All articles tagged with #heart attack
CNN reports that the traditional lifelong beta-blocker therapy after a heart attack is under scrutiny, with evidence suggesting that 1–2 years of use may suffice for many patients to reduce side effects and costs. CNN invites readers to submit questions for Dr. Sanjay Gupta to answer in an upcoming video.
A South Korean NEJM study found that among stable, low-risk heart-attack survivors, stopping beta-blockers after one year was as safe as continuing them for years: 58 events (7.2%) vs 74 (9%), deaths 2.4% vs 3.4%, recurrent heart attack 2.3% vs 2.6%, and heart-failure hospitalizations about 2% in both groups, with modest increases in BP/HR but SBP kept under 130. The results—alongside evolving guidelines—suggest lifelong beta-blockers may not be necessary for all, supporting shared decision-making and potential cost savings, though not all patients are candidates and further data are needed.
Nicholas Brendon, best known as Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died at age 54 and was found at his Putnam County home; authorities reported no signs of foul play and the death was attributed to natural causes, with a longtime friend staying at the house as a caregiver. Brendon had dealt with significant health challenges, including Cauda Equina Syndrome and a congenital heart defect, and in his later years pursued painting and other creative work; tributes from fans and colleagues followed as autopsy results were pending.
A large observational study of more than 246,000 U.S. adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease found that receiving at least one shingles vaccine dose (Shingrix or Zostavax) was associated with substantially lower risks of major cardiovascular events within a year, including a 46% drop in major adverse cardiovascular events, 27% fewer heart attacks, 27% fewer strokes, 33% fewer heart failures, and a 61% reduction in death from any cause, compared with unvaccinated peers. The researchers caution that causality cannot be proven from observational data and longer follow-up is needed, but the findings add to evidence that the shingles vaccine may offer broader health benefits and support vaccination guidelines for adults 50 and older, especially those with cardiovascular disease.
New research links each additional serving of ultra-processed foods to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, and fatal heart disease, with nine servings daily tied to a 67% increase in heart-disease risk; Black individuals see larger per-serving increases, highlighting racial disparities, while the broad American diet also poses risks as most people get more than half their calories from UPFs; experts recommend moderating UPFs and prioritizing whole foods.
Researchers in mice and pigs showed a single intramuscular injection of self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) increased the heart-healing hormone ANP, helping heart muscle recover after a heart attack. The saRNA acts like mRNA but sustains protein production for weeks, and the delivery mirrors COVID-19 vaccines. While promising, the approach has not been tested in humans, and future trials are needed to establish safety, dosing, and efficacy before clinical use.
A Bristol/UCL study suggests GLP-1 weight-loss meds like semaglutide and liraglutide may protect heart tissue after a heart attack by relaxing pericytes and widening microvessels to prevent ‘no-reflow’—a finding from animal studies that hints at repurposing these drugs for post-infarct cardioprotection, though human trials are needed.
A 34-year-old Florida dad and ultra-marathoner mistook chest pains after a workout for spicy-food discomfort, only to suffer a heart attack. He was saved with two stents, and is now on blood thinners while genetic testing proceeds. The case highlights that heart attacks are increasingly affecting younger, fit people, with warning signs including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue and nausea.
Drew Carey said on a podcast that he didn’t recognize he was having a heart attack because he believed the myth that it would knock you down and convulse, leading him to delay seeking help; he ultimately was hospitalized with a stent inserted and has since overhauled his lifestyle, including diet and exercise.
Drew Carey revealed on Ted Danson’s podcast that he initially ignored heart-attack symptoms while jogging, even stopping for dinner with his then-girlfriend before finally calling for help; he was treated with a stent at the hospital and subsequently returned to work on The Drew Carey Show.
Comedian Drew Carey says he misread early heart-attack signs as something minor during a jog, pressed on with rehearsals, and only sought help after symptoms worsened; he later had a stent placed and has since overhauled his diet and lifestyle, shifting to salads and healthier choices.
Jack Osbourne says Ozzy Osbourne appeared to be 'done' with rock and at peace with his journey, reflecting on his father's death in July 2025 shortly after his final Black Sabbath performance. Sharon described the last night and Ozzy's passing, noting a heart attack with the death certificate also listing coronary artery disease and Parkinson's. A private funeral followed, after a year that included tributes and Ozzy's final 'Back To The Beginning' performance with Sabbath.
UK researchers report in animal models that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) reduced no-reflow, a dangerous post-heart-attack blood-flow problem, suggesting a potential new therapy pending human trials.
A new international study finds first-time heart attacks among US adults 18–54 rose 57% from 2011 to 2022, driven largely by STEMI; NSTEMI deaths stayed around 1% and stable. Women faced worse in-hospital outcomes, and nontraditional factors—like sleep quality, stress, low income, diabetes/prediabetes, kidney disease, and drug use—mattered more for predicting death than traditional risks. Rising prediabetes/diabetes in youth and kidney disease, along with ongoing high drug-related deaths, highlight the need for earlier risk identification and broader risk assessment in younger adults.
Among Americans under 55, STEMI deaths rose by 1.2 percentage points from 2011 to 2022 (NSTEMI deaths stayed flat), with non-traditional risk factors like kidney disease, low income, and non-tobacco drug use linked to higher mortality; young women had higher death rates and were less likely to receive procedures, highlighting gaps in care and evolving risk patterns for youth.