Researchers identified 27 new metabolites associated with arterial stiffness in a large study of over 1,200 participants. The study found that certain lifestyle factors, including coffee drinking and Southern foods, were linked to increased levels of these metabolites.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine examined coatings on drug-coated balloon catheters using microscopy and cell cultures to improve delivery efficiency. They found that coating shape affects drug transfer, leading to better device performance and potential outcomes.
Researchers found that older heart attack patients were less likely to receive timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to open blocked heart arteries, resulting in more complications and poorer outcomes. Despite longer hospital stays, older patients had lower total charges due to reduced use of costly interventions like PCI.
A new study published in Radiology found that bariatric embolization produces significant weight loss and reduces appetite for up to one year. The procedure involves blocking arteries with beads to suppress hunger-stimulating hormones. Researchers saw encouraging signs of metabolic changes, including improved quality of life.
Researchers evaluated the safety and effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in patients with various autoimmune diseases. UAE was technically and clinically successful in all patients, with no significant difference in volume reduction rates between groups.
Researchers found that people with PAD had a lower Omega-3 Index compared to those without the disease. The study suggests that omega-3s may play a role in preventing the development of PAD. Further studies are needed to determine whether long-term use of omega-3 supplements can prevent PAD.
Research suggests that an aging microbiome may be the key to understanding vascular decline and cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that suppressing the microbiome in old mice restored vascular health to that of young mice, highlighting the potential for gut-friendly diets and supplements.
A recent study found that both radial and femoral approaches for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are equally effective in terms of survival rates at 30 days. The research, which enrolled nearly 2,300 patients, suggests that operators can achieve similar results with either approach if they have efficient systems and teams in p...
A new study shows that identifying coronary artery calcium in patients' arteries can help determine their future risk of a heart attack. Patients with CAC are more likely to have a cardiac event within 90 days and over the following years compared to those without CAC.
Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that biologic drugs used to treat severe psoriasis can improve coronary artery plaque, reducing the risk of heart attacks. The study showed an 8% reduction in total and non-calcified coronary plaque burden among patients taking biologic therapy.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a blood test that can detect early changes in blood flow to the heart by identifying five specific metabolites. The test shows promise as an alternative or complement to current stress tests, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and efficient treatment plans.
Highly active individuals, such as marathon runners, exhibit elevated levels of coronary artery calcification (CAC). Despite this, CAC is not significantly linked to increased mortality in these highly active people after a decade of follow-up.
Two studies found that flu-like illnesses increase the odds of having a stroke by nearly 40 percent over the next 15 days. Researchers also identified an increased risk of tearing neck arteries within one month of battling a flu-like illness.
A team of researchers at Stanford University has discovered a signaling molecule that promotes the growth of small arteries leading into oxygen-starved heart tissues, offering hope for new treatments. The protein, CXCL12, is activated in response to low oxygen levels and helps heal damaged heart tissue.
Researchers have developed a stent with a sugar-based coating that can facilitate faster and more precise suturing of blood vessels. The stent, designed using 3D printing technology, was tested on pig arteries and showed significant improvements in surgical time and accuracy.
Researchers found that South Asian men had high rates of calcification change in artery walls, similar to white men, and higher risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes at a younger age. Early detection of coronary artery calcium through CT scans may help guide treatment options for this population.
The sensor wraps around the healing vessel and detects changes in electric charge, allowing doctors to monitor blood flow remotely. Researchers are refining their sensitivity and exploring applications for precision health, including telemedicine and early interventions.
A new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a healthy lifestyle during menopause may offset the acceleration of atherosclerosis. Women who adhered to a 'Healthy Lifestyle Score' had significantly wider arteries, less arterial thickening and buildup of fatty plaque compared to those with lower sc...
A Pitt engineer-clinician team has discovered that artificially creating dynamic topography on synthetic vascular grafts can resist platelet fouling, a key factor in thrombosis. The research may lead to the development of medical devices that improve treatment of injured or diseased arteries.
A new study found that left gastric artery embolization, a weight loss procedure, not only reduces body fat but also leads to significant muscle mass loss. The researchers emphasized the need for proper nutritional counseling after the procedure to mitigate this risk.
