Articles tagged with Risk Reduction
The Alzheimer's Association has awarded funding for the SPRINT MIND 2.0 Study, which aims to investigate intensive blood pressure treatment and its impact on reducing dementia risk. The study will continue to follow up trial participants with two years of additional assessment.
The updated guidelines now prefer non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over warfarin for reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. NOACs have been shown to be safer and potentially more effective at preventing blood clots than warfarin, according to new scientific studies.
UMN researchers have created a more accurate prediction tool for atrial fibrillation-related stroke, considering abnormal P-wave indices and CHA2DS2-VASc variables. The P2-CHA2DS2-VASc score shows promise in classifying patients at higher risk of stroke.
A recent study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has established a link between normal variations in thyroid function and increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study found that even within a physiologically acceptable range, genetically determined variation in thyroid function can increase AF risk.
A new scientific paper proposes an omega-3 DHA target blood level of 5% or higher for pregnant women to reduce their risk of preterm birth. DHA levels below this threshold have been linked to a reduced intake and increased risk of inadequate nutrition.
A meta-analysis of 13 clinical trials involving over 164,000 participants found that aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, including death, heart attack, and stroke. However, it also increased the risk of major bleeding in people without pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
Rutgers researchers recommend building neck strength as a key protective factor against sports-related concussions. The study examines the role of neck strength, size, and posture in reducing concussion risk, particularly for female and young male athletes.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that postmenopausal women who have lost all their teeth are at a 20% higher risk of developing hypertension. The association was stronger among younger women and those with lower body mass index.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that postmenopausal women with tooth loss are more likely to develop hypertension. The researchers discovered a positive association between tooth loss and increased risk of hypertension, especially among younger women and those with lower BMI.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study shows that combining PPIs with oral anticoagulants reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding by 34% among high-risk patients. This protection is most significant for those taking warfarin, with a hospitalization rate reduced from 4% to 2.8% per year.
A new Cochrane review finds that increasing omega-3 intake during pregnancy reduces the risk of premature births by 11% and early premature births by 42%. The optimal dose is a daily supplement containing between 500 and 1000mg of long-chain omega-3 fats starting at 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Research suggests moderate coffee consumption may reduce type 2 diabetes risk by 25%, with potential mechanisms including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee reports findings from a meta-analysis of 30 studies involving over 1.1 million participants.
A new study from Iowa State University found that weightlifting for less than an hour a week can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by 40 to 70 percent. The research suggests that strength training alone is enough to lower this risk, independent of running, walking, or other aerobic activity.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has released updated physical activity guidelines for Americans, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise in improving health and reducing chronic disease risk. The guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity or muscle-strengthening activities p...
The REDUCE-IT trial found that icosapent ethyl reduced the risk of death due to cardiovascular causes, heart attack, and stroke by 25%, including a 20% reduction in death and 31% reduction in heart attack. This may set a new standard for patients with elevated triglycerides and increased cardiovascular risk despite statin therapy.
A large-scale Swedish study found that removing the appendix reduces Parkinson's disease risk by about 19.3%, with a greater effect seen in rural populations potentially counteracting environmental risk factors like pesticide exposure. Early intervention strategies targeting alpha-synuclein accumulation could be promising.
A study published in The BMJ found that a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, regardless of genetic profile. Lifestyle factors such as not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight were associated with a lower risk of stroke.
A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that consuming vegetable nitrates, primarily from green leafy vegetables and beetroot, can reduce the risk of early-stage age-related macular degeneration by 35%. Eating 100-142mg of vegetable nitrates daily was associated with this reduced risk.
A Brown University study found that fentanyl test strips reduced overdose risk by having users take smaller amounts, go slower or use with someone else present. The researchers also noticed participants were more confident in using the strips after training.
Bariatric surgery was associated with a lower risk of macrovascular disease events at five years of follow-up compared to usual medical care. The findings suggest that bariatric surgery may help reduce patient risk, but more confirmation is needed in randomized clinical trials.
A study found that Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) costs may be higher than expected reimbursements, potentially limiting access to recommended services for minority and low-income patients. The program aims to prevent diabetes in Medicare beneficiaries, but insufficient reimbursement may deter healthcare providers.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that consuming one to two drinks four or more times per week increases the risk of premature death by 20%, compared to drinking three times a week or less. This increased risk was consistent across age groups and outweighed potential benefits in cardiovascular health.
