Healthy hearts are adaptable, and heartbeats exhibit complex variation as they adjust to tiny changes in the body and environment. Mass General Brigham researchers have applied a new way to measure the complexity of pulse rates, using data collected through wearable pulse oximetry devices. The new method, published in Journal of the American Heart Association, provides a more detailed peek into heart health than traditional measures, uncovering a link between reduced complexity and future cognitive decline.

People who are given a vaccine for shingles have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease, according to a study of more than a million people published in the European Heart Journal. The protective effect of the vaccine lasts for up to eight years and is particularly pronounced for men, people under the age of 60 and those with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, drinking alcohol and being inactive.

A team of researchers has made a significant breakthrough that could save countless lives in emergencies involving severe blood loss. Their new treatment involves activating a protein called PKC-ε soon after intense bleeding occurs. In their studies, this approach tripled survival rates, increasing them from 25% to an impressive 73%. Additionally, the treatment helped maintain healthy organ function by boosting cellular energy levels, offering hope for improved outcomes in emergency trauma care.