Russian scientists developed a new surgical technique using drug-eluting balloon catheters to treat bifurcation lesions in coronary arteries. The method showed lower rates of repeated luminal occlusion and fewer long-term complications compared to traditional single-stent methods.
A new study found that a smartphone app can identify potentially fatal heart attacks with high accuracy, similar to a standard 12-lead ECG. The app's speed and accessibility could significantly improve treatment times and save lives.
Researchers found that testing coronary calcium levels is a more accurate predictor of blocked coronary arteries and need for revascularization than standard risk-assessment equations. Coronary calcium scores can identify patients at high risk and help prevent overtreatment.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to detect metallic stents and their potential structural failures through microwave spectrometry. The technique showed promise in detecting stent fractures and restenosis, highlighting the potential for new approaches to cardiovascular disease treatment.
Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a 3D printing method that allows for fine-grain control over rigidity, enabling the creation of complex geometries similar to those found in blood vessels. This technology could lead to personalized treatments for hypertension and vascular diseases.
The 11th World Stroke Congress highlights the high impact of stroke in low- and middle-income countries, with over 80% of global stroke burden concentrated in these regions. Experts discuss prevention and treatment strategies to reduce premature mortality from stroke by one-third by 2030.
EDAS surgery reroutes brain arteries to create new pathways for blood and oxygen, significantly decreasing stroke recurrence rates by 9.6% compared to intensive medical management alone. The study's findings are promising for applying EDAS to severe atherosclerosis of the brain arteries.
Researchers have developed an analytical model linking blood pressure to pulse wave velocity, validated by human participant experiments. This method could enable future development of continuous blood pressure monitoring systems.
High-velocity neck manipulation has been linked to damage to the blood vessels in the retina, resulting in abnormal bleeding inside the eye and potentially causing vision loss. The case report presents a rare complication of chiropractic care leading to multiple preretinal hemorrhages.
The Lipid-Rich Plaque (LRP) study found a significant correlation between non-flow-limiting lipid-rich plaques detected by NIRS-IVUS and the development of major adverse cardiac events. The study showed that patients with higher maxLCBI4mm values had a higher risk of experiencing non-culprit MACE events within 24 months.
Researchers found that an antioxidant called apocynin can cut plaque buildup in half and lower inflammation to pre-attack levels. This treatment could help reduce the risk of a second heart attack or stroke, particularly in mice that have experienced a first attack or stroke.
This CVIA special issue brings together valuable new insights into research in cath lab procedures. Papers cover topics such as intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac catheterization after cardiac arrest, and the current state of transradial access.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that teenage smokers and heavy drinkers experience arterial damage, which can predict heart problems later in life. The research analyzed data from over 1,200 adolescents and showed that a combination of smoking and drinking significantly increased arterial stiffness.
The BASKET-SMALL 2 trial found that a removable balloon is as good as a permanent stent for opening small blocked arteries, with no significant differences in major adverse cardiac events. The study showed improved outcomes without the need for prolonged treatment with anticlotting medicines.
A new minimally-invasive surgical technique has been developed to create dialysis access for patients with severe kidney disease. The WavelinQ endoAVF System allows vascular surgeons to create a connection between an artery and vein using magnets, reducing the risk of complications and surgeries.
A large study found that sleeping less than six hours or waking up several times in the night increases the risk of asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Participants with short and fragmented sleep had significantly more atherosclerosis, according to Dr. Fernando Dominguez.
The trial found that using two arterial grafts, including internal thoracic and radial arteries, may provide better outcomes than a single graft. However, the results are not conclusive due to high rates of deviations from randomization.
The 2018 Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction provides clarity on diagnosing a heart attack, distinguishing between myocardial infarction and myocardial injury. Elevated troponin levels are not sufficient for diagnosis, and oxygen shortage detection via electrocardiogram is crucial.
A new study published by the European Society of Cardiology has investigated the major cause of heart attacks in women, finding that spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a leading factor. The study also identified emotional stress as a key trigger for SCAD, which can lead to narrowing, aneurysms, or tears in the arteries.
A new non-invasive test called FFRCT accurately reflects invasively measured fractional flow reserve, showing it can safely guide treatment for patients with moderate stenosis. The study found that patients with normal FFRCT results had a similar prognosis to those with mild or no stenosis.
