A study found that individuals with high cholesterol in middle adulthood continue to have a high risk of heart disease despite declining cholesterol levels over time. Men who experienced the largest decreases in cholesterol still had high initial levels, suggesting that early detection and management are crucial.
Research suggests that a stable fish diet can significantly lower lipoprotein (a) levels, a blood fat linked to increased heart attack risk. The study found a 40% median Lp(a) difference between groups, with fish-eaters having lower levels of the 'bad' cholesterol.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that men who experience high levels of anger are at increased risk of having a stroke. The research, which followed 2,110 middle-aged men for seven years, found that those who struggled to manage their anger were more likely to suffer from a stroke.
A study found that physical exertion, even mowing the lawn, can rupture blood clots in vulnerable plaque of sedentary men with coronary heart disease and hypercholesterolemia. This increases the risk of sudden coronary death, especially for those with high total cholesterol levels.
Researchers have developed a simple test that may help identify young children at risk of developing life-threatening rapid heartbeats. The test, which measures P-wave dispersion, has shown promise in predicting the development of intra-atrial re-entry tachycardia (IART) in children.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may help trigger an inflammatory reaction in the blood vessels and accelerate atherosclerosis under some circumstances. Researchers suggest that anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin could be useful in preventing or controlling atherosclerosis.
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to grow new blood vessels in eight people with obstructed leg circulation due to atherosclerosis. The therapy, called therapeutic angiogenesis, helped improve blood flow, reduce pain and gangrene risk, and even prevented amputations.
A new form of gene therapy has been tested to prevent blockages that occur after bypass surgery, with four patients showing successful results. The treatment aims to reduce cell growth and atherosclerosis in grafted vessels, which can fail due to up to 50% of cardiac and leg bypass surgeries.
Researchers at NIA found that high blood pressure speeds up memory loss in the elderly by accelerating brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Current treatment practices may not be sufficient to prevent this combined effect of hypertension and aging on the brain.
A meta-analysis of 98 studies found that sustained-release and extended-release formulations of nifedipine are safe when used in combination with diuretics or beta blockers. However, patients taking short-acting nifedipine were more likely to experience adverse side effects.
Researchers found that people with high ACE levels immediately after a heart attack are at risk for heart enlargement one year later. The study suggests measuring ACE levels directly after a heart attack and treating patients with high ACE levels with an ACE-inhibitor to prevent complications.
The American Heart Association recommends a daily fiber intake of 25-30 grams from whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits to lower blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. A diet rich in these foods can also aid in weight control and improve overall nutritional health.
A new study reveals striking fluctuations in blood cholesterol levels among children and teenagers, suggesting that normal cutpoints for testing may need to be revised. The study found that boys' body fatness levels decrease as they mature, while girls' body weight increases with minimal changes in body fat percentage.
A new clinical model has been developed to accurately predict survival among groups of patients with moderate to severe heart failure. The model, based on seven readily obtainable measurements, enables the efficient use of scarce donor hearts and identifies high-risk patients for enrollment in clinical trials.
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that immune globulin injections enabled nine out of ten critically ill patients with damaged hearts to recover without heart transplants. The treatment has shown great promise in treating acute cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting up to 50,000 adults each year.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products to lower cholesterol. Phytochemicals like sterols, flavonoids, and sulfur-containing compounds inhibit cholesterol absorption.
The American Heart Association recommends using oils in their natural state for cooking, and choosing softer margarines over harder ones for spreads. New guidelines suggest that these choices can help lower total fat intake and reduce trans fatty acid consumption.
A recent study by American Heart Association found that risk of stroke after heart attack is highest within five days. The research highlights atrial fibrillation and ST elevation as key factors increasing likelihood of a heart attack-related stroke.
Research suggests that dietary levels of nutrients during formative months and years are important determinants of blood pressure. Studies found that children who consumed more calcium and fiber had lower diastolic blood pressure, while eating more fat was linked to higher diastolic pressure.
Researchers found that men with high homocysteine levels and Factor V Leiden were three times more likely to develop venous blood clots. A 20-fold increased risk was seen in those with both conditions.
The American Heart Association President states that the age-adjusted death rate from CHD has slowed, with an average annual decline of 2.6 percent, compared to 3 percent in the 1980s. The organization attributes this slowdown to increased prevalence of CHD and risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.
Researchers develop a new family of drugs called neuroprotectants designed to minimize disabling damage to brain tissue after an ischemic stroke. A test of one such drug, lubeluzole, showed greater recovery in patients' ability to function and significantly less disability compared to those receiving a placebo.
A new study found that TPA significantly improves functional outcomes in stroke patients, reducing hospitalization costs by $2 million and nursing home care costs by $4.8 million. The study suggests that using TPA results in a net cost savings of almost $5 million to the healthcare system for every 1,000 ischemic stroke patients treated.
Only 36% of the U.S. population would have access to this therapy, with regions including rural areas and distant locations having limited emergency access. Researchers found that increasing treatment availability through helicopter transport could extend the treatment radius to 200 miles, benefiting up to 95% of the nation's population.
Research suggests that light to moderate alcohol consumption can lower stroke risk by up to 62% compared to non-drinkers. However, excessive drinking and cigarette smoke increase the risk of stroke. The study found a strong association between passive smoking and an increased prevalence of silent brain lesions, which can lead to stroke.
A new screening test can identify stroke victims in three minutes and facilitate faster treatment with clot-busting drugs. The Los Angeles Paramedic Stroke Screen has been shown to correctly diagnose ischemic strokes in 93% of cases, shortening time to actual treatment by an average of 90 minutes.
A study found that only 39% of stroke patients and 27% of the general population could identify a single warning sign of stroke, highlighting a need for education on recognizing symptoms and risk factors. The researchers also noted that controllable risk factors such as high blood pressure are not being adequately addressed.
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between mumps virus infection and infantile rapid progression of congestive heart failure (EFE), with 72% of cases positive for the virus. The study's findings support the development of a vaccine against adenovirus, which is currently being produced but not widely available.
A study published in Circulation found that smoking causes the aorta to stiffen, reducing its ability to relax and widen. This can lead to increased pressure on the left ventricle, which pumps blood throughout the body.