Latest news with #EuropeanSocietyofCardiology
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Heart cancer: What are the symptoms and risk factors
Image credits:: Getty Images The heart is the most vital organ in the human body. Out of all the organs that are essential for human life, the heart tops the list. However, it is also one of the most vulnerable organs susceptible to a variety of health risks due to harmful lifestyle habits. One of the rare yet damaging conditions that can happen to the heart is heart cancer or cardiac tumour. According to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), they're found in less than 1 out of every 2000 autopsies. It occurs when diseased cells grow out of control on or near the heart and form a tumour. There are two types of heart tumours- primary and secondary. Primary heart tumours are abnormal growths in your heart and are very rare. They can either be cancerous or noncancerous. 75% of them are benign and only 20% can be malignant. Secondary heart tumours spread to the heart from nearby organs. While it is 40 times more common than primary cardiac tumours, it is still relatively uncommon. What are the symptoms of heart cancer? Image credits: Getty Images The symptoms of heart cancer vary as per the type, size and location of the tumour. However, some common symptoms include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, swelling in legs and arms and fainting or dizziness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Food That Unclog Arteries (Most People Ignore) Novelodge Undo There can also be some symptoms similar to an infection such as fever and chills, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss and joint pain. What are the risk factors of heart cancer? There are certain risk factors that can lead to heart cancer. As per age, heart cancer occurs mostly in adults, babies and children. It can also be hereditary and due to a poorly functioning immune system. There are also chances of genetic cancer syndromes where children with a rhabdomyoma have tubular sclerosis, a syndrome caused by a mutation in the DNA. How is heart cancer diagnosed? Image credit: Getty Images With heart cancer being rare and the symptoms matching other heart conditions, the disease can be hard to diagnose. It is identifiable with the help of an Echocardiogram, a test that uses sound to create a moving image showing the structure and function of the heart. A CT scan can help differentiate between benign and malignant tumours, and an MRI provides more detailed images of the tumour to help doctors determine the type. How is heart cancer treated? Treatment options for heart cancer include surgery to remove the tumour, radiation therapy to shrink the tumour and chemotherapy drugs can be prescribed to target cancer cells and prevent further growth. A heart transplant can also be an option. The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms or have health concerns, please consult a licensed medical practitioner promptly.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Malaysia Unveils AI-Powered Heart2Miss Breakthroughs At ESC-Heart Failure Congress
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Groundbreaking findings from Malaysia's Heart2Miss heart failure screening programme were presented at the European Society of Cardiology–Heart Failure Congress on May 18, 2025, in Serbia, highlighting major advances in early heart failure detection powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Supported by AstraZeneca Malaysia, the initiative uses state-of-the-art cardiac ultrasound analysis and was launched in June 2024 with backing from Sarawak's Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian. In a statement, AstraZeneca said the programme's effectiveness was demonstrated through the screening of 1,000 high-risk patients within a year, identifying 120 positive cases, by using a decentralised, community-based rapid cardiac ultrasound triage model. 'This approach leveraged the expertise of underemployed bioscience graduates as mobile community sonographers, reducing the burden on tertiary centres while enhancing patient referrals and outpatient management. 'Additionally, it facilitated earlier interventions and provided new career opportunities in health diagnostics,' the statement read. According to the statement, the programme's implementation at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) has significantly streamlined referrals and outpatient care, cutting patient wait times for appointments from nine months to just a few days at nearby health clinics. Heart2Miss Principal Investigator Dr Diana Hui-Ping Foo highlighted that the initiative demonstrates the power of combining innovation with equity, leveraging AI-echo ( telehealth and task-shifting to enable early heart failure detection at the community level. 'By training underutilised bioscience graduates as mobile echo screeners and introducing an intermediary care tier, we enhance primary care support and reduce burden on tertiary cardiac services,' said Foo, who is also the SGH Clinician-Researcher and Head of Human Physiology Lab. Dr Diana Foo spearheaded the study alongside Dr Alan Fong, SGH's Head of Clinical Research Centre. Their collaboration with AstraZeneca Malaysia has been recognised as a model public-private partnership in advancing health outcomes.
