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USC-Caltech team tests new noninvasive tool to predict stroke risk

A team of researchers from USC and Caltech developed a new noninvasive tool to measure brain blood pressure, assessing stroke risk through changes in blood flow and volume during a stress test. The affordable, portable device has the potential to transform stroke care by providing more reliable data than existing questionnaires.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2024

Cardiometabolic risk factors in apparently healthy individuals are linked to altered coronary microcirculation

A study finds that cardiometabolic indicators like metabolic syndrome and diabetes impair coronary microvascular function, increasing cardiovascular risk. The presence of subclinical atherosclerosis also contributes to altered microvessel function.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2024

Combined whole eye and face transplant

The world's first combined whole eye and face transplant has demonstrated allograft survival, including rejection-free graft survival. The transplanted eye has maintained normal pressure, good blood flow, and some remaining structure and functions in the retina. Researchers are now focused on understanding how to restore sight.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 9, 2024

Method enables fast, accurate estimates of cardiovascular state to inform blood pressure management

A new mathematical method, validated with experimental animal data, provides fast, reliable, and minimally invasive way of determining how to treat critical blood pressure changes. The method accurately tracks cardiac output and systemic resistance, mirroring estimates from more invasive catheters in some cases.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Lifesaving star

A novel, star-shaped polymer has been developed as a low-volume resuscitant for prehospital treatment of severe hemorrhagic shock. The solution can refill blood vessels without disrupting coagulation, offering an improvement over existing colloidal resuscitants.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

More than a quarter of ‘healthy’ over-60s have heart valve disease, according to new research

A study of over 4,500 healthy adults aged 60 and older found that nearly 28% had some form of heart valve disease, with age being the main risk factor. The majority of cases were mild, but the study highlights the need for more research into screening methods to identify and manage the disease in the elderly population.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Standardized protocols help hospitals treat strokes faster, WVU research finds

Researchers found that hospitals that implemented standardized protocols from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association saw significant reductions in stroke treatment times. The protocols, which include specific limits on time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, helped medical teams respond more quickly to ...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Operations Management·DateJun 24, 2024

Repurposed drug may help stabilize vision in rare disease

Researchers find that a repurposed drug, crizanlizumab, stabilizes vision in patients with retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy and systemic manifestations (RVCL-S) after two years of treatment. The study suggests that this may give patients additional years to read, drive, and enjoy activities.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 17, 2024

UPF and Côte d’Azur University establish that the inclination with which the pulmonary veins reach the heart influences the risk of thrombi

Researchers found that the angle at which pulmonary veins reach the left atrial appendage affects blood flow and thrombus formation. The study used a sample of 130 patients to investigate the relationship between pulmonary vein morphology and thrombi risk in atrial fibrillation patients.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Wearable ultrasound patch enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring of cerebral blood flow

Researchers developed a wearable ultrasound patch that provides three-dimensional data on cerebral blood flow, addressing clinical standard limitations. The device offers hands-free, continuous monitoring and was tested on healthy volunteers with accurate results, paving the way for potential use in patients with neurological conditions.

Very early blood pressure control confers both benefits and harms in acute stroke

A new study found that very early blood pressure lowering treatment can improve outcomes for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, but worsen outcomes for those with ischemic stroke. Rapid diagnosis of the type of stroke is crucial in harnessing the benefits of this treatment.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

Brief anger may impair blood vessel function

A new study found that brief anger episodes can negatively impact blood vessel function, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers investigated the effects of anger, sadness, and anxiety on blood vessel function and found that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 1, 2024

Revascularization enhances quality of life for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia

Researchers found that revascularization treatment significantly improves the quality of life for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, a severe form of peripheral artery disease. The study revealed diminished quality of life among these patients, but revascularization restored sufficient blood flow and improved wellbeing.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2024

Research progress reveals faster, more accurate blood flow simulation to revolutionise treatment of vascular diseases

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed new methods to simulate blood flow, enabling faster and more accurate modeling of vascular diseases. These advancements have the potential to transform medical treatment and device innovation, providing real-time insights during surgical procedures and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 21, 2024

