All articles tagged with #heart damage
Rowan Lowry, 12, was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease at age seven, a rare inflammation of blood vessels that can affect the heart; delayed recognition led to multiple aortic aneurysms and open-heart surgery, and his Clyde, North Carolina family is now sharing his story to raise awareness and urge parents to seek prompt medical attention for early symptoms.
Kissing bugs in central and northern South America bite at night and can transmit the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite via their feces; this infection causes Chagas disease, which damages the heart and digestive muscles and can be fatal if untreated. The WHO estimates about 8 million people are infected worldwide with around 10,000 deaths annually, a history tied to Darwin’s South American travels.
A Stanford study highlights a rare risk of myocarditis, or heart inflammation, associated with mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, especially in young men and children, with an estimated occurrence of 1 in 140,000 after the first dose and 1 in 32,000 after the second. While most recover quickly, the study emphasizes that Covid itself is more likely to cause myocarditis than the vaccine, and advises seeking medical help if chest pains occur post-vaccination.
Research shows that data from Apple Watch combined with AI can detect signs of heart damage, highlighting the potential of wearable technology in health monitoring.
A Rasmussen Reports survey indicates that over half of Americans believe COVID-19 vaccines may have caused heart inflammation, with a significant portion considering it likely, amid FDA warnings about myocarditis and pericarditis risks.
Research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can cause heart damage by triggering an inflammatory response in heart tissue, even without directly infecting it. The study found that the virus-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can lead to an increase in inflammatory macrophages in the heart, resulting in heart damage. Targeting the pro-inflammatory heart macrophages may help alleviate the cardiovascular complications of SARS-CoV-2 and other severe infections.
New research suggests that young adults aged 20 to 40 who take ADHD stimulant medications like Ritalin or Adderall may have a heightened risk for cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle. The study found that the risk of cardiomyopathy increased with the duration of medication use, but the absolute risk to any one patient remains very small. While the findings highlight a potential risk, the researchers emphasize that the overall risk is low and that there is no need for a change in prescribing practices or for testing for heart issues before prescribing ADHD medications.
A study from the University of Colorado suggests that long-term use of Adderall and Ritalin, commonly prescribed for ADHD, may lead to weakened heart muscles and potential heart damage. The research found that patients taking these medications were nearly 60 percent more likely to have a weakened heart after eight years compared to those not taking them. Concerns are raised over the overdiagnosis and overprescription of ADHD, with one in seven boys in the US now diagnosed with the disorder. Despite the increased risk, the overall likelihood of developing heart damage from these medications is relatively low, but the rising rates of ADHD and the market value of ADHD medications continue to raise concerns.
A study supported by the National Institutes of Health has found that the virus that causes COVID-19 can damage the heart without directly infecting heart tissue, particularly in people with SARS-CoV-2-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The research suggests that severe lung infection during COVID-19 can lead to inflammation in the heart, potentially causing cardiovascular complications. The study also indicates that suppressing the inflammation through treatments might help minimize these complications, offering potential preventive measures for COVID-19 patients with pre-existing conditions or those likely to have severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2-associated ARDS.
A woman in Rhode Island is suing Panera Bread, claiming that their "Charged Lemonade" caused permanent damage to her heart, leading to ongoing health issues and preventing her from exercising as she once did. Other lawsuits have been filed against the chain, alleging that the drink resulted in the deaths of loved ones. Panera has updated the drink's caffeine content and issued a statement denying responsibility for the deaths, while the plaintiffs' lawyer argues that the lemonade was improperly advertised and should have had adequate warnings.
Excess use of testosterone, especially in older men, can lead to heart damage, blood clots, and stroke. However, when testosterone therapy is given appropriately for men with specific symptoms and low testosterone levels, the risks are minimal and the benefits outweigh the risks. Infections can potentially increase the risk of heart attacks due to the increased workload on the heart. Inflammation in the blood from chronic infections or inflammatory conditions can also contribute to long-term heart disease risk.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics highlights the detrimental effects of elevated blood pressure and hypertension during adolescence, leading to early cardiac damage which is exacerbated by young adulthood. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing blood pressure concerns early in life to prevent potential long-term health complications. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension and heart damage among adolescents doubled during the 7-year follow-up period. Delay in initiating blood pressure screening in adolescence is unjustifiable considering the amount of heart damage and potentially premature death that could be prevented.