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Early diagnosis & treatment of peripheral artery disease essential to improve outcomes, reduce amputation risk

The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMay 14, 2024

Cardiovascular burden of the V142I transthyretin variant

The V142I transthyretin variant is associated with substantial risk for heart failure hospitalization and death in Black individuals, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction. Further investigation into the complex interplay between the variant, ancestry, social determinants of health, and biological factors is warranted.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 12, 2024

Don't matter if you're this or that

A research team at Kyoto University found that interactive AI programs can reduce prejudice and anxiety among historically divided ethnic groups in Afghanistan during online interactions. Participants in the AI intervention group showed more engagement and significantly less prejudice and anxiety compared to the control group.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2024

Using health records to predict patients’ risk of falling

Researchers developed a falls prediction model called eFalls that uses primary care electronic health record data to predict patients' risk of falling within the next 12 months. The tool has been shown promising results in testing and could help identify people at risk who can benefit from specialist assessments and interventions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2024

Wildfire risk management in the era of climate change

Recent deadly wildfires in Greece and Hawaii highlighted the need for improved wildfire risk management. The authors propose a long-term strategy integrating forest land management with fire prevention and mitigation measures, including retrofitting buildings and limiting development in the wildland-urban interface.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 7, 2024

Health risks of using cannabis are higher in adolescents than in adults – new study finds

A new study published by the University of Bath found that adolescents are more vulnerable to cannabis use disorder than adults, despite using cannabis less frequently. The study showed that adolescents reported greater negative impacts on daily functioning and symptoms of cannabis use disorder.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·TypeSurvey·DateMay 5, 2024

Climate change amplifies severity of combined wind-rain extremes over the UK and Ireland

New research shows climate change will cause more severe combined wind-rain extremes in the UK and Ireland, leading to increased flooding and damage. The study found that stronger winds and heavier rainfall are likely to occur together, posing challenges for coastal areas and emergency response resources.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 3, 2024

Brief anger may impair blood vessel function

A new study found that brief anger episodes can negatively impact blood vessel function, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers investigated the effects of anger, sadness, and anxiety on blood vessel function and found that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 1, 2024

A new anticoagulant with no risk of bleeding

A new anticoagulant with on-demand reversible activity has been developed by a team from UNIGE and the University of Sydney. This breakthrough offers a more reliable and easier-to-use option for surgical procedures, reducing the risk of serious bleeding associated with current treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateApr 30, 2024

Hurricanes jeopardize carbon-storing New England forests

A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

Good heart health in middle age may preserve brain function among Black women as they age

A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 24, 2024

Being treated by a female physician associated with lower risk for death

An observational study of over 700,000 patients found that female physicians treated male and female patients with lower mortality and readmission rates. The effect was particularly pronounced in female patients treated by female physicians, possibly due to patient-centered communication and reduced sociocultural taboos.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 22, 2024

A new Spanish study provides the first stratification of the risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy among symptom-free genetic carriers

A new Spanish study provides the first stratification of the risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy among symptom-free genetic carriers. Researchers found that nearly 11% of genetic carriers developed the disease within a median follow-up period of 37 months.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Study finds ChatGPT shows promise as medication management tool, could help improve geriatric health care

A new study found that ChatGPT can consistently recommend deprescribing medications in patients without a history of cardiovascular disease. However, the AI model was more cautious when considering patients with cardiovascular disease and varied its responses depending on the chat session.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Medical Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2024

In the drive to deprescribe, heartburn drug study teaches key lessons

A new study shows that a massive effort to reduce the overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) led to a nearly 30% reduction in prescriptions, but also resulted in some veterans missing out on protective use. The intervention, which imposed limits on PPI prescription size and refills, was carried out in one region of the Veterans Healt...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2024

UC Santa Cruz researchers value salt marsh restoration as a crucial tool in flood risk reduction and climate resilience in the San Francisco Bay

Researchers found that salt marsh restoration can reduce flood risk, preserve habitats, and provide recreational opportunities. The study also emphasizes the importance of integrating nature-based solutions into comprehensive climate resilience strategies to mitigate future climate change impacts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2024

Treating gum disease after heart rhythm ablation reduced risk of AFib recurrence

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that treating gum disease after a heart rhythm ablation procedure can lower oral inflammation and reduce the risk of AFib recurrence. Researchers found that an index measuring the severity of gum inflammation was associated with the return of AFib, highligh...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 10, 2024

Researchers at MUSC call for focus on higher stroke risk in women

A new review article highlights the complexities of stroke risk in women, which extends beyond age and includes various modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Women are more sensitive to high blood pressure, and other disorders such as late puberty, early menopause, pregnancy, and hormonal therapy also significantly affect their risk.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 9, 2024

A natural touch for coastal defense

A new study found that hybrid coastal defenses, which combine natural and hard measures, are more cost-effective and provide higher hazard reduction in low-risk areas. In contrast, soft measures such as restoring or rehabilitating natural ecosystems are also beneficial in terms of environmental benefits.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 9, 2024

A smarter city skyline for flood safety

Urban flooding is increasing due to climate change and urbanization, posing a significant threat to pedestrian safety. Researchers found that building configurations can significantly impact flood vulnerability; staggered layouts provide more danger zones, while rounded or circular footprints reduce high-floodwater areas.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 9, 2024

Preventive angioplasty does not improve prognosis

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that preventive angioplasty for heart attack patients does not improve prognosis. The research included 1542 patients and showed no difference between treatment groups in terms of new heart attacks or all-cause deaths.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2024

Does cannabis use affect cognitive decline?

A new study found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with a 96% decrease in odds of subjective cognitive decline. However, medical and dual-use were not significant in reducing the risk of SCD. The study highlights the potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, but more longitudinal research is needed...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateApr 8, 2024