The American Academy of Neurology recommends that individuals with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) who have had a stroke do not need routine catheter-based closure, due to limited evidence supporting its effectiveness. Instead, antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin are recommended to prevent blood clots.
A study published in The Lancet found that 60-75 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per day can counteract the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. This translates to an hour or more of physical activity, which can be achieved through simple daily habits such as taking a walk at lunchtime or going for a run.
A new study out of UBC and Ryerson University found that streetcar tracks are involved in a third of bike crashes in Toronto's downtown. The researchers argue that creating separated bike lanes could minimize interactions with rail tracks and reduce the risk of accidents.
A new study found that spending 2.5 hours per week on recreational physical activity can lower the risk of coronary heart disease in women under 50 by 25%. The benefits of physical activity for cardiovascular health have been shown in previous studies, but this research focused on younger women.
The study confirms on-demand PrEP is a highly effective method of reducing the risk of HIV infection. The results show an incidence rate of 0.19 infections per 100 person-years of follow-up, with a significant drop in condom use among participants.
A study of over 70,000 patients found that higher education was associated with a lower risk of developing heart failure after a heart attack. Patients with higher education levels had a 9-20% lower risk of early-onset and late-onset heart failure compared to those with primary education.
A high dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish may help lower the risk of death from bowel cancer in patients diagnosed with the disease. Patients with a higher omega 3 intake were found to have a 41% lower risk of dying from their disease, according to researchers.
The study reveals significant productivity losses due to heat stress, with potential GDP losses of up to $2 trillion by 2030. Climate change exacerbates health risks from disasters like floods, cyclones, and landslides, affecting millions in the Asia Pacific region.
A new education program has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in people at high risk by over 80%. The program, which includes a main session and follow-up sessions, resulted in an 88% risk reduction for those who attended fully.
A new study from the University of Otago suggests that childhood exposure to microbial organisms through thumb-sucking and nail-biting reduces the risk of developing allergies. The study found that children who engaged in these habits had lower rates of allergy development compared to those who did not.
A new study found that wearing a wearable neuromuscular device improved postural control in athletes without limiting performance. The devices, used with regular training programs, also prevented any ACL injuries during the season.
A high BMI in youth increases the risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for recent weight changes. Stable weight throughout life may be the best approach to reduce this risk. Excessive weight at a young age puts individuals at a far higher risk of heart failure compared to maintaining a healthy weight.
A recent meta-analysis in Scientific Reports supports the link between omega-3s and reduced mortality. The analysis showed a 9% reduced risk of all-cause death associated with high versus low omega-3 intake.
A new study found an association between healthy diets and reduced risk of impaired physical function in women as they age. Women who maintained a healthier diet were less likely to develop physical impairments, with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains associated with reduced rates of physical impairment.
A new study suggests that consuming walnuts and other whole foods as part of a healthy diet may help maintain independence in aging women. Higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts was associated with reduced rates of physical impairment.
Researchers found that statins reduced the risk of infections in stroke patients by 58%, particularly when administered early. The study controlled for various factors, including severity of strokes and age, and suggested that anti-inflammatory properties may play a role.
A study published in BMJ found that consuming seven servings of whole grains daily lower risk for all cardiovascular diseases and mortality from cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. The researchers also showed a significant reduction in risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, and other health conditions.
A systematic review of 45 studies found that higher whole grain consumption was associated with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and mortality from various causes. The researchers recommend increasing whole grain intake to reduce chronic disease risk.
A meta-analysis by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who ate the most whole grains had a lower risk of dying during the study period compared to those who ate little or no whole grains.
A review of clinical trials found that barley lowers levels of both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), two types of 'bad cholesterol'. The study suggests that barley has similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats, making it a valuable alternative for those looking to reduce cardiovascular risk.
A new study published in Diabetologia shows that significant racial/ethnic differences exist in the association between ideal cardiovascular health and diabetes risk. Achieving four or more of the American Heart Association's ideal cardiovascular health components resulted in lower rates of incident diabetes, with 34% and 75% reduction...