Irish Examiner
04-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
My cholesterol wake-up call: How to make the critical changes after diagnosis
RECENTLY, I found myself sitting with a blood result I hadn't expected: high cholesterol. The result surprised me. As a GP with a special interest in lifestyle medicine, I spend much of my time supporting patients in managing their health through diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep. I ticked all the 'healthy lifestyle' boxes: I regularly exercise, running and participating in Hyrox classes three times a week, I don't smoke, and eat relatively well — so, in my mid-30s, seeing that elevated cholesterol number in black and white gave me pause. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fatty substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is essential for several bodily functions, including building cell membranes and hormone production. The main types of cholesterol are HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is beneficial to the body, whereas LDL cholesterol can contribute to the build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which can narrow and harden them over time. This can lead to blockages in the blood vessels which can result in a stroke or heart attack. Approximately 9,000 people die every year from cardiovascular disease in Ireland, making it a leading cause of death in our country. High cholesterol, specifically LDL cholesterol, is a major risk factor for this disease, and so I took my cholesterol result seriously. Having high cholesterol doesn't always present with symptoms. Like me, you may feel healthy and well, but still be at risk. That's why regular check-ups, particularly if you have a family history of heart disease, are so important. Rethinking heart health Most cholesterol is made in the liver, but it is also absorbed from the food we eat. Foods high in trans fats and saturated fats can increase LDL cholesterol. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) emphasises lifestyle measures in its guidance on lowering LDL cholesterol, so I looked to my nutritional habits first. Like many people, I assumed I was doing enough with my diet. I swapped chips for salad, always chose brown bread over white, and had a consistent exercise routine. So, what was I doing wrong? In the days that followed, I decided to do a deep dive into my lifestyle and dietary habits through a medical lens. What I discovered was humbling. Yes, I was eating well, but there's a big difference between being 'healthy' and eating optimally for heart health. During my time as a junior doctor, I was diligent about choosing fresh, whole foods and cooking at home. However, over recent years, I have developed some unhealthy habits. Long workdays and commuting meant that convenience foods, such as ultra-processed snacks and pre-packaged meals, which tended to be higher in saturated and trans fats, had crept into my diet. And if I were being truly honest with myself, I certainly wasn't following the medically-approved Mediterranean-style diet. Dr Aisling Farrell. What is the Mediterranean diet? Research consistently indicates that the Mediterranean diet is one of the most effective nutritional approaches for improving cholesterol profiles and reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. In particular, the PREDIMED trial demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet, supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events compared to those who were on a low-fat diet. I prefer not to use the word 'diet' as it implies restriction and a short-term solution. However, the Mediterranean diet isn't a strict meal plan; rather, it's a way of eating inspired by the traditional diets from countries such as Greece, Spain and Italy. It emphasises plant-based foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds and is low in processed foods. Making dietary changes Even with knowledge of the science, changing my dietary habits took effort. Like so many of my patients, I had my own routine, food preferences, and time constraints, and I certainly did not overhaul my diet overnight. The ESC guidelines recommend reducing trans and saturated fats to lower LDL cholesterol, so I started there. Taking the time to shop for fresh groceries every week, adding unsaturated fats like extra-virgin olive oil, chia seeds, walnuts, and avocados to my diet, and prepping my meals and snacks in advance for busy days were some of the initial measures I took. I understood that lifestyle changes are powerful and, for some people, can reduce the need for cholesterol-lowering medication. Statins are one such medication, commonly prescribed for high cholesterol. These medications can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, but work best alongside healthy lifestyle changes. While I may require cholesterol-lowering medication in the future, I was eager to optimise my cholesterol as much as possible through a nutritional approach first. Making these changes can sound daunting at first, and my experience has certainly changed how I talk to my patients when discussing the diagnosis and