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NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute


Social factors help explain worse cardiovascular health among adults in rural vs. urban communities

A recent NIH-funded study found that rural adults experience higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors compared to urban counterparts. The study revealed that variables such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare do not explain these differences, with lifestyle risk factors like smoking also playing a lesser role.

Surgery in kids with mild sleep-disordered breathing tied to fewer doctor visits, meds

A recent NIH-supported clinical trial found that adenotonsillectomy significantly reduces medical office visits and prescription medicine use in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing. The surgery was tied to a 32% reduction in health care encounters and a 48% reduction in prescriptions used among participants.

Surgery in kids with mild sleep-disordered breathing tied to fewer doctor visits, meds

A new study found that adenotonsillectomy, a surgical procedure for enlarged tonsils and adenoids, significantly reduces medical office visits and prescription medicine use in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing. The surgery was associated with a 32% reduction in healthcare encounters and a 48% reduction in prescriptions.

Long-term exposure to air pollution linked to blood clots in veins that bring blood to the heart

A large US study found a strong association between long-term air pollution exposure and an increased risk of blood clots in deep veins, also known as venous thromboembolism. Participants with higher exposure to particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, and nitrogen dioxide had a significantly increased risk of developing these conditions.

Experimental blood test predicts risk for developing COPD, other severe respiratory diseases

A new preclinical blood test identifies adults most likely to develop severe respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by analyzing 32 proteins that accurately predict lung health data. The risk score indicates a high likelihood of hospital care, COPD development, and respiratory disease death.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 10, 2024

More than half of American Indian youth may have abnormal or high cholesterol

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that more than 70% of American Indian young adults aged 20-39 and 50% of teens have abnormal or high cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol was linked to plaque buildup and cardiovascular events, emphasizing the need for early screenings and culturally relevant education.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 6, 2024

Smoking cannabis associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke

A large observational study found that frequent cannabis smoking is associated with a significant increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Daily use was linked to a 25% increased likelihood of heart attack and a 42% increased likelihood of stroke, while less frequent use also showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2024

NIH study shows higher mortality rates for patients on respiratory support in rural intermediate care units

A new NIH study reveals significantly higher mortality rates for patients receiving ventilator life support in intermediate care units at rural hospitals compared to urban hospitals. The researchers found that these units may not be equipped to provide the complex level of care needed by critically ill patients.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJan 31, 2024

Decades after blood pressure-related pregnancy complications, Hispanic/Latina women can have changes in heart structure and function

A National Institutes of Health-supported study found that Hispanic/Latina women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are more likely to have abnormalities in their heart structure and function decades later. The study suggests that having high blood pressure later in life contributes less to these changes than the his...

NIH-funded study supports use of ECMO for critically ill patients with obesity

A National Institutes of Health-supported study suggests that adults with obesity may benefit from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when in intensive care for respiratory failure. The study found lower mortality rates among patients with obesity who received ECMO compared to those without, contradicting previous concerns.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 28, 2023

NIH-funded study explains link to increased cardiovascular risks for people with obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, with reduced blood oxygen levels being the leading factor. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea could help prevent future cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 26, 2023

Updating pulse oximeters

Researchers are studying ways to update pulse oximeter technology to address limitations including overestimation in patients with darker skin tones and motion artifact. The goal is to improve the accuracy of oxygen saturation readings, particularly for diverse groups and in multiple settings.

Risk of rehospitalization in younger women after heart attack nearly double that of men

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that younger women are nearly twice as likely to be rehospitalized after a heart attack as men. The disparity is largely due to higher rates of risk factors such as obesity and depression among women, which contribute to more adverse outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2023

Disparities identified among patients receiving advanced pulmonary support

A study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society has identified disparities in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for severe respiratory illness. Men and those with private health insurance are more likely to receive ECMO, while women and Medicaid recipients are less likely.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 6, 2023

Comparison of diuretics shows no difference in heart failure survival

A large clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health found that two widely used diuretics, furosemide and torsemide, did not differ in improving patient survival when compared. The study suggests a need for better treatments for heart failure patients and highlights the importance of optimizing diuretic doses to improv...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 17, 2023

Study challenges “good” cholesterol’s role in universally predicting heart disease risk

A study found that lower levels of HDL cholesterol increased the risk of heart attacks in white but not Black adults. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol did not provide protective benefits for either group. The research tested long-held assumptions about the role of HDL in cardiovascular health.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 21, 2022