A six-week online training course called GET.ON has been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression in people at increased risk. The study found that 27% of those who completed the course developed depression, compared to 41% of those who did not receive the training.
A large study published in The BMJ reveals that women with migraines are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Migraine has been consistently linked to an increased risk of stroke, but few studies have shown an association with cardiovascular disease and mortality.
A new study found that higher childhood aerobic fitness reduces the risk of developing metabolic syndrome in early adulthood by 36 percent. Higher abdominal fat levels still pose a significant risk, but combining both low cardiorespiratory fitness and high waist circumference increases this risk eight-fold.
A recent Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to conclude that dressings reduce surgical site infection. However, dressings may provide a barrier to direct injury and reduce patient anxiety. The authors recommend using basic, low-absorbency dressings at a cost of a few pence per dressing.
The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure, including the use of LCZ696 and adaptive servo-ventilation. The guidelines also introduce a new category for patients with mid-range ejection fractions and provide novel recommendations for preventing and treati...
Researchers found that taking aspirin immediately after a minor 'warning' event significantly reduced the risk of major stroke over the next few days. The study showed that aspirin also reduced the severity of early strokes by about 70-80%.
A new 20-year study shows that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness significantly reduce the risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes. The research found an 8-11% increase in fitness level to be associated with a 0.1% lower risk, highlighting the importance of exercise programs for reducing these conditions.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that higher levels of leisure-time physical activity were associated with lower risks for 13 types of cancers. The analysis included 1.4 million participants and 186,932 cancers identified during a median of 11 years of follow-up.
A Loyola Medicine study found no differences in bacterial infections between knee replacement patients who showered two days after surgery and those who waited 10-14 days. Patients overwhelmingly preferred early showering, with 94% reporting its importance.
A meta-analysis of nine published randomized trials found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was associated with a reduced risk of depressive relapse/recurrence over 60 weeks. The treatment effect appeared to be larger in patients with higher levels of depression symptoms at baseline.
A review of clinical evidence concludes that individualized preventive cardiovascular therapy is crucial for older adults, with cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-controlling treatments being the most effective. The target systolic blood pressure should be individualized based on frailty and comorbidities.
A 20-year study found a significant drop in dementia incidence among men in the UK, driven by reduced risk factors such as smoking and improved vascular health. The study suggests that targeted public health measures may help prevent future increases in dementia cases, contradicting global projections of a looming 'dementia tsunami'.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of high blood pressure among women who had pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes. Women who adhered to such a diet were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who did not.
A healthy diet has been found to significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure in women with a history of pregnancy-related diabetes. Over a 22-year follow-up period, researchers discovered that women who adhered to a healthy diet were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure.
A new generation of blood thinners can significantly reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation without requiring frequent monitoring. However, careful consideration must be given to individual patient factors such as age and kidney function before prescribing these medications.
Recent studies on red raspberries suggest the fruit's potential in reducing cardiovascular disease risk, maintaining normal blood glucose levels and liver function, while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects related to bone health. The research was presented at the 2016 Experimental Biology conference.
Losmapimod, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, failed to show cardiovascular benefits in patients hospitalized with acute MI. The trial found no reduction in recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality among patients treated with losmapimod compared to placebo.
Researchers found a short overnight fast was associated with a 36% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence and 21% higher probability of death. Prolonging overnight fasting intervals may be a simple strategy for reducing breast cancer risk, according to the study.
A study found that short nightly fasts of less than 13 hours increased breast cancer recurrence risk, while longer fasts were associated with lower HbA1c levels and longer sleep duration. Prolonging nightly fasting may be a simple strategy to reduce chronic disease risks.
A study found that high caffeine consumption before conception and during early pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage. In contrast, taking a daily multivitamin reduces this risk. The researchers analyzed data from the LIFE Study and found that women who consumed more than two caffeinated beverages per day were more likely to misc...
