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.

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Most employees at big companies face increased risk of heart disease, stroke

Employees at large companies could be at an increased risk of of serious medical conditions, according to a new study by IBM Watson and the American Heart Association (AHA) that found they are more susceptible to developing heart disease and stroke.

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Patients undergoing TAVR show significant health status improvement at 1 year

Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) had major improvements in health status 30 days and one year after the procedure, according to an observational cohort study.

Let them play: Research finds children who exercise have healthier arteries

Giving children extra minutes at the playground could be good for their arteries, according to new research that suggests intense physical activity could prevent them from developing heart disease later in life.

How much sugar it too much? Most Americans don’t know

A new survey found that most Americans are eating too much sugar and are unclear on when to cut back—alarming findings considering the damage sugar can have on cardiovascular health.

Parents of children with congenital heart defects may experience mental health issues

Parents of children with critical congenital heart defects have an elevated risk of trauma, depression and psychological distress, particularly in the weeks and months after their children undergo cardiac surgery, according to a systematic review.

Vascular Dynamics’ Announces Expedited Access Pathway Designation by FDA for MobiusHD® to Accelerate US Access for Treatment of Resistant Hypertension

Vascular Dynamics, Inc. today announces that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company’s application to participate in the Expedited Access Pathway (EAP) program for its MobiusHD® device for the treatment of resistant hypertension.

Researchers find link between altitude of living spaces, metabolic syndrome

Living in the mountains could be good for the heart, according to a new study that suggests the higher altitude someone lives in, the less likely they are to develop metabolic syndrome.

Sedentary lifestyle linked to diabetes risk

A new study found that a sedentary lifestyle could increase one’s chances of developing diabetes, reports Reuters.

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