Severe eczema in adults linked to increased risk of cardiovascular problems

BMJ: Severe eczema in adults is associated with a moderately increased risk of cardiovascular problems (conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels) including heart attacks, stroke, and irregular heart rate, finds a UK study published by The BMJ today. This is the largest study to date to assess the association between atopic eczema and major cardiovascular events, and the researchers say their findings support the consideration of targeted screening and focus on prevention strategies among these patients.

Noise brings the heart out of the rhythm

Mainz: As the level of noise increases, the incidence of atrial fibrillation increases dramatically. Scientists from the Department of Cardiology at the Mainz University Medical Center were able to prove this with data from the Gutenberg Health Study. They found that the incidence of atrial fibrillation in subjects with extreme noise annoyance reactions increases to 23 percent, compared to just 15 percent without this environmental impact. Looking at the proportion of sources of extreme noise pollution, aircraft noise came first with 84 percent during the day and 69 percent during sleep. These results from the Gutenberg Health Study were published today in the current issue of the renowned "International Journal of Cardiology".

New technique used to treat arrhythmias

Maastricht: The first patients were treated with a new technique for complex arrhythmias this week by the Hart+Vaat Centrum at Maastricht UMC+. This treatment involves the insertion of a special catheter track the inner workings of the heart in real-time. This has several advantages for the patient. The cardiologist can immediately determine whether the procedure has been successful, which minimises the need for repeat surgeries and it helps to diagnose complex arrhythmias that previously went undetected.

New approach for the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms by using a light based therapy

Technion: A recent Technion study describes a novel optogenetic approach for pacing and resynchronizing the heart in case of heart rhythm disorder. Technion researchers have developed a new approach for the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms by using a light based therapy. This technology has been reported in the journal Nature Biotechnology. The study was conducted at the laboratory of Professor Lior Gepstein from the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute at the Technion. Professor Gepstein is the director of the Department of Cardiology at Rambam Health Care Campus.

Retired All-Pro NFL player feeling great after heart procedure at Loyola

Loyola University. US: Catheter ablation restores normal heart rhythm. Years after retiring as an All-Pro wide receiver in the NFL, Danny Abramowicz still enjoys a good workout.

But an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation made it extremely difficult to exercise. “I didn’t have the energy,” he said. “It knocked out my desire.”