Clear Link Between Heart Disease and COVID-19, But Long-Term Implications Unknown, Researchers Find in Review of Published Studies

In a prospectus review published this week in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Kirk U. Knowlton MD, from the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute in Salt Lake City, examined more than 100 published studies related to COVID-19 and its effects on the heart.

Follow-Up Appointments for Children Hospitalized for Bronchiolitis May Not Be Needed; New Study Findings Could Guide Treatment During COVID Pandemic

A new study at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City has found that follow-up appointments for hospitalized children treated for childhood bronchitis are often not necessary, and that switching from mandatory to “as-needed” follow-up care can save families from unnecessary medical care and expense – and may help guide treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intermountain Healthcare COVID-19 Response Teams to Provide Support to New York Hospitals; 100 Caregivers Deploying This Week to Help NY Care for Coronavirus Patients

Intermountain Healthcare has created two COVID-19 Response Teams with 50 caregivers each that will deploy to the New York City area to assist hospitals this week. Intermountain has partnered with New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Northwell Health, both located in the New York City area. These healthcare systems will aim to return the favor by supporting Intermountain as much as they can when Utah faces its own surge with COVID-19 patients.

Two Major COVID-19 Clinical Trials Launched to Determine Effectiveness and Safety of Drugs in Treating Coronavirus

Researchers from Intermountain Healthcare and University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City have launched two vital clinical trials to test the effectiveness and safety of two drugs – hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azithromycin – to treat patients with COVID-19.

15-Year Study Finds Treatment Gaps Exist for Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease; More Consistent Use of Life-Saving Medications Recommended

A new 15-year study by researchers at the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute in Salt Lake City found that patients with peripheral arterial disease may not be prescribed life-saving medications at the same rate as for other heart conditions.

Omega-3 Continues to Show Protection Against Heart Disease-Related Death, Without Prostate Cancer Risk

Should you take omega-3 pills? Or try to have two to servings of omega-3 rich fish a week, as the American Heart Association recommends? It may seem a bit murky if you follow headlines about nutrition and health. That’s why researchers at the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute continue to research the potential benefits and risks of this popular supplement, especially when it comes to prostate cancer risk and heart health.

“Nudging” Heart Patients to Take Their Statins Leads to Better Medication Adherence and Better Patient Outcomes

In a new study presented to heart specialists from around the world, researchers at the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute in Salt Lake City found that simple “nudges” in the form of texts, emails and phone calls, not only help patients fill that first statin prescription, but also continue to help them take their medications over the long term.

AI System Accurately Detects Key Findings in Chest X-Rays of Pneumonia Patients Within 10 Seconds: Study Finds Promise of Faster Treatment

From 20 minutes or more to 10 seconds. Researchers from Intermountain Healthcare and Stanford University say 10 seconds is about how quickly a new system they studied that utilizes artificial intelligence took to accurately identify key findings in chest X-rays of patients in the emergency department suspected of having pneumonia.

Wrist-Worn Step Trackers are as Accurate in Predicting Patient Health as Standardized Clinical Walking Tests, Researchers Find

In a new study, researchers at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City found that steps measured through a step tracker worn on the wrist can be used to estimate exercise capacity and determine the health status of patients, rather than the standardized six-minute walk distance test, which is usually conducted in a clinical setting.

How Intermountain Healthcare Is Making Care More Affordable

“We have a crisis in American healthcare right now,” Dr. Harrison said. “Healthcare is unaffordable. The existing healthcare system is oriented toward driving volume. As an industry we do too many things to too many people that they really don’t need, which hurts them economically, and sometimes physically. But Intermountain has a great history of innovation and together we can drive change.” – Dr. Marc Harrison.