Researchers found that people with high blood pressure variability are more likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Home monitoring of blood pressure may be a useful tool for assessing future dementia risk.
Researchers found that stopping statin drugs after a first ischemic stroke increases the risk of having another stroke within a year and death. The study suggests that statins should be a lifelong therapy for ischemic stroke patients if needed to lower cholesterol levels.
A new study found that less than half of stroke patients in the US receive prescribed statin therapy to reduce recurrent stroke risk. Blacks were more likely than whites to receive statins outside of the Stroke Belt region.
Cardiac arrest research funding decreased from $35.4 million in 2007 to $28.5 million in 2016, a decline of nearly 75%, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Researchers have developed a new technique to create miniature human hearts by introducing human cells into the matrix of a whole rat heart, preserving the lining and circulation. This method allows for the confirmation of basic science findings and testing of potential new heart drugs with improved accuracy.
Research reveals black adults are twice as likely to experience fatal first cardiac events compared to whites. The study suggests social determinants of health and cardiovascular risk factors contribute to this disparity.
Researchers found that sildenafil reduced clumping of blood platelets by 30 percent and increased activity of an enzyme that helps prevent restenosis. If similar results are found in clinical trials, sildenafil could be used to coat drug-eluting stents or given orally after stent implantation.
Research found that middle-aged adults with ACA health insurance had a 17% lower incidence of cardiac arrest compared to those without coverage. Regular medical care facilitated by health insurance enabled prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions that cause cardiac arrest.
The number of US hospitalizations for heart failure decreased by 30% from 2002 to 2013, but significant racial and gender disparities remained. Hospitalization rates were higher among men and blacks compared to women and whites.
A new scientific statement highlights the need for more funding in biomedical research on heart disease, citing a significant return on investment for both health and the economy. The research has led to substantial economic returns through jobs, tax revenues, and products in the marketplace.
Researchers found that African Americans who had at least two modifiable healthy behaviors were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure. The study also found that those who followed six or more of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 guidelines had a 90% lower risk of high blood pressure.
A new study found that breastfeeding duration was associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in mothers. Women who breastfed for two years or more had an 18% lower risk of heart disease and a 17% lower risk of stroke compared to those who never breastfed.
Researchers have designed a safer antiplatelet drug based on a snake venom protein that interacts with platelets to form blood clots. The new study found that the molecule prevented platelet clotting and slowed down blood clot formation in mice, without increasing bleeding risk.
A new study found that quarter-dose combinations of blood pressure lowering medications are effective in treating hypertension, resulting in fewer side effects than single doses. Researchers analyzed data from 42 trials involving over 20,000 people with high blood pressure.
A four-year study of athletes with ICDs found that competitive sports were not harmful to most patients. However, those with a rare heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) required more shocks during physical activity. Athletes with ICDs should consult their doctors before participating in sports.
Researchers found that nearly 18% of participants aged 50 and older had healthy vascular aging, with the youngest group most likely to achieve this. Lifestyle measures such as staying lean, avoiding diabetes, and maintaining favorable cholesterol levels were also crucial in achieving healthy vascular function.
A new study found that women with preeclampsia are seven times more likely to have severe preeclampsia or eclampsia if they also have pregnancy-associated stroke. Infections and chronic high blood pressure were also linked to an increased risk of stroke in these women.
A new observational study found that short sleep times may raise the risk of death in people with a cluster of heart disease and diabetes risk factors, with those who slept less than six hours being twice as likely to die of heart disease or stroke. The study suggests that taking care of sleep is important for reducing mortality risk.
Chronic anabolic steroid use can lead to reduced heart function, including impaired pumping capacity and increased blood pressure. The study found strong associations between lifetime duration of illicit anabolic steroid use and plaque build-up in coronary arteries, highlighting the critical need for clinicians to monitor this population.
Research found that eating three or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily can reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) by 18 percent. The study, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, also highlighted the importance of public health awareness and dietary assessments for PAD patients.
A study found that restaurant foods and commercially processed foods contributed to 70% of dietary sodium intake, with an average daily consumption of over 3,500mg. Reducing sodium in these foods is crucial to lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease.
Researchers found that cinnamon supplements reduced belly fat, improved sugar and insulin levels, and increased antioxidant molecules in rats fed a high-fat diet. This suggests that cinnamon may mitigate the negative effects of a high-fat diet on cardiovascular health.
A new study found that simple calf muscle stretching can improve blood flow and reduce leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease. After four weeks of daily stretches, participants were able to walk half a city block farther and their leg discomfort was prolonged.
Researchers found that resveratrol supplementation reduced aortic stiffness by up to 9.1 percent in patients with high arterial stiffness, but the effect was not significant in those with normal aortic stiffness. Resveratrol may activate the longevity gene SIRT1 as a potential mechanism for its effects.
A 40-year study found that individuals with favorable cardiovascular risk factors in middle age lived 3.9 years longer, survived 4.5 years longer without chronic illness, and spent 22% fewer senior years with chronic disease. Maintaining good heart health earlier in life can have a significant impact on later health and longevity.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that energy drinks cause more profound changes in heart activity and blood pressure compared to caffeinated drinks. Energy drink consumption resulted in a corrected QT interval 10 milliseconds higher at 2 hours, indicating potential arrhythmia risks.
