Researchers identified microRNA-224 as a promising treatment target for pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare disease that damages the blood vessels in the lungs and strains the heart. Blocking the molecule reversed key signs of the disease in animal models, improving blood vessel function and heart performance.
Dr. Sebastian Spethmann joins JMIR Cardio as Editor-in-Chief, bringing expertise in heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and digital health. He aims to integrate digital advancements into routine clinical care, enhancing cardiovascular health systems and patient outcomes.
A new study develops methods for clinicians to assess patient risk and builds an understanding of HFpEF's mechanisms, which could lead to new treatments. Researchers found potential mechanistic and molecular changes contributing to the condition.
A new review highlights how molecular biology advances are reframing PAH as a complex vascular remodeling disease driven by endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and genetic susceptibility. Emerging therapies target the BMP/TGF-β pathway, growth factor signaling, and inflammatory pathways.
Researchers have identified a natural protective protein called BMP3 that helps maintain healthy lung blood vessels. Increasing BMP3 levels in preclinical models of pulmonary arterial hypertension reversed key features of the disease, including damaged blood vessels and impaired heart function.
Researchers found that field-based homeless healthcare programs can improve the management of high blood pressure among homeless individuals, leading to a significant reduction in mortality and disability. The study suggests that these programs can have a positive impact on the health of people experiencing homelessness.
A new global analysis found that nearly 90% of the increase in adults with hypertension occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Global hypertension prevalence has risen to 33%, affecting 1.7 billion people, with control rates being only about 40% globally.
A major international study has identified ways to detect patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at serious risk of sudden death, heart failure or other dangerous outcomes. The findings will help save lives by improving the ability to determine who is at greatest risk and spare low-risk patients from unneeded heart implants.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered that targeting the CNP/GC-B signal pathway may provide a promising approach for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). The study reveals that CNP/GC-B signaling plays a protective role against PAH, and administration of CNP ameliorates experimental pulmonary hypertension.
A new study from the ECHO Program found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) before and after birth may influence childhood blood pressure patterns. High blood pressure in children is a growing concern worldwide, with nearly 80% increase over two decades.
The Baveno VII consensus guidelines have reshaped portal hypertension management, focusing on early intervention and noninvasive diagnostics. Nonselective beta-blockers and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are recommended for clinically significant portal hypertension diagnosis.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that sotatercept significantly reduces the likelihood of worsening disease in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension when added to standard treatment within the first year after diagnosis. The medication reduced the risk of deterioration by 76% and hospitalizations by nearly half.
Dr. Machado brings scientific expertise, clinical leadership, and mentorship to the Department of Medicine at UMSOM. He will advance research impact, enhance clinical excellence, and shape the future of academic medicine.
Recent studies have revealed significant improvements in patient prognosis for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) over the past few decades. Advances in surgical techniques, drug development, and multimodal therapies have led to increased treatment rates and improved survival rates among patients.
A novel screening approach called VEST uses virtual echocardiography to identify patients at high risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a life-threatening form of heart failure. The tool has been shown to generate accurate PAH risk scores without manual calculations and can guide timely referrals for expert care.
Researchers found a 76% lower risk of death in advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension patients treated with sotatercept. The therapy significantly reduced hospitalization rates and improved patient outcomes.
A phase 3 trial announced today demonstrated lorundrostat's safety and effectiveness in reducing blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. The treatment, which blocks the production of aldosterone from the adrenal glands, achieved clinically meaningful and sustained reductions in systolic blood pressure.
A new NIH study found that maternal cardiometabolic health before and during pregnancy is associated with higher blood pressure in children. The study analyzed data from 12,480 mother-child pairs and identified three key risk factors: pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Researchers developed a novel rat model that closely replicates human COPD-associated cor pulmonale, exhibiting chronic lung inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The model provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
A day-long conference brought together experts to present ground-breaking outcomes research on CTEPH treatments. The session covered new medications, refined techniques, and innovative approaches to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Penn's School of Dental Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine found that ACE inhibitors can inhibit the activity of ACE2, a critical cardioprotective enzyme. This discovery has implications for human patients prescribed these medications, who may benefit from additional ACE2 treatment.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Cardiology analyzed data from multiple clinical trials to assess the therapeutic impact of pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) on pulmonary hypertension patients. PADN showed significant reductions in mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary vascu...
