Exercise with a heart condition; health care hacker busted; climate control in a hospital environment – Morning Medical Update

Heart health and LQTS

Vigorous exercise does not pose higher risk of cardiac events for people who exercise vigorously and have long QT syndrome, an inherited disorder that causes chaotic heartbeats. A new study answers a longstanding question about safety of exercise for people with the disorder, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Busted online

A North Korean national was indicted for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to hack and extort U.S. hospitals and other health care providers, then use electronic ransoms to fund hacking on defense, technology and government entities worldwide, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Rim Jong Hyok allegedly worked with the “Andariel” hacking group and North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau military intelligence agency. The U.S. State Department has issued a reward offer up to $10 million leading to his arrest.

Is the A/C on?

European researchers are studying how to integrate the concept of human-centered indoor climate to hospitals. The work involves more than just heating and cooling for patient and doctor comfort. “Improving the indoor environment of a hospital building can reduce the costs associated with airborne diseases by 9% to 20%,” said a news release announcing the project. “Ventilation and indoor air are of particular concern, and numerous studies show that airflow controls the spread and exposure to airborne pathogens.”