heart disease

June 11, 2015

Former heart patient inspired to create Discovery Science Fund

Two vastly different causes of heart failure, both of which can devastate a patient’s life, are being studied at Vanderbilt University Medical Center thanks, in part, to the generosity of a grateful patient whose own damaged heart was repaired at Vanderbilt more than five years ago.

By Nancy Humphrey
May 15, 2015

Boosting cell-based heart repair

A metabolic change in adult stem cells makes them less “fit” for regenerative heart therapies, suggesting that strategies to prevent this response may boost the therapeutic usefulness of the cells.

By Leigh MacMillan
January 9, 2015

Does fish oil help prevent A-fib?

Growing evidence suggests that fish oil, thought to directly prevent inflammation, oxidative stress and heart disease, may have limited clinical utility.

By VUMC News and Communications
Heart illustration thumbnail
December 18, 2014

Atrial disease and hypertension links

New findings suggest that misfolded proteins accumulate in the heart atria, particularly in patients with hypertension, and may contribute to atrial heart disease.

By Leigh MacMillan
Cholesterol
August 21, 2014

Major grant spurs deeper look into ‘good cholesterol’

In some cases, HDL, the “good cholesterol,” may not function properly and may actually accelerate atherosclerosis.

By Bill Snyder
Heart illustration
August 20, 2014

Study finds coronary arteries hold heart-regenerating cells

Endothelial cells residing in the coronary arteries can function as cardiac stem cells to produce new heart muscle tissue, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered.

By Leigh MacMillan
July 10, 2014

AHA grant creates coalition to prevent heart disease, stroke

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is one of four institutions that are part of a new research network aimed at preventing heart disease and stroke, the two leading causes of death in the world.
By Kathy Whitney
April 2, 2014

Development and disease in the aorta

Smooth muscle cells that line the aorta differ in development but not in the adult, a finding that has implications for understanding aortic development and disease.
By Peng Xu
January 29, 2014

Vanderbilt Hypertension Clinic receives national comprehension designation

By Leigh MacMillan
May 10, 2013

Profiling heart cells

A “profile” of the genes and regulatory networks that govern early heart valve development lay the groundwork for generating valves from a patient’s own cells.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 18, 2013

Early study reveals ‘nuclear’ strategy for atherosclerosis

Vanderbilt University scientists have discovered a potential new strategy for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels and stopping atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease.
By Bill Snyder
September 7, 2012

Don’t miss the Love Your Heart Expo Wednesday

By VUMC News and Communications
July 12, 2012

Gene’s impact on ‘good’ cholesterol could affect heart disease risk

A genetic variant may help keep an individual’s “good” cholesterol in check.
By VUMC News and Communications
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