Articles tagged with Arteries
A two-week study found that consuming daily dark chocolate with high flavonoid content improved blood vessel function in participants. The study, led by Mary Engler, showed a significant increase in flow-mediated dilation in the high-flavonoid group, indicating better vascular health and a lower risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that heavy smokers had a reduced rate of restenosis at both six months and 12 months following angioplasty. Increasing carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream may inhibit smooth muscle cell growth, a key factor in restenosis.
A recent study found that mycophenolate mofetil reduces intimal thickening and improves long-term outcomes for heart transplant patients compared to azathioprine. The study used a site-to-site IVUS analysis of 196 patients, showing significantly less progression of vascular disease in CellCept-treated patients.
Diabetic women carrying two copies of the haptoglobin-2 gene are at risk of accelerated artery narrowing when taking antioxidant vitamins C and E. In contrast, those carrying the haptoglobin-1 variant experience a decreased rate of atherosclerosis when taking these vitamins.
A new study suggests that angioplasty can significantly reduce the risk of stroke in patients with clogged brain arteries. The procedure, which uses a tiny balloon to open blocked vessels, has been shown to be more effective than medication alone in improving outcomes.
Researchers found that mice genetically prone to atherosclerosis produced human C-reactive protein and developed larger lesions with fatty plaque buildup. This discovery supports the use of C-reactive protein as a heart disease risk marker and identifies its role in atherosclerosis development.
A new study suggests that using CT scans to measure coronary artery calcium scores can help evaluate risk and determine preventative therapy for patients at middle risk of coronary disease. This improvement allows doctors to make faster and more aggressive treatment decisions, such as prescribing drugs or lifestyle changes.
Aging impacts bone geometry, vertebral structural properties, and the mechanical effects of caloric restriction. It also alters cerebral artery tone, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and endothelial-dependent vasodilation, potentially leading to age-related changes in skeletal muscle blood flow.
A new standard has been proposed for coronary artery calcium screening, which aims to improve accuracy and comparability of results. The new system uses a calibrated scoring method and reduces radiation doses for small and medium-sized patients.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a non-cholesterol related gene linked to the development of heart disease in mice. The A20 gene regulates the NFkB pathway, which was previously thought to contribute to heart disease, but may actually play an anti-atherosclerotic role.
Researchers linked systemic nitric oxide production with changes in the endothelial lining of arteries after stress. Exercise was found to improve the marker in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that T-type calcium channels are essential for normal nitric oxide-controlled relaxation, and their loss leads to constricted coronary arteries. The study provides insight into the role of this channel in coronary artery relaxation and may lead to new therapeutic targets.
Researchers discovered that mice lacking calcium channels exhibit constricted coronary arteries and fibrous tissue in their hearts, suggesting a potential target for treating cardiovascular disease. The study found that drugs targeting the T-channel, responsible for relaxation, might be used to open arteries.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that diabetics with non-emergency PCI procedures have similar angina-specific quality of life to non-diabetics. However, those who experienced a NQWMI had greater physical limitation, indicating worsening symptoms prior to the acute event.
A new study published in the CREST trial found that cilostazol significantly reduces stent restenosis by 39.5% compared to standard therapy alone. The drug showed promise in patients with diabetes and small blood vessels, a subgroup previously difficult to treat.
A study of 352 patients found that sirolimus-eluting stents significantly improved minimum coronary artery diameter at 8 months, reducing restenosis rates by 42% and major cardiac events by 23%. The technology offers promising results for endoluminal therapy, potentially rivaling bypass surgery.
Researchers found that coronary artery calcium scoring can predict death with high accuracy, especially in individuals with high scores. The study contributes to the debate on using calcium screening to detect latent atherosclerosis and its link to heart disease.
A study of 817 patients who underwent bypass surgery found that treating depression could significantly reduce mortality rates. Patients with moderate to severe depression at baseline and those with mild depression sustained from initial to six-month assessment were more than twice as likely to die than patients who were not depressed.
Researchers found a strong association between increased hostility and depressive symptoms and elevated IL-6 levels in healthy men. These findings suggest that psychological factors may contribute to the development of heart disease through inflammation. Further studies are underway to investigate this relationship in women.