A new study found that consuming excess choline, an essential nutrient in a Western diet, raises levels of the clot-enhancing compound TMAO and platelet clumping in both vegans/vegetarians and omnivores. Taking a daily baby aspirin may reduce this effect.
Research found that drinking at least one artificially sweetened beverage a day increased the risk of developing ischemic stroke by three times and Alzheimer's disease dementia by 2.9 times compared to less frequent consumption. The study highlights the need for more research into this area.
A Danish study found that working-age people with fainting spells have a 1.4-fold increased risk of occupational accidents and a 2-fold higher risk of job loss compared to those without the condition. Younger individuals with poor socioeconomic status or additional health conditions are particularly at high risk.
Research suggests that high levels of traffic-related air pollution can lead to lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as "good" cholesterol. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the number and functionality of HDL particles.
Research suggests that unemployment increases the risk of stroke in middle-aged Japanese individuals, particularly those who experience job loss or are unable to rejoin the workforce. The study highlights the importance of job security during productive work ages in reducing stroke risk.
The American Heart Association's new initiative aims to raise awareness and empower patients to better manage their high cholesterol. Survey findings show a lack of knowledge among patients with high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk factors, leading to missed testing opportunities.
Researchers used patient's own muscle stem cells to create patches that were surgically glued onto the surface of patients' hearts. One year after treatment, patients showed improvements in exercise capacity and heart function, suggesting this cell patch may be a viable therapy for treating heart failure.
Research links extreme heat and physical exertion in firefighting to blood clotting and impaired blood vessel function, increasing the risk of heart attacks. The study suggests that exercising in extremely high temperatures should be done with proper hydration and cooling time.
A recent study found that patients with higher levels of trust in the medical profession took their blood pressure medicine 93% of the time, compared to 82% for those with lower levels of trust. The study also linked trust to greater resilience and better health-related quality of life.
Veterans with heart disease who are also depressed are more likely to struggle with medication costs and delayed medical care. Researchers found that these patients often have higher rates of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and obesity.
Patients with good provider communication are more likely to use prescribed cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, take aspirin, and comply with treatment plans. They also experience better health outcomes and lower healthcare expenditures compared to those with poor communication.
Gum disease and tooth loss are linked to a higher risk of death in postmenopausal women, according to new research. The study, which analyzed data from over 57,000 women, found that history of periodontal disease was associated with a 12% higher risk of death from any cause.
A new study suggests that low gluten diets may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from over 199,000 participants and found that those who consumed more gluten had lower risk of type 2 diabetes during a 30-year follow-up period.
An analysis presented at the American Heart Association's 2017 Scientific Sessions found that nearly half of US cardiovascular disease deaths can be prevented by improving diet. The study, which used data from 1990-2012, linked low intake of healthy foods like nuts and vegetables to an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
New research reveals that overweight and obese people tend to live slightly shorter or similar lifespans compared to those with normal body weight. Lifetime risks for developing cardiovascular disease are higher in overweight and obese adults, with middle-aged women being 32% more likely to develop the condition.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that playing Pokémon Go can increase daily steps by nearly 2,000 steps per day. Participants who were overweight or obese benefited most from the game, walking approximately 3,000 additional steps each day.
Researchers found that tiny blood vessels in the eye may predict a higher risk of later narrowing in large blood vessels in the legs. Study participants with retinal abnormalities had a 2.16 times greater risk of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD) and a 3.41 times greater risk of critical limb ischemia (CLI).
A recent study published at the American Heart Association's scientific sessions found that people are more likely to overeat in social settings. The research revealed that participants had a 60% risk of diet lapse when eating with others, and a 60% chance of overeating in restaurants.
A study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions found that low intake of fruits and vegetables accounted for 57.3 million DALYs and 44.6 million DALYs, respectively. The burden of heart disease attributed to limited fruit and vegetable consumption varied across countries, with some experiencing a significant imp...
Research reveals that only one in five patients with resistant hypertension are taking all their prescribed medications, while 20% are not taking any. The study found that adherence to medication greatly affects the ability to assess the value of another treatment, and patients can take steps to prevent high blood pressure from remaini...
Researchers found that exercise preserves the number and diameter of blood vessels, which allows for better blood flow rerouting after a stroke. This results in less brain damage and improved recovery outcomes.
A study found that minority groups, women, and residents of the 'Stroke Belt' are less likely to receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment for ischemic stroke. Despite efforts to increase access, disparities persist in healthcare delivery.
Researchers found that e-cigarette exposure worsened stroke outcomes and neurological deficits in mice compared to tobacco smoke. Electronic-cigarette vaping decreased glucose uptake in the brain, which fuels brain activity. Both e-Cigarettes and tobacco smoke exposure for 30 days decreased Thrombomodulin levels, an anti-coagulant.
Research found that children with ischemic strokes exhibit notably greater mood, anxiety, somatic, oppositional defiance, and conduct problems compared to those without a stroke. Younger children who suffered strokes at ages under six had higher anxiety levels, possibly due to changes in family dynamics.