A UBC study found that high-speed and inexperience are top contributing factors to injuries on the Whistler sliding track. The study also revealed that more experienced sliders had lower injury risks, with those logging over 150 runs showing reduced risk.
A new study warns that climate change poses a significant risk of triggering multiple tipping points, leading to irreversible economic damages worldwide if left unchecked. The research suggests that immediate action is needed to reduce CO2 emissions and meet the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 1.5 °C.
Researchers developed a caries risk tool to identify toddlers at risk of developing caries by age four through medical settings. Minority, Medicaid, and rural children had higher caries rates at 30 months-of-age, with several questionnaire items associated with cavitated caries.
A JRC-led research highlights four adaptation measures to reduce flood risk in Europe, prioritizing vulnerability reduction and relocation over traditional protection methods. The study suggests a combination of measures is more effective than individual actions, and recommends optimizing these strategies at the river basin level.
A new study found that moderate to vigorous physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of death in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after hospitalization. Patients who were active had a 47% lower risk of death compared to inactive patients.
Researchers analyzed health records of 1,621 COPD patients and found cardio selective beta-blockers reduced exacerbation risk by 21% for all patients and 55% for those with heart failure. These preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of beta blockers for patients living with both lung and heart disease.
Researchers found that strategic tree planting on floodplains can reduce peak flood height by 6-20% by slowing down rainwater arrival. Extensive forest and river restoration resulted in larger reductions, with mature forests reducing flood risk by up to 100 years post-planting.
A new study published in The BMJ reviewed data from 37 trials on infant hydrolysed milk formula and found no statistically significant reduction in the risk of conditions such as eczema, wheezing, or food allergies. The research also revealed conflicts of interest in many studies due to financial links with baby formula manufacturers.
A study found that men who received healthy lifestyle advice for five years had a sustained 29% reduced risk of death from first heart attack, even after 40 years. Participants were advised to reduce saturated fats and increase fish and vegetable consumption.
Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that high daily coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of multiple sclerosis. The study, based on data from two population studies, suggests that caffeine's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in this link.
The study found that regular aspirin use significantly reduces the overall risk of cancer, with a 19% lower risk of colorectal cancer. Aspirin may complement, but not replace, cancer screening methods like colonoscopy, and has potential benefits for individuals with risk factors.
Researchers have identified two genes that, when altered, promote or undermine cardiovascular health. ANGPTL4 is associated with lower triglycerides and reduced risk of coronary disease, suggesting strategies to lower triglycerides could help prevent heart attacks. Future therapeutics targeting this pathway are in development.
Researchers found a temporary increase in ischemic stroke rate after daylight saving time transitions, with people with cancer and over 65 at higher risk. The study suggests disruptions in circadian rhythm may contribute to the increased risk, but further studies are needed to understand the relationship.
Research found that sleeping seven to eight hours per night reduces stroke risk by 25%, while excessive long sleep increases the risk by 146%. Regular exercise of 30-60 minutes, three to six times a week, also significantly decreases stroke risk. A computerized analysis of health data from 288,888 adults revealed these key findings.
A new drug called bexarotene has been identified as a potential 'neurostatin' that targets the first step in the toxic chain reaction leading to brain cell death. This delay can prevent Alzheimer's symptoms from appearing, suggesting a new avenue for treatments.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel older than their peers are more likely to be hospitalized. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 adults and found a 10-25% increased likelihood of hospitalization among those who reported feeling older.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that gastric bypass surgery significantly reduced mortality rates in patients aged older than 35 years. The lack of mortality benefit for younger patients was attributed to a higher number of externally caused deaths, mainly among women.
Two senior doctors argue that pacemaker battery life must be improved to reduce replacement needs and associated risks. Over half of patients will need new batteries, exposing them to serious complications like infection.
A study published in The BMJ found that moderate exercise programs can help prevent life-changing falls in older men. The research, which involved 1,635 participants aged 70-89, showed a notable gender difference, with male participants experiencing a 38% reduced rate of serious fall injuries.