Researchers found striking variations in heart disease rates across the US, with states with high cigarette smoking rates and lower educational levels having higher mortality rates. Lifestyle factors are believed to contribute significantly to early death from heart disease, particularly in male baby boomers.
A new household activities scale appears to be a better measure of quality of life scores for older women with heart disease. The scale assesses daily tasks such as housekeeping, cooking, and laundry that are relevant to their lives.
A new low-fat sterol ester spread can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 5-10% and may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that consuming 1-2 grams of the substance per day had similar cholesterol-lowering effects, making it a promising non-drug option for heart disease prevention.
Researchers found that men with low HDL levels had nearly twice the mortality rate as those with higher levels after coronary bypass surgery. High HDL levels also helped clear bad cholesterol from the blood and protected against heart disease.
A new household activities scale appears to be a better measure of quality of life scores for older women with heart disease. The scale assesses daily tasks such as cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping, providing a more accurate reflection of physical activity limitations.
Research suggests that men with high HDL cholesterol levels after coronary bypass surgery live longer and experience fewer cardiac events. High levels of HDL cholesterol may be more significant than LDL in predicting long-term outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.
A new study reveals that a specific gene variant, apoE-4, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, even in individuals with normal cholesterol levels. The research, conducted on 731 healthy adults, found that those carrying the apoE-4 gene had a higher incidence of coronary events compared to non-carriers.
A study found that people with pets experienced half the increase in blood pressure under stress compared to those without pets. The researchers used medication to control high blood pressure and tested the effects of pets on stress reactivity.
Researchers found that patients who received the gene therapy had less than half of the failures of those without the treatment, with improved vein wall adaptation and reduced blockage rates. The study suggests a new treatment approach to vastly improve bypass surgery success rates.
The American Heart Association has prepared 16 news releases and 32 news tips for the 72nd Scientific Sessions. Logistical information includes room locations, telephone numbers, hours of operation, and name badge requirements. Reporters can access news conferences, media availabilities, and exhibitions at specific times.
A recent study suggests that teens from low-SES neighborhoods with higher educated parents exhibit reduced blood pressure responses to stress. This finding reinforces the importance of education in mitigating health risks for adolescents.
Researchers have found a potential link between leptin and high blood pressure in a study of over 300 healthy adults. Higher levels of leptin were associated with higher diastolic blood pressure, suggesting that leptin may play a role in regulating blood pressure.
Researchers identified two gene variants that may govern the body's ability to regulate levels of an enzyme called renal kallikrein, which can affect salt and water balance. The study found that variations in the human tissue kallikrein gene are associated with higher blood pressure in African Americans.
The American Heart Association awarded Gold Heart Awards to Edmond M. Hoffman and Harold C. Strauss for their significant contributions to the organization over several decades. Their work includes promoting increased federal funding of biomedical research and relocating the National Center from New York City to Dallas.
The American Heart Association honored three volunteers, Coletta Barrett, Philip Greenland, and Rose Marie Robertson, with national awards for their significant contributions to advancing the association's objectives. Barrett was recognized for her passion and enthusiasm for American Heart Association programs, while Greenland was prai...
Charles L. Curry, a professor at Howard University College of Medicine, was honored for developing education and compliance programs to control high blood pressure. His efforts have led to increased awareness and compliance with high blood pressure treatments in underserved areas.
Eating a diet high in cereal fiber can help reduce a woman's risk of heart attack, with the highest fiber consumers having a 23% reduced risk of heart disease. The study also found that smoking less, exercising more and eating foods high in vitamins and minerals were associated with higher fiber intake.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that abciximab, a blood-thinner, can help prevent heart attacks in patients with unstable angina who have high troponin T levels. The treatment reduced heart attack risk by 44% in these patients compared to those without elevated troponin T levels.
A new nonsurgical technique using stent-graft placement has been shown to be effective in treating people with life-threatening aortic dissection. The catheter-delivered procedure involves inserting a wire mesh tube to force open and maintain the blocked aorta, reducing complications and mortality rates.
Researchers found that folic acid fortification in grains increased plasma folate levels and reduced total homocysteine concentrations. This study provides important information on the impact of consuming specific amounts of folate on blood homocysteine levels, which may have implications for reducing heart disease risk.
The number of deaths from coronary heart disease has declined, with a reduction in heart attacks accounting for two-thirds of the decline. The study attributes the remaining third to increased survival rates among those who have had heart attacks.
A 10-year study found that parenthood led to reduced leisure time physical activities in women, with a greater decrease observed among white women. The study suggests that mothers may need more time to exercise or design programs allowing them to exercise with their children present.
A study of 54 postmenopausal women found that a higher intake of vitamin E from food was linked to reduced oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key indicator of heart disease. This benefit occurred only in women who did not use supplements.
The American Heart Association reports that higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced inflammation. Additionally, researchers found that smaller LDL particles are an independent risk factor for heart disease.
The American Heart Association reports that high dietary salt intake is linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke in overweight individuals. Snoring may also be a warning sign for cardiovascular disease, as it activates the sympathetic nervous system. Additionally, controlling weight through exercise can reduce cardiovascula...
