Saturday, 30 November 2024


           Insulin resistance may make men more prone to                          common heart valve disease: Study


Insulin resistance can increase the risk of aortic stenosis – a common heart valve disease – in men over the age of 45, finds a study on Wednesday. 

The study published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Medicine may open doors for new treatments for aortic stenosis, which can lead to life-threatening heart failure.

Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows or does not open fully, reducing blood flow from the heart to the body. If not addressed timely, the valve will gradually thicken and stiffen, making the heart work harder to pump blood.

Researchers from the Kuopio University Hospital, in Finland identified several biomarkers – fasting insulin, insulin at 30 minutes and 120 minutes, proinsulin, and serum C-peptide – related to high insulin resistance in people with aortic stenosis.

A person is said to be insulin resistant when his or her body is unable to respond well to insulin. This prompts the body to produce more insulin than normal to manage blood sugar levels.

Importantly, the team found that these biomarkers remained significant predictors of aortic stenosis, even after adjusting for other known risk factors, such as body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure, or excluding participants with diabetes or an aortic valve malformation.

“This novel finding highlights that insulin resistance may be a significant and modifiable risk factor for aortic stenosis,” said lead author Dr Johanna Kuusisto, from the Kuopio University Hospital, in Finland.

As insulin resistance is becoming increasingly common, “managing metabolic health could be a new approach to reduce the risk of aortic stenosis and improve cardiovascular health in aging populations”, Kuusisto added.

For the study, the researchers analysed data from 10,144 Finnish men aged 45 to 73 years old, all initially free of AS. After an average follow-up period of 10.8 years, 116 men (1.1%) were diagnosed with aortic stenosis.

While weight control and exercise are known to improve insulin sensitivity, Kuusisto called for further studies to explore how these lifestyle modifications can help prevent the heart condition.


#InsulinResistance  
#HeartValveDisease  
#MenHealth  
#CardiologyResearch  
#DiabetesAndHeart  
#HeartHealth  
#MedicalStudy  
#PreventiveCare  
#HealthyLifestyle  
#ChronicDisease  
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Friday, 29 November 2024

 



         Innovative Ventricular Assist Device Provides Long-Term                     Support for Advanced Heart Failure Patients


Advanced heart failure represents the final stages of heart failure, where the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively is severely compromised. This condition often results from underlying health issues that damage the heart muscle, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or prior heart attacks. Proper management is essential for improving survival rates and enhancing the quality of life for patients with advanced heart failure. Now, an innovative ventricular assist device designed to augment blood flow can reduce the occurrence of adverse events associated with advanced heart failure treatment, enhance patient comfort, and minimize complications, all while prioritizing patient well-being.

The BrioVAD System, developed by BrioHealth Solutions (Burlington, MA, USA), is a full-support, durable ventricular assist device that consists of an implantable BrioVAD Pump and external components. It is designed to provide long-term support for patients with heart failure. The BrioVAD Pump features a unique magnetic bearing design that allows for a smaller pump size while incorporating a larger impeller compared to the only FDA-approved durable ventricular assist device currently available. This smaller pump may lead to reduced surgical invasiveness. Moreover, the BrioVAD Pump features an innovative driveline design that connects the pump to the external components, resulting in a thinner, more flexible driveline, which could help reduce infections related to the driveline.

The combination of the BrioVAD Pump’s magnetic bearing structure and large diameter impeller enhances the design of the blood flow pathway inside the pump. This advanced pathway design is expected to improve the device’s hemocompatibility and hemodynamics, which may reduce the risk of serious complications. The external components of the BrioVAD System, which patients wear, have been streamlined to just two components, offering a more convenient and user-friendly experience, ultimately improving the patient's quality of life. BrioHealth Solutions has enrolled its first U.S. patients in the INNOVATE Trial for the BrioVAD System. This prospective, randomized, controlled, multi-center, non-blinded study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of the BrioVAD System in treating advanced, refractory left ventricular heart failure.

“We are thrilled to kick off the INNOVATE trial, following a phenomenal journey of innovation, engineering, and quality refinement to bring the BrioVAD System to life,” said Chen Chen, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of BrioHealth Solutions. “Despite advancements in ventricular assist devices, there remains a pressing need for improved device performance and patient outcomes, and BrioHealth is committed to addressing this gap. It is also incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiasm from our participating centers in advancing heart failure treatment through this study.”

