Genetic error that increases risk of aortic rupture identified
A study led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, has identified a genetic error that weakens the aorta, placing patients with this and similar errors at high risk of aortic aneurysms and ruptures. The findings will help diagnose, monitor and treat patients with […]
New Guidelines Open Competitive Sports to Some Athletes with Heart Conditions
New guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have loosened some restrictions placed on competitive athletes with certain heart conditions. Cardiologists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis led two of the task forces responsible for updating the guidelines that help doctors decide when it is safe for […]
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 […]