Articles tagged with Arteries
A PET scan study found impaired endothelium-dependent coronary artery vasodilator function in healthy young smokers, indicating increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The study suggests that smoking begins to cause damage much earlier than previously thought, even in those without apparent coronary disease.
A phase II trial demonstrated the therapeutic benefit of an angiogenic growth factor in patients with painful blockages in the legs. Treated patients showed significant increases in peak walking times and improved scores in a blood pressure index, suggesting improved perfusion.
Research suggests that individuals with coronary artery disease are less tolerant to anaemia during non-cardiac surgery. A study of 2059 patients found those with anaemia had a five-fold higher in-hospital mortality rate after bypass surgery despite blood transfusions, indicating the need for further investigation before surgery.
Researchers found a link between polycystic ovary syndrome and increased coronary artery calcification, an early indicator of cardiovascular disease. Addressing insulin sensitivity and central obesity may reduce this risk in young women with PCOS.
Researchers have found that MMP enzymes recruit circulating inflammatory cells to form atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to acute cardiovascular events. The study also reveals the complex roles of MMP enzymes in remodeling the extracellular matrix, suggesting new therapeutic strategies to limit plaque growth.
Women over age 65 who took vitamin D had a significant reduction in heart disease risk compared to those who didn't. The study found that vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of heart disease death by nearly one-third, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that chokeberry extract can protect coronary arteries from oxidant injury, while bilberry extract provides partial protection. The study suggests that individual components in berries may be responsible for their vascular effects.
Researchers found different weather patterns linked to specific stroke sub-types, with warmer seasons reducing ischemic strokes from large arteries. Additionally, temperature drops five days prior and higher air pressure and humidity increased overall strokes and those caused by blockage of large arteries in the brain or heart.
Pooled data from two randomised trials show that off-pump surgery substantially reduced in-hospital complications compared to on-pump surgery. The need for blood transfusions was significantly lower, with a reduction of 33%.
A new study suggests that taking supplements of both vitamins C and E can significantly reduce coronary arteriosclerosis in heart transplant patients. After one year, the group receiving antioxidants showed little to no thickening and narrowing of their coronary arteries, while those receiving a placebo experienced significant changes.
A recent study found that women undergoing bypass surgery experience less improvement in depression, shortness of breath, and health-related physical limitations compared to men. Women also reported a more negative evaluation of their surgery and recovery process.
Researchers found that sudden changes in body position and negative emotional stress/anger are linked to an increased risk of ischemic strokes. The study suggests that awareness of these potential triggers can help prevent strokes, particularly among older adults.
A team of Danish researchers compared data from the Copenhagen Stroke Study to investigate possible differences in causes of TIAs and strokes. They found that TIA patients were half as likely to have diabetes and claudication, suggesting alternative causes beyond blood clots.
A study suggests that kinking in the iliac arteries is a common cause of blood flow restriction in endurance athletes, particularly cyclists and speed skaters. Surgical release of these kinks can improve performance and enable athletes to return to competition, with 87% successfully returning to their desired level.
Researchers have found that vitamin B-vitamins can reduce the risk of repeat blockage in coronary arteries by 48 percent. This is based on a clinical trial involving 205 patients who received either a placebo or vitamin B-vitamins, with significant differences observed between the two groups.
A study found that depressed patients are more than twice as likely to die or be readmitted for cardiac causes after CABG surgery. Depression is also associated with a significant independent risk of adverse cardiac events.
Researchers used EBCT to screen coronary arteries for calcium deposits in former Kawasaki patients. Four out of 18 participants showed positive results, indicating moderate to high risk of coronary artery disease. The study suggests that EBCT can be an effective non-invasive screening method for detecting artery disease in these patients.
A first-of-its-kind oral drug, bosentan, has been shown to reverse the deadly consequences of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and improve patients' quality of life. By increasing exercise capacity and improving heart function, bosentan reduces symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
A large study reveals nearly 30% of participants were diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, a condition that affects millions in the US and Western Europe. Untreated PAD can lead to serious health consequences, including heart attack and stroke.
New York University researchers found an antibody that destroys platelets, which are essential for the blood to clot. The discovery may lead to new treatments for thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with HIV infection and other vascular diseases.
