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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ESC.13: Colchicine may offer protection against recurrent pericarditis

Colchicine may not be just for gout anymore. In a study based out of Italy, researchers found that the drug, when used in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medications, reduced the rate of recurrent pericarditis in patients who suffered an initial acute episode. The drug, however, is not approved for this use in North American or Europe. The findings were presented Sept. 1 at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2013 in Amsterdam and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Cleveland HeartLab announces speakers for its fourth annual symposium on cardiovascular disease, preventive medicine

Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (CHL), a rapidly growing specialty clinical laboratory and cardiovascular disease management company, today announced that its fourth annual symposium, Where Inflammation Meets Lipids®, will focus on unique models and strategies for assessing, treating and preventing chronic disease.

Genetic variant may connect dots between heart disease & diabetes

Researchers identified a genetic variant that may be the smoking gun in coronary heart disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. The genetic variant was associated with a 36 percent increased risk of CHD in diabetic people but not in nondiabetics.

Framingham study braces for cuts

Boston University’s BU Today reported that the 65-year-old Framingham Heart Study will lose $4 million in federal funding under the sequester, forcing the layoffs of 19 staffers in November.  In a video, Boston University biomedical engineer Ahmad S. Khalil, PhD, argues against the cuts on ScienceWorksforUS.org.

Supplement that interacts with nitrates recalled

Jack Rabbit, a dietary supplement marketed as an aphrodisiac, is under recall for containing ingredients that might interact with prescription drugs taken for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

A vision realized

There is no easy pathway to prevention, it seems. A healthcare system needs not only resources but also will power and analytic might to make a dent in hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other heart-unhealthy conditions.

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Treatment of hypertension critical in patients with aortic stenosis

For patients with low gradient severe aortic stenosis (AS) with preserved ejection fraction, treatment of hypertension with vasodilators, such as sodium nitroprusside, could help lower left ventricular (LV) afterload, leading to decreased LV filling pressures and pulmonary artery pressures.

Flu shot may fend off heart attacks, too

For patients with ischemic heart disease, a flu shot may be one way to lower the risk of a heart attack. 

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