Articles tagged with Arteries
A blood pressure test, pulse pressure, may identify patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at increased risk of developing fatal heart complications. Pulse pressure correlates significantly with coronary artery calcification in all patients with various stages of CKD.
Researchers from Monash University have designed microbot motors powered by piezoelectricity, allowing them to swim up narrow arteries and enhance surgical views. The innovative technology could revolutionize minimally invasive surgeries, making them safer and more effective.
A clinical trial from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that supervised exercise can improve walking endurance for people with peripheral arterial disease. Participants were able to walk an average of 69 feet further after six months of supervised treadmill walking, and reported a better quality of life.
A new diagnostic tool can help doctors determine whether stenting is necessary for patients with coronary artery disease. The study found that using this tool resulted in a significant reduction in cardiac events, including death, heart attack, and repeat stenting or bypass surgery.
A recent study published in JAMA found that skipping one hour of sleep per night can increase the risk of coronary artery calcification, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. The study, which followed 495 healthy volunteers, found that those who slept less than five hours per night were more likely to develop calcified arteries.
A study found that participants who slept an hour longer per night had a lower incidence of coronary artery calcification, a predictor of future heart disease. The association was similar to established coronary risk factors and held true even after adjusting for potential confounders.
New research shows regular exercise can significantly improve peripheral artery disease (PAD) symptoms by increasing collateral blood flow and enhancing vascular efficiency. Exercise training can delay pain onset and increase mobility in people with PAD.
A study published in JASN found that even mild increases in serum phosphorus levels are associated with cardiovascular events in people with moderate chronic kidney disease. Vascular calcification, detected by CT scans, was more common in patients with higher phosphorus levels, increasing the risk of coronary artery calcification.
Coronary CTA accurately evaluates patients with calcified coronary artery plaques, detecting stenosis with 72% accuracy rate. Non-invasive and cost-effective, CTA provides a comprehensive view of arteries from multiple angles.
A large study found that cardiac CT scans can effectively assess coronary artery stenosis with a high sensitivity rate of 98% and specificity of 91%. This non-invasive technique may avoid the need for invasive catheter angiography in patients with intermediate clinical probability of coronary artery disease.
New research confirms that 64-CT scans can accurately diagnose coronary artery blockages, rivaling invasive cardiac catheterization. The technology also has the potential to reduce cardiac catheterizations and serve as an alternative to cardiac stress testing.
Researchers developed an optical imaging technique called OFDI that visualizes areas of inflammation and plaque deposits in coronary arteries, improving understanding of coronary artery disease. The technique has the potential to diagnose and treat plaque before it leads to serious problems.
A study found that high-normal phosphate levels are associated with increased calcium in coronary arteries, a key indicator of atherosclerosis. The research suggests that phosphate levels may represent a previously unidentified cardiovascular risk factor.
Researchers found that community hospitals with more experience with coronary angioplasty have lower mortality rates. The study suggests that easing restrictions on elective angioplasty could improve patient safety and survival rates.
A study by the American Heart Association found that Hispanic patients were 57% less likely than Caucasian patients to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) one year after successful angioplasty. Hispanics also had a trend toward lower rates of overall repeat revascularization procedures, including stenting and bypass surgery.
Researchers reviewed data from lung transplant recipients, finding that arrhythmias developed in 38% of patients within 30 days. Meanwhile, tadalafil proved effective in treating pulmonary hypertension, while insomnia was linked to a lower risk of hypertension in men. Hospitalized CPR patients had high mortality rates, and female hospi...
Researchers have found that optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the best tool available to detect vulnerable plaque, a possible cause of sudden cardiac death. OCT provides superior contrast and resolution in imaging the components of plaque, allowing for better understanding of coronary artery disease progression.
Three new devices are being showcased to reduce blockages in peripheral and coronary arteries, providing cardiac support. The AngioSculpt device optimizes stenting of complex lesions with a low rate of complications.
A new University of Georgia study found that even occasional cigarette smoking can decrease arterial responsiveness by up to 36% in young, healthy adults. Repeated bouts of smoking further impaired flow-mediated dilation, indicating a potential long-term risk for cardiovascular disease.
