Gene changes linked to heart problems and hip fractures

As we get older, we are at risk for certain conditions. Heart failure, or HF, is when the heart does not pump blood as well as it should. Heart failure can put us at risk for a heart attack. This is when blood flow to the heart stops. Some causes of HF are high blood pressure, diabetes, and being overweight.. Over time, these can make your heart weak or stiff. A weak or stiff heart does not work as well. Fat and cholesterol build up in the arteries of the heart can also cause HF. If the buildup blocks the arteries of the heart, it can cause a heart attack. The good news is we have treatments for HF that can help. You can also help by exercising, losing weight, cutting down on salt in your diet, and reducing stress. But, there is still no cure. As we age, our bones tend to get weaker. Hip fractures often happen in older people. Falls are the most common cause of hip fractures. Taking medications, balance issues, and poor vision can all make us more likely to fall. Scientists think changes in certain genes may increase your risk for these conditions. Researchers at Vanderbilt will use BioVU to look for patients with these gene changes. Then they will check for links between the gene changes and heart failure. They will also check for links to heart attacks and hip fractures. Finally, they will see if there are links to related conditions. The goal is to learn more about the gene changes. We also hope to learn more about the causes of HF and hip fractures. Their results may help us reduce the risk for getting these conditions. We may also be able to find new treatments.