Research associates discriminatory housing policies of redlining with higher rates of stroke in neighborhoods with higher redlining scores. Researchers found a significant link between historic redlining and increased stroke rates, highlighting the need to address structural racism's impact on health.
Research suggests that people with severe retinopathy are more likely to have a diseased-looking brain on MRI. The study found an association between retinopathy and increased risk of stroke, dementia, and mortality in adults.
Black and Hispanic women aged 65-74 years old with stroke had more severe strokes than their white counterparts. Researchers found that these women were also more likely to be sent to skilled nursing or rehabilitation centers after discharge, despite having similar health insurance coverage.
A recent study suggests that non-O blood type increases the risk of stroke in women who smoke and take oral contraceptives, with nearly five times the likelihood of a stroke compared to those without these factors. Blood type was found to be an independent risk factor after adjusting for other variables.
A recent study found a significant increase in heart infections and strokes in the US, primarily due to IV drug use during the national opioid epidemic. Medical costs associated with these cases were also significantly higher, translating to over $100,000 per patient.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 40 million pregnant and post-partum women and found that African American women experienced a 41% higher incidence of pregnancy-associated stroke and a 7.8% in-hospital mortality rate compared to white women. The study highlights serious disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes despite adjust...
Research suggests that stroke survivors are at a higher risk of attempting or dying by suicide, with rates of depression among survivors ranging from 28% to 35%. The study analyzed over 2 million stroke survivors and found a significant association between stroke and increased suicidal thoughts.
Researchers analyzed data on 744,044 Medicare beneficiaries who had been treated for ischemic stroke between 2005 and 2007. The study found that Black patients had higher rates of kidney failure, dementia, and diabetes, while white patients had more common chronic conditions like atherosclerosis and COPD.
Research presented at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2021 found that silent heart attacks may increase stroke risk in adults 65 and older. Participants who had evidence of a silent heart attack had a 47% increased risk of developing a stroke, compared to those without a silent heart attack.
Researchers have developed a novel nanoparticle delivery system that enhances the effectiveness of neuroprotectant NA1 in treating stroke. The study found that nanoparticles carrying NA1 reduced stroke size by 69.8% and brain swelling by 60.3%, leading to improved survival rates.
Research highlights increased depression risk after stroke compared to heart attacks, with female stroke patients facing a higher risk. Studies found that post-stroke depression affects up to a third of stroke patients and has poorer quality of life outcomes.
A study found that county-level factors, such as demographics and socioeconomic conditions, significantly impact cardiovascular disease death rates among different racial and ethnic groups. Black adults had the highest average death rate, while socioeconomic concerns explained much of the variation in death rates among this population.
Research published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal reveals that consuming 2 fruit and 3 vegetable servings daily may be the optimal amount for a longer life. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables help reduce risk of chronic health conditions.
Postmenopausal women who consumed high levels of plant protein had a 9% lower risk of all-cause death and a 21% lower risk of dementia-related death compared to those with the lowest intake. Higher consumption of processed red meat was associated with a higher risk of dementia.
Research found that long-term exposure to low levels of air pollution increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and respiratory issues. The study analyzed hospitalization records for over 63 million Medicare enrollees and found a significant association between air pollution and increased hospital admissions.
A new study published in Hypertension Journal Report found that a structured exercise program improved artery health and function in middle-aged and older men with low-to-normal testosterone levels. The study showed no benefits from testosterone therapy on artery health.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that obesity contributes to up to half of new Type 2 diabetes cases annually in the United States. The research suggests that reducing obesity could prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, with public health efforts supporting healthy lifestyles pote...
A recent study found that drinking one or more cups of caffeinated coffee per day is associated with a decreased long-term heart failure risk. The analysis revealed a significant decrease in heart failure risk over time, ranging from 5-12% per cup per day of coffee consumption.
A new research program, led by health coaches at primary care clinics, has shown that lifestyle interventions can significantly improve heart disease risk factors. Participants experienced lower blood sugar levels, increased good cholesterol, and improved overall cardiometabolic risk scores.
A study of over 23,000 heart transplant recipients found that young Black adults are more likely to die in the first year after a transplant. Researchers attribute this disparity to factors such as limited access to healthcare and specialized care.
Research published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that women with a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a two-fold higher risk of coronary artery calcification, a strong predictor of heart disease. Attaining healthy blood sugar levels after pregnancy does not decrease this risk.
Stroke survivors who completed a cardiac rehabilitation program focused on aerobic exercise improved their ability to transition from sitting to standing and walked further during a six-minute walking test. The program also showed improvements in leg strength and reduced fall risk.
The new scientific statement emphasizes the importance of mental health screening for people with or at risk for cardiovascular disease. Regular psychological therapy and mind-body programs can lead to better cardiovascular health, while negative psychological factors are associated with increased risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that statin users were 55% less likely to be treated at the hospital for heart failure after anthracycline treatment, and 54% less likely with trastuzumab treatment. Statins may be a potential intervention for preventing heart failure in patients receiving chemotherapy.
A large data analysis of over 7,100 U.S. adults found that vaping combined with smoking results in similar levels of inflammation and oxidative stress as smoking cigarettes exclusively. Researchers also found that dual use of both products does not reduce risk.
New research reveals that people with HIV are more likely to experience cardiovascular disease, with impaired blood vessel function playing a significant role. The study also found that kidney function had a stronger connection to blood vessel health in those with HIV.
