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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UK receives $11.3 Million for cardiovascular disease and obesity research

In a time when competition for federal research funding  is tougher than ever before, the University of Kentucky has been awarded one of the largest health grants ever made to the institution: an $11.3 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant  supporting research focusing on issues that plague the Commonwealth - the twin scourges of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Vitamins may not improve post-MI outcomes

Despite their common use, high doses of vitamins and minerals may not protect against cardiovascular events after a heart attack, a study published online Dec. 17 in Annals of Internal Medicine found. However, the study investigators noted that participant withdrawals and nonadherence may have skewed the data.

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Still on the leading edge at 99

Fred Kummerow, the nutrition scientist who connected the dots between trans fats and atherosclerosis in the 1950s, at the age of 99 continues to explore how diet affects heart disease. The New York Times published a profile of the pioneering researcher in its science section. 

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Short height may be risk factor for CHD

Shorter people may be at higher risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a study published online Dec. 12 in Circulation – Cardiovascular Imaging. Researchers found an inverse relationship between height and levels of coronary artery calcium, a marker for CHD.

FDA panel favors diabetes drug second time around

Almost two years after it was put on hold by the FDA, the type 2 diabetes drug dapagliflozin received a vote of confidence from the agency’s advisory panel.

Smoking cessation therapies: No link to cardiovascular events

Despite concerns that certain smoking cessation therapies may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, a study published online Dec. 9 in Circulation found no such association.

Statins effective at preventing cardiovascular disease

Using statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, serious vascular events and revascularizations when compared with a placebo, a Clinical Evidence Synopsis published online Dec. 11 in JAMA found.

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Got (whole organic) milk?

A study in PLOS One concludes that whole organic milk provides a greater cardio-protective punch than other milks because of its fatty acids, according to the New York Times.

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