management of high cholesterol. Instead of rattling off a list of 'dos and don'ts,' I ask what small steps they can take today. Could you swap one red meat meal a week for a chickpea curry? Could you try overnight oats with berries and chia seeds for breakfast instead of toast and butter? We start there. Lifestyle medicine for improved health outcomes If you've been told your cholesterol is high, there's no need to panic. Use it as an opportunity to reflect on your habits and to make changes. I decided to implement a 'small changes' approach and prioritised behaviours that I could sustain, rather than a drastic short-term dietary overhaul. Daily habits can have a significant impact on our short-term and long-term health. We don't have to be perfect, but we do have to start. That's the essence of lifestyle medicine — empowering you to take back control of your health, one daily choice at a time. Five simple ways to embrace the Mediterranean diet Introduce olive oil: Swap out butter for extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and can help lower LDL. Use it for cooking or mixing into salad dressings. Increase plant-based foods: Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables at most meals. Add foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, to your morning porridge or vegetables to your stews. Eat fish twice per week: Oily fish like salmon and mackerel are high in omega-3 and support heart health. Canned versions are a budget and time-friendly option. Swap your snacks: Change your ultra-processed crisps or biscuits for a handful of nuts or fruit with a bit of nut butter. Change your flavourings: Swap out salt, which can raise blood pressure, for alternative flavourings such as garlic, herbs, and spices.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Heart failure patients can benefit from Yoga through THIS way
A recent study presented at Heart Failure 2024 reveals that yoga can significantly improve symptoms in heart failure patients. The research indicates that incorporating yoga, with its focus on breathing and relaxation, alongside medication leads to stronger hearts and increased activity levels. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for more than 17 million lives each year. Alarmingly, 80% of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, where access to long-term care and rehabilitation can be limited. Heart failure is one among the many complications of CVD, which significantly impairs the quality of life, leaving patients breathless, fatigued, and often unable to carry out simple daily tasks. A recent study suggests that there may be a powerful, low-cost tool to support these patients: yoga. Yoga and the heart Research presented at Heart Failure 2024, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) found that yoga is linked with improvement of symptoms in patients with heart failure. Yoga, which is focused on breathing, meditation, and relaxation, can help heart failure patients build stronger hearts and become more active. 'Patients who practised yoga on top of taking their medications felt better, were able to do more, and had stronger hearts than those who only took drugs for their heart failure. The findings suggest that yoga can be a beneficial complementary therapy in patients with heart failure,' study author Dr. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Ajit Singh of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India said in a statement. Representative image. Heart failure is a chronic medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs for oxygen and nutrients. In simple words, the heart cannot keep up with its workload, and as a result, the body may not get the oxygen it needs. Over 64 million people are affected by heart failure globally, which leads to devastating impacts on quality of life, with patients feeling tired and breathless, and being unable to participate in their usual activities. Role of yoga in building a stronger heart Though previous studies have shown short-term benefits of yoga in patients with heart failure, this study provides new information about the long-term effects. To understand the long-term effects of yoga, the researchers looked at 85 heart failure patients aged between 30 and 70 from the cardiology outpatient department at Kasturba Hospital in Manipal, India. All of the participants had undergone a heart procedure within the past 6 to 12 months and were already on standard heart failure medications. Patients with severe symptoms were excluded. The average age was 49 years, and 70 (82%) were men. 40 patients were assigned to the yoga group and 45 patients were allocated to the control group, in a non-randomised fashion. All of them followed the guideline-recommended heart failure medications throughout the study. The participants practised yoga under the supervision of experienced faculty in the hospital's Department of Yoga. They demonstrated pranayama (yogic breathwork), meditation, and relaxation techniques to patients in the yoga group. After a week of supervision, the participants were advised to continue it at home once a week for 50 minutes. The