Cardiovascular / Cardiology News

1. Researchers find that accelerated aging biology in the placenta contributes to a rare form of pregnancy-related heart failure

   In a new study, researchers show that elevated levels of proteins related to cellular senescence, or aging, in the blood and the placenta are linked to this form of heart failure.

2. Adults with congenital heart disease faced higher risk of abnormal heart rhythms

   Adults with congenital heart defects were more likely to experience an abnormal, irregular heartbeat, finds a new study.

3. Novel CT exam reduces need for invasive artery treatment

   A new study showed that a non-invasive imaging test can help identify patients with coronary artery blockage or narrowing who need a revascularization procedure.

4. Safety of a potential new treatment to manage complications from sickle cell disease

   A drug approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension may be effective at managing hypertension and end-organ damage in patients with sickle cell disease, according to a new study. An early phase randomized clinical trial involving 130 patients with sickle cell disease found that the drug, called riociguat, was found to be safe to use and well tolerated in these patients and significantly improved their blood pressure. Preliminary efficacy data suggested the medication might improve heart function.

5. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase risk of cardiovascular death after giving birth

   Health researchers identify patients at risk for preventable death in the year after pregnancy.

6. Revascularization enhances quality of life for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia

   Over 200 million people around the world experience peripheral artery disease (PAD) -- a condition caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels from the heart to the lower limbs that leads to pain when walking -- and for roughly 1-in-10 this advances to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), an advanced form of PAD. Those with CLTI often suffer severe pain even at rest, caused by fatty plaque buildup obstructing blood flow, typically to the leg or foot.

7. Cardiology team performs novel heart artery repair with newly approved device

   Medical researchers have performed a successful transcatheter tricuspid valve repair procedure with a groundbreaking catheter.

8. Nasal spray safely treats recurrent abnormal heart rhythms, clinical trial suggests

   A clinical trial showed that a nasal spray that patients administer at home, without a physician, successfully and safely treated recurrent episodes of a condition that causes rapid abnormal heart rhythms. The study provides real-world evidence that a wide range of patients can safely and effectively use the experimental drug, called etripamil, to treat recurrent paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) episodes at home, potentially sparing them the need for repeated hospital trips for more invasive treatments.