Cells in the outermost layer of the heart can be guided by a specific protein to move deeper inside and help to repair a failing adult heart. Research published today by Nature, reveals how thymosin ?4, a protein already known for its ability to reduce muscle cell loss after heart attack, can instruct the heart to heal itself.
Some chocoholics who just couldn?t give up their favorite treat to comply with a study to test blood stickiness have inadvertently done their fellow chocolate lovers – and science – a big favor.
Hospitals that provide the most rapid emergency angioplasty have specific strategies to expedite the care of patients with heart attacks, researchers at Yale School of Medicine report in the November 13 New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
New research at Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that certain inhaled asthma medications — as well as similar chemicals our bodies produce during times of high stress — may worsen diseases such as asthma, heart failure and lupus that involve inflammation.
A new method of treating mitral regurgitation (MR), the leaking of blood through the mitral valve into the heart chamber, provides a less-invasive alternative to open heart surgery. A study published in Journal of Interventional Cardiology found that a variety of advances have allowed for the potential treatment of MR through various catheter techniques, similar to angioplasty. While over 50,000 mitral valve surgical procedures are performed annually, open surgery is an undesirable option, especially for high-risk patients.
Frequent bouts of depression, anxiety, hostility and anger are known to increase a person’s risk for developing coronary heart disease, but a combination of these “negative” personality traits may put people at especially serious risk, according to a study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center.
More than 20 million Americans suffer from diabetes, a serious, chronic illness. Now, during American Diabetes Month, everyone has an opportunity to make an impact in the fight against the disease, at no cost, with just a click of the mouse. For each visitor who clicks at www.Click4Diabetes.com, a donation will be made to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the nation’s leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.
A national campaign to place dignity and respect at the heart of caring for older people, backed by a ?67 million grant to improve the environment of care homes across the country was unveiled today by Health Minister, Ivan Lewis.
Prescription sleep aids may do little to improve the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A new study published in the November issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), finds that patients with OSA who were given prescription sleep aids were no more likely to use their CPAP machines than patients with OSA taking a placebo.
On 14 November 2006, the Minister for Care Services, Ivan Lewis MP launched the first ever dignity in care campaign. The campaign aims to stimulate a national debate around dignity in care and create a care system where there is zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of older people.