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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Henry Ford Hospital pioneers new cardiac approach

Doctors at Henry Ford Hospital have created a new route to the heart to implant an artificial heart valve by temporarily connecting major blood vessels that do not normally intersect.

No more wait & see: Mitral registry data give edge to early surgery

For cardiac surgeons, the wait may be over. Patients with flail mitral valve regurgitation who underwent early surgery had better long-term survival and lower risk of heart failure than counterparts who were medically managed, according to a study published Aug. 14 in JAMA. But watchful waiting still may be the best approach in some circumstances.

Calcium-channel blockers may raise breast cancer risk

Long-term use of calcium-channel blockers may increase older women’s risk of breast cancer by more than twofold, according to a study published online Aug. 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine. If confirmed, the results may point to a modifiable risk factor in breast cancer.

Heart Healthy Lubbock: Program receives state award

The Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Stroke, in conjunction with the CVD & Stroke Program of the Texas Department of State Health Services, will present Healthy Lubbock with the Department of State Health Services 2013 Cardiovascular Health Promotions Award.

Cutting-edge pediatric heart treatments

The Wall Street Journal recently featured two pediatric approaches to treat children with congenital heart defects that cause them to be born with only one ventricle. The article and video are below.

Gore wins patent tussle over Helex device

A judge ruled in favor of W. L. Gore & Associates in a patent dispute over a device used to treat structural heart defects.

Texas names annual blood pressure day

The state of Texas designated September 1 as its annual Texas Blood Pressure Day, an event created to make the public aware of the importance of monitoring blood pressure and the cardiovascular risks associated with hypertension.

Coronary artery disease affects women differently

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is often considered a “man’s disease,” but in fact, it is the leading cause of death in both sexes and kills more women than men. Despite the trends, providers are not as likely to suggest preventive measures for women, according to a paper published in the June issue of Global Health. Women, the authors found, face other challenges in the fight against CAD as well, including factors specific to their sex.

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