Virtual Cardiac Centre Medical News

New approach to protect the hearts of patients with muscular dystrophy

A team of researchers has recently shown that the administration of sildenafil protects the heart in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This study was led by Dr. Christine Des Rosiers from the Uni

A new gene trigger for pregnancy disorder identified

The COMT gene (catechol-O-methyltransferase) – known already for its role in schizophrenia – has been found to play a role in preeclampsia, according to a report in today’s advance o

New technique determines that the number of fat cells remains constant in all body types

The radioactive carbon-14 produced by above-ground nuclear testing in the 1950s and ’60s has helped researchers determine that the number of fat cells in a human’s body, whether lean or ob

New trial drug points to better management of coronary heart disease

Despite widespread use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, a significant number of cardiac patients continue to suffer heart attacks and stroke. Researchers theorise that high levels of an enzyme found in

Women and heart attack: study finds failure to recognise symptoms, failure to treat appropriately

The gender gap is alive and well in heart disease, a new international study finds, with women differing from men on everything from symptoms to treatment in both heart attack and severe chest pain.

Cardiovascular risk of celecoxib in 6 randomised placebo-controlled trials

Observational studies and randomised trials have reported increased cardiovascular risk associated with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. Prior placebo-controlled randomised studies had limited ability to

Exercise plus psychological counseling may benefit depressed heart failure patients

Aerobic exercise combined with cognitive behavioral therapy may improve physical function, reduce depressive symptoms and enhance quality of life in depressed heart failure patients, researchers repor

Commonly used medications associated with impaired physical function in older adults

Older adults who take drugs designed to block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine – including common medications for incontinence, high blood pressure and allergies – are more likely to be

Some women more likely to miss or ignore heart attack warning signs

Many women under age 55 aren’t seeking timely treatment for heart attack because they expect the warning signs and their reaction to follow a Hollywood script — tightening in the chest, sh

Genetic breakthrough explains dangerously high blood glucose levels

Canadian, French and British researchers have identified a DNA sequence that controls the variability of blood glucose levels in people. This is a potentially significant discovery because high blood

Genes for common heart condition and kidney problem identified

A gene that can cause the heart to become enlarged, greatly increasing the risk of heart attacks and heart failure, is identified today in a new study.

Chocolate bar shown to lower cholesterol

The results of a University of Illinois study have demonstrated an effective way to lower cholesterol levels – by eating chocolate bars.

High blood pressure on the rise in teens

The rising rate of obesity among kids and teens is now leading to other health problems in that age group, including diabetes, high blood pressure and vascular damage.

Children with ADHD should get heart tests before treatment with stimulant drugs

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should get careful cardiac evaluation and monitoring – including an electrocardiogram (ECG) – before treatment with stimulant

Children with ADHD should get heart tests before treatment with stimulant drugs

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should get careful cardiac evaluation and monitoring – including an electrocardiogram (ECG) – before treatment with stimulant