Researchers have developed a new experimental drug that significantly reduces arterial pulse pressure, improving the blood vessels' ability to stretch by about 14%. The study suggests that this medication may represent a novel therapeutic approach for patients with age-related vascular stiffening and systolic hypertension.
A new drug breaks down collagen bonds in blood vessels, reducing stiffness in older individuals. This could be a treatment for high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes complications.
Individuals undergoing non-emergency angioplasty in facilities without surgical backup are twice as likely to die and 20% more likely to require bypass surgery. The study suggests that the procedure can be safely performed with a backup team for emergency cases, but not for non-emergency procedures.
A UCSF study finds that eptifibatide helps preserve microvasculature and blood flow into the heart muscle, improving oxygen supply to patients undergoing angioplasty. The drug improves large artery blood flow by 39% and microvascular blood flow by 84%, potentially reducing irreversible heart injury.
A study by American Heart Association finds that consuming heavy meals may trigger heart attacks, increasing risk by about four times within two hours. The research suggests that eating a large meal can lead to temporary rises in blood pressure and heart rate, potentially causing heart attacks or strokes.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers reveals a possible cause of sudden deaths among men using Viagra, highlighting the need for safe use guidelines. The interaction between Viagra and nitrates can reduce blood flow through critically narrowed coronary arteries, leading to a life-threatening drop in oxygen supply.
A study found that a combination of statin and niacin can reduce the risk of hospitalization for chest pain or heart attacks by 70% among patients at high risk. The treatment also showed promise in reversing arterial buildup in these patients, with angiograms revealing decreased plaque buildup in most participants.
A new gene therapy technique using stents with DNA delivery has shown promise in animal studies for treating coronary artery disease. The method uses a biodegradable film to release genes into cells on the artery wall, inhibiting cell growth and potentially preventing further damage.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that people who continued to smoke after undergoing balloon angioplasty and other procedures had lower quality-of-life scores compared to non-smokers and quitters. The researchers analyzed data from 1,432 patients and found a significant impact on physical and mental health measures.
A new study links high hostility levels to an increased risk of coronary artery calcification and heart disease in young adults. The researchers found that those with higher hostility scores were nearly 3 times more likely to develop coronary artery calcification than those with lower scores.
Researchers at Yale and Alexion discovered harmful complement activation in patients with acute coronary syndrome, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that activated complement levels increased by up to 70% in ACS patients' hearts, compared to 16% in stable angina patients.
A new study from Yale University reveals that interferon-gamma protein causes hardening of arteries, rather than prevents it. The research used an animal model to show that the protein leads to muscle cell growth and lesions in artery walls.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that a tumor suppressor gene, Rb2/p130, can halt rapid cell growth and prevent smooth muscle cells from building up in arteries. This gene may be used as an adjunct to angioplasty to treat clogged coronary arteries and reduce the risk of restenosis.
Early findings from a national study suggest that many women with chest pain are being misdiagnosed due to minor coronary artery blockages. Researchers found that nearly one-fourth of women with 'normal' coronary arteries had detectable disease, increasing their risk of hospitalization and poor outcomes.
A new cost analysis by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists suggests that selectively implanting stents in a more select group of patients could save the healthcare system up to $162 million annually. The study found that about 8% of patients wouldn't need a stent, achieving similar clinical success rates as stent insertion.
Researchers discovered a genetic cause of coronary artery spasm, a condition that causes chest pain or heart attack. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene mutation was prevalent in patients with the condition and also linked to increased risk in smokers.
A new study found that heart disease begins to develop in childhood, with well-developed plaque deposits present in one in six teenagers. The study used ultrasound to examine the arteries of recently-transplanted hearts from people who were free of known heart disease.
A study by Hennepin County Medical Center found that cocaine users are at a higher risk of developing aneurysms in their heart arteries, with 30% of participants showing the condition. The study suggests that cocaine use causes blood vessel damage and accelerates atherosclerosis, leading to increased cardiovascular health problems.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new treatment strategy for heart attacks, which combines clot-dissolving drugs with angioplasty to improve patient outcomes. The 'facilitated angioplasty' approach shows promising results, with higher success rates and reduced bleeding compared to traditional treatments.
The new guidelines chart the rapid evolution of bypass surgery techniques and provide a framework for physicians to evaluate risks and benefits with their patients. The report categorizes heart patients into groups that predict how well bypass will work for them based on various factors.
