Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart defect where the aortic valve has two leaflets (cusps) instead of the usual three, resulting in abnormal blood flow and development of aortic valve diseases such as aortic stenosis and incompetence. In addition, the BAV is sometimes accompanied by development of an enlarged aorta - the main artery in the body.  Both the bicuspid aortic valve and an enlarged aorta often require cardiac surgery, usually after the age of 50 years. Despite this, only a limited number of genes have been associated with the disease and the molecular mechanisms remain unexplained in most cases.

 

In a new study aimed to further understand the genetic architecture of BAV, an international group of researchers led by Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Laval University in Quebec City, Canada, along with the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Consortium, the Genetic Aortic Network (a division of The Marfan Foundation) and participating Institutions, believe the condition is strongly influenced by the cumulative effect of variation in many different genes (polygenic contribution).

The quality of a low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet may matter more than the amount of carbohydrates or fat consumed when it comes to reducing heart disease risk, according to a new study published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology. Researchers found that versions of both diet patterns emphasizing macronutrients from healthy foods were associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), while versions high in refined carbohydrates and animal products were linked to higher risk and adverse metabolic profiles

Low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets rich in high-quality, plant-based foods and low in animal products and refined carbohydrates were linked with lower risk of heart disease, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The same diets that were rich in refined carbohydrates and high in animal fats and proteins were associated with a higher risk of heart disease. The study suggests that it’s the quality of the macronutrients composing these diets that make a difference for heart health, rather than the quantity.

South Asian adults begin developing risk factors for heart disease earlier—by their mid-40s—according to an analysis of data from two long-running health studies in the United States.

South Asian adults in the U.S. report doing many of the right things for heart health, yet they show significantly higher rates of prediabetes, diabetes and hypertension than white and Chinese adults, and higher than or roughly similar rates to Black and Hispanic patients, according to a new study led by Northwestern Medicine.

UChicago Medicine and Lawndale Christian Health Center have received a $1.75 million grant to address heart health disparities among formerly incarcerated Black men by helping provide preventive cardiovascular care in an underserved neighborhood.