#VentricularAssistDevice
#HeartFailureSupport
#InnovativeHealthcare
#HeartHealth
#CardiacCare
#AdvancedHeartFailure
#MedicalInnovation
#HeartSupportTechnology
#CardiacDevices
#SavingLives


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Thursday, 28 November 2024

 





A recent study conducted by researchers from the Imperial College London, UK and published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that men with cardiovascular disease risk factors might lead to dementia 10 years earlier than women. Read on to know more about the study.

A new study showed that men with cardiovascular disease risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and smoking might lead to a decline in brain activity, leading to dementia, 10 years earlier than women. The study was published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry and conducted by researchers from the Imperial College London, UK.

The findings of the study show that men with cardiovascular disease risk factors can have dementia onset a decade earlier, from their mid-50s to mid-70s than similarly affected women who are most susceptible from their mid-60s to mid-70s.

Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as “Dementia is not a single disease. It's an overall term to describe a collection of symptoms that one may experience if they are living with a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Diseases grouped under the general term "dementia" are caused by abnormal brain changes. Dementia symptoms trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily life and independent function.”

They said that the damaging effects are just as evident in those who didn’t carry the high-risk APOE4 gene, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, as those who did.

The researchers said, “The detrimental impact of cardiovascular risk was widespread throughout cortical regions, highlighting how cardiovascular risk can impair a range of cognitive functions.”

For the study, the researchers included 34,425 participants from the UK Biobank all of whom had had both abdominal and brain scans. Their average age was 63 but ranged from 45 to 82. The results showed that both men and women with increased levels of abdominal fat and visceral adipose tissue had lower brain grey matter volume.

The researchers said that high cardiovascular risk and obesity led to a gradual loss of brain volume over several decades. The team thus stressed the need to target “modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity,” to treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s.

The study also emphasises “the importance of aggressively targeting cardiovascular risk factors before the age of 55 years to prevent neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease”. These may also prevent other cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction [heart attack] and stroke”.

The researchers said that while the study is observational and no firm conclusions can be drawn, targeting cardiovascular risk and obesity early may be beneficial.

#HeartHealth
#DementiaRisk
#MenVsWomenHealth
#HeartDisease
#BrainHealth
#EarlyDetection
#HealthResearch
#HealthyAging
#DementiaAwareness
#PreventiveCare
#HeartAndBrainConnection
#MenHealthMatters
#WomensHealth
#MedicalStudy
#HealthyLifestyle

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Wednesday, 27 November 2024

 



November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, a time to spotlight an often-overlooked condition that affects the heart and lungs. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious but treatable condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

PH occurs when there is high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. This increased pressure forces the heart to work harder to pump blood through the lungs, which can lead to a variety of symptoms that make daily activities more difficult.

Understanding the risks, prevention strategies, and treatment options is key to better managing pulmonary hypertension and improving the lives of those affected, according to Sandra Chaparro, M.D., medical director of the Advanced Heart Failure program at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.

"Early diagnosis is important, as it allows for timely treatment to manage symptoms and slow progression,” explains Dr. Chaparro. “Treatment options include medications and lifestyle changes that improve heart function, enhance quality of life, and help patients live longer. With the right care, individuals with this condition can lead more active lives."

Common symptoms of PH include:

  • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
  • Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness or fainting
  • Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen
  • Chest pain or discomfort

What Causes Pulmonary Hypertension?

There are several potential causes of pulmonary hypertension, ranging from chronic lung diseases to heart conditions, and even some genetic factors. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Lung disease
  • Collagen disease
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Left-sided heart failure
  • Drugs
  • Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
  • Genetic predisposition

While these factors can contribute to PH, the condition can also develop without any obvious underlying cause, a condition known as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.

As with many health conditions, early diagnosis plays a crucial role in managing pulmonary hypertension. If you experience any of the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, it is important to seek medical attention, said Dr. Chaparro. A doctor can perform diagnostic testing such as an echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, or a right heart catheterization to confirm the diagnosis.