Amsterdam UMC research shows that ultrasound can be used to detect placenta problems in small babies

A study by Amsterdam UMC shows that Doppler ultrasound can detect placenta problems in small babies, identifying those at higher risk of oxygen deficiency and health issues. The measurement is added to the care plan for these undersized babies, allowing for better detection and monitoring of potential problems.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 5, 2024

Researchers find that using patients’ own blood, rather than saline, helps preserve veins in coronary bypass grafts

Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Carilion Clinic found that preserving leg vein grafts in heparinized arterial blood, rather than saline, improves their health and viability. This discovery could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft procedures.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Vascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Multidisciplinary panel advocates for increased adoption of Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) in peripheral vascular interventions

Experts recommend increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in lower extremity revascularization procedures to optimize outcomes and reduce complications. The technique provides detailed information about vessel walls, plaque composition, and blood flow characteristics, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateJan 9, 2024

Endovascular catheter opens blocked arteries deep within lungs, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University Health System report that the BASHIR Endovascular Catheter reduces blockages in lung arteries and correlates with improved right ventricle function, suggesting better survival outcomes. The catheter also shows significantly lower bleeding rates compared to other devices.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJACC Advances·DateDec 4, 2023

Measuring long-term heart stress dynamics with smartwatch data

Biomedical engineers at Duke University created a new 'digital twins' framework using smartwatch data to capture personalized arterial forces over 700,000 heartbeats. This approach reduces the computational load by simulating tasks in parallel, enabling real-time tracking of cardiovascular disease progression and risk assessment.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Calls for improved support about menstruation changes during perimenopause

A new study highlights how perimenopausal women's periods may become unpredictable, heavy, and cause worse premenstrual symptoms. The research suggests that improved education and support are needed to manage these changes, including extra support in the workplace, emotional support from loved ones, and access to support groups.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPost Reproductive Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 20, 2023

What happens when we pass out? Researchers ID new brain and heart connections

Scientists have discovered a genetic pathway between the heart and brain tied to fainting, suggesting that the heart sends signals back to the brain that can change its function. The study found that vagal sensory neurons play a key role in fainting, with their activation leading to rapid pupil dilation, suppressed heart-rate and breat...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Mobile stroke units increase odds of averting stroke

A study published in Annals of Neurology found that receiving clot-busting drug treatment in a mobile stroke unit (MSU) increases the likelihood of averting strokes and complete recovery compared to standard hospital emergency care. Patients treated by an MSU had faster treatment times, with nearly one-third recovering within 24 hours.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 26, 2023

Brief dialysis may be best for some kidney patients

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that patients with acute kidney injury on outpatient dialysis may not need lifelong treatment if they have the potential to recover. The study tracked data from over 1,700 patients and showed that approximately three-quarters of those who recovered kidney function discontinued dialysis with...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 28, 2023

Patients who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention do as well as non-smokers – unless they had smoked heavily

A large study of 74,471 patients found that those who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have comparable rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths to non-smokers. However, heavy smokers showed no improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

New evidence confirms patients with severe psoriasis are at a higher risk for heart disease

A large study published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that patients with severe psoriasis have a high prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction, which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Psoriasis severity and duration, as well as the presence of psoriatic arthritis, are independently linked to redu...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2023

New method for detecting blood circulation problems in brain capillaries

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using Bessel beam two-photon microscopy to detect stalling in brain capillaries, which can indicate acute neurological issues. The approach generates clear images of all capillaries every two seconds, providing better temporal resolution and enabling the detection of short stalling events.

Take a deep breath: early detection of vascular disease in chronic lung disease of premature infants

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich developed a non-invasive method using MR imaging to detect early signs of vascular disease associated with chronic pulmonary impairment in premature infants. The study presents a new tool for risk stratification and potential prevention of complications later in life.

Severe COVID-19 survivors may show increased vascular risk associated with stress

Researchers found that severe COVID-19 survivors exhibit elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity in response to mental stress, which accelerates heartbeat and increases blood pressure. This exaggerated reaction, combined with impaired vasodilation, poses a significant risk for cardiovascular complications.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalAJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology·DateAug 24, 2023