CVD weekend news watch, September 19

Due to some technical problems, I couldn’t bring you a news round up last week. But I have some for you this week. Happy reading.

CVD pollution watch

Air pollution can hinder heart’s electrical functioning

Heart patients, stay away from traffic-polluted areas! According to this study reviewed by the American Heart Association (AHA), heart attack survivors and other cardiac patients should avoid being around heavy vehicular traffic. Fumes coming from the exhaust of vehicles contain microparticles and black carbon. These pollutants in the air have adverse effects on the heart’s electrical functioning.

CVD tobacco watch

Smoking influences antiplatelet response to clopidogrel

Here’s another reason why heart disease and smoking do not go together. It seems that smoking interferes with the clinical effects of the medication clopidogrel, an anti-platelet drug indicated for preventing blood clots in patients with high risks for heart attacks and stroke. “Current smokers have increased platelet inhibition and lower platelet aggregation“, according to heartwire.

CVD infection watch

Bleeding Gums Linked To Heart Disease

Poor dental and oral hygiene increases the risk for a heart attack, according to a study by microbiologists from the University of Bristol and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. According to one author, “oral bacteria such as Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis are common infecting agents, and we now recognise that bacterial infections are an independent risk factor for heart diseases.”

CVD biotech watch

Stem cell regeneration repairs congenital heart defect

Promising results from stem cell research. Researchers at Mayo Clinic were able to demonstrate that dilated cardiomyopathy, a congenital heart defect, can be treated with stem cells. Using embryonic stem cells, they were able to regenerate heart tissue that can repair birth defects of the heart. This is good tidings for many patients, most of them children, who were born with this defect. In most of these cases, heart transplant is the only cure. With this new technology, more young lives will be saved.

CVD patient watch

CPR Saves Zayden’s Life

CPR saved this baby’s life, thanks to his mother who had taken a CPR course years before. The boy slipped out of his safety bath seat and fell into the water. Check out your heart advocacy group now for a CPR course now!

CVD medical device watch

FDA Approves Software Update that Identifies Potential Defibrillator Lead Fractures

With the controversies on recalls of defibrillators, portable (AEDs) or implantable (ICDs), the manufacturer Medtronic is stepping up on safety of the patients and try to rescue products that are losing popularity. This new software will alert both patients and physicians of a potential lead fracture in the ICD Sprint Fidelis. The model’s lead was the subject of a recall last year because it was prone to fracture.

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