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Seeing is believeing with clogged arteries

A study found that patients who viewed images of their coronary artery calcium scores were more likely to take statins as directed and lose weight, with compliance increasing as disease severity increased. This suggests that visualizing the extent of cardiovascular disease can motivate patients to adhere to recommended therapies.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 24, 2012

New appropriate use criteria reflect latest scientific data on restoring blood flow to heart

The updated appropriate use criteria provide detailed guidance on when to use invasive procedures to improve blood flow to the heart. The new criteria affirm the role of revascularization for patients with acute coronary syndromes and significant symptoms, while emphasizing careful selection of high-risk surgery patients for PCI.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 30, 2012

The next stage of heart function testing

A new technique measures myocardial perfusion reserve and volume reserve to predict severe stenosis in coronary arteries. This method detects 50% or greater narrowing with excellent sensitivity, enabling timely intervention for high-risk patients.

SourceSpringer·JournalEuropean Radiology·DateOct 10, 2011

Atherosclerosis is not limited to the heart

The new ESC guidelines on peripheral artery disease emphasize the need to assess patients with coronary artery disease for symptoms or asymptomatic atherosclerosis in other vascular areas. The guidelines also highlight the importance of considering multisite artery disease and the overall clinical status of patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 27, 2011

'Good' cholesterol function as important as its levels

Researchers have found that HDL cholesterol from patients with coronary artery disease has impaired anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessel-lining cells and fails to stimulate repair of the blood vessel lining. This study highlights the importance of considering not just abundance but also biological functions of HDL in preventing CAD.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 23, 2011

Shouldering family demands and worries bumps up angina risk

A six-year follow-up study found that shouldering family demands and worries increases the risk of angina in middle-aged Danish women and men. The study tracked over 4,500 participants and found that worrisome/demanding relationships with a partner or child posed the greatest risks, with a nearly four-fold increase in angina symptoms.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateDec 22, 2010

Stanford-led study disproves link between genetic variant, risk of coronary artery disease

A massive international study found no association between a genetic marker and the risk of coronary artery disease. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 patients with cardiovascular disease and 40,000 others, concluding that carrying a particular variant of the KIF6 gene does not indicate a greater risk for the disease.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 7, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that a low-carb diet based on animal protein may increase death risk compared to a vegetable-based diet. Additionally, patients often overestimate the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and radiation-free magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offers an accurate diagnosis for peripheral arterial disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 6, 2010

UC Davis study finds new predictor of heart disease in African-Americans

A study by UC Davis researchers has identified a blood component, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), as a predictor of coronary artery disease in African-Americans. The finding highlights the role of inflammation in vascular disease among this ethnic group and may lead to more targeted treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2010

New research shows cardiologists can quickly detect significant coronary artery disease using a noninvasive simple, short respiratory stress test

Researchers have developed a non-invasive Respiratory Stress Response (RSR) test that can accurately measure the presence of significant coronary artery disease, with a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 70%, respectively. The test uses a Pulse Oximeter to measure blood flow in response to paced breathing.

Complete revascularization improves outcomes for CAD patients

A retrospective study found that complete revascularization significantly improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), with a 3-year mortality rate of 6.6% compared to 14.8% in those with incomplete revascularization. The study also revealed that advanced medical therapy may contribute to improved mortality rates.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 23, 2010

Framingham risk assessment doesn't accurately predict coronary artery disease, study suggests

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that the Framingham risk assessment tool has limited sensitivity in detecting coronary artery disease. In fact, simple observation of coronary calcium presence using CT scans was more effective in identifying patients with substantial atherosclerosis.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 21, 2010

New data show cardiac respiratory stress test can quickly detect significant coronary artery disease

Researchers found patients with significant coronary artery disease had a significantly lower cardiac respiratory stress response compared to those without the condition. The test uses a Pulse Oximeter to measure blood flow in response to paced breathing, with high accuracy and sensitivity.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalCardiovascular Revascularization Medicine·DateJan 19, 2010

JAMA launches new series on caring of the aging patient

The new series aims to address the shortage of geriatric expertise in healthcare. The series will explore themes that develop with aging, such as frailty and loss of independence. By analyzing real stories of patients and interviews, it will provide clinicians with pragmatic tools for translating evidence into daily practice.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 29, 2009

Women suffering sudden cardiac arrest have lower prevalence of structural heart disease than men

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that women are less likely to exhibit signs of structural heart disease, which is a precursor to fatal cardiac arrest. This means that fewer women may be eligible for current treatments that can prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 16, 2009