Blood test 'could cut hospital heart readmissions'
Tuesday 1st March 2011
A simple blood test carried out when a patient is being discharged from hospital could cut hospital readmissions for those with heart failure, research has shown.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins have found that patients whose levels of a certain protein reduced by less than half over their hospital day were 57 per cent more likely to be readmitted or die within a year than those whose fell further.
In the past, the protein, known as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, has been correlated with heart failure symptoms.
Researcher Henry J. Michtalik said: "These patients feel better. They look better. But this study suggests many of them may not be completely better."
Meanwhile, scientists from INSERM, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Paris, found that patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol could be more prone to memory problems as they age.
Written by Megan Smith
Related articles
High blood pressure can be combated by ...
The risk of having a heart condition due to high blood pressure can be combated by pills that contain a variety of drugs. ...
Wednesday 16th May 2012
Stroke risk increased by irregular heartbeat in...
Strokes are among the biggest killers worldwide and new research has found that older women diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat...
Thursday 10th May 2012
Blood pressure drugs could help trauma victims
Blood pressure drugs could be the latest weapon to help trauma victims reduce the likelihood of getting severe post-traumatic...
Wednesday 2nd May 2012
Related Cardiac-Physiology Jobs
Exciting job opportunity for a Cath Lab and Pacing Technician for a locum 8 month job opportunity in South London. Our client...
Full infoWe require and experienced Echocardiographer for an exciting new locum job based in Tyne and Wear.Based within an acute...
Full infoExperienced Sleep Studies Technician needed for a temporary job working in the Middlesex area. We are looking for an experienced...
Full info