Research highlights increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases among people with HIV due to interactions between traditional and HIV-specific risk factors. Additionally, stigma and barriers to healthcare can exacerbate these risks, emphasizing the need for better awareness and patient-focused care.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming energy drinks can increase the risk of electrical disturbances in the heart, which affect heart rhythm. The study also found a statistically significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in participants who consumed energy drinks.
Cardiomyopathies in children are a life-threatening condition with symptoms including difficulty breathing, heart rhythm abnormalities, and swelling. Research highlights the need for better understanding of the causes to provide effective treatments and improve outcomes for affected children.
A recent study found that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression were more likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation services following an episode of ischemic heart disease. This contrasts with previous research suggesting mental health conditions may hinder patient engagement in care.
The policy statement recommends optimizing stroke systems of care with standardized triage protocols, public education initiatives, and comprehensive post-stroke care. The goal is to maximize patient outcomes in acute stroke care, addressing disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.
Researchers have developed artificial molecules that selectively target abnormal vascular smooth muscle cells without affecting endothelial cells. This could lead to new, safer stent treatments.
Research found that T-cells dominate advanced plaques and a subtype of T-cells, called CD4-positive effector memory cells, are more common in patients who have previously had a stroke or mini-stroke. This localized inflammation may be targeted by new immune therapies to reduce heart attack and stroke risk.
Researchers found that injections of a novel protein called VEGF-C 152S reduced artery blockage by about 30% and made plaque more stable, potentially reducing strokes. The protein targets the lymphatic system, which is understudied in atherosclerosis.
Researchers developed a new method using magnetic beads to reduce blood levels of harmful sFlt-1 molecule during preeclampsia, freeing up angiogenic factors. The approach showed promising results in reducing sFlt-1 by 40% and PIGF by up to two times more.
A joint statement from the American Heart Association and others suggests home-based cardiac rehabilitation as a viable option for patients who cannot attend traditional programs. Effective home-based care requires scientifically-based, standardized care with remote supervision and coaching.
Researchers found that arsenic exposure was associated with thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals with high blood pressure. The study suggests that reducing arsenic exposure may be able to reverse some changes in heart structure.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association's journal Hypertension found that patients with type 2 diabetes who received intensive blood pressure treatment had lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications. This benefit was observed regardless of a person's preexisting cardiovascular risk level.
A science advisory from the American Heart Association describes system-wide innovations to improve access to healthy foods. Improvements in food production, distribution, and consumer behavior can favorably impact health behaviors, such as reducing calorie consumption and increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
Stroke survivors are at up to four times greater risk of osteoporosis, bone breaks, and falls. Despite this, less than one-third of older women in the US are screened for osteoporosis.
A new study found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) significantly reduced overall mortality in older heart attack patients. The procedure saved lives for 49 young-olds, 53 middle-olds, and 54 old-olds, with a 53% reduction in death among those 75-79 years old.
A new prediction tool uses functional impairments and traditional factors to identify patients over 75 who may require repeat hospitalization. Impaired mobility, measured by the Timed Up and Go test, is the only functional impairment associated with 30-day readmission.
A new experimental compound inhibits clot formation without raising the risk of bleeding, providing an effective and safer alternative to current therapies. The study found that the drug is well-tolerated at high doses and has a rapid, specific, and reversible action on platelets.
Research found that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 40 have a significantly increased risk of death, stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular conditions. Women under 40 are at higher risk than men, while the risk decreases with increasing age of diagnosis.
A study found that heart failure patients are more likely to use the medication ivabradine when it is prescribed before hospital discharge. This can lead to a reduction in heart rate and improved outcomes. However, adoption of the therapy has been slow due to high cost and provider lack of familiarity.
A new study found that socioeconomic status is a significant factor in the likelihood of receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a life-saving treatment for heart failure. Patients from lower-income backgrounds, including African Americans and Hispanics, are less likely to receive LVADs compared to those with private insurance.
Researchers found that older heart attack patients were less likely to receive timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to open blocked heart arteries, resulting in more complications and poorer outcomes. Despite longer hospital stays, older patients had lower total charges due to reduced use of costly interventions like PCI.
Despite improvements in heart attack and heart disease care for older women, black women continue to face significant racial disparities in treatment. Postmenopausal black women were 50% less likely and Hispanic women 16% less likely to receive treatment when arriving at the hospital with symptoms compared to white women.
Researchers found counties in expansion states had about four fewer deaths from heart disease per hundred thousand residents compared to non-expansion states. This translates to approximately 1,800 fewer deaths per year in areas that expanded Medicaid coverage under the ACA.
A Swedish review of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest data shows compression-only CPR increased six-fold and doubled the chance of survival, compared to no CPR. Bystander CPR rates nearly doubled over an 18-year period, with patients receiving standard or hands-only CPR being two times more likely to survive 30 days.
Despite national guidelines, many patients who benefit from statins do not take them due to a lack of physician guidance and fear of side effects. Research found that 59.2% of eligible patients never received an offer of statins, with women, black patients, and those without insurance being more likely to report this.