Scientists have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can help prevent vascular inflammation, a key component in the development of atherosclerosis. The NIEHS-cloned gene produces an enzyme that makes these fatty acids, which can suppress inflammation and protect against heart disease.
Researchers will investigate whether azithromycin reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with documented heart disease. A total of 4,000 volunteers will be recruited nationally to participate in the Azithromycin and Coronary Event Study.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that abciximab, a blood-thinner, can help prevent heart attacks in patients with unstable angina who have high troponin T levels. The treatment reduced heart attack risk by 44% in these patients compared to those without elevated troponin T levels.
A new screening tool combining CT scans and electrocardiograms has promise to be a highly effective and relatively inexpensive way to detect blood vessel disease. The test measures calcium in the heart's arteries, identifying signs of atherosclerosis that can block arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers at CalTech designed a new protein-like polymer that supports endothelial cell growth and could be used for blood vessel replacement. The material is expected to aid patients who cannot supply their own replacement veins, offering a potentially improved success rate compared to current synthetic polymers.
A new study from Boston University suggests that moderate alcohol consumption up to 20 grams/day may not raise PAI-1 levels; instead, higher levels are associated with a modest increase. The findings suggest that moderate drinking may have beneficial effects on PAI-1 or at least no harm.
Researchers analyzed over 5,000 angioplasty patients and found that 8-18% of stent implants were unnecessary, especially in men with shorter lesions. A simple angioplasty appears to work as well as implanting a stent, suggesting potential cost savings.
A new study finds that routine use of coronary stents yields better outcomes and is more cost-effective than traditional balloon angioplasty. The Optimal PTCA versus Primary Stent Strategy (OPUS) Trial showed a significant reduction in death, heart attack rates, and the need for second procedures after six months.
Researchers found that polyunsaturated fat in vegetable oil may lead to less hardening of arteries than monounsaturated fat in olive oil. The grant renewal supports studies on the effects of dietary fat type on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and coronary artery disease.
A new study found that a larger angle between an artery and its branching points increases the susceptibility to plaque buildup, leading to cardiovascular disease. Researchers discovered that fluid mechanics plays a crucial role in vessel wall thickening, particularly at lower shear stress areas.
Dr. David Stump's research reveals a significant impact on patients' lives, with long-term effects on motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and daily functioning. The study highlights the importance of early detection and addressing post-operative deficits to prevent decline in brain function.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the effects of gender, age, hormones, and other factors on heart disease. A promising new diagnostic tool, dobutamine stress echocardiography, is being tested for its accuracy in detecting coronary artery dysfunction in women.
A thin polymer coating on coronary arteries may prevent platelet formation and reduce the risk of acute thrombosis following angioplasty. The study found significant inhibition of platelet deposition for at least one hour, supporting a novel treatment approach.
A study found that women, minorities, elderly, and those with severe heart attacks are less likely to receive clot-busting drugs and other medical procedures. Strong regional variations were also observed in the use of these therapies.
The BERT-1 trial found that low-dose beta radiation effectively prevents restenosis by reducing late lumen loss in coronary arteries. In a six-month follow-up, 90% of patients experienced no significant narrowing of their vessels post-angioplasty.
A new ultrasound contrast agent, Levovist, has been used to treat an ischemic stroke in a German patient. The agent revealed the blocked artery and allowed doctors to dissolve the clot with thrombolytic rTPA, restoring blood flow to the brain within 40 minutes of admission.
Researchers from Germany used a prototype magnetic sensor workstation to reconstruct transcranial ultrasound in 3D, significantly improving the identification of intracranial arteries and accuracy of follow-up measurements. The new technology also enables easier comparison of relationships among brain arteries.
The FDA has cleared Cook's low-profile GR II Coronary Stent, allowing cardiologists to treat blockages in hard-to-reach blood vessels without bypass surgery. This new stent could benefit thousands of U.S. heart disease patients who previously required heart bypass surgery.
Researchers at ORNL and Columbia University are developing a radiation-based technique to prevent restenosis in coronary arteries. The method uses low doses of radiation to inhibit the rapid proliferation of smooth muscle cells that can form inside newly unclogged arteries.
Only 36% of the U.S. population would have access to this therapy, with regions including rural areas and distant locations having limited emergency access. Researchers found that increasing treatment availability through helicopter transport could extend the treatment radius to 200 miles, benefiting up to 95% of the nation's population.