The ASBMR Fracture Prevention Initiative Coalition releases new clinical recommendations to tackle the public health crisis of osteoporosis and its debilitating hip and spine fractures. The guidelines aim to increase diagnosis and treatment of high-risk individuals, particularly those over 65 with a history of hip or vertebral fractures.
Researchers developed a method to estimate seismic risk by modeling various earthquake scenarios and identifying common impacts. The study suggests that most scenarios produce lower impacts than the worst-case scenario, with urban areas posing less risk than rural western Nepal.
A new study published in The Gerontologist found that older adults with a 'fall plan of care' are less likely to suffer fall-related hospitalizations. This initiative, which includes screening for fall risk, assessing modifiable risk factors, and prescribing evidence-based interventions, was shown to reduce hospitalizations by 0.6 times.
Researchers developed a new seismic risk modeling approach to assess earthquake impacts and identify common hazards across multiple scenarios. The 'ensemble modeling' method provides critical information on likelihood and probable scale of future earthquakes' impacts, enabling targeted disaster mitigation resources distribution.
A new study led by the University of East Anglia found that following a Mediterranean-style diet high in fish, fruits, and nuts, and low in meat and dairy, may reduce stroke risk in women over 40, with a 22% reduction in risk compared to men who showed no significant reduction.
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce the risk of stroke in women over 40. The researchers discovered that this benefit is especially pronounced among women who follow a Mediterranean diet, with a 22% reduced risk compared to those who do not.
A study found that rock climbers seek out sites with more single-pitch routes, better landscapes, and lower median difficulty to reduce injury risk. The results suggest that decreasing injury risk generates significant welfare gains for climbers, with estimated values ranging from $18 to $327 per site.
A new study from FSU researchers indicates that common satellite imaging technologies have underestimated the number of fires in Florida. Strategically prescribed burns are proving effective against wildfires, while fire experts' reliance on faulty data may be flawed. The study found that only 25% of burned area is detected by satellites.
A new study suggests that moderate caffeine consumption may help reduce the risk of death for individuals with chronic kidney disease. Participants who consumed more caffeine had a nearly 25% lower risk of mortality over a median follow-up period of 60 months.
Research finds cardiorespiratory fitness, high-intensity physical activity and low sedentary time all lower type 2 diabetes risk. The study, published in Diabetologia, suggests that a combination of these traits may be more beneficial than individual components.
A recent study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that prescribing antibiotics to children with cough does not significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization. However, a strategy of delayed antibiotic prescribing may help reduce unnecessary return visits to the GP.
A new study published in Circulation found that oxygen therapy for patients with suspected heart attacks does not reduce the risk of developing heart failure or dying. The study, conducted at 35 Swedish hospitals, involved over 6,600 patients and showed no significant difference in survival rates or complications.
The ARRIVE trial found that daily aspirin did not reduce the occurrence of major cardiovascular events among participants at moderate cardiovascular risk. However, a lower-than-expected rate of cardiovascular events was observed, suggesting potential protection from modern preventative and therapeutic strategies such as statins.
The American College of Cardiology recommends incorporating smoking cessation into cardiovascular care, with a focus on evidence-based treatments. Community and policy-level interventions, such as smoke-free laws and education campaigns, also play a crucial role in reducing tobacco-related heart disease risk.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who gain weight after quitting smoking may face a temporary increase in type 2 diabetes risk, directly proportional to the weight gain. However, quitters can still reap significant health benefits, including lower cardiovascular disease and cancer risks.
A study of 200 patients undergoing hip fracture repair found that lighter sedation did not reduce the risk of postoperative delirium in severely ill patients. However, for healthier adults, deep sedation more than doubled the risk of delirium compared to light sedation.
Researchers investigate intrinsic biogeophysical feedbacks that may lead to 'Hothouse Earth' conditions despite reduced human emissions. The study highlights the risk of exceeding global average temperatures in interglacial periods of the past 1.2 million years.