Researchers found that Asian subgroups have varying risks of death from heart disease and stroke, with women losing more years due to stroke. The study identified unique risks for each subgroup, including cerebrovascular disease affecting Vietnamese and Filipino men and women, resulting in lost life expectancy.
A new study published in Circulation Journal Report found that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. Replacing sugary drinks with artificially sweetened drinks may also pose a risk, particularly for women.
Hookah smoking exposes users to high levels of particulate matter and other harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nicotine, and lead. The American Heart Association recommends avoiding tobacco use in any form due to the risks associated with hookah smoking.
Research suggests that yo-yo dieting may increase women's heart disease risk by making it harder to control various risk factors. Women who experienced weight cycling reported lower scores on the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 score.
Research presents findings on the role of social support and sense of purpose in preserving cognitive abilities with age among Hispanics/Latinos. Higher scores on ethnic identity, life engagement, and social support are associated with higher cognitive functioning, whereas loneliness and familism are linked to lower cognitive function.
Researchers found that eating olive oil at least once a week was associated with lower platelet activation in obese adults. This could potentially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in this population. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish causality.
Research found a strong link between improved physical fitness and reduced absenteeism in NYC middle schoolers. Girls from high-poverty neighborhoods experienced the greatest reduction in absenteeism, with an 11% improvement in attendance after a large increase in physical fitness.
Preliminary research found that adding high-quality plant-based foods to a diet decreases the risk of deaths from heart disease. A 10-point increase in score on a healthy plant-based diet scale was associated with a 10% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death.
A recent study published at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2019 reveals that young women in the US tend to worry more about stress and mood disorders than their heart health. The research, which surveyed 331 young women ages 15-24, found that only ...
Researchers found quitting smoking significantly outweighs the risk of gaining weight for people with diabetes, despite potential weight gain being a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The benefits of quitting smoking are substantial, with cardiovascular disease risk reduced by up to 41% among long-term quitters.
The updated guideline recommends using electronic oscillometric devices for accurate office blood pressure measurement, reducing human errors associated with the auscultatory approach. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is also recommended to screen for white coat and masked hypertension in clinical practice.
Research finds that combining morning exercise with frequent breaks from sitting throughout the day significantly reduces systolic blood pressure in older overweight men and women. Women experience an enhanced benefit from this combination, which may be attributed to hormonal changes after menopause.
A new study published in Circulation Research found that eating nuts, particularly tree nuts, can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease among people with type 2 diabetes. The research showed that even small amounts of nuts had a significant impact on heart health.
A study of 81,714 postmenopausal women found that drinking multiple diet drinks daily was associated with a higher risk of stroke, especially small artery strokes. The research highlights the potential health risks of artificially sweetened beverages and recommends limiting their use.
Researchers found that PTSD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but a combination of physical disorders and psychiatric conditions may explain the association. Veterans with PTSD are 41% more likely to develop circulatory and heart disease than those without PTSD.
A recent study on the treatment of brain bleeds found that a drug called deferoxamine improved recovery and neurological function in patients who received intermediate doses of the medication. However, the primary results showed no significant improvement at three months after the bleeding event, but some benefits were observed at six ...
A randomized, assessor-blinded trial found that home-based telerehabilitation is as effective as clinic-based therapy in restoring arm function among stroke survivors. The study used a computer-based telerehabilitation system with game-ified activities and therapists using videoconferencing to assess progress.
A new study found that high-risk HPV infection is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly among women with obesity or other cardiovascular risk factors. Women with high-risk HPV were 22% more likely to develop CVD, and those with obesity were nearly two-thirds more likely.
A study tested minimally-invasive surgery for brain bleeds and found it didn't improve functional recovery compared to medical therapy. However, the procedure was associated with fewer deaths and improved outcomes in patients with smaller blood clots.
Researchers found that removing 70% or more of the blood via minimally invasive surgery can lead to better functional outcomes and milder disability one year later. The study also suggests that the amount of residual blood left at the end of treatment plays a crucial role in determining the success of the procedure.
A large international clinical trial found that intensive blood pressure lowering safely reduces the risk of brain bleeding in ischemic stroke patients being treated with clot-busting drugs, but did not improve post-stroke recovery. The study also showed no harm identified for intensive blood pressure management.
A new reversal agent, andexanet alfa, effectively stopped acute life-threatening bleeding in patients taking factor Xa inhibitor blood thinners. Researchers found that good or excellent hemostasis occurred in 81.7% of patients after administering the reversal agent.
The study found that mechanical clot removal is safe and effective for stroke patients with minimal brain tissue damage, but larger strokes and longer treatment times lead to worse outcomes. Functional independence rates decreased as stroke size increased, while complications like brain bleeds and deaths increased significantly.
A new study found that combining cilostazol with aspirin or clopidogrel reduced the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence in high-risk patients. The dual antiplatelet therapy approach showed similar major bleeding risks compared to monotherapy.
A multicenter trial of 1,151 patients found that IV insulin intensive glucose control did not improve functional outcomes at 90 days compared to standard subcutaneous insulin injections. Intense glucose therapy also increased the risk of hypoglycemia and required more resources.