defects can safely become pregnant and give birth to healthy babies with few or minor problems if they are supported by expert medical care and counselling, according to research published in the European Heart Journal. [1] In the last few decades, […]

E-cigarettes containing nicotine cause blood clotting and make small blood vessels less adaptable

E-cigarettes containing nicotine cause blood clotting and make small blood vessels less adaptable

Using e-cigarettes containing nicotine causes an immediate increase in the formation of blood clots and a deterioration in the ability of small blood vessels to expand and dilate, as well as raised heart rate and blood pressure, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1] Researchers say these effects are similar […]

Modest differences in lung function could help spot people at risk of sudden cardiac death

People who have modestly but measurably worse lung function are more likely to suffer sudden cardiac death (SCD), according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1] SCD is an unexpected death that results from a sudden malfunction in the heart and in many people who suffer SCD, there are no previous […]

Dried blood spots from newborn screening can help identify the cause of sudden cardiac death in the young

The underlying cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a young person is often difficult to identify. A genetic analysis could provide more information in many cases, but blood samples are not collected routinely at the time of death, and DNA extracted from the tissues collected at autopsy is damaged because of the way they […]

Night shift work is linked to increased risk of heart problems

People who work night shifts are at increased risk of developing an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AF), according to research published in the European Heart Journal [1]. The study is the first to investigate the links between night shift work and AF. Using information from 283,657 people in the […]

Statin use is linked to reduced risk of cancer among heart failure patients

Statin use among patients with heart failure is associated with a 16% lower risk of developing cancer compared with non-statin users during an average of four years of follow-up, according to new research published in the European Heart Journal [1]. In addition, the study found that statin use was associated with a 26% reduced risk […]

Disease of the smallest heart blood vessels is important global health problem

First international study to describe characteristics and prognosis for microvascular angina For the first time, a prospective, international study has shown that chest pain caused by problems with the very small vessels supplying blood to the heart is an important health problem that increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and death due to cardiovascular […]

Disrupted sleep is linked to increased risk of death, particularly in women

For the first time, a study has shown a clear link between the frequency and duration of unconscious wakefulness during night-time sleep and an increased risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels, and death from any cause, particularly in women. The study of 8001 men and women, which is published in […]