A new study published in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine Journal found that teenagers knowing the results of their cardiomyopathy genetic tests do not harm family relationships or function. In fact, most adolescents were glad to receive their test results, suggesting improved mental health outcomes.
Research reveals South Asians have a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease compared to Europeans. Despite being under-represented in clinical estimators, South Asians experience a more than two-fold increased risk.
Regularly consuming a Southern-style diet characterized by added fats, fried foods, eggs, organ meats, processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. In contrast, following a Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and legumes can decrease this risk.
Four North Philadelphia organizations, including Maternity Care Coalition and Oshun Family Center, receive $430,000 in funding to improve access to healthcare, food, and housing, as well as economic empowerment. The Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund aims to foster health equity and economic empowerment.
Research found that eating starchy snacks high in white potato or starches after any meal was associated with a 50% increased risk of mortality. On the other hand, consuming fruits, vegetables, or dairy at specific meals was linked to reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, or any cause. The study analyzed data from ...
Obstructive sleep apnea is common among people with cardiovascular disease, but it's under-recognized and undertreated. Treatment can improve quality of life and reduce risk of cardiovascular events and death.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies found that ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers may confer the greatest benefit to long-term cognition. These medications, which cross the blood-brain barrier, were associated with improved memory recall in older adults with hypertension.
Researchers report on seven patients hospitalized for acute myocarditis-like illness following COVID-19 vaccination. All symptoms resolved before hospital discharge after treatment with beta-blocker and anti-inflammatory medications.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal found that young adults who regained cardiovascular health had a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. The study analyzed data from over 3.5 million adults and found that improving cardiovascular health reduced risks by 25-42%.
Stroke patients from rural areas and American Indian communities face significant challenges in accessing certified stroke centers due to longer distances. Demographic factors such as age, income, and insurance status also impact the distance to stroke care, with rural areas showing a reversal of expected relationships.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that many adults with a history of cardiovascular disease continue to use tobacco products, despite being aware of the increased risk. The research revealed that only 2% of smokers with CVD quit using tobacco over a period of five years.
Research suggests that mask-wearing, hand-washing, and physical distancing may reduce Kawasaki disease incidence in children. The study found a 40% decrease in cases after COVID-19 prevention efforts began in February 2020.
The American Heart Association recommends increasing physical activity as the first treatment choice for mild to moderately elevated blood pressure and cholesterol. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, with benefits extending to other health areas.
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that adults with OCD were more than three times as likely to experience an ischemic stroke, with the greatest risk among older adults. Researchers also discovered that medications used to treat OCD did not increase the risk of stroke.
Preliminary research suggests that taking more daily steps can lead to a longer life, even if it's done in short spurts or as part of regular activities. The study found that women who took 2,000 additional steps per day during bouts had further benefits for longevity.
A new study found that the 2016 US presidential election may have triggered potentially life-threatening heart rhythms and worsened high blood pressure in people with underlying cardiovascular disease. Researchers linked data from cardiac devices to find a significant increase in arrhythmias during the election period.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's conference found that black adults who consumed ultra-processed foods were at a 55% increased risk for high blood pressure compared to white adults. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 participants and used the NOVA system to categorize food processing levels.
A study found that violent crime rates in urban Black and Hispanic communities are associated with higher rates of physical inactivity and obesity among adults. The analysis, which examined 2018 data from Chicago's police records and CDC data, suggests that exposure to violence may be a contributing factor to these health disparities.
Women who experience early menopause before age 40 have a 40% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease over their lifetime. The study suggests that clinicians should ask women about their menopause status earlier to optimize cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease.
A study of 100 transgender adolescents found that gender-affirming hormone therapy does not increase cardiovascular disease risk. The treatment was associated with reduced symptoms of gender dysphoria and improved mental health outcomes.
Research suggests that spending moderate amounts of time watching television during midlife is associated with greater cognitive decline and lower brain volume. This could be due to prolonged sedentary behavior affecting brain health, which may impact overall well-being in later life.
Research presents evidence that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women. The study found that measures of social isolation and loneliness should be incorporated into standard care to better understand cardiovascular risk and develop solutions.
Research reveals US cardiovascular disease death rates have decreased nationwide over the past few decades, however disparities between high- and low-mortality counties persist. Counties with higher initial mortality rates remained worse off, while those with lower rates maintained their advantage.
Researchers found that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors can significantly lower dementia risk for those at higher risk due to a family history of dementia. Participants who followed more healthy behaviors had lower rates of familial dementia and were less likely to develop dementia overall.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened disparities in blood pressure control, particularly among uninsured and under-resourced populations. Research shows a decline in healthy blood pressure levels before the pandemic, with limited access to healthcare and health insurance as key factors.
Research reveals that prenatal detection of heart defects is less likely in rural, low-income areas and among Hispanic women. Diagnosing heart defects before birth reduces infant death rates and improves outcomes.
