Articles tagged with Arteries
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 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.
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...
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.
Scientists have found that 'ultrabad' LDL, a form of cholesterol found in people with type 2 diabetes and the elderly, is stickier than normal LDL, making it more likely to attach to artery walls and form dangerous fatty plaques. This discovery could lead to new treatments to prevent heart disease.
A study on ancient Egyptian mummies reveals that Princess Ahmose-Meryet-Amon had atherosclerosis in two of her three main coronary arteries, which would have required by-pass surgery. The findings contradict the common perception that atherosclerosis is a disease of modern lifestyle.
A study found that less than half of patients with stable coronary heart disease receive optimal medical therapy before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and almost one-third do not receive it at discharge. The use of PCI did not show significant benefits over optimal medical therapy in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
A new study found that systemic sclerosis is an independent determinant for moderate to severe coronary calcification or atherosclerosis in patients. The research team discovered that 57% of patients with systemic sclerosis had high coronary calcification scores, compared to 29% of healthy controls.
A recent study found that low-dose chest CT is effective in reducing radiation doses for evaluating cardiothoracic surgery patients. The study, conducted at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, demonstrated a 42% reduction in radiation dose compared to traditional methods.
A new study shows that susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a powerful tool for characterizing infarctions in patients earlier, directing more prompt treatment. SWI detected thromboemboli in 30 patients out of 35 with thromboembolic infarctions, improving the classification of cerebral infarctions.
The annual rate of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries in the US decreased substantially between 2001 and 2008, with a 15% decrease in CABG surgery rate. In contrast, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) rates remained relatively stable during this period.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals a substantial decrease in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, while rates of utilization of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have remained unchanged. The data analysis showed a 15% drop in annual CABG surgery rates between 2001 and 2008.
A study of 82 diabetic patients undergoing CABG found aggressive glycemic control did not improve survival rates. Instead, it led to a higher incidence of hypoglycemic events without significant benefits in major adverse effects.
A landmark study has found that radial access for angioplasty is a safe and effective alternative to traditional femoral access, resulting in fewer vascular complications and similar success rates. The RIVAL trial involved over 7,000 patients and compared radial and femoral access for coronary angiography and intervention.
A large multicentre trial found that radial access for coronary angioplasty in patients with acute coronary syndromes does not reduce death, heart attack, stroke, or major bleeding compared to femoral access. However, it significantly reduces complications at the access site and improves patient comfort.
Wait times for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have dropped significantly in Alberta and British Columbia, with median wait times decreasing by over 50%.
A new interventional radiology treatment blocks blood supply to men's enlarged prostate glands, showing comparable clinical results to transurethral resection of the prostate. The minimally invasive treatment has none of the risks associated with TURP, such as sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
A new study found that coronary artery calcium scanning helps patients make heart-healthy lifestyle changes and lower their heart disease risk factors. The scan also showed significant improvement in several risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, after four years.
Elevated levels of cardiac enzymes after CABG surgery linked to increased mortality risk, particularly among those with high biomarker levels. Higher CK-MB ratios were associated with greater death risk, with a ratio value of 4-5 predicting more than double the expected 30-day mortality.
Researchers found women with PAD lose ability to walk short distances and climb stairs sooner than men, despite having less calf muscle. Women are more likely to develop a mobility disability compared to men.
Researchers have developed bioengineered veins that can be used in life-saving vascular surgeries, offering a promising solution for patients lacking suitable veins. The technology has shown promise in reducing complications and costs associated with traditional grafts used in coronary artery bypass grafting and hemodialysis.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health's Undiagnosed Diseases Program have identified a novel disorder characterized by progressive and painful arterial calcification affecting the lower extremities. The condition, associated with mutations in the NT5E gene, has been observed in nine individuals from three unrelated families.
Researchers analyzed data on 45,000 CABG patients and found a decline in stroke occurrence over the past three decades. The study identified various risk factors associated with stroke after CABG, including older age, previous stroke, and certain surgical techniques.
Researchers found mammograms show calcifications in the blood vessels of nearly two-thirds of women with end-stage renal disease, potentially contributing to heart disease risk. The study suggests mammograms may be a useful tool for studying cardiovascular disease progression in kidney patients.
A study published in JAMA found no significant difference in 1-year angiographic patency between radial artery and saphenous vein grafts, contradicting previous assumptions that arterial grafts are superior.
A novel approach to angioplasty using standard guiding catheters has shown a 90% success rate in treating complex coronary lesions through the radial artery. The procedure, known as sheathless transradial PCI, promotes widespread adoption of transradial PCI in the US and offers benefits for patients with even the most complex procedures.
Researchers found that African Americans have a higher prevalence of non-calcified plaque, which is more vulnerable to rupture and causing cardiovascular events. The study suggests that coronary CT angiography may be a more effective screening tool for this patient group.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an independent predictor of death from all causes, doubling a veteran's risk of mortality. Researchers found that PTSD veterans had more severe coronary artery disease, with accelerated atherosclerosis being a key mechanism behind the excess mortality risk.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found a link between fat around the outside of arteries and the development of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals with diabetes. The study suggests that this fat tissue, known as perivascular adipose tissue, can lead to inflammation and unstable blood vessels, increasing the ...
