Latest Findings for Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment

As a medical professional, you know that the healthcare industry is fast-paced and ever changing. In order to provide patients with the best possible care, it is crucial to keep up with the latest research and treatment options, from learning the new ACLS guidelines, to reading up on the latest healthcare studies. The subspecialty of heart care is no exception – here are four of the latest findings for heart disease prevention and treatment.

1. Therapeutic hypothermia may be ineffective for pediatric cardiac arrest patients.

Adult cardiac arrest victims can be treated via therapeutic hypothermia, in which the patient is rapidly infused with cold intravenous liquid, to minimize neurological complications. A recent study, however, has suggested that this method may not be as effective when used on children. For the study, researchers observed the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on simulated pediatric patients. The results suggest that other treatment options should be considered for pediatric patients.

Source: http://www.health.am/cardio/more/therapeutic-hypothermia-following-cardiac-arrest-in-children/

2. Men with type-2 diabetes may be at higher risk for heart attack.

A recent study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital has found that men with no history of heart disease who are being treated for diabetes with insulin are at higher risk for death and heart attack. What’s even more significant is that these men are at higher risk even compared to non-diabetic men who already who already have heart disease. The study also showed that women with type-2 diabetes are at higher risk for death and heart attack, though the rate is not as significant as it is among men. This research suggests that it is even more important for physicians to keep track of patients’ cholesterol and overall heart health if they are being treated for type-2 diabetes.

Source: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/new-heart-risk-found-men-type-2-diabetes

3. Inflammation drugs may play a role in heart disease prevention.

Recent findings suggest that a protein involved in inflammation may play a role in the development of coronary heart disease. According to a study published in The Lancet, individuals who took drugs that target the protein interleukin-6 receptor for the treatment of other health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, had a decreased risk for coronary heart disease. These findings suggest that targeting this protein may be useful in heart disease prevention.

Source: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/03/14/inflammation-might-play-role-in-heart-disease-study

4. Oral hygiene may affect heart health.

According to a report in the American Journal of Medicine, an individual’s oral hygiene may be linked to his or her risk for heart attack. In a recent study, researchers found that individuals who had a dental cleaning within the first year of the study showed a reduced risk for heart attack or stroke over the next seven years following the cleaning. This study does not necessarily suggest that regular teeth cleanings play a significant or direct role in heart disease prevention. However, researchers speculate that the correlation may be related to the fact that gum disease causes a chronic state of inflammation in blood vessels, and therefore may contribute to heart attacks or stroke.

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