Articles tagged with Arteries
Cedars-Sinai researchers found a strong connection between Kawasaki Disease and accelerated atherosclerosis, a leading cause of adult heart disease. Children with Kawasaki Disease are at increased risk of developing early-onset atherosclerosis, which can lead to hardening of the arteries.
Researchers found SCAD occurs most frequently in men during extreme exertion and in women after childbirth, with a higher-than-expected rate of recurrence in females. Conservative therapies may be a better approach for some SCAD patients, while invasive procedures are associated with complications.
A naturally occurring molecule, Akt3, regulates lipid entry into macrophages and prevents cholesterol storage, potentially leading to new plaque-fighting drugs. The discovery could also aid doctors in developing screening tests for patient risk levels of atherosclerosis.
The study analyzed over 1.5 million PCI procedures and found that drug-eluting stent use varies significantly among physicians, even among patients at low risk of restenosis. A reduction in DES use could lead to substantial cost savings while preserving clinical benefit.
Researchers at Pitt's Swanson School of Engineering and School of Medicine have developed a cell-free, biodegradable artery graft that regenerates an artery in situ within 90 days. The graft's porosity allows for immediate cell infiltration, leading to strong and compliant new arteries.
A team of researchers has developed a 'time bomb' nanocontainer that releases vasodilator content exclusively to diseased areas, increasing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. This technology exploits the physical phenomenon of shear stress in stenosed arteries to deliver targeted therapy.
Research suggests that chronic excessive endurance exercise can cause structural changes to the heart and large arteries, leading to myocardial injury. Lifelong vigorous exercisers generally have low mortality and disability rates, but may be at risk for adverse cardiovascular remodeling.
Researchers found that highly active middle-aged subjects avoid arterial stiffening associated with aging. The study suggests that high physical activity may be more beneficial for women than men in preventing cardiovascular disease.
At EuroPCR 2012, expert panel discussions highlighted the potential for interventional cardiologists to support stroke patients with mechanical thrombectomy. Keynote speakers emphasized the need for education and training in interventional neuroradiology to ensure timely care for these patients.
A study by the American Heart Association found that STEMI patients who went directly to PCI-capable hospitals received faster treatment, with an average time of 93 minutes from first medical contact to artery-opening treatment. This can improve a patient's chances of survival.
Research published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery found that high volume endovascular stroke centers have faster times to treatment, higher reperfusion rates, and improved clinical outcomes. Patients treated at these centers are more likely to have blood flow restored and survive
Scientists have developed a new imaging method that combines PET and CT scanning to identify patients at high risk of a heart attack. The technique, which targets active calcification in coronary arteries, shows promise in improving heart attack prediction and reducing mortality rates.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have identified a new process that controls artery constriction, which could lead to a better understanding of cardiovascular disease causes and the development of new treatments. By blocking specific enzymes, researchers were able to reduce artery constriction and lower blood pressure risk.
A new comparative effectiveness study found that older adults who underwent bypass surgery had better long-term survival rates than those who underwent a non-surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. After four years, the CABG group had a 21 percent lower mortality rate compared to the PCI group.
Prostatic artery embolization shows promise in treating lower urinary tract symptoms and improving quality of life for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical success was seen in 91% of treated individuals, with significant volume reduction in prostate size.
A study found that administering a bolus dose of the anticoagulant drug abciximab directly into the coronary artery involved in causing a heart attack resulted in a significant reduction in heart muscle damage at 30 days. However, manual thrombus aspiration did not produce similar results.
A study found that dissections occur most frequently in the right coronary artery and bending areas, causing serious complications. Stenting was successful in treating the dissection in 75% of patients, but major in-hospital adverse events occurred in 54%.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that cardiovascular disease and heart attack complications from PCI tend to occur within the first 30 days after treatment. The study analyzed patients who received anti-blood clotting drugs, with prasugrel showing a significant benefit in reducing these complications.
Vascular Magnetics, spun off from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, is developing a drug delivery system that uses magnetically targeted nanoparticles to treat peripheral artery disease. The company has raised $7 million in funding and plans to begin clinical trials in 2014.
A new stent procedure has shown remarkably positive results in how patients recover from strokes, with 56% of participants experiencing an excellent neurological outcome compared to 33% with traditional methods. The study also found a significant reduction in mortality rates among those who underwent the new procedure.