A new study suggests that psychological factors like anger and anxiety may boost heart risk in postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy provides some artery protection for women with high levels of anger and Type A behavior, but not for those with anxiety or depression.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with patent foramen ovale, a common heart condition, are at increased risk of stroke after air travel. Researchers analyzed data from over 155 million passengers and found that six percent of those who developed pulmonary embolism had strokes.
Researchers are investigating the role of arterial stiffness in hypertension by analyzing the elasticity, strength, and stiffness of rat and calf arteries. They found that hypertensive tissues are stiffer and less responsive to pressure changes.
A study found that statin therapy combined with aggressive lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce coronary calcium scores and prevent disease progression. In the 12-year follow-up, nearly one-third of patients on statins and lifestyle changes showed reduced calcification scores, avoiding revascularization procedures.
Researchers identify Plcg1 as a crucial regulator of arterial cell fate during development, contradicting previous assumptions about blood vessel formation. The study uses zebrafish as a model organism to uncover novel insights into vascular development and its potential applications in human disease.
A new study has found that the drug abciximab can effectively break up secondary clots in stroke patients, with three out of four patients showing significant improvements in symptoms. The study suggests that secondary clots may occur frequently and provides evidence that abciximab may be beneficial for treating them.
A study of 53 African-American adults with a history of cocaine use found that 45% had elevated serum CRP levels, associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and cardiac abnormalities. Elevated CRP may indicate future cardiovascular events.
Researchers discovered that blocking copper function prevents artery narrowing and growth after angioplasty, offering a promising new treatment for clogged arteries. The commonly available reagent TTM, a specific copper chelator, stopped inflammation and cell growth, making cells stress-resistant.
Researchers have developed an antibody-coated stent that reduces restenosis and prevents blood clots, leading to improved cardiovascular treatment outcomes. The device captures endothelial progenitor cells to promote healing and prevent re-narrowing of the artery.
A recent study found no new information on the relationship between chiropractic neck treatment and vertebral artery dissection (VAD), a rare type of stroke. However, experts believe it's physically impossible for a competently performed neck adjustment to cause VAD unless the artery already has a significant pre-existing weakness.
Research finds that spinal manipulative therapy may exacerbate pre-existing vertebral artery dissections, increasing the risk of stroke. Patients under age 60 who received chiropractic neck treatments were six times more likely to experience a stroke than those who didn't.
A recent study from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that cognitive decline immediately after coronary artery bypass surgery is transient and reversible. The researchers tested patients before and after surgery using various neuropsychological tests to measure memory and other cognitive abilities.
A new study by NYU Langone Health's cardiac surgeons found that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) reduces hospital mortality, stroke risk, and complication rates in high-risk patients with severe aortic atherosclerosis. OPCAB results in lower mortality rates (6.5% vs 11.4%) and shorter hospital stays compared to conventi...
A new radiology procedure has been shown to alleviate pain caused by uterine fibroids, with all nine patients experiencing significant symptomatic improvement. The procedure involves blocking blood flow to the affected area using special particles or spheres, resulting in normal menstrual periods and no hormonal changes.
Researchers present findings on heart disease in women, including a study linking reduced kidney function to coronary artery disease. They also showcase an innovative new-generation stent that overcomes design limitations and allows for tailored drug delivery.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that adenosine stress scans can identify women and men at high risk of death from heart disease. Diabetic women have a higher risk of cardiac death than diabetic men or other patients without diabetes, highlighting the importance of identifying patients at risk through effective therapies.
A study of 1,045 patients found that depression significantly impaired physical function after CABG surgery. Patients with depression showed less improvement in physical function compared to non-depressed counterparts.
Researchers examined 945 patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and found that social support levels had little impact on rehab participation. Patients who participated in rehab were younger, better educated, more often worked, and less financially strained, but these factors alone could explain the difference.
At the ACC's 52nd Annual Scientific Session, Emory Heart Center physicians will share information on the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Douglas Morris will present on new biological insights and approach to post-bypass patients, highlighting recent achievements in cardiac rehabilitation.
A new approach to brain angioplasty using local anesthesia with mild sedation safely performed on 10 patients, showing promising results in minimizing complications. The study found that the procedure was technically successful but resulted in three minor complications related to stenting and bleeding.
Researchers found depression before surgery significantly increased hospitalization for cardiac reasons six months post-operative, with patients experiencing prolonged surgical pain and failure to return to normal activities. Depression also persisted post-surgery, often unrecognized and untreated.
