New Atlas

Science Audio available

Large meta-study reveals aspirin bleeding risks outweigh heart benefits

Rich Haridy January 22, 2019

A large meta-study from a team of UK researchers has examined data from over a dozen different clinical trials to conclude that the dangers of daily aspirin use may outweigh any potential benefits for individuals that are generally healthy.

The study concludes the bleeding risks associated with taking aspirin outweigh any potential cardiovascular benefits in ...

Medical Audio available

New AI-assisted ECG offers early heart disease detection

Rich Haridy January 8, 2019

Applying AI to ECG results may help doctors quickly identify patients at risk of heart failure. In a new study, an AI system was able to use ECG data to detect the presence of left ventricular dysfunction, a condition currently only detectable using more expensive and time-consuming imaging tests.

An AI system can effectively detect an early, pre-symptomatic stage of heart disease using simple electrocardiogram ...

Medical Audio available

Harvard's 3D-printed heart valves open the door to a perfect fit

Nick Lavars December 10, 2018

Scientists at Harvard University have broken new ground in applying 3D printing technology to the problem of damaged hearts, providing a potential new tool to keep blocked arteries open and the blood pumping freely.

Scientists have used 3D printed models of individual heart valves and calcium buildup to help carve ...

Medical

Prototype device listens to lungs to check the heart

Ben Coxworth November 29, 2018

One of the key symptoms of congestive heart failure is fluid accumulation in the lungs. Currently, people need to visit a clinic in order to check for such accumulation. Thanks to a new device, however, they may soon be able to perform checks whenever they want, in their own home.

The device takes the form of a stethoscope-like acoustic sensor which is hard-wired to a smartphone

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

Isolated Amazon tribes reveal clue to source of high blood pressure in the West

Rich Haridy November 14, 2018

A study of two isolated South American tribes has shed light on the influence of diet in the onset of hypertension, upending the common consensus that higher blood pressure is a direct, and inevitable, consequence of aging.

The isolated tribe showed no increase in blood pressure as they age, compared to a nearby ...

Health & Wellbeing

Study suggests that blue light reduces blood pressure

Ben Coxworth November 8, 2018

If you have high blood pressure, then you likely already know that it's the leading cause of stroke, and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. So, besides things like medication, diet changes and exercise, what can be done to reduce it? Well, exposure to blue light may help.

According to the study, exposure to blue light causes a significant reduction in blood pressure

Medical

Adult heart attack risk can be predicted in childhood with new cheap genetic test

Rich Haridy October 9, 2018

Using data from nearly half a million people, researchers have developed a DNA test called a Genomic Risk Score (GRS), which can assess a person's genetic risk factor for developing heart disease. The test will allow doctors to combine a GRS with other factors to better target at risk individuals.

A cheap genetic test has proved successful in early tests in identifying people at risk of ...

Medical

Heartsense is aimed at streamlining wearable ECG tech

Ben Coxworth September 13, 2018

If doctors want to check someone's heart rhythm while that person is out and about, the patient is required to wear a Holter monitor. Now, however, UK scientists have developed what they claim is a cheaper, more comfortable and faster-performing alternative, in the form of the Heartsense monitor.

The Heartsense monitor is worn like a regular heart rate sensor

Health & Wellbeing

Comprehensive study concludes omega-3 fish oil supplements don't reduce risk of heart disease

Rich Haridy July 17, 2018

A large-scale meta-analysis collecting data from 79 trials has concluded that omega-3 supplements have little to no effect in preventing heart disease, stroke or death. The results contrast the common belief that omega-3 supplements confer a variety of beneficial cardiovascular protections.

A massive study has found omega-3 supplements confer little to no beneficial protective effect against heart ...

Health & Wellbeing

Large meta-study concludes multivitamins don't improve cardiovascular health

Rich Haridy July 10, 2018

A new meta-study has concluded that multivitamins and mineral supplements do not improve cardiovascular health or protect against heart attack and stroke. The systematic review suggests if a person is generally healthy then multivitamin/mineral dietary supplements confer no cardiovascular benefits.

A new study has confirmed previous research, finding no evidence multivitamins are of any use in ...