Researchers used advanced imaging technology to visualize minute structural elements within blood vessels and found elastin plays a key role in supporting arterial function. This knowledge could help understand and treat complications of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers identified netrin-1 as a molecule that blocks the normal migration of macrophages out of arteries, causing them to accumulate and promote atherosclerosis. Genetically deleting netrin-1 can minimize atherosclerosis, reduce macrophage levels in plaque, and promote macrophage migration.
A study found that US patients treated for acute heart attacks were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days due to shorter hospital stays. This may be attributed to the US healthcare system's episodic care approach, which can lead to inadequate management of patients after discharge.
A study of over 14,000 Medicare patients with peripheral arterial disease found that treatment by interventional radiologists results in better patient outcomes and lower costs. The study suggests that consumers have a choice in selecting healthcare providers and can expect varying levels of quality and cost depending on the specialist
A meta-analysis of studies found that PCIs at centers with and without on-site surgery have similar rates of in-hospital mortality and emergency CABG surgery. However, additional outcome data are still needed to fully understand the risks associated with non-primary PCI at centers without on-site surgery.
Researchers discovered how statins promote the breakdown of plaque by activating a cell surface receptor, forcing macrophages out of plaque. The study supports clinical findings that high-dose statins reduce cholesterol levels and plaque amount in arteries.
A new method for measuring artery narrowing could eliminate the need for a drug in assessing patients for a coronary stent. The investigational technique, termed instant wave-Free Ratio (iFR), produced similar results to existing methods and is being developed by Imperial College London and Volcano Corporation.
A study using coronary CT angiography found that women are at a significantly greater risk of cardiovascular events than men when experiencing large amounts of plaque build-up or extensive artery narrowing. In contrast, men with non-calcified plaque are at higher risk for major adverse cardiac events compared to women.
A Cedars-Sinai study reveals that a normal protein involved in blood clotting can harm healthy brain cells after an ischemic stroke. The researchers will investigate the source of this protein and its interactions with other molecules to develop new treatments for stroke patients.
Researchers found that responders with high exposure to the dust cloud had high-risk features of atherosclerosis and impaired vascular reactivity. The study used MRI imaging to evaluate cardiovascular risk in WTC first responders.
A UTHealth study reveals that patients who call 911 for heart attacks arrive at hospitals 30 minutes faster but still have higher mortality rates due to being more critically ill. The study found that those who call 911 are three times more likely to die, highlighting the need for improved pre-hospital treatment.
A new diagnostic test for coronary artery disease is associated with a higher rate of subsequent invasive cardiac procedures and higher health-care spending. The study found that patients who underwent coronary CT angiography were nearly twice as likely to have a subsequent cardiac catheterization as those who had a stress test.
A new study finds that atherosclerotic plaques often form in regions of low shear stress immediately downstream, creating conditions favorable for additional plaque buildup. High shear stress is typically found within existing plaques, suggesting its role in maintaining their stability.
A study found that elite female marathoners have less plaque buildup than their sedentary counterparts, with similar characteristics when plaque forms. In contrast, male marathon runners tend to develop more plaque volume and stenosis.
A national study led by Johns Hopkins cardiologist Thomas Aversano found that nonemergency angioplasty can be performed safely at hospitals without cardiac surgery backup, with low rates of complications and death. The study compared over 18,500 patients who underwent heart artery-opening angioplasty or stenting at hospitals with or wi...
The PEPCAD-DES trial demonstrated paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty is more effective than plain old uncoated-balloon angioplasty in treating drug-eluting stent restenosis. The procedure resulted in lower late lumen loss, binary restenosis rates, and major adverse cardiac events.
A new device combines optical frequency-domain imaging and near-infrared fluorescence to provide simultaneous structural and molecular images of internal arterial surfaces. This integrated approach can assess key factors linked to the risk of clot formation, enabling a 'stent checkup' for patients at risk.
UBC researchers have created a monitoring technique for brain aneurysms using platinum implants as antennas to detect blood levels and indicate implant failure. This approach may enable patients to check their condition at home, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
A new 2D visualization tool called HemoVis has been developed to diagnose heart disease more accurately than traditional 3D models. The tool uses a tree diagram of arteries with areas of disease highlighted and is shown to be more accurate and efficient for patient diagnosis.
