cardiovascular (heart) disease Archive

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
March 19, 2015

New research group oversees studies in advanced heart failure

Vanderbilt’s Department of Cardiac Surgery has developed an Advanced Heart Failure Clinical and Translational Research Group that serves as a central research resource for advanced heart failure surgeons and cardiologists.

By Kathy Whitney
March 2, 2015

VU study finds peanut consumption associated with decreased total mortality and mortality from cardiovascular diseases

If you’re looking for a simple way to lower your risk of dying from a heart attack, consider going nuts.

By Kathy Whitney
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
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
March 14, 2013

Heart failure therapy shows promise in early clinical trial

Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Acorda Therapeutics Inc. released findings from a Phase 1 clinical trial of glial growth factor 2 (GGF2) last week at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session in San Francisco.
By Kathy Whitney