Forum offers hints of future therapy, prevention programs for combating cardiovascular problems
Article Abstract:
Research on the causes, prevention and treatment of heart disease was discussed at the American Heart Association's 19th Science Writers Forum in 1992. Ventricular-assist devices can be used instead of heart-lung bypass during coronary artery bypass surgery. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have started a registry to evaluate methods used to open blocked coronary arteries. California researchers will use money from a tobacco sales tax to begin an educational campaign about the effect of smoking on health. There have been several research studies on the usefulness of aspirin and antioxidants in preventing cardiovascular disease. Mutations in the 17 genes so far found to be involved in cholesterol metabolism may contribute to the development of heart disease. The ras oncogene can cause hypertrophy, or enlargement of heart cells, which has been shown by the Framingham study to be a risk factor for heart disease. Some viruses, such as group A streptococcus, HIV and coxsackieviruses, have proteins on their surface similar to those on heart cells. Infection by these viruses may cause the body to produce antibodies against heart tissue, causing autoimmune heart disease.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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From cell populations to human populations, cardiovascular research examines possibilities
Article Abstract:
Medical experts at a recent conference discussed advances in cardiovascular disease research. Rheumatic heart disease may be caused by T cells, or cells of the immune system, that are activated by bacterial proteins to attack the body's own tissues. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and may cause a sudden decrease in blood pressure in patients who go into shock. Disorders of nitric oxide production may cause chest pain, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and other diseases. Premature infants may not have an adequate supply of energy for contraction of their hearts. Blood-clotting cells and proteins may cause formation of vascular lesions in patients who have heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary (lung) embolisms. Patients with migraine headaches may be treated with substances that block receptors in the brain. Mental stress may cause coronary heart disease, and estrogen may prevent coronary heart disease in pre-menopausal women. The Strong Heart Study is examining the risk of cardiovascular disease among Native Americans, an ethnic group with a high incidence of diabetes.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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