The SPRINT MIND Study found significant reductions in the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and combined risk of MCI plus all-cause dementia through intensive blood pressure control. This study provides the strongest evidence to date on reducing MCI and dementia risk through cardiovascular disease treatment.
A catheter-based procedure to close a type of 'hole in the heart' is strongly recommended for patients under 60 with a history of stroke, reducing the risk of future stroke more than antiplatelet therapy. The guideline also suggests anticoagulation over antiplatelet therapy for patients who value preventing strokes over risk of bleeding.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women who eat high amounts of fruits and vegetables daily have a lower risk of aggressive breast tumors. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli were particularly associated with this reduced risk.
New research from the American Heart Association found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of first and recurrent heart attacks, even in areas with moderate-to-high levels of traffic pollution. Moderate cycling for four or more hours per week cut the risk of recurrent heart attack by 31 percent.
A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that a wearable device can accurately predict the risk of falls in older adults. The device uses motion sensors to measure walking patterns and combines this data with an individual's fall history to determine future risk. This prediction could enable preventative measures...
A home-based, self-applied ECG sensor patch improved AF diagnosis by 3.9% compared to delayed monitoring. Monitored individuals also had higher rates of blood thinner initiation but increased healthcare resource use.
Researchers found that increased in utero folic acid exposure was associated with changes in later brain development, predicting a reduced risk for symptoms of psychosis. These findings suggest that prenatal folic acid fortification may be an important intervention in preventing severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
A study found that impairing glucose conversion in ApoE4 brains may lead to reduced risk or delayed disease onset. The research highlights the potential therapeutic strategy of promoting brain energy conversion to mitigate Alzheimer's risk.
A public education campaign in the UK reduced delays and failures to seek medical attention after a TIA or minor stroke. Quick medical attention can significantly reduce the risk of major stroke, which is high after these events.
Using catheter-based ablation instead of medications alone reduces the risks of death and stroke in AFib patients, according to a new study from UC Davis physicians. The study found that outcomes for patients treated with ablation were similar to those not treated with it within 30 days, but showed benefits beyond 30 days.
A large population-based study found that cataract surgery is associated with a modest decrease in the risk of being involved in a serious traffic crash. The study analyzed data from 559,546 patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2006 and 2016.
A new study found that consuming walnuts may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by half compared to non-consumers. The research, based on data from over 34,000 American adults, also suggests a link between walnut consumption and lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Research suggests that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The analysis found an inverse association between breast cancer risk and BMI for women between ages 18 and 54, with the strongest link in early adulthood.
A new study confirms helmets are effective in protecting skiers and snowboarders from some head injuries, but found no significant reduction in the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion. Helmet use was associated with a lower risk of non-head injuries, suggesting that helmet users take less risk.
Removal of tonsils and adenoids in childhood increases long-term risks of respiratory, allergic, and infectious diseases. The study suggests delaying surgery if possible to aid normal immune system development and reduce potential later-life disease risks.
Research from the University of Sydney found that walking at a brisk pace can reduce all-cause mortality by up to 24% and cardiovascular disease mortality by 21%, particularly among older adults. The study suggests that increasing walking speed may be a simple way to improve heart health and reduce premature mortality.
A new review published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases found that plant-based diets can prevent and reverse atherosclerosis, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by 40%. Plant-based diets are rich in fiber and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, while animal products are high in saturated fat a...
The American Cancer Society report highlights a decline in ovarian cancer incidence and mortality rates in the US, with significant reductions seen among white populations. The strongest risk factor for ovarian cancer is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations accounting for nearly 40% of cases.
Current research does not support the use of vitamin or mineral supplements in preventing or treating heart disease. However, naturally derived nutrients from plant-based foods can help cut heart disease risk. Folic acid supplements have shown a reduction in stroke risk.
A 5-year lifestyle counseling program for adult men was linked with a reduced risk of developing cancers related to overweight, diet, and smoking over 25 years. The study found that changes to a healthier diet and stopping smoking in adulthood can reduce the risk of some cancer forms.
Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity shows that obesity surgery is associated with a 61% fall in malignant melanoma risk and a 42% drop in skin cancer risk. The study suggests that weight loss in individuals with obesity can reduce the risk of deadly melanoma, which has steadily increased in many countries.