Articles tagged with Arteries
Decades-long decline in coronary artery disease may have ended and possibly reversed after 2000, according to a study. The analysis of autopsy data from Olmsted County residents suggests that declines in high-grade disease ended after 1995 and possibly reversed after 2000.
Researchers identify Asian women as a high-risk group for congenital aneurismal fistulas, which can cause heart attack and sudden death. Hypertension is a common risk factor, and treatment involves surgery or coil insertion to prevent rupture.
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.
Researchers find a direct link between visceral fat and atherosclerosis, a condition that causes blood vessels to harden and narrow. The study suggests that anti-inflammatory medication could be used to reverse the process and reduce heart disease risk.
Researchers are conducting a US trial using purified adult stem cells to treat critical limb ischemia, a condition that affects 1.4 million people and can lead to amputation. The study aims to grow new blood vessels and restore circulation in legs with severely blocked arteries.
A study found that 14% of patients with suspected STEMI did not have a clear culprit coronary artery, and 9.5% had no significant coronary artery disease. This may lead to unnecessary cardiac catheterization activation, which carries risks to the patient.
A new genetic variation has been identified that affects a child's risk of developing Kawasaki disease, an illness characterized by acute inflammation of the arteries. The variation influences immune activation and response to standard treatment, with implications for alternative therapies.
A study of 3,601 women found that low-risk women with advanced coronary artery calcium had a higher risk of heart events and cardiovascular disease. The findings provide new insights into cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged and older women, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating risk assessment strategies.
Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that mice exposed to cigarette smoke and fed a liquid diet containing ethanol had a 4.7-fold increase in artery lesions, compared to those breathing filtered air and eating a normal solid diet.
Mayo Clinic researchers will study renal vascular disease caused by atherosclerosis to find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition. The study aims to develop novel imaging tools to predict, detect, and evaluate the disease, with the goal of preventing renal deterioration.
David R. Holmes Jr., a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, received the James B. Herrick Award for his pioneering contributions to interventional cardiology and advancements in coronary revascularization through balloon angioplasty and stenting. His work has significantly improved patient care and saved countless lives.
Researchers found that fasting was associated with lower odds of being diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who fasted. Fasting was linked to healthier arteries, even in people with diabetes, although the study does not recommend skipping meals for diabetics.
Researchers found that adding stents to clot-busting therapy after the optimal treatment window ends doesn't provide significant long-term benefits. The study, which looked at 951 patients, also revealed higher medical costs associated with delayed angioplasty.
A Mayo Clinic study found that modest weight gain in lean, healthy young adults impairs blood vessel function, but shedding the weight restores proper functioning. Visceral fat is a key predictor of this disorder, also known as endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that advanced CT scans can accurately detect blockages in heart arteries, with a reliability rate of 90% matching those of invasive catheterization. The technology has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease, saving lives and preventing heart att...
Researchers found that PAD prevalence increased from 3.7% to 4.6% among asymptomatic adults aged 40-70 between 1999-2004. The study suggests a link between rising obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking rates, emphasizing the importance of screening for PAD in asymptomatic patients.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) contributes to vascular diseases by activating VEGFR1, accelerating macrophage migration and plaque progression. The discovery could lead to a potential therapeutic target for medical applications.
A key enzyme called CEH has been identified as a potential target for reducing heart disease by increasing the removal of cholesterol from plaques. The findings suggest that increasing CEH activity may reduce existing plaques in addition to preventing their formation.
A study found that Pycnogenol enhances healthy nitric oxide production, leading to increased blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles. The supplement allows for better expansion of arteries, meeting the enhanced oxygen demand of performing muscles.
Researchers found equivalent survival rates for angioplasty and bypass surgery, refuting previous reports on diabetic patients. Bypass surgery led to fewer repeat procedures and more effective angina relief.
Researchers found that initially healthy siblings of a person with left main coronary artery disease are 2.5 times more likely to develop some form of heart disease than those without the condition. This highlights the importance of family screening and prevention strategies for individuals with a history of LMD.
Researchers found 151 patients had vascular findings not related to renal arteries, including mesenteric artery stenosis and aortic atherosclerosis. Additionally, 220 patients had non-vascular benign lesions, while malignancies were detected in 10 cases.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine can form a molecule that tricks the body into thinking it has an oxygen shortage, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. The discovery opens up new possibilities for treating PAH and highlights the need to monitor patients using NAC.
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.
A recent study found that cardiac CTAs post-CABG reveal clinically significant non-cardiac findings in 34 patients, including pulmonary embolism and lung cancer. The study highlights the importance of physician interpreters trained to read entire CT scans beyond coronary vessels.
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...
A new UCLA study finds that combining diesel exhaust particles with cholesterol fats leads to a dangerous synergy that causes blood vessel inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The researchers discovered that the interaction activates genes promoting cellular inflammation, accelerating the narrowing and blockage of blood vessels.
Research reveals air pollution particles can trigger inflammation in blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Exposure to particulate matter increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
A nationwide study found that use of pulmonary artery catheters in US hospitals decreased by 65% between 1993 and 2004, likely due to evidence showing no reduction in mortality for critically ill patients. The decline was most prominent for heart attack diagnoses, with a 81% decrease.
Researchers discovered a genetically engineered herpes simplex virus reduces smooth muscle cell proliferation and restores endothelial layer in arteries following angioplasty. This study provides an important step towards treating vascular disease with genetically engineered viruses.
