Posts by Brian Burns
Could Controlling Inflammation Improve Cystic Fibrosis Therapies?
Fifty years ago, a cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis was like receiving a death sentence. Most children with CF did not live past the age of 10. Thanks to heavy investment and advancements in medical research, children diagnosed with CF after the year 2000 are expected to live into their 50s. However, more research is needed…
Read MoreWhat’s Next for Cardiac Research and Clinical Care?
The American Heart Association hosted its annual Scientific Sessions in November. This week-long event provided an opportunity for clinicians, basic scientists, and researchers to discuss what’s new and what’s next for cardiac research and clinical care. Here’s what Massachusetts General Hospital researchers and cardiologists found most interesting from this year’s sessions
Read MoreRemembering the Legacy of a Mass General Neurophysiologist and Pioneer in Race Relations at Harvard
Black History Month is an annual celebration in February of achievements by African Americans. This year, we’re commemorating the life and legacy of S. Allen Counter, a Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, a neurophysiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and the founding director of the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations. Although Counter…
Read MoreUsing Zebrafish Models to Study Cardiovascular Disease
Maryline Abrial, PhD, is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Burns Lab at the Cardiovascular Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. She took part in a science communication internship at the Mass General Research Institute this fall. She wrote this first-person account of her life as a researcher as part of her internship. Background and…
Read MoreCould Strenuous Exercise Be Bad for Your Heart?
Research has already confirmed that moderate-intensity exercise (like walking briskly, water aerobics, or tennis) on a regular basis can improve heart health. But a recent review conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital’s Aaron L Baggish, MD, director of the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center Cardiovascular Performance Program, found that the same may not be applicable for high-intensity, strenuous exercise.
Read MoreCould Part of Our Genome Predict Future Risk for Heart Disease?
Research from Saumya Das, MD, PhD, co-director of the Resynchronization and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, focuses on studying irregular heartbeats (known as arrhythmias) in patients with heart failure, discovering new tests to better identify who is at risk for developing heart failure or arrhythmias, and uncovering new therapies to treat heart failure.
Read MoreWomen’s Heart Health Program Leaders Look Ahead
Cardiovascular disease — including heart attacks, stroke and heart failure — is the number one killer of adults, but more women die of it than men. The Elizabeth Anne and Karen Barlow Corrigan Women’s Heart Health Program was launched in 2007 to focus awareness, treatments and research on the unique issues women face in maintaining heart health.
Read MoreSurveys Show How Symptoms and Their Impacts Differ Among Adults with a Congenital Heart Defect
When it comes to treating the symptoms of patients with a congenital heart defect, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital are finding that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t meet all patients’ needs. The results of their recent survey provide insight into how clinicians can best tailor care for these patients.
Read MoreUnderstanding Why Exercise Works for Just About Everything, Including Your Heart Health
Massachusetts General Hospital cardiologist and researcher Gregory Lewis explains the many benefits of regular exercise and the research that demonstrates exercise’s positive impact on cardiovascular health.
Read MoreA Link Between Flu and Heart Attacks? Mass General Cardiologist Weighs In
New research has found yet another reason to avoid catching the flu this season- it could increase your risk of a heart attack if you’re over the age of 35.
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