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A new study by Toho University has revealed that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils such as evening primrose and borage, can directly relax constricted coronary arteries by blocking a key receptor involved in blood vessel contraction. This discovery offers promising implications for the prevention of coronary spasms and angina. Coronary artery spasms—sudden narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart—can lead to chest pain (angina) and increase the risk of heart attacks. The underlying cause often involves the activation of prostanoid TP receptors, which trigger vessel contraction in response to chemical signals like thromboxane A2...

Metal exposure from environmental pollution is associated with increased buildup of calcium in the coronary arteries at a level that is comparable to traditional risk factors like smoking and diabetes, according to a study. The findings support the fact that metals in the body are associated with the progression of plaque buildup in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque. It's an underlying cause of heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease (PAD), the most common forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Atherosclerosis causes coronary artery calcium (CAC). Researchers...

A study shows that a non-invasive imaging test can help identify patients with coronary artery blockage or narrowing who need a revascularization procedure. Doctors use coronary CT angiography (CTA) to diagnose narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart. A CTA exam receives a score from mild (0–1) to severe (4–5). Patients with scores above 3 typically require medical treatments. Doctors have traditionally relied on invasive coronary angiography to image vessels and more recently have added fractional flow reserve (FFR) to identify and assess significant blockages. To assess CT-FFR, Dr. Randhawa conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent coronary CTA...