A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that drug-eluting stents reduce the incidence of restenosis, heart attacks, and death by fourfold compared to conventional stents. Medicated stents were effective in keeping vein grafts open without affecting other parts of the bypass.
A team led by Dr. Rajabrata Sarkar identified the MMP2 gene as essential for growing new arteries when existing arteries are blocked. In mice, the specific DNA sequences of the MMP2 gene that are expressed during artery growth were also discovered, shedding light on the normal process of angiogenesis.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found a significant decline in emergency bypass surgeries performed after angioplasty procedures. The rate dropped from nearly 3% to 0.3% over two decades, with factors such as stent technology and improved drug therapy contributing to the reduction.
A large cohort study found that octogenarians undergoing open heart surgery have a 72% higher risk of death, longer hospital stays, and increased neurologic complications compared to younger patients. Age is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality after controlling for other variables.
A new robotic surgery-stenting combo has shown promising results in opening blocked coronary arteries and speeding up patient recovery. The procedure involves using the left internal mammary artery to bypass blocked areas and reduce scarring and disability, with patients returning to work within a week.
A study of 553 patients found that those with a history of heart problems were more likely to receive cholesterol-lowering drugs, while those without a history received less treatment. The lack of aggressive treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD) has significant implications for patient outcomes.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found that US heart patients receive blood transfusions 84% more often than Europeans and 38% more often than Asians. The study revealed wide differences in bleeding and transfusion rates among heart patients globally, with the US having significantly higher rates.
New PCI guidelines address 'door-to-balloon time' of 90 minutes or less, emphasizing the importance of drug-eluting stents and anti-clotting medications. The guidelines also provide strategies for ensuring best possible patient outcomes and monitoring quality of care.
A recent study found that pretreating vein grafts with edifoligide did not prevent graft failure in coronary artery bypass surgery, despite its potential to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia. The study included 3,014 patients and demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted drug delivery to specific tissues or organs.
A Phase I study will test the safety of injecting bone marrow stem cells into coronary arteries of patients with chronic ischemic coronary artery disease. The trial aims to determine if this method can help patients with this heart condition in the future.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that shortness of breath can signify a higher risk of dying from cardiac disease. The study, which evaluated nearly 18,000 patients, revealed that patients with shortness of breath were four times more likely to suffer death from a cardiac cause than asymptomatic patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that therapy guided by pulmonary artery catheter monitoring did not improve survival or reduce hospital stays for patients with severe heart failure. However, the study suggests that PAC monitoring may be beneficial for patients who do not respond to initial therapy.
The University of Cincinnati will lead a randomized trial comparing new interventional treatments for acute ischemic stroke against the standard approach. The study aims to improve outcomes by quickly opening clogged brain arteries and reducing long-lasting brain damage.
A new non-surgical approach combining stent-assisted coil embolization has shown success in treating wide-necked brain aneurysms, improving patient outcomes with minimal recovery time. The procedure has been found to have a high rate of complete closure without compromising the parent vessel.
The TAXUS V trial found paclitaxel-eluting stents significantly reduced angiographic restenosis and target vessel revascularization rates. The study's results support the use of these stents for patients with more complex coronary lesions, reducing the risk of artery re-narrowing after angioplasty.
Researchers demonstrate that reducing trauma to the artery and using anti-clotting drugs are key to successful stent placement. The study's findings suggest an 8.5% true clinical restenosis rate after two years.
A novel star-shaped metal clip, StarClose, seals arterial punctures in humans, stopping bleeding in just 37 seconds. The device's success rate is 92%, outpacing traditional closure methods which require patient rest for four hours.
The IMAGINE study found that adding an ACE inhibitor within seven days of CABG surgery does not improve current optimal treatment for low-risk patients without a clear indication. The trial, led by Canadian and international researchers, aimed to investigate the benefits of early post-surgical intervention with quinapril.
Cholesterol crystals can expand and burst in arteries, triggering a natural clotting process that shuts down the artery. This discovery adds another dimension to the inflammation theory, suggesting that the crystallization of cholesterol is a key factor in cardiovascular disease.
The risk of major cardiovascular problems was significantly lower among patients treated by high-volume doctors performing over 90 procedures per year compared to low-volume doctors. However, there was no difference in death rates before leaving the hospital between high- and low-volume physicians.
