Simple cardiac risk score can predict problems with blood flow in the brain

The study shows that for those participants who do not have a history of heart disease or stroke that a simple cardiac risk score — a summary measure of factors such as blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, abdominal fat, and dietary factors — is associated with MRI-detected pre-clinical cerebrovascular disease like carotid artery plaque and silent strokes.

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New findings enable more heart donations

There is a risk of every fourth heart examined for possible donation being dismissed as unusable due to stress-induced heart failure. But this condition, according to new research, has no bearing on the outcome of a transplant. These results open the way for up to 30% more heart transplant.

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Researchers discover new, treatable pathway known to cause hypertension in obese people

There's no question that as body weight increases, so too does blood pressure. Now, in a study of mice, researchers have revealed exactly which molecules are likely responsible for the link between obesity and blood pressure. Blocking one of these molecules — a signaling channel that's found in a tiny organ on the side of your neck — effectively lowers blood pressure in obese mice.

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Mystery underlying heart toxicity caused by diabetes drugs solved

For new diabetes medications, in which one drug aims to address the excess of lipids and glucose in the blood, the therapeutic benefits, while great, frequently are accompanied by dangerous toxic effects to the heart. Why and how these drugs cause heart dysfunction in diabetes patients has been unclear. Now, scientists show that certain diabetes drugs have a profound toxic effect on the generation and function of mitochondria.

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Pesticide exposure may increase heart disease and stroke risk

Occupational exposure to high levels of pesticides may raise the risk of heart disease and stroke, even in generally healthy men. The study emphasizes the importance of using protective gear when handling pesticides on the job and including pesticide exposure in your medical history.

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Machine learning could offer faster, more precise results for cardiac MRI scans

Cardiac MRI scans can be read by AI (artificial intelligence) 186 times faster than humans, with comparable precision to experts. Because the greatest source of measurement errors are human factors, AI has the potential to improve future clinical decision making.

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