A new study published in Stroke found that adolescents with higher body mass index (BMI) are at a significantly higher risk of first ischemic stroke as adults. The study, which analyzed data from over 1.9 million participants, also found that even those with high-normal BMI had a higher stroke risk compared to those with low-normal BMI.
The new report presents a roadmap to achieving equity, inclusion, and belonging among cardiovascular professionals, calling for continual assessment of professional culture and climate. It also proposes continuous trainings to address individual, structural, and systemic racism and sexism.
A new study published in Hypertension journal found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with impaired first-phase ejection fraction are nearly five times more likely to die than those with healthier measures. The research suggests that early detection and prevention of chronic heart damage may be key to improving patient outcomes.
A small study published in Circulation Journal found that most college athletes with COVID-19 had mild symptoms and no cardiac complications. Despite initial concerns, the study suggests an approach to cardiac screening guided by patient symptoms and severity of COVID illness.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that managing children's weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol may help protect brain function in later life. Researchers analyzed data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study and found a link between early childhood cardiovascular risk fact...
A meta-analysis of 14 air pollution studies found that short- and long-term exposure to certain environmental air pollutants is associated with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in children and adolescents. Regular blood pressure measurement can help identify individuals with elevated blood pressure early.
Experts warn that cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) blood clots are rare but serious events associated with COVID-19 infections, not vaccines. Immediate screening and non-heparin anticoagulants can help diagnose and treat the condition. Most patients can recover fully with proper treatment.
A new smartphone-based ECG screening has accurately detected previously unknown atrial fibrillation in American Indians. The study found that more than half of diagnosed cases were younger than the recommended age of 65, highlighting the need for earlier screening and treatment.
A new study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy was associated with changes in blood pressure among transgender men and women. Researchers monitored 470 patients who began hormone therapy between 2007 and 2015, and found that some experienced different blood pressure effects compared to their peers.
The American Heart Association recommends prioritizing good oral hygiene and regular dental care over antibiotics for preventing heart infections caused by mouth bacteria. Patients with certain conditions, such as prosthetic heart valves or congenital heart disease, are at higher risk of developing these infections.
Researchers discovered that higher levels of HDL cholesterol with improved anti-inflammatory capacity are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. The study suggests that adding this measure to risk scores may improve heart disease prediction and patient protection.
Hospitalized ischemic stroke patients who received palliative or hospice care experienced improved quality of life. However, disparities persist in comfort care utilization, particularly among non-white patients. Factors associated with higher comfort care utilization included older age, female sex, and private health insurance.
A new study found that certain high blood pressure medications prescribed to people with HIV may alter their heart risk, particularly those taking beta-blockers. Researchers suggest ACEi/ARBs and diuretics as safer alternatives.
Researchers found that middle-aged adults who met both exercise and dietary guidelines had lower odds of metabolic syndrome and developing serious health conditions. Meeting the physical activity recommendations alone also reduced the risk, with participants having 51% lower odds of metabolic syndrome.
A recent study found that adults with periodontitis, a severe gum infection, are more likely to have higher blood pressure compared to those with healthy gums. The researchers also discovered that active gum inflammation is associated with higher systolic blood pressure values.
Research reveals that although more stroke patients are receiving mechanical clot removal, racial disparities in treatment persist. The study found a significant difference in short- and long-term outcomes between non-Hispanic white patients and those from other racial and ethnic groups.
Research reveals COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of stroke, particularly those with high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or irregular heartbeat. The analysis of over 20,000 patients found that Black Americans may have a higher risk of ischemic stroke after contracting the virus.
A clinical trial found that immediate angiography reduced stroke treatment time by nearly half and improved recovery rates. At 90 days post-stroke, patients who underwent angiography showed a higher likelihood of regaining independence compared to those receiving standard CT scans.
Patients treated via mobile stroke units received clot-busting medications faster and more often, leading to significant improvements in recovery and reduced disability. The study found that one-third of patients were treated within an hour, with 53% making a complete recovery after three months.
Primary care professionals can identify and monitor risk factors early to prevent cognitive decline. The American Heart Association recommends addressing 13 key factors to optimize brain health, including Life's Simple 7 lifestyle targets.
Mobile stroke units are ambulances with specialized staff and equipment to provide rapid stroke treatment on the way to the hospital. They administer medications to restore blood flow, control bleeding or lower high blood pressure before reaching the emergency department.
Researchers found a strong association between ischemic stroke occurrence and severity with an increased risk of dementia. The study's findings emphasize the importance of preventing stroke to maintain high levels of physical and cognitive function and quality of life.
Researchers found that delays in hospital treatment after ER arrival can significantly impact stroke outcomes, even for patients who arrive early. Patients with severe strokes who experience delays may lose eight weeks of healthy life if treated within four hours of symptom onset.
Adding icosapent ethyl to statin therapy may lower stroke risk by an additional 36% in people with high triglyceride levels and cardiovascular disease. The study, based on the REDUCE-IT trial, found that icosapent ethyl can benefit patients with heart disease, diabetes, or elevated triglycerides above 150mg/dL.