The ACC Advancing the Cardiovascular Care of the Oncology Patient conference will provide clinicians with tools to improve cardiovascular care of cancer patients. Key sessions will include discussions on pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy, AI and technology in cardio-oncology.
A new study suggests that adding physical activity into daily life can help lower blood pressure. Replacing sedentary behaviors with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day was estimated to lead to a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure, while just five minutes of activity a day was also associated with reduced levels.
The TIPS procedure improves renal function in patients with portal hypertension, particularly those with refractory ascites. However, the benefits of TIPS for Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS) and Hepatopulmonary Syndrome (HPS) are limited due to insufficient data.
Researchers found that a compound from the Ardisia crenat houseplant inhibits Gq proteins, which can help relax pulmonary vessels and alleviate symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. The study showed significant vascular relaxation in mice with pulmonary hypertension, improving their health condition.
A recent study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was associated with improved pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular function in women. The researchers analyzed data from over 700 women with pulmonary hypertension and found that those who used HRT had lower mean pulmonary artery pressure and higher right ventricular fr...
Researchers discovered that IL-6 signaling in CD4-positive T cells promotes pulmonary hypertension development and progression. Treating mice with IL-6 inhibitors improved symptoms and decreased damage to the lungs and heart.
Scientists at University of Pittsburgh show that limiting glutamine and serine intake can halt disease progression in rodent models. The findings suggest a potential new therapy for patients with pulmonary hypertension, offering hope for improved treatment options beyond medications.
Researchers found that riociguat significantly improved blood pressure and reduced the risk of serious adverse events compared to a placebo treatment. The study showed promising results for this potential new treatment to manage complications from sickle cell disease, paving the way for larger clinical trials.
The Almodóvar lab is studying the link between HIV and pulmonary hypertension, a condition that increases pressure in lung arteries. By examining the interactions between different cell types and using a humanized mouse model, researchers hope to propose novel therapies to prevent lung diseases in people with HIV.
A study published in Science Advances identifies a mitochondrial protein called MCJ as the first therapeutic target to preserve cardiac function in pulmonary hypertension. Modulating MCJ levels can activate a signaling pathway essential for adaptation to low oxygen levels, protecting the heart.
Researchers found a shared genetic trait that predicts a higher risk of small lung vessel disease and its severe form, pulmonary arterial hypertension. This discovery could lead to personalized treatments for patients with limited oxygen response.
Researchers have discovered a way to predict which individuals will respond to blood pressure treatments that lower sodium in the body. This breakthrough could lead to a 25% reduction in hypertension prevalence, resulting in significant cost savings for the Australian government.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for pulmonary hypertension treatment by discovering an epigenetic pathway mediated via the protein SPHK2 that can reduce and potentially reverse vascular remodeling. This discovery offers new hope for treating pulmonary hypertension, which is a complex and often fatal condition.
A new study from Tulane University found that Black adults are 54% more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than White Americans, largely due to social factors. The study's lead author suggests that addressing unemployment, low income, and lack of a partner can help reduce this disparity.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System will present studies on pediatric pulmonary vascular disease, asthma, and sleep disorders. The findings focus on prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in children with severe obstructive sleep apnea and associations between diet and lung function decline.
A long-term analysis reveals that approximately one-third of CTEPH patients also have left heart disease, which can worsen breathing symptoms and requires more comprehensive diagnostic approaches. The study suggests that treatment options for both conditions may overlap, necessitating further research to find effective therapies.
A novel treatment approach called balloon pulmonary angioplasty has been shown to be effective in treating chronic blood clots in lung arteries. The procedure improves exercise capacity and quality of life, with some patients able to stop medications altogether. Refinements in technique have improved the procedure's safety and efficacy.