A 12-week isoflavone supplement improved brachial artery dilation and reversed endothelial dysfunction in stroke patients. Isoflavone treatment also decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, suggesting reduced vascular inflammatory stress.
A multi-center study led by UIC aims to assess blood flow and stroke risk in patients with first-time symptoms caused by 50% or greater blockage of the arteries leading to the back of the brain. The study will compare blood flow of patients who had a stroke since their initial symptoms with those who did not have a stroke.
Nakhiah Goulbourne's NSF CAREER award aims to develop specific models and experiments for heart stent sensors. The goal is to create diagnostic tools that can dynamically monitor the mechanical state of the stented artery, reducing implant failures and improving cardiovascular flow.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine discovered that human arteries play distinct roles in the immune system depending on their anatomical location. Different types of arterial samples had varying Toll-like receptor gene expressions, which may explain why certain vascular diseases affect specific parts of the body.
Researchers found that patients with incomplete heart attacks are at a higher risk of having another heart attack after discharge. The study suggests that some patients may not receive optimal treatment due to incorrect risk assessment.
A new non-invasive cardiac imaging technology has been found to be highly accurate in detecting coronary artery stenosis, comparable to the traditional and more expensive invasive method. The study, conducted at 16 sites, involved 230 research volunteers with chest pain but no known coronary artery disease.
The P4P system drastically cuts network load through local file-sharing, with average data packets traveling just 160 miles and making fewer metro-hops. Local file sharing increased nearly tenfold from 6% to 58%, providing a basis for the future of peer-to-peer systems.
A recent study published in Obesity found that having excess fat around the heart may increase the risk of heart attacks. Researchers discovered that the volume of pericardial fat was related to the development of calcified coronary plaque, a marker for increased cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found that coronary arterial calcium scans can detect overall death risk in elderly adults, predicting those likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. The study validated the use of CT scans to assess death risk, enabling physicians to advise patients on lifestyle changes and preventive measures.
A recent study found that green tea rapidly improves the function of endothelial cells lining the circulatory system. The consumption of green tea resulted in increased brachial artery dilatation, indicating improved endothelial function. This is significant as endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis.
A new classification system has been developed to help cardiologists determine the best course of treatment for patients with symptomatic myocardial bridging. The system combines clinical symptoms, non-invasive tests, and heart flow studies to reduce subjective decision-making.
A study found that drug-releasing stents decreased the need for repeat revascularization procedures by approximately 18% compared to bare-metal stents. The risk of death or heart attack also showed a small decrease, but no significant difference in overall mortality rates.
Researchers found that increasing pro-resolution signals can cool down inflammation and slow down atherosclerosis. However, clamping down on these signals would fan the fire of inflammation and speed up its progression.
Treating acute heart attacks with thrombus aspiration results in improved 1-year clinical outcomes, including lower cardiac death rates and fewer non-fatal heart attacks. This innovative approach to treatment appears to be more effective than traditional percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) alone.
Research from McMaster University found that brief, high-intensity sprints improve blood vessel function and structure, similar to traditional long-duration exercise. The study suggests that short bursts of intense exercise can reap the same cardiovascular benefits as longer workouts.
Researchers developed an artificial graft tissue by combining man-made materials with human cells, resulting in improved durability and attachment to host tissue. The study paves the way for a medical breakthrough that could save millions of lives worldwide.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have developed a new noninvasive method to detect and measure noncalcified plaque using voxel analysis and MDCTA. The technique was shown to be equally effective as catheter coronary angiography in identifying patients at risk for heart disease.
A new calcium scoring method takes into account plaque distribution to predict heart attack risk, showing a significant association between diabetes and increased coronary artery calcification. The study found that the location of calcium in arteries is crucial in estimating patient risk.
Research suggests that high-flavanol cocoa can improve blood vessel function in people with type 2 diabetes, rivaling the benefits of exercise and common medications. Flavanols may help increase nitric oxide production, reducing artery stress and promoting cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that intermittent hypoxia treatment reduced myocardial infarction and lethal arrhythmias following coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in dogs. The treatment also suppressed cardiac activity of nitric oxide synthase, a key enzyme involved in the production of harmful compounds.