A study found that patients who experience strokes during the night wait four to seven hours longer for emergency treatment than those whose strokes occur during the day. This delay is caused by the difficulty in determining the exact time of stroke onset when symptoms are only apparent after waking up.
A new study from Boston University suggests that moderate alcohol consumption up to 20 grams/day may not raise PAI-1 levels; instead, higher levels are associated with a modest increase. The findings suggest that moderate drinking may have beneficial effects on PAI-1 or at least no harm.
The American Heart Association recommends statin drugs as a second step after lifestyle modifications for cholesterol-lowering. Red yeast rice, found in Cholestin, may be less safe and effective than prescription medications.
A Chinese condiment extract, Cholestin, has been shown to reduce total blood cholesterol by nearly 26% in elderly patients and 'bad' cholesterol by 32.8%. The supplement contains HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that inhibit liver-produced cholesterol production.
A study found that low educational level increases the risk of congestive heart failure by 35% compared to those with more education. The strongest risk factors for developing CHF were diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight, smoking, and physical inactivity.
A new study reveals that a specific gene variant can make African Americans more sensitive to salt, increasing their risk of developing high blood pressure. The researchers found that even small amounts of salt can raise blood pressure in individuals with the gene variant.
A new 10-point system helps neurologists determine if clot-dissolving therapy is safe and effective for stroke patients. The scale assesses brain damage from front to back, providing more accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that Mexican Americans have a higher risk of stroke, particularly among younger adults. The researchers also discovered that obesity and physical inactivity are major risk factors for stroke in this population.
Research suggests that people with E-4 variant of the apo gene are at high risk for developing Alzheimer's disease and vascular diseases. The study found significant differences in brain volume and white matter abnormalities between those with and without the gene variant, suggesting a link to silent strokes and cognitive decline.
A new study finds that certain brain cells can be stimulated to regenerate following a stroke, potentially treating memory disorders in stroke patients. Researchers discovered a 12-fold increase in the birth of new cells in rodents after stroke, which may lead to rewireing the brain and helping survivors recover lost memory function.
Researchers have successfully transplanted laboratory-grown neuronal cells into the brains of seven stroke patients, with some showing small improvements in motor skills and speech. The therapy, developed by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, aims to restore lost motor skills and has been deemed safe so far.
A new study found that only half of stroke survivors can return to work within six months, with physical disability being the major predictor. Factors such as gender, ethnicity, and depression do not appear to impact an individual's ability to return to work after a stroke.
Stroke patients in rural areas are being transported to comprehensive stroke medical centers via helicopters, where they can receive life-saving treatment and reduce disability. The study found that all five TPA-treated patients survived, with two having excellent outcomes and one major deficit.
A new experimental drug derived from snake venom, ANCROD, has shown promising results in reversing the physical and mental effects of stroke. In a 500-person trial, 42% of patients treated with ANCROD within three hours of stroke onset recovered their previous faculties.
The CIBIS-II trial found that beta-blockers significantly reduced deaths from all causes by 34 percent and sudden deaths by 44 percent among patients with mild or moderate heart failure. The results support the use of beta-blockers in treating stable patients with this condition.
Researchers found that diets rich in fruits and vegetables reduce lipid oxidation, protecting against atherosclerosis. The study, part of the DASH clinical trial, showed participants who ate more fruits and veggies had lower breath ethane levels, indicating increased antioxidant protection.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that women with heart disease are more likely to experience chest pain during mental stress. The study tested the effects of psychological stress on ischemic heart disease and found that heart rates increased twice as much among participants who reported chest pain.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosing and treating heart valve disease, covering common disorders such as mitral valve prolapse and aortic stenosis. It also addresses rare ailments, provides advice on evaluating and treating adults, teens, and pregnant women with defective valves.
A recent study found that almost three in five smokers who undergo heart surgery continue to smoke after their procedure. Researchers examined 1,829 individuals who had bypass surgery or angioplasty and found that younger patients, African Americans, and those with a prior history of heart attack were more likely to be 'die-hard' smokers.
The study found that obesity significantly increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease, with risks rising from 35% for non-obese men to 46% for severely obese individuals. The expected lifetime costs of heart disease are also higher for obese individuals, ranging from $6,000 for mildly obese men to $16,400 for severely obes...
A survey of preschoolers found that those from smoke-free homes were less likely to want to smoke later in life. Children who saw pictures of smoking characters like Joe Camel incorrectly associated them with smoking, highlighting the influence of early exposure on attitudes towards smoking.
A study found that a gene called apolipoprotein E (apo)E influences blood cholesterol levels and predicts how much those levels are affected by weight gain, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. People with the apoE-2 variant have a beneficial cholesterol profile, but risk factors like smoking and obesity can negate this benefit.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that physical activity significantly reduces the risk of stroke in individuals aged 45-64. Those who were more active at work had a 49% lower risk, while those with high levels of sports activity had a 23% reduced risk.
A study by Jane E. Freedman found that purple grape juice inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing blood clotting risk and improving cardiovascular health. The flavonoid quercetin was also shown to have antioxidant properties, preventing the inactivation of nitric oxide.
A new surgical procedure that repairs the mitral valve may help extend and improve lives of people with severe CHF, offering an alternative to heart transplantation. The operation has shown promising results, with one-year survival rates reaching 80% and two-year survival rates at 70%.