New research published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal, found that high blood pressure, regardless of duration, can lead to accelerated cognitive decline. Effective treatment of hypertension in adulthood may help preserve cognitive function.
The American Heart Association recommends using existing data in electronic health records to adjust health targets and provide better preventive care. Improving the nation's cardiovascular health requires reinforcing prevention efforts and leveraging expertise from multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
A new study found that LGB adults are less likely to take cholesterol-lowering medicines, known as statins, to prevent cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that LGB individuals may be unaware of their cardiovascular disease risk and the protective effect of statins due to lower healthcare access and awareness.
Researchers analyzed data on over 45,000 patients hospitalized for their first heart attack between 2002-2016. The study found that women were older and faced more risk factors than men, which put them at a higher risk of developing heart failure after a heart attack. Women also had lower rates of prescribed medications and revasculari...
The menopause transition is a time of increasing heart disease risk for women, with significant changes in cardiometabolic and vascular health occurring during this phase. Early intervention strategies, such as hormone therapy and lifestyle modifications, are crucial to maintaining healthy heart function and reducing cardiovascular risk.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that older women who spend more waking hours in sedentary behaviors have an increased risk of heart failure serious enough to require hospitalization. Breaking free from prolonged sitting or lying down can help prevent this serious condition.
Finerenone reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other negative cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes. The medication also reduced the rate of death, hospitalization for heart failure, and worsening kidney disease among these patients.
The American Heart Association's COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry found significant racial and ethnic differences in treatment and outcomes for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Hispanic patients were more likely to have lower health insurance, while Black patients had higher rates of obesity and required more ventilator sup...
A novel patient engagement tool improved treatment outcomes for half of the 290 patients with heart failure, who were randomized into two groups. The study found that patients assigned to the engagement tool received better treatment and had optimized medication prescribing, which can improve patient outcomes.
A recent study found that a high-dose flu vaccine is equally effective to a standard dose in reducing the risk of death or hospitalizations from heart or lung-related illnesses in people with heart disease. Researchers enrolled over 5,000 participants and found no significant difference between the two vaccine formulations.
Researchers found that combining ticagrelor and aspirin is more effective than either medication alone in preventing another stroke in patients with heart plaque. The study showed a 27% reduction in stroke risk among these patients, highlighting the potential benefits of this combination therapy.
A remotely-delivered, algorithm-driven program improved patients' cholesterol and blood pressure levels by identifying those with uncontrolled LDL-C and/or high blood pressure. The study used electronic health records and clinical algorithms to initiate and titrate medications at preset intervals until treatment goals were achieved.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients with heart failure who received pre-recorded audio messages about self-care at home had lower readmission rates and reduced mortality. The study suggests that clear, consistent messages can improve patient outcomes and may lead to innovative methods of enhancing discharge information.
A novel diabetes medication, sotagliflozin, significantly reduces hospitalization for heart failure, heart attack, and stroke in patients with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The study found a 26% decrease in cardiovascular deaths and hospitalizations.
A one-month treatment of dual anti-platelet therapy is safe and as effective as a longer duration of therapy at preventing cardiac events in patients one year after stent placement. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of two durations of dual anti-platelet therapy in patients who had drug-eluting stent placement or polyme...
Adults with healthy sleep patterns had a 42% lower risk of heart failure compared to those with unhealthy sleep patterns, according to the study. The researchers analyzed data from 408,802 UK Biobank participants and found that healthier sleep habits were independently associated with reduced risk of heart failure.
Researchers found that people with Type 2 diabetes still have a 21% higher risk for cardiovascular disease and 31% higher risk for heart failure hospitalization. Optimizing five key cardiovascular risk factors can help reduce this impact, according to the American Heart Association.
Researchers found that high-risk patients recovering from cardiac surgery who wore a continuous cardiac monitor had a 10-fold higher incidence of atrial fibrillation than those with usual care. This suggests that post-operative atrial fibrillation persists even after hospitalization, requiring prompt treatment and surveillance.
A daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids failed to reduce cardiac events, including secondary heart attacks and strokes, among elderly people who survived a recent heart attack. The OMEMI Trial found no significant difference in the rate of cardiac events between the two groups after 2 years of follow-up.
A new fish oil-based medication, omega-3 carboxylic acids, did not decrease the risk of cardiac events compared to a placebo in a large phase III international study. The study found no significant differences in cardiovascular death or heart attack rates between the two groups.
Researchers found that 90% of symptoms reported by statin users were also experienced when taking a placebo. This suggests a psychological rather than pharmacological effect of statins. Despite concerns about side effects, half of participants restarted taking a statin medication six months after the trial.
The ALPHEUS trial found no significant difference in periprocedural heart attack and complications between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in patients undergoing elective PCI. The study suggests that ticagrelor should be reserved for acute coronary syndrome cases, not those with stable heart conditions.
Researchers found that rivaroxaban is comparable to warfarin in preventing events in patients with bioprosthetic mitral valves and atrial fibrillation. Rivaroxaban was also shown to be superior to warfarin for a subgroup of patients with recent mitral valve replacement.
Researchers found that additional imaging tests revealed hidden causes of heart damage and inflammation in 84% of women with MINOCA, a type of non-obstructive coronary artery disease. The study suggests that women are more likely to have this condition than men, and it has the potential to guide medical therapy for secondary prevention.