Researchers found that intensive blood pressure control reduces cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and PAD. The study suggests aggressive blood pressure management is particularly beneficial for the diabetic population, even among those with low ankle-brachial index.
ACAT2 is crucial for atherosclerosis development in mice, with nearly twice the cholesterol levels found in control mice. The study suggests that inhibiting ACAT2 may be a potential therapy for treating hardening of the arteries.
Researchers found that vitamin C and taurine, found in fish, can rapidly reverse abnormal blood vessel constriction caused by smoking. This condition, called endothelial dysfunction, is an early sign of atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
A new study published in The Lancet found that balloon angioplasty was more effective than thrombolytic therapy in reducing death, nonfatal heart attacks, and strokes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Long-term data showed that angioplasty's benefits were sustained for six to 18 months.
Researchers found activated platelets can deposit pro-inflammatory factors on monocytes and vessel walls, contributing to atherosclerotic lesions. The study suggests that targeting platelet P-selectin may be an effective way to limit the formation of these lesions.
A recent study published in Health Psychology found that female bypass patients experience fewer complications when their spouses are informed of the recovery process. The study showed that male spouses who watched an optimistic video before discharge helped reduce complications and rehospitalization rates for their female partners.
Researchers found that calcium channel blockers primarily affect small arteries called 'store-operated' channels, suggesting a new class of drugs with fewer side effects. This discovery could lead to improved treatment options for heart disease and high blood pressure.
Researchers found a significant association between cocaine use and coronary calcium in a study of 139 adults. The study suggests that cocaine may play a role in the development of subclinical atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of strategies to reduce drug abuse and prevent cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that depression one month after coronary artery bypass surgery is a significant risk factor for continued cardiac problems. The research suggests that evaluating patients for depression after surgery and providing treatment may enhance long-term outcomes.
A study by Jefferson researchers found that women who underwent uterine artery embolization for fibroids were at a higher risk of complications during future pregnancies, including increased rates of premature delivery, miscarriage, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean section. The study analyzed 50 published cases and found significant...
The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) study found that coiling significantly reduces death and disability from brain aneurysms. Over 2,000 patients were treated with either surgical clipping or coiling, resulting in favorable outcomes for those receiving the coils.
Researchers found that combining calcium scores and CRP levels can gauge the presence, amount, and stability of artery-clogging plaque. Elevated CRP levels were linked to increased risk of coronary events, while combined tests showed a six-fold difference in heart attack risk between high-risk and low-risk individuals.
A recent study found that stent-assisted angioplasty reduced the need for repeat revascularization by 14% compared to CABG. Additionally, patients who received angioplasty experienced a lower risk of subsequent heart attack (5%) than those given CABG (8%).
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered that C-reactive protein (CRP) binds to oxidized LDL, suggesting a potential trigger for the development of atherosclerosis. The study highlights CRP's role in recognizing phosphocholine on oxidized LDL and apoptotic cells.
Researchers found that depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) reduces flow-mediated dilatation, a key indicator of endothelial function. DMPA can still be used safely by healthy women without cardiovascular risk factors, but those with risk factors should review their decision with their physician.
A randomized trial of 1810 patients with unstable coronary syndromes found that early intervention reduced the combined endpoint of death, non-fatal heart attack, or severe angina by half. The main effect was seen in severe angina, and rates of death and heart attack were similar between groups at one year follow-up.
A study of 321 participants found that higher CRP levels are associated with increased coronary calcium and atherosclerosis, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. The findings suggest a potential new link between inflammation and heart disease.
Researchers found that tirofiban and abciximab were equally effective in preventing longer-term events such as death, heart attacks, and repeat surgery after coronary-artery angioplasty. The study's conclusion was that while abciximab is more expensive, it provides little long-term advantage compared to tirofiban.
A combination therapy of aspirin and coumarin reduced artery re-closure after heart attacks by 45% in a clinical trial. The therapy also improved problem-free survival rates and reduced the incidence of second heart attacks, according to researchers from the American Heart Association.
Researchers discovered a direct link between sulfonylurea drugs and coronary arterial spasm, increasing blood pressure and heart damage. The study suggests that these common diabetes medications may pose an additional risk to diabetic patients already facing cardiovascular problems.