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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Kidney stones may up risk of CHD in women

A history of kidney stones may put women but not men at higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a study published in the July 24 issue of JAMA.

Kidney disease & calcium: Supplements may increase mortality risk

Physicians may think twice before prescribing calcium supplements to patients with chronic kidney disease, based on results of a study published online July 19 in The Lancet. Researchers reported that the use of calcium-free phosphate binders may lower mortality risk in these patients compared with calcium-based binders.

Skipping antihypertensive meds may lead to stroke complications

Poor compliance with antihypertensive medications among patients with high blood pressure may greatly increase their risk of death and hospitalization due to strokes, according to a population-based study published in the July 21 issue of European Heart Journal.

The Heart of Leonardo

A new book, The Heart of Leonardo, features all of Leonardo's drawings on the heart and its physiology, accompanied by translations of his accompanying notes.

Long-term obesity: A peek at the consequences

Just one month after the American Medical Association (AMA) classified obesity as a disease, a study published July 17 in JAMA adds weight to the argument that preventing or delaying the onset of obesity as a young adult offers health dividends later.

Early surgery fails to edge out medical therapy for endocarditis

One-year mortality rates remained similar for patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis who received early surgery or medical therapy in an observational study that adjusted for biases. The study was published online July 15 in JAMA: Internal Medicine.

Ruling blocks CoreValve sales in Germany

A German court ruled July 12 that Medtronic infringed on a transcatheter heart valve patent owned by Edwards Lifesciences. Medtronic, which was ordered to recall its CoreValve and CoreValve Evolut systems in Germany, said that it planned to appeal the decision. 

Mutation as muse

Inspired by a genetic mutation that keeps low-density lipoprotein levels extremely low, three pharmaceutical companies are developing cholesterol drugs that mimic the trait. The New York Times described how drug makers are scurrying to get these potential blockbusters to market.

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