Structural Heart Disease

Structural heart diseases include any issues preventing normal cardiovascular function due to damage or alteration to the anatomical components of the heart. This is caused by aging, advanced atherosclerosis, calcification, tissue degeneration, congenital heart defects and heart failure. The most commonly treated areas are the heart valves, in particular the mitral and aortic valves. These can be replaced through open heart surgery or using cath lab-based transcatheter valves or repairs to eliminate regurgitation due to faulty valve leaflets. This includes transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Other common procedures include left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion and closing congenital holes in the heart, such as PFO and ASD. A growing area includes transcatheter mitral repair or replacement and transcatheter tricuspid valve repair and replacement.

Menopausal hot flashes linked to increased heart disease risk

Experiencing hot flashes during menopause isn’t just uncomfortable, it could also be a sign of emerging vascular dysfunction and heart disease in women aged 40-53, new research shows.

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Pregnant women with congenital heart disease may have higher risk of poor outcomes during delivery

Pregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD) had an increased risk of congestive heart failure, atrial arrhythmias and fetal growth restrictions during delivery, according to a retrospective database analysis.

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Vitamin B could protect against air pollution-induced heart disease

Taking vitamin B supplements could be one way to protect yourself from air pollution, a new study finds.

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Restrictions on trans-fatty acids associated with fewer hospitalizations

Between 2007 and 2011, New York state implemented trans-fatty acid (TFA) restrictions in 11 counties to help improve residents’ health. New research is showing that it did just that—and had an especially significant impact on lowering the number of hospitalizations related to cardiovascular events.

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78% of cardiothoracic surgeons perform TAVR procedures as part of team

More than three-quarters of cardiothoracic surgeons performed transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures as part of a heart team, according to a Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) survey.

For those with heart disease, losing, gaining weight too quickly could be harmful

New research from New York University has found that people with coronary artery disease could be at an increased risk for heart attack or stroke if they lose or gain weight too quickly, according to a recent article in The New York Times.

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Survey finds many Americans afraid to perform CPR

A new survey organized by the American Heart Association (AHA) found that only half of Americans would be willing to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency because of fears that they wouldn’t do it correctly.

Study: Improved access to preventative care can reduce heart attacks, strokes

Improved access to preventive healthcare resources can help patients guard against developing cardiovascular conditions—a finding in a new study that helps makes the case for comprehensive healthcare expansion.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.