Prevention and Risk Factors

While not all cases of pulmonary hypertension can be prevented, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

  • Managing underlying conditions: Treating and managing chronic conditions like heart disease, COPD, or sleep apnea can help prevent the development of pulmonary hypertension.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity is a known risk factor for developing PH, so staying active and eating a balanced diet is important.
  • Avoiding smoking: Smoking damages the lungs and blood vessels, which increases the risk of pulmonary hypertension.
  • Regular check-ups: For those with a family history or risk factors, regular medical check-ups can help catch any early signs of pulmonary hypertension.

Treatment Options for Pulmonary Hypertension

While pulmonary hypertension is a chronic condition, there are treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment typically includes a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.

  1. Medications:
    • Vasodilators: These medications help open up blood vessels in the lungs, lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart’s workload.
    • Anticoagulants: These blood thinners can help prevent blood clots that could worsen pulmonary hypertension.
    • Diuretics: These help reduce fluid buildup, which can relieve symptoms like swelling.
    • Oxygen therapy: In some cases, patients may need supplemental oxygen to help improve oxygen levels in the blood.
  2. Lifestyle Changes:
    • Exercise: Staying physically active helps maintain heart and lung health. However, it’s important to work with your doctor to find an exercise routine that’s right for you.
    • Diet: A heart-healthy diet that’s low in sodium can help reduce fluid retention and strain on the heart.
    • Stress Management: Finding ways to reduce stress, such as through relaxation techniques or therapy, can also have a positive impact on overall well-being.
  3. Surgical Treatments:
    • In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to address underlying heart conditions or to install a pulmonary artery catheter to help manage symptoms.
#PulmonaryHypertension
#PHAwareness
#PHEducation
#LungHealthMatters
#HeartAndLungCare
#BreathOfHope
#PHWarrior
#RareDiseaseAwareness
#ChronicIllnessSupport
#PulmonaryCare
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Tuesday, 26 November 2024

 




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Monday, 25 November 2024

 



Ultromics, a U.K.-based healthcare company focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve echocardiography evaluations, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its AI-powered screening software for cardiac amyloidosis. 

EchoGo Amyloidosis was designed to evaluate routine echocardiogram results for signs of cardiac amyloidosis, alerting clinicians when follow-up care is necessary. The software was developed with assistance from Janssen Biotech, a Johnson & Johnson company, and Pfizer, the company behind multiple FDA-approved cardiac amyloidosis medications. It was previously granted the FDA’s breakthrough device designation in April 2023. 

“Echocardiography is a powerful tool for evaluating cardiac structure and function and is central to the detection and monitoring of disease,” Ross Upton, PhD, CEO and founder of Ultromics, said in a statement. “However, there are some diseases that are very challenging for even the most expert clinician to detect on an echocardiogram. Requiring only a single apical four-chamber image, EchoGo Amyloidosis identifies cardiac amyloidosis and will help drive earlier access to appropriate treatment and care for patients with this underdiagnosed disease.”


“Improving the detection of cardiac amyloidosis is vital as early detection provides the greatest therapeutic benefit for patients,” added Sanjiv J. Shah, MD, director of research for the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute and director of the Center for Deep Phenotyping and Precision Medicine in the Institute for Augmented Intelligence in Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Novel AI-based diagnostic tools such as EchoGo Amyloidosis from Ultromics should help facilitate disease identification, particularly in clinics and hospitals restricted by expertise and resource. With more therapies becoming available, the FDA approval of EchoGo Amyloidosis is timely.”

EchoGo Amyloidosis is now an official part of the Ultromics EchoGo platform, joining the company’s flagship offering, EchoGo Heart Failure.

More progress for cardiac amyloidosis management after years of little movement

Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare, potentially fatal condition that occurs when abnormal precursor proteins form amyloid fibrils that accumulate in a patient’s heart tissue. Treatment options were limited until 2019, when Pfizer gained FDA approval for tafamidis meglumine and tafamidis, two treatments sold under the brand names Vyndaqel and Vyndamax, respectively. Imaging specialists, especially those who specialize in echocardiography technology, have made identifying the disease a top priority in recent years.


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