Researchers found decreased lung injury, coughing up blood, and mortality rates after balloon pulmonary angioplasty between 2013 and 2022. The minimally invasive procedure is now considered a safer option for inoperable CTEPH patients.
Researchers discover that inhibiting a gene crucial for DNA production can significantly reduce destructive cell proliferation and disease progression in pulmonary hypertension. This finding presents a potential treatment target for the condition, which affects females aged 30-60 with limited treatment options.
A new biomaterial has been developed that can be injected intravenously to promote cell and tissue repair, reducing inflammation in damaged tissues. The material has shown promising results in treating heart attacks and traumatic brain injury in animal models.
Researchers developed a novel blood test that measures cell-free DNA to evaluate PAH severity and predict survivability. The test showed significant improvement over conventional tests and may allow doctors to intervene faster to prevent disease progression.
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a gene on the Y chromosome that protects against pulmonary hypertension in men by reducing proinflammatory chemokines. The study suggests that targeting inflammation may be a promising new avenue for therapy, and could lead to effective treatments for this fatal disease.
A new CNIC study warns that mitochondrial therapeutic interventions can cause damage due to the mixing of mitochondrial DNAs from two distinct origins. This can lead to medium- and long-term health issues, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and muscle loss.
Scientists have found that the gene PBK is overexpressed in pulmonary hypertension, causing excessive cell proliferation and thickening of pulmonary artery walls. They are now exploring PBK inhibitors to reduce cell proliferation and improve heart and lung function.
The study, published in Nature Aging, found that sildenafil reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease by 69% compared to non-users. Sildenafil also shows promise in treating the disease by increasing brain cell growth and decreasing hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh and Prairie View A&M University developed an algorithm to repurpose cancer drugs for pulmonary hypertension, a devastating lung disease. Two compounds improved human cells and rodent markers, supporting broader drug-repurposing platform use.
A team of scientists at Stanford University and Cincinnati Children's have found a potentially effective compound, AG1296, to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The compound was identified using human, PAH-specific stem cells as a drug screening platform.
Patients with segmental CTEPH treated surgically achieved excellent outcomes, with 80% long-term survival and good quality of life. Multidisciplinary post-operative care is crucial for optimal results.
The new virtual echocardiography screening tool (VEST) uses initial screening data from echocardiography to accurately diagnose pulmonary hypertension. VEST enables physicians to quickly evaluate patients for the condition by searching for routine key measures in echocardiogram reports, facilitating early recognition and timely treatment.
A new treatment option shows promise in improving survival rates for babies with a rare cerebrovascular disorder. The study found that endovascular treatment can reduce the severity of pulmonary hypertension, allowing babies to cross the critical line on their way to survival.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new, lower threshold for pulmonary vascular resistance to diagnose patients at risk for death due to PH. The study found that 60% more patients can be diagnosed with PH using this new parameter.
A new study from LSU Health reveals that chronic nicotine inhalation increases blood pressure and leads to pulmonary hypertension, accompanied by changes in lung and heart blood vessels. The researchers also found the adverse effects of inhaled nicotine are largely isolated to the right heart.
Pulmonary hypertension caused by respiratory disease has been linked to improved health outcomes through identifying underlying conditions. Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that thorough evaluations and tailored therapy approaches can help dogs with pulmonary hypertension, increasing survival rates.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that inflammation in the lungs can wake up a silent genetic defect that causes sudden onset cases of pulmonary hypertension. The study suggests that limiting potential environmental causes of lung inflammation may help prevent the development of the disease.
Researchers developed a cardiac MRI method to predict mortality risk in PAH patients. By monitoring right ventricular function, doctors can provide targeted therapies and measure their effectiveness.
The American Thoracic Society has developed a new clinical practice guideline for home oxygen therapy in children with chronic hypoxemia. The guideline makes specific recommendations for treating various respiratory and pulmonary conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and interstitial lung disease.
Researchers have identified Toll-like receptor 3 as a new target for treating pulmonary hypertension by increasing its levels through high-dose RNA stimulation, potentially reducing inflammation and cell death in the lungs.