New study shows combo CT scans of heart and arteries are comparable to traditional SPECT nuclear imaging tests in detecting coronary artery disease. The combination CT scans identified 71% of patients with reduced blood flow, while correctly identifying those without slowing down 90% of the time.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have shown that iron buildup is prevalent in unstable coronary artery plaque, making it a potential marker for risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death. Non-invasive imaging techniques, such as micro-CT scans, may soon be able to detect these plaques, allowing for earlier intervention.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are exploring the mechanisms of stroke recurrence in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The MoSIS trial aims to identify causes of strokes in these patients, which is estimated to occur in 25% within two years of initial stroke.
Patients with peripheral artery disease experience high rates of hospitalizations and associated costs, even after initial procedures to clear blockages in leg arteries. Preventive strategies, including healthy lifestyle adoption, may help arrest or stall the progression of the disease.
Recent research suggests that measuring fatty tissue around the heart is an even better predictor of major heart problems. Noninvasive CT scanning can provide this important information. The researchers conclude that assessment could add meaningfully to clinical risk assessment and generate CT information regarding plaque buildup.
A $1.5M NIH grant supports Manu Platt's project to develop models for identifying children at risk of stroke due to sickle cell disease. The goal is to create a mathematical model predicting stroke risk and allow for earlier intervention, improving treatment options.
Researchers developed a new interventional technique using stent-grafts to control massive bleeding from the hepatic artery after pancreaticoduodenectomy, demonstrating lower mortality rates than conventional surgical intervention. The procedure is considered a valuable alternative for patients with non-portal vein anatomy.
Researchers identified a gene network tied to high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B levels, which predict downstream cardiovascular disease. The study exposes potential targets for the treatment of heart disease and highlights the importance of understanding biological networks in disease prevention.
The OSPREY clinical trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of Terumo's MISAGO Stent System for treating peripheral artery disease in the US and Japan. The study aims to streamline the product approval process through unprecedented international regulatory cooperation.
Patients over 50 and obese recipients are at higher risk of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). Elevated triglyceride levels, CMV infection, and delayed graft function also significantly increase the risk. Researchers found that age and obesity increased TRAS by 190% and 697%, respectively.
A recent study has found that hardening of the arteries significantly increases the risk of mortality, with asymptomatic cases doubling the risk. The researchers recommend a simple ankle-brachial index test as a standard diagnostic tool for elderly patients.
A study of 45,227 patients with atherothrombosis found that hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes increased the risk of future cardiovascular events. Polyvascular disease was also identified as a strong risk factor for ischemic events.
The Mount Sinai team has developed a way to visualize coronary artery plaques using multi-color computed tomography (CT), which will lead to better and earlier diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. By harnessing high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and injecting gold particles into mice, researchers were able to see the location of vulnerabl...
Researchers developed an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system to monitor balloon inflation during angioplasty procedures, enabling precise measurement of balloon diameter and thickness. This technology holds potential for improving the success rate of angioplasty surgeries.
A 20-year study found that young adults with even modestly elevated cholesterol levels are more likely to develop coronary artery calcium and atherosclerosis. Cholesterol levels found in the majority of young adults in their 20s and 30s are associated with damage to coronary arteries, which can accumulate over time.
A new analysis reveals that avoiding lowest-volume hospitals and maximizing adherence to quality care processes can significantly reduce costs associated with coronary bypass surgery. Patients receiving all quality of care measures had shorter hospital stays and lower costs.
Researchers used nanoparticles to destroy atherosclerotic plaque in pigs, reducing plaque volume by 56.8% after six months. Combining nanoparticles with adult stem cells showed the greatest reductions in plaque volume and signs of new blood vessel growth.
Researchers at UC Irvine discovered that stimulating a single whisker can prevent strokes in rats by quickly expanding alternate arteries. The technique was 100% effective in preventing strokes when applied within two hours of blockage.
Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is a significant complication of adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation. Researchers report successful use of running sutures with intimal eversion to reduce HAT incidence. Atraumatic microsurgical techniques and careful stoma sizing also contribute to graft survival.
Researchers found men with ED had a 54% greater likelihood of high-risk CACS compared to those without ED. The study suggests ED is an independent risk factor for future cardiovascular disease.
Researchers discovered that the key signaling molecule nitric oxide is crucial for maintaining the number of collateral vessels and their growth into natural bypass vessels. The study found that a lack of nitric oxide impairs collateral remodeling, which can lead to reduced blood flow and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that cholesterol crystals form in the arterial wall and activate a biomarker called NLRP3, inducing inflammation. This early cause of inflammation could lead to new treatments targeting cholesterol crystal deposits and inflammatory biomarkers.
A new report in Cell Metabolism shows that insulin-resistant blood vessels develop plaques twice as large as normal ones and are more prone to atherosclerosis. Insulin signaling helps prevent fatty plaque buildup, suggesting treatments targeting blood vessels may be beneficial for people with diabetes.
Researchers have identified the molecular trigger for inflammation in large blood vessels, finding that cholesterol crystals activate an inflammasome complex within immune cells. This leads to a catastrophic chain reaction of inflammatory mediators and immune cell invasion, potentially destabilizing vessel walls.
A study found that adding calcium in coronary arteries to traditional risk factors improves classification of risk for predicting coronary heart disease events. The researchers used computed tomography to measure the buildup of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries, and found significant improvements in risk prediction.
A coronary artery calcium score provides a better estimate of future heart disease events when added to traditional risk factors, especially for those at intermediate risk. The study found that the score accurately placed 77% of participants into high or low risk categories.
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.
Patients who receive audiotapes of their pre-surgery consultations exhibit higher knowledge scores, greater sense of control, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. The audiotaped recordings facilitate patients' recall of information and satisfaction levels, particularly among elderly patients.