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New treatment for Marfan syndrome shows promise

Researchers found that Losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, is as effective as beta blockers in slowing the growth of the aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome. The study included 608 patients and showed similar rates of tears in the aorta and no difference in deaths between the two groups.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2014

Train your heart to protect your mind

A new study published in Neurobiology of Aging found that exercising improves cardiovascular strength, which may protect against cognitive impairment as we age. The researchers tested 31 young people and 54 older adults, finding that those with better aortic elasticity and aerobic fitness performed better on cognitive tests.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateAug 24, 2014

Atherosclerosis in abdominal aorta may predict adverse cardiovascular events, UTSW scientists report

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used MRI to measure aortic atherosclerosis and found that thicker walls were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks. A smaller plaque buildup was linked to increased risk of peripheral vascular occlusion, stroke, and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalRadiology·DateJun 18, 2013

Atherosclerotic disease heredity mapped in nationwide study

A nationwide study reveals that heredity plays a significant role in common forms of atherosclerotic disease, with risk highest for individuals with family history. The study found a strong correlation between early-onset aortic atherosclerosis and increased risk of developing the same type of disease.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 20, 2013

University of Alberta research working towards treatment for aortic aneurysms in the abdomen

A research team led by Professor Zamaneh Kassiri has discovered that boosting TIMP3 levels can prevent the development of abdominal aneurysms. The study found that a protein called MMP2, despite being a contributor to heart and vascular disease, did not cause aneurysms when combined with TIMP3 deficiency.

Risk factor identified for acute aortic dissections

A study found that people with duplications in chromosome 16's 16p13.1 region are at 12-fold increased risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Researchers from UTHealth and Baylor College of Medicine discovered this association, which may lead to aggressive forms of the disease and require closer monitoring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 16, 2011

UTHealth discoveries shed more light on deadly thoracic aortic disease

Researchers at UTHealth have identified a fifth gene defect associated with thoracic aortic disease, as well as 47 DNA regions linked to the condition. The findings offer new insights into the role of smooth muscle cells in contracting the aorta and provide potential avenues for blocking or reversing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 18, 2010

Amphetamine use increases risk of aortic tears in young adults, UT Southwestern researchers report

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that amphetamine abuse increases the risk of aortic dissection in young adults. The study, published in American Heart Journal, analyzed medical records from nearly 31 million people and found a threefold increase in odds of aortic dissection among those who abused amphetamines.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateAug 16, 2010

Traumatic aortic injury -- New England Journal of Medicine review

The minimally invasive endograft procedure enables doctors to fix the artery without making an incision, reducing blood loss and recovery time. This innovative approach has evolved treatment options for blunt aortic injury, stabilizing the injured artery and offering a life-saving option for patients with multiple traumatic injuries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 15, 2008