A study published in the journal HeartRhythm recommends that pediatric patients with epicardial devices should get regular screening chest x-rays and cine CT scans or catheter angiography to assess their wires and detect coronary artery compression. This can help prevent fatal complications and identify patients at risk.
A specialized heart bypass program with a dedicated team may result in faster operations and improved patient survival. The study found lower rates of blood transfusions and complications such as stroke during the specialized era.
A new study found that low-carb diets can improve artery flexibility in women, even if men lose weight more, suggesting a potential benefit for pre-diabetic women. This improvement in artery flexibility reduces the risk of developing serious heart conditions.
The USPSTF concludes that current evidence is insufficient to make recommendations on screening for PAD and CVD risk with ABI in asymptomatic adults. Additionally, the task force finds that adding ABI, hsCRP level, and CAC score to traditional risk assessments does not prevent CVD events in asymptomatic adults.
Researchers have identified a new cellular pathway that may help explain how arterial inflammation develops into atherosclerosis, leading to heart attacks and stroke. The findings suggest that blocking interleukin-1 beta production could enhance niacin therapy and improve therapies for atherosclerosis.
Researchers have developed a smart stent that continuously tracks blood flow through the artery, detecting subtle changes in its condition. This allows for early diagnosis and treatment of restenosis, reducing the risk of additional complications.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered a link between sensitivity to an allergen in red meat and increased plaque buildup in heart arteries. This allergy, spread by tick bites, may increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke, highlighting the need for further clinical studies.
The EVIDENT II trial found that using a healthy lifestyle smartphone app improved arterial hardness, indicating delayed ageing and lower risk of atherosclerosis. The app group showed better results in modifying their diet composition, with higher carbohydrate intake and lower fat content.
A study published by the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care found that taking aspirin before and after CABG surgery significantly reduced mortality risk. Patients who took aspirin had a 4-year mortality rate of 10.7%, compared to 16.2% in non-aspirin patients.
A University of Alberta study found that nearly six per cent of patients have a heart attack without any blockage in the arteries, with five per cent experiencing another heart attack or death within one year. Patients with MINOCA are twice as likely to be female and require more aggressive preventive treatment.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association highlights the unique health risks faced by South Asian Americans, including higher rates of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The statement emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity, to reduce this risk.
South Asian-Americans are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke due to increased risks of severe atherosclerosis, diabetes, and poor diet habits. Behavioral factors such as physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary choices contribute to this risk.
A five-year analysis of the FAME 2 trial shows that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) along with prescribed medication is more effective than medication alone in preventing urgent hospital admissions, revascularizations, and likely heart attacks. The study found significant benefits for patients with stable coronary artery disease.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology found that exercising 4-5 days a week slows down the ageing of the heart and blood vessels. Lifelong casual exercise (2-3 times a week) resulted in more youthful middle sized arteries, while frequent exercise (4-5 times a week) kept larger central arteries youthful.
Researchers developed peptide-based nanofibers that target and remove cholesterol deposits from artery walls, reducing plaque burden by up to 11%. Preliminary results demonstrate the potential of non-invasive therapy to reverse atherosclerosis.
Researchers found a significant correlation between the diversity of gut microbes and arterial stiffness in middle-aged female twins. The study identified specific microbes linked to lower risk of arterial stiffening, which were previously associated with lower obesity risk.
Researchers used whole-body magnetic resonance angiography to detect early atherosclerotic disease in asymptomatic individuals, finding nearly half had at least one narrowed artery. The study suggests the technique's potential for stratifying individuals with disease burden and informing preventative therapy.
Researchers have identified FoxM1 as a potential target for treating pulmonary hypertension, a severe lung disease with a 50% five-year survival rate. Deleting the FoxM1 gene in mice resulted in thinner artery walls and improved right heart function.
A significant update to the PROGRESS-CTO International Registry reveals successful outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Intervention (CTO PCI) for over 3,000 patients. The study found high success rates with acceptable complications, supporting its use in experienced centers.
A randomized clinical trial of 200 patients with PAD found that a home-based exercise program with a wearable activity monitor and telephone coaching did not improve walking endurance. The results suggest that traditional in-person exercise programs may be more effective in improving walking ability for this patient population.