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Downsized heart aids bypass surgery

A new study found that combining coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) reduces the likelihood of subsequent heart problems by 24%, compared to 55% for CABG alone. SVR improves heart function, enabling patients to stay active and participate in daily activities without exhaustion.

Restricting blood flow in the arm to protect the heart?

Researchers found that restricting blood flow in the arm before coronary artery bypass graft surgery reduced troponin T levels by 43%. This technique, known as remote ischaemic preconditioning, may help protect the heart from injury during surgery. The study's implications for clinical practice are considered immense.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 16, 2007

Chemotherapy with bevacizumab increases risk of blood clots in arteries

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that chemotherapy with bevacizumab increases the risk of blood clots in arteries, with a higher incidence among patients over 65 years old. The risk of arterial thromboembolic events was significantly higher in patients treated with the combination therapy compared...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 7, 2007

Estrogen therapy in younger postmenopausal women linked to less plaque in arteries

A substudy of the Women's Health Initiative found that younger postmenopausal women on estrogen-alone hormone therapy had 30-40% less coronary artery calcium than those without hormone therapy. However, the benefits of estrogen for preventing cardiovascular disease are uncertain and should not be used as a preventive measure.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2007

New WHI data show that women aged 50-59 taking oral estrogen therapy had reduced levels

New data from the Women's Health Initiative study show that women aged 50-59 taking oral estrogen therapy have significantly less coronary artery calcification compared to those taking placebo. This finding supports the initiation of estrogen therapy in these younger menopausal women to reduce bone loss and alleviate symptoms.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2007

Elsevier launches Artery Research

Artery Research is a quarterly journal published by Elsevier in collaboration with the Association for Research into Arterial Structure and Physiology (ARTERY). The journal features original articles, review articles, case studies, and more on advancements in arterial structure and physiology research.

SourceElsevier·JournalArtery Research·DateJun 12, 2007

Having elevated risk factors in young adulthood raises risk of coronary calcium later on

A new study by NHLBI found that elevated risk factors in young adulthood significantly increase the risk of developing coronary calcium, a predictor of heart disease. Young adults with above-optimal levels of risk factors are two to three times more likely to develop coronary calcium than those with lower levels.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 16, 2007

Pairing medical therapy with coronary intervention fails to reduce heart disease deaths

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that pairing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with optimal medical therapy (OMT) is no more effective than OMT alone in preventing heart attacks and other cardiac events. The study showed similar rates of death, heart attack, or stroke between patients who received...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 26, 2007

Do Internet cafés facilitate unsafe sex?

A recent survey in Peru found that men who have had anal sex without a condom in an internet café were more likely to meet their partners online. This raises concerns about the use of internet cafés as a venue for unsafe sex and potential HIV transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007