Researchers found that dietary counseling leads to a 6% weight loss after one year, but dieters return to baseline weight after five years. Studies also showed high-dose cholesterol-lowering medication reduces cardiovascular risk in older and younger patients, and beta-blockers decrease plaque buildup in artery walls.
Researchers found that thousands of tiny particles are released during angioplasty and stenting, which can impair kidney function. The study suggests that new devices may prevent debris release and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that higher body fat in patients with type 1 diabetes may be associated with less severe coronary artery calcification, a sign of heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from 315 patients, suggested that weight gain may indicate better insulin therapy and lower mortality rates.
A follow-up study shows that estrogen use is associated with lower levels of calcified plaque in coronary arteries, a potential indicator of heart disease. However, other health risks, such as increased risk of blood clots and stroke, must still be considered before starting estrogen therapy.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers developed biodegradable magnesium stents to treat blockages in coronary arteries, showing safe degradation and immediate results similar to conventional stents. However, patients require close follow-up due to higher angiographic restenosis rates and potential complications with drug-eluting stents.
A study found that diabetic patients who continued long-term clopidogrel therapy had lower rates of heart attack and death compared to those who discontinued the medication, regardless of stent type. Long-term clopidogrel therapy was particularly beneficial in reducing mortality risk with bare metal stents.
FSU researchers Joseph Schlenoff and Thomas Keller receive a $1.07 million NIH grant to study ways to prevent restenosis by coating biomedical devices with thin films that discourage vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion. Their goal is to develop biocompatible coatings using neutrally charged polymers to 'camouflage' medical implants.
A small study published in Heart reveals that low tar cigarettes, like regular ones, severely impair blood flow through the heart. The researchers found that both groups of smokers showed significant declines in coronary flow velocity reserve after smoking, regardless of cigarette type.
Renowned experts Roxanna Mehran and Michael J. Mack debate the role of stenting versus bypass surgery in treating left main coronary artery disease. The Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery trial is expected to provide critical data on the effectiveness of drug-eluting stents compared to bypass surgery.
Experts disagree on the criticality of a 90-minute door-to-balloon time in heart attack treatment. Dr. Eric R. Bates believes that timely balloon inflation is crucial for better outcomes, while Dr. Timothy D. Henry argues that an arbitrary deadline may be counterproductive in some cases.
A panel of experts shares their perspective on the causes of stent thrombosis, including early discontinuation of anticoagulation medication and stent fracture. The latest research on its prevention will also be discussed, highlighting the need for better strategies to solve this problem.
A study by Charite Campus Benjamin Franklin in Berlin, Germany shows CT angiography is effective for detecting peripheral vascular disease. The technique outperforms digital subtraction angiography in diagnostic image quality and patient management decisions.
A new study found that high intracoronary attenuation significantly improves diagnostic accuracy in 64-slice CT-CA of the coronary arteries, with sensitivity and specificity rates of 91% and 93%, respectively, for low attenuation groups and 96% and 97%, respectively, for high attenuation groups.
A new study finds that exposure to phenanthraquinone, a chemical component of diesel exhaust particles, can impair the ability of resistance arteries to regulate blood flow to bone marrow. The study, conducted on animal models, reveals that post-menopausal females and elderly males are most likely to be impacted.
Hai-Chao Han, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, has been awarded a five-year NSF CAREER grant to study artery buckling and its relationship to cardiovascular diseases. His research aims to understand mechanical stress in arterial remodeling and develop new technologies for treatment.
Researchers found comparable risks of major cardiac events within 30 days and similar outcomes three years after treatment. Drug-eluting stents were shown to be as effective as bypass surgery in restoring blood flow, with improved survival rates in lower-risk patients.
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.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created ultrathin films composed of DNA and water-soluble polymers that allow controlled release of DNA from surfaces. These films could be used to deliver genetic material for gene therapy, potentially treating conditions such as cardiovascular disease by preventing smooth muscle...
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that torcetrapib increased good cholesterol levels but failed to slow plaque buildup in coronary arteries. The drug also raised blood pressure, leading researchers to question its efficacy as a treatment for cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that CSL-111, a drug that mimics HDL, did not significantly reduce plaque in coronary arteries, but showed improvement in two indexes assessing blood vessel changes. The trial involved 183 patients with acute coronary syndromes and used intravenous ultrasound to assess coronary artery changes.
A recent study found that combining a platelet inhibitor with an embolic protection device improves renal function in patients undergoing renal artery stenting. The use of abciximab reduced the occurrence of platelet-rich thrombi, while Angioguard alone was not associated with improved outcomes.
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...
Research suggests that patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms have better survival chances if treated at hospitals with high volumes of these cases. Large centres of excellence can prevent bad outcomes, including death, through specialized care. A minimum of 43 performed surgeries is required for significant success rates.
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.
A new multislice CT scan can quickly detect fatty blockages in the heart's arteries, ruling out heart attacks and reducing diagnostic time. This simple outpatient scan allows doctors to confidently send home patients with normal coronary arteries, while accurately identifying those with serious heart disease.
A new study found that patients who received aprotinin during coronary artery bypass graft surgery had a higher risk of death over five years compared to those who did not receive the drug. The study, published in JAMA, also found that safer alternatives like aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid were available.
A study by Wei-Jian Jiang found that successful stent placement reduces the risk of stroke for individuals with severe artery blockage. The risk was comparable to those with moderate blockage, suggesting that stents may not be beneficial for all patients at high risk.