Discovery of Atherosclerosis as “Alzheimer’s disease” of Blood Vessels
Researchers at Washington University have discovered a novel phenomenon that takes place during the formation of atherosclerosis, or the progressive buildup of plaques in artery walls. As we age and our bodies are continuously exposed to damaging agents such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, the inner walls of the arteries begin to accumulate […]
Winter 2016 WashU Alumni Newsletter (pdf) (Links to an external site)
Advances in the Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia – The section of electrophysiology has along tradition of innovation in treating atrial arrhythmias. Today electrophysiologistPhilip Cuculich, MD, and radiation oncologist Clifford Robinson, MD are continuingthis long tradition by developing a non-invasive method for treating ventriculartachycardia (VT), using stereotactic cardiac ablation radiotherapy (a.k.a. the GammaKnife). “The procedure is […]
Washington People: Angela L. Brown
Angela L. Brown, MD, grew up on her family’s farm in southern Arkansas. At the farm’s peak, the family and its crew cultivated 1,500 acres of cotton, rice and soybeans and managed more than 120 head of cattle. Watching her grandparents persevere through the demands of farm life, and her parents balance their careers — […]
Summer 2015 WashU Alumni Newsletter (pdf) (Links to an external site)
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – Expanding Expertise and Research – With multiple clinical trials evaluating the first promising medications that may slow or stop the progressionof hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Washington University School of Medicine isreinvigorating its entire HCM program and drawing national attention.
Dietary Nitrate Increases Muscle Speed and Power in Patients with Heart Failure
Washington University researchers have demonstrated that beetroot juice, which is rich in nitrate (NO3), can increase muscle function in heart failure patients. This may enhance their ability to perform activities of daily living and hence improve their quality of life. Although heart failure starts out as a disease of the heart, it ultimately becomes a […]
Genetic Study Identifies Individuals Who Benefit Most From Statins
Researchers at Washington University have shown that a panel of genetic markers can identify individuals at increased risk for heart attack. Those same individuals appear to benefit most from statin therapy (read more). The research appears online March 5th in the Lancet. For patients at risk of heart disease, doctors routinely prescribe statins, known for […]
Winter 2015 WashU Alumni Newsletter (pdf) (Links to an external site)
Women and Heart Disease – Cardiologist Kathryn Lindley, MD, says there’s a need for a specialniche in the cardiovascular field that focuses on heart disease in pregnant women.“These are the trends we see now — a higher incidence of acquired heart disease amongolder moms, trends in diabetes and obesity that increase the risk for heart […]