A study found no significant association between waiting period and pre- and postoperative mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the authors emphasize that the acceptable rate of adverse events for a managed waiting strategy remains undetermined.
A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that drug-eluting stents are a safe treatment for heart attack patients, provoking no increase in complications. The stents prevented arterial renarrowing by 90% and reduced the need for repeat procedures.
A study by Bernhard Nieswandt and colleagues reveals that mice lacking factor XII cleared blocked arteries after injury, unlike humans who develop coronary artery disease with elevated factor XII levels. The findings suggest drugs inhibiting this protein may be useful for treating certain heart diseases without increasing bleeding risk.
A study comparing CABG treatment costs in the US and Canada found that in-hospital costs were substantially higher in the US, with a 82.5% increase compared to Canada. Despite shorter length of stay in the US, the cost difference was primarily due to higher resource prices and labor costs.
A recent study found that patients with complete revascularization have significantly better long-term outcomes and a 70% lower chance of death within five years. The study also suggests using arterial grafts instead of veins for improved patient survival.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that patients with metabolic syndrome and moderate coronary calcium have a greater chance of having blockage in their arteries. The study analyzed 1,043 patients without known heart disease and found that those with metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher risk of ischemia during st...
Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scanning shows high accuracy in detecting significant lesions and coronary calcifications compared to invasive coronary angiography. MSCT may reduce the likelihood of clinically important CAD in patients with suspected disease, but its use requires proper patient selection and adequate training.
A Mayo Clinic study found that bypass grafting surgery significantly improves symptoms of hypothenar hammer syndrome in 78% of patients. The condition affects laborers and can cause pain, cold intolerance, and limited hand function due to damaged ulnar artery blood flow.
Researchers found that sirolimus-eluting stents significantly reduced the need for target-vessel revascularization (TVR) and cumulative incidence of death, reinfarction, stroke, or TVR compared to bare-metal stents. The STRATEGY trial showed a reduction in heart attack risk with tirofiban plus sirolimus-eluting stenting.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MDCT is highly accurate in diagnosing coronary artery disease in patients with little to moderate calcium buildup. However, its accuracy drops significantly in cases with severe calcification, emphasizing the need for conventional angiography in such cases.
Chronic exposure to discrimination may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in African-American women, according to a study. The research found that higher levels of perceived discrimination were associated with greater calcium buildup in the arteries, highlighting the importance of addressing this stressor for heart health.
The study found that mortality decreased over time for both young and old patients, but the risk of postoperative stroke remained unchanged among older patients. Older patients undergoing elective procedures may experience similar outcomes to those of younger patients if there is a clinical need for CABG.
A new study found no significant difference in outcomes between patients ruled out for pulmonary embolism with MDCT and single-detector CT. However, the increased detection rate of small clots may lead to more unnecessary treatment, increasing risks such as hemorrhagic stroke.
Researchers found that endothelial cells produce C-reactive protein, initiating plaque formation. High levels of C-reactive protein can lead to cardiovascular events, but reducing its concentration with targeted drugs may help.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism discovered a novel link between a molecule called apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) and the development of atherosclerosis. AIM, which typically protects infection-fighting cells, was found to promote plaque buildup inside arteries when its function is suppressed.
A clinical trial found that a device used to clear debris in arteries during PCI did not provide benefits for patients. Despite successful retrieval of embolic debris, the device failed to enhance myocardial reperfusion success, reduce infarct size, or improve clinical outcomes.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found a strong association between dolichoectasia, a rare blood vessel disorder, and small vessel disease, a significant cause of lacunar or 'mini' strokes. The research may offer new insights into the causes and treatment of this condition.
A Swedish study of 102 postmenopausal women found that moderate wine consumption was associated with increased heart rate variability, a marker of good cardiovascular health. The researchers suggest that the favourable effects on heart rate variability may be one reason why wine protects against coronary heart disease.
A new study found that sequential MDCT is sufficient for measuring coronary artery calcification. However, more research needs to be done to see if there are even better techniques.