progress of the patients was recorded. King Charles' Cancer Secret REVEALED | Royal Whisper EXPOSES Private Health Bombshell | WATCH To evaluate the progress, researchers conducted tests at the beginning of the study, at six months, and at one year. They used echocardiography to measure the heart's pumping ability (left ventricular ejection fraction) and right ventricular function. Blood pressure, heart rate, body weight, and body mass index were also recorded. Functional capacity was measured using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, which assesses a patient's ability to perform everyday tasks, such as walking and climbing stairs. The results were surprising. The participants in the yoga group had significantly greater improvements in all measurements at six months and one year relative to baseline. 'Patients who did yoga had healthier hearts and were more able to carry out ordinary activities such as walking and climbing stairs than those who only took medications. Patients with heart failure should speak to their doctor before starting yoga and should then receive training from an experienced instructor. Prescribed medications should be continued as before. Yoga may be unsuitable for heart failure patients with severe symptoms, who were excluded from our study,' Dr. Singh said. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Quick test is a ‘significant predictor' of a potentially life-threatening condition
What's in your gut might just break your heart — literally. For years, doctors have used body mass index (BMI) as the standard tool for measuring obesity and assessing a patient's risk of developing heart failure. But new research suggests that a simple ratio involving your waistline may be an even better predictor. The best part? You can calculate it yourself at home — here's how. 3 There is no cure for heart disease, but early intervention can slow progression and improve patient outcomes. Studio Romantic – Gut check Research presented this week at the European Society of Cardiology's scientific congress looked at 1,792 adults aged 45 to 73. Participants were split into three groups: those with normal blood sugar, prediabetes and diabetes. Over a 13-year follow-up period, 132 developed heart failure. Here's the kicker: researchers linked a larger waist relative to height to a 'significantly increased' risk of heart failure. In fact, those with a waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) of 0.65 or higher were nearly three times more likely to develop the potentially deadly condition. 'BMI is the most common measure of obesity, but it is influenced by factors such as sex and ethnicity, and does not take into account the distribution of body fat,' said study co-author Dr. John Molvin of Lund University in Sweden. 3 The circumference of your waist should be less than half your height. íÅ¡í¸íâ¬í¸í»í» í íâ¹í¶í¾í² – Unlike BMI, WtHR targets central adiposity, or excess fat in the abdomen that surrounds internal organs. This fat poses a stronger risk for health problems such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and even an early death compared to general obesity. 'We found that WtHR was a significant predictor of incident [heart failure],' said Molvin, adding that it may be a more reliable measure than BMI to identify those at risk and who could benefit from obesity treatments. Next, the researchers plan to explore whether WtHR can predict other health issues, like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Killing millions, costing billions Heart failure is a progressive condition that occurs when the heart muscle is damaged and can no longer pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's other organs. It's extremely common in the US, with rates climbing steadily over the last decade, particularly in younger populations. 3 Heart disease is a major public health concern and a growing economic burden in the US. Nadzeya – Some 6.7 million Americans over 20 are living with heart failure. That number is expected to jump to 8.7 million by 2030 and a staggering 11.4 million by 2050, according to the Heart Failure Society of America. Key risk factors include an age over 65, a family history and high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. Obesity also plays a major role, with studies linking it to 11% of heart failure cases in men and 14% in women. While there's no cure for heart failure, early detection is critical. Timely treatment can slow progression, improve quality of life and prevent complications. Without it, heart disease can be fatal. It's a top killer in the US, responsible for 8.5% of cardiovascular-related deaths. How to calculate your waist-to-height ratio To calculate your WtHR, all you need is a tape measure (and maybe a calculator). Simply measure the circumference of your waist and divide it by your height. Experts say your waist should be less than half your height, with a healthy WtHR falling between 0.4 and 0.49. 'Having a waist measurement that is less than half your height is ideal,' Molvin said. For example, if you're 170 centimeters tall, your waist should ideally be under 85 centimeters.
