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Amputation rates higher for people with PAD who are poor or Black; other health gaps noted in special issue

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) living in poor or Black metropolitan areas have higher amputation rates. The analysis also noted significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among different racial and socioeconomic groups.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 25, 2021

New research lifts the lid on cardiac microvascular dysfunction and could help many patients with unexplained heart disease

A new study found that 44% of micro-arteries from patients had abnormal myogenic tone, associated with excessive caldesmon presence and poor cell alignment. This abnormality affects blood supply within the heart and other organs, impacting quality of life and life expectancy.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2021

Innovative coating for blood vessels reduces rejection of transplanted organs

Researchers have developed a special polymer to coat blood vessels on transplanted organs, reducing rejection rates in mice by substantially diminishing immune system response. The breakthrough has the potential to eliminate the need for drugs that prevent organ rejection and improve transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

ACTG announces publication of REPRIEVE sub-study in JAMA Network Open, providing insights into cardiovascular disease risk among people living with HIV

A recent study by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group found that nearly half of participants had atherosclerotic plaque in their coronary arteries, despite being considered at low-to-moderate risk. The study also revealed an association between plaque presence and higher levels of inflammation independent of traditional risk scores.

SourceAIDS Clinical Trials Group·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 29, 2021

Engineering smarter stents

A new type of coronary artery stent is being developed with ultra-low profile struts and a smart surface that can help improve healing and prevent blood clots. The stents aim to reduce the risk of restenosis and thrombosis, which occur in 3-10% of cases.

New model helps predict heart attacks in high-risk patients

Researchers have developed a new approach to analysing the forces at play behind diseased heart vessels, which could help cardiologists predict heart attacks in patients. The study used optical coherence tomography images to generate patient-specific reconstructions of coronary plaques and analyse stress concentrations.

SourceeLife·DateMay 18, 2021

Rivaroxaban reduces first and total ischemic events in patients with peripheral artery disease

The study found that rivaroxaban significantly reduced the occurrence of total severe events in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease who underwent lower extremity revascularization. The treatment also showed a 12.5% absolute reduction in risk for adverse events in this high-risk population.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 16, 2021

No-Cath forecast

Researchers at MUSC developed an AI software to predict CAD blockages' significance without catheterization. The software analyzes CT images of heart vessels and plaques, estimating blood flow and identifying high-risk features. This noninvasive method saves time, costs, and risks for patients and clinicians.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateApr 21, 2021

Early cannabis use linked to heart disease

A recent University of Guelph study found that early cannabis use may be linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease. The research, which analyzed data from 35 young subjects aged 19-30, revealed subtle but potentially important changes in heart and artery function among cannabis users.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateApr 12, 2021

CNIC researchers explain how high blood pressure, the most important cause of disease worldwide, acc

Researchers found that high blood pressure alters artery structure, facilitating atherosclerosis development and increasing accumulation of LDL cholesterol in human-like arteries. Keeping both LDL cholesterol and blood pressure low is crucial for preventing atherosclerosis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 12, 2021

Scientists find genetic link to clogged arteries

Researchers have identified a genetic link to clogged arteries, finding that a specific gene variant increases the risk of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The discovery provides new insights into the causes of cardiovascular disease and offers potential therapeutic targets for treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 31, 2021

Statins can save lives, are they being used?

A recent study found that only about 60% of patients with coronary artery disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease receive the recommended statin therapy. Despite a decrease in drug cost, disparities persist in statin use among different age groups, genders, and racial backgrounds.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 1, 2020

A case of pediatric heart failure caused by anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

A pediatric patient with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery developed severe heart failure at 3 months old. The authors review a case and discuss the challenges in early diagnosis, highlighting the importance of considering ALCAPA as a differential diagnosis.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateNov 19, 2020

CVIA has just published a new issue, Volume 5 Issue 1

The latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) features research articles on COVID-19, including a study predicting death in severe patients. The journal also publishes papers on the impact of ventricular pacing and Marfan syndrome diagnosis.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateOct 19, 2020

Uncovering the genetics behind heart attacks that surprise young, healthy women

A genome-wide association study identified specific genetic regions associated with SCAD, which also predict the risk of SCAD among individuals with fibromuscular dysplasia. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis for migraine headache and SCAD, highlighting the need for further research into its clinical implications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2020

PAD patients with depression had worse recovery, women twice as likely to be depressed

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that PAD patients with depressive symptoms have a poorer recovery rate. Women are twice as likely to be depressed than men. The study highlights the importance of integrating mental health screening and treatment into chronic disease management for optimal outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 12, 2020