A phase II clinical research study uses VEGF-2 gene therapy to stimulate growth of new blood vessels, relieving angina symptoms. The study aims to improve quality of life for patients with refractory chest pain.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal article evaluates the economic impact of sirolimus-eluting stents, finding they are cost-effective in high-risk patients. However, their use is associated with a similar or higher cost per quality-adjusted life-year compared to other medical treatments.
A meta-analysis of two trials suggests that COX-2 inhibitor Bextra elevates the combined incidence of heart attack and stroke three-fold in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The researchers also found that another COX-2 inhibitor caused changes in atherosclerotic plaques, potentially increasing the risk of rupture.
Studies with mice found that activating PPAR-gamma and PPAR-alpha can prevent cholesterol accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions by up to 70 percent. The researchers identified distinct molecular pathways for the two types of proteins, which could lead to new anti-atherosclerotic medications.
Researchers found drug-eluting stents were used quickly, with a high rate of 'off-label' usage, particularly among older patients, African-Americans and those without insurance. The study suggests the need for randomized clinical trials to study long-term safety and effectiveness.
Researchers found that women with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy had a significant reduction in arrhythmic death after ICD placement, but no overall survival benefit. ICDs prevented death from life-threatening heart rhythms in women, suggesting they may be beneficial for this population.
A randomized clinical trial of 433 patients with advanced heart failure found that pulmonary artery catheterization is not associated with increased death and hospitalization. The study suggests that PAC should not be used routinely to guide therapy due to its potential complications.
A hybrid approach combining angioplasty and robotically enhanced minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) shows promise in treating coronary artery disease. The procedure allows for a small incision and avoids opening the chest, reducing postoperative discomfort and aesthetic results.
Researchers found a strong correlation between PCOS and initial evidence of calcium deposits signaling blood vessel disease. Women with both PCOS and metabolic cardiovascular syndrome were at an even greater risk of calcification in coronary arteries.
Duke researchers found that coronary artery bypass surgery and angioplasty with stenting have similar long-term mortality rates. Despite reducing the need for repeat procedures, stents do not save lives, according to cardiologist David Kandzari.
Researchers found that combining liver transplantation and coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe approach for patients with severe coronary artery disease and end-stage liver disease. The procedure's success depends on careful multidisciplinary evaluation, coordination, and graft selection.
Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) without cardiac surgery backup are at a higher risk of death, with a 29% increased mortality rate compared to those with surgical backup. PCIs performed for reasons other than acute myocardial infarction treatment also carry a higher risk of adverse outcomes.
Patients' travel distances for angioplasty care remain largely unchanged even if they're directed to high-volume hospitals meeting minimum procedure standards. Most patients with longer travel distances only face minimal increases, typically up to 25 miles.
Researchers warn of potential cardiovascular risks associated with the use of modafinil, a new alertness medication. A low-salt diet has also been shown to protect arteries in people with resistant hypertension, according to the study.
A new study suggests that low-dose estrogen therapy may be as effective as traditional doses in reducing atherosclerosis and improving cardiovascular health. Monkeys treated with low-dose estrogen had 55% less atherosclerosis than those not receiving the therapy.
The CYPHER Stent significantly reduces major adverse cardiac events in women, including diabetics and smokers, by up to 90% over conventional bare metal stents. The analysis of 345 female patients showed a low target lesion revascularization rate, indicating fewer procedures and better outcomes for women with heart disease.
A large-scale study found that aprotinin therapy significantly reduced the need for blood transfusions during CABG surgery and decreased stroke risk. The study also showed no increased risk of adverse events, including mortality, myocardial infarction, or renal failure.
Renal artery intervention procedures have seen a significant increase in cardiologist-performed cases, with the southeast region experiencing the largest surge. The study suggests regional disparities in treatment, highlighting potential over- or under-treatment of patients.
A study of 4,223 individuals found that subclavian artery stenosis is a significant risk factor for hypertension. Patients with peripheral arterial disease are five times more likely to have SS.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to detect and trace elevated levels of an enzyme linked to plaque instability. The technique uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to pinpoint plaques that are most likely to rupture, potentially allowing doctors to prioritize treatment.
Researchers found that many patients with normal stress test results have extensive atherosclerosis, as revealed by coronary calcium scanning. Patients with scores above 100 are at increased risk for cardiac events, while those above 400 are at the highest risk.