Researchers developed a kit for trainees to practice microvascular anastomosis, improving surgical skills and results. Extra training at home showed significant impact on performance, suggesting deliberate practice is key to becoming proficient in cardiac surgery.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that delaying coronary stenting after a heart attack may improve patient outcomes. The research found that waiting several days to allow the artery to heal before inserting a stent may be more effective than immediate stenting.
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.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that same-day discharge after coronary artery stenting is safe for low-risk patients, but not commonly practiced. The study of over 100,000 patients suggests that better risk assessment tools are needed to identify high-risk patients who require hospital overnight stay.
Researchers found that patients with well-developed coronary collaterals have a 36% reduced risk of mortality from heart disease. The study suggests promoting natural bypass vessels through lifestyle factors and potential treatments, such as external counterpulsation or injections with growth factor G-CSF.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health identified a hidden cause of heart attacks in women without significant coronary artery disease. Plaque disruption, a rupture or ulceration of cholesterol plaque in a coronary artery, was found to be the mechanism behind myocardial infarction in some women.
A team led by Yves Marcel has discovered a process called autophagy that mobilizes and exports cholesterol from cells. This could provide a new target to reverse atherosclerosis, the main cause of heart attack and stroke.
In a large nationwide clinical trial, intensive medical treatment reduced strokes and deaths by 70% compared to brain stent placement in high-risk patients. The study found no benefit from stenting, suggesting it may dislodge unstable plaque in arteries.
A national clinical trial found that intensive medical therapy reduced the risk of stroke and related death, while stenting increased it. Patients who received medical therapy alone had a lower risk of stroke and death compared to those who underwent stenting.
Patients with narrowed brain arteries who received intensive medical treatment had fewer strokes and deaths than those who received a brain stent. Medical management was found to be the most effective treatment option for preventing stroke prevention.
A study of over 2,000 people found that high levels of coronary calcium were a better predictor of heart attack and stroke risk than C-reactive protein. The research suggests that statin medication may be unnecessary for some individuals with normal LDL cholesterol levels and low C-reactive protein levels.
A study published in Radiology found that pericardial fat is more strongly related to coronary artery plaque than body mass index or waist circumference. This association suggests that fat around the heart may be an early indicator of coronary disease, particularly in overweight individuals.
Researchers developed a method to predict which areas of the coronary arteries will develop more atherosclerotic plaque over time. The method calculates shear stress based on artery geometry and blood flow, identifying vulnerable plaque that is likely to cause a heart attack or stroke.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that cardiologists in the US are still performing late artery-opening procedures despite guideline changes. The study examined nearly 29,000 patients and showed no decline in monthly rates of late procedures from 2005 to 2008.
Researchers developed a high-resolution imaging technology called microOCT that can reveal cellular and subcellular features of coronary artery disease. The study shows detailed images of endothelial cells, inflammatory cells, smooth muscle cells, fibrin proteins, and platelets involved in clot formation.
Researchers discovered that CT angiography can detect heart disease in African Americans more effectively than calcium scoring, revealing higher levels of non-calcified plaque. The study suggests reevaluating the use of calcium scoring as a screening tool for African Americans.
A multicenter study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that elective unprotected left main coronary artery PCI with drug-eluting stents resulted in favorable outcomes for patients with normal left ventricular function, including low rates of cardiac death and target lesion revascularization. Patients ag...
A new UCLA study reports favorable long-term outcomes for lower-risk patients with left main coronary artery disease who underwent angioplasty with medication-coated stents. The procedure had an excellent short-term outcome profile and a low risk of complications.
Research found that millions of adults with peripheral artery disease are not taking cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medications, despite having a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Taking two or more of these medications was associated with a 65% lower rate of death from all causes.
A genetic biomarker has been identified that can predict the likelihood of successful restoration of blood flow after leg bypass surgery. Patients who inherit a specific DNA variation are 2.5 times more likely to maintain adequate blood flow through their surgically repaired blood vessels.
A new near-infrared fluorescence agent has been developed to detect deep vein thrombosis, a potentially deadly cardiovascular disease. The agent uses a biomarker that targets fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation, and has shown high-resolution imaging capabilities in phase II clinical trials.