A new study found that submucosal fibroids may migrate to the endometrial cavity after uterine artery embolization (UAE), but most are expelled spontaneously. Women can choose alternative treatments like hysteroscopic resection and/or myomectomy for better management of symptoms.
A study found that minimally invasive robotic bypass surgery reduces hospital stays, complications, and costs for patients, particularly those at high risk. The procedure also shows better long-term results in bypass graft patency, providing quality of life benefits.
The study found that angiographic in-segment late loss was significantly less in the everolimus-releasing stent group compared to the paclitaxel group. The use of everolimus stents resulted in a significant reduction in composite major adverse cardiac events at 9 months and 1 year.
A recent study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients admitted with heart attacks during off-hours receive slower and less comprehensive care. Despite this, there is no significant difference in in-hospital death rates between those arriving during regular hours and off-hours.
Researchers found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with a lower prevalence of PAD. Individuals with the lowest vitamin D levels had a 64% higher risk of PAD compared to those with the highest levels.
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) may be misused as a screening tool for high-risk patients without symptoms. Experts, including Dr. Christopher M. Kramer, argue that the procedure exposes patients to radiation and contrast dye, posing more risk than benefit.
A new cardiac CT technique, prospective gated 64-channel cardiac CT, has been shown to significantly reduce patient exposure to radiation. Compared to the standard retrospective ECG gating technique, this method produces high-quality images with a 76% lower radiation dose.
A recent study found that MDCT is accurate in detecting stenosis in small and moderate-sized calcified coronary artery plaque, with a high concordance rate with cardiac catheterization. However, overestimation of stenosis occurred in large and heavily calcified lesions, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting MDCT results.
A large randomized study found that angioplasty and stenting offer no benefit over medical therapy for patients with renal artery stenosis. After one year of follow-up, there were no differences in kidney function, blood pressure control, or major cardiovascular illness rates.
A JAMA study found that using MC-1 before and after CABG surgery did not lower the risk of heart attacks or cardiovascular deaths. The treatment showed no benefit in any subgroup or other outcomes.
A new medication, pimecrolimus, failed to reduce arterial renarrowing after stenting, while a multi-reservoir stent design with the drug delivered better outcomes. The study used a combination of pimecrolimus and paclitaxel for comparison.
A drug-coated balloon coated with paclitaxel has shown to be more effective than a traditional drug-eluting stent in reducing renarrowing of the coronary arteries after six months. The study found lower rates of major cardiac events at one year, making it a promising alternative for treating in-stent restenosis.
A new study suggests that taking pioglitazone can help slow the progression of plaque build-up in coronary arteries, which is particularly aggressive in patients with diabetes. The findings have important implications for managing patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.
A new study found no significant difference in mortality rates between patients treated with stenting and bypass surgery for unprotected left main coronary artery disease. However, patients treated with stents were more likely to need repeat procedures to keep the artery open.
A new study found that intensive antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel reduces ischemic events, including stent thrombosis, compared to standard clopidogrel. The treatment shows promise for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Researchers found that bioabsorbable everolimus-eluting stents were safe and effective in patients with single coronary artery lesions, with no late stent thromboses recorded. The study showed excellent procedural success rates and minimal formation of scar tissue within the stent.
Researchers found that MPA decreased endothelial function in premenopausal women, raising questions about long-term effects on cardiovascular health. The study suggests that exposure to synthetic hormones may reduce blood vessel flexibility, potentially leading to heart disease.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified PPAR delta as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can slow down lesion progression and reduce plaque buildup in arteries. Activating this protein may offer a novel approach to treating metabolic syndrome and its associated cardiovascular risks.
A new viewpoint published in The Lancet suggests that age is not an unmodifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but rather a combination of factors that can be modified through early intervention. The authors argue that conventional wisdom prioritizes age over modifiable risk factors like lipid levels and blood pressure.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a genetic mutation linked to peripheral artery disease (PAD), which affects blood flow in the legs. The study found that one strain of mice with surgically-induced PAD-like injury showed greater tissue loss and poor recovery, while another strain recovered well.
A new study by the National Institutes of Health found that a stent designed to open clogged brain arteries was successfully deployed in nearly all cases and reduced arterial blockage, but long-term benefits compared to medical treatment alone were inconclusive. A large-scale randomized trial is expected to provide definitive results.