Scientists offer hope for heart problem

A NEW scanning technique developed by researchers from Edinburgh University is to improve treatment for a life-threatening heart condition.

Aortic stenosis – the narrowing and hardening of the heart’s aortic valve – affects one in 20 people aged over 65 in the UK, with some patients requiring open heart surgery to replace the valves.

The research study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, trialled the use of positron emission tomography scans among patients, which could help find out which patients need surgery, as well as improving treatments.

Dr Shannon Amoils, research advisor at the BHF, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to fund this study, which has used state-of-the-art technology to reveal clues about the biology underlying aortic stenosis.”