Early gene-editing success holds promise for preventing inherited heart diseases

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication: August 2017

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: Scientists have, for the first time, used gene-editing to correct the genetic mutation for a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).  This new advance could mean that it would be possible to correct the defect at the earliest stage of embryonic development so that the defect would not be passed on to future generations.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

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Acknowledgement: British Heart Foundation

Long working week ‘may increase risk of irregular heartbeat’

Source: NHS Choices – Behind the Headlines

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Date of publication: July 2017

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: “Long working days can cause heart problems, study says,” The Guardian reports.

Researchers found people who work 55 or more hours a week had an increased risk of developing a type of irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, where the heart can beat very fast.

Complications of atrial fibrillation include stroke and heart failure.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

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Acknowledgement: NHS Choices – Behind the Headlines

Some types of vegetarian diet can raise heart disease risk

Source: NHS Choices – Behind the Headlines

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Date of publication: July 2017

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A US study found a vegetarian diet based on less healthy food options, such as refined grains, could increase the risk of heart disease.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

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Acknowledgement: NHS Choices – Behind the Headlines

Three quarters of UK adults unaware of impact of air pollution on the heart

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication: June 2017

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: Eight in ten deaths related to air pollution are caused by a heart attack or stroke, however data released today has revealed that three in four adults are unaware of the extent of the impact that air pollution can have on the heart.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

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Acknowledgement: British Heart Foundation

Using tick saliva to treat a deadly heart condition

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication: June 2017

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: Proteins found in tick saliva could be used to treat a dangerous type of heart disease which can cause sudden cardiac death in young adults, according to research we’ve funded published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

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Acknowledgement: British Heart Foundation

Deadly heart conditions being attributed to stress and anxiety

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication: July 2017

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A survey published today by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has found that six in ten patients living with inherited heart conditions face long delays before receiving a diagnosis as their symptoms are attributed to other conditions like stress, anxiety and epilepsy.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

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Acknowledgement: British Heart Foundation

New imaging technique leads to promising results for experimental heart attack drug

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication: June 2017

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: Every day 190 people in the UK die from a heart attack. Researchers in Oxford have used a scanning method to develop a new drug which may help hearts heal.

The scientists unveiled their promising work on a new drug to help patients who have suffered a heart attack. Presenting at the British Cardiovascular Society’s annual conference, the BHF-funded team from the University of Oxford described how an experimental drug called 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) may improve heart function after a heart attack.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: British Heart Foundation