Articles tagged with Atherosclerosis
A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that greater community mobility is significantly associated with better cognitive function in individuals aged 52 and older. The association was strongest among those at low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular biomarkers strongly associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. Adding biomarkers to established risk factors improved heart failure and mortality prediction, but only slightly enhanced atherosclerotic disease risk prediction.
Researchers found transformed smooth muscle cells driving atherosclerosis by proliferating and resisting cell death, suggesting potential treatment with anticancer therapies. A common cancer drug reduced plaque size in mouse models, but further studies are needed for clinical translation.
A new genetic testing procedure identifies patients at high cardiovascular risk due to clonal haematopoiesis and carotid artery stenosis. This allows for early detection of increased mortality and a personalized cardiovascular risk profile, enabling therapy adaptation and prevention of atherosclerotic disease progression.
A study of 26,000 US participants found that both individual- and area-level social determinants contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. The findings suggest that these factors should be considered in future risk assessment tools, especially for Black individuals.
Researchers discovered that eliminating progerin from vascular smooth muscle cells prevents atherosclerosis and improves life expectancy in HGPSrev mice. This finding suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for treating progeria, an extremely rare genetic disease affecting 1 in every 20 million people.
Researchers have made progress in understanding atherosclerosis, identifying potential new approaches for early detection and therapy. The study found that TREM2 regulates the activity of macrophages, playing an important role in forming unstable plaques that increase heart attack and stroke risk.
Researchers at UVA Health System have discovered genetic clues that may help identify people at risk of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis. The study identified 20 locations on chromosomes that influence protein production, shedding light on why smooth muscle cells sometimes are beneficial and sometimes harmful.
Researchers found that Kupffer cells in liver respond to high cholesterol by removing excess, revealing the liver's role in regulating cholesterol levels. This discovery suggests atherosclerosis is a systemic disease affecting multiple organs.
A new study published in Radiology found that coronary artery calcium scoring can identify patients with a low risk of heart attacks or strokes. Patients with a zero coronary artery calcium score showed very low risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, suggesting they may not require invasive coronary angiography.
A new study found that MERRICAL, a long non-coding RNA sequence, is involved in recruiting macrophages to the arterial wall and promotes atherosclerosis progression. Reducing MERRICAL expression levels using inhibitors significantly reduced atherosclerosis and aortic lesion formation.
Researchers found a higher risk of heart disease or stroke among patients who stopped taking aspirin, but no significant difference in major bleeding risk. The study suggests that patients already safely taking aspirin may continue to benefit from its use without increased risk.
A Swedish study of over 9,000 men found that those who were physically fit in adolescence had a lower risk of atherosclerosis nearly 40 years later. The researchers used advanced imaging technology to examine plaques in the coronary arteries and found associations with both good cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in youth.
A new study suggests that finasteride, a common hair loss and prostate drug, may also lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in men. In mice, the researchers found significant correlations between finasteride use and lower cholesterol levels, as well as reduced inflammation and atherosclerosis progression.
Researchers discovered that consuming over 22% of daily calories from protein can lead to increased activation of immune cells contributing to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Leucine, an amino acid found in animal-derived foods, plays a disproportionate role in driving pathological pathways linked to atherosclerosis.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment that enhances the body's natural defences against atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Treating arthritic mice with RvT4 reduces blood vessel inflammation by re-programming macrophages to release stored lipids.
Researchers discovered that reducing cholesterol levels in mice with advanced atherosclerosis leads to a decrease in the number of smooth muscle-derived cells causing plaque growth, while preserving stabilizing cell types. This finding opens up new opportunities for targeted therapies.
The study found that APOE4 carriers have elevated LDL cholesterol levels, increasing their risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. In contrast, APOE2 carriers have lower cholesterol and reduced atherosclerosis prevalence.
UAB researchers have created a 3D, three-layer nanomatrix vascular sheet that mimics human atherosclerosis, enabling high-throughput drug screening. The model replicates key features of the disease and has been validated with two classic atherosclerosis drugs.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism by which elevated blood pressure transforms muscle cells into 'foam cells' that form the building blocks of plaque buildup in arteries. This finding provides crucial insights for developing new therapies to control or reverse arterial disease.
The Chinese expert consensus on CMVD diagnosis and treatment emphasizes standardized methods, six areas for classification, and recommendations for non-invasive diagnostic techniques. The consensus also highlights the need for further research into the pathogenesis of CMVD and its impact on cardiovascular events.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that mitochondrial dysfunction disrupts dietary lipid processing in enterocytes, leading to abnormal fat accumulation and impaired nutrient delivery. The findings provide new insights into the gastrointestinal symptoms of mitochondrial disease and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at UVA Health System created an 'atlas of atherosclerosis' revealing critical processes that form harmful plaque buildup. The study provides unprecedented insights into atherosclerosis and its impact on coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Significant racial and ethnic disparities in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease treatment were found in a study of 5,218 adults. The disparities persisted despite optimal recommended therapies, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to achieve better outcomes for all patients regardless of their background.
A new study reveals that younger people are more vulnerable to the effects of high blood cholesterol and hypertension, atherosclerosis can be reversed if risk factors are controlled early enough. The study suggests aggressive control of cardiovascular risk factors at younger ages.
A post-hoc analysis of the CANTOS trial found no effect of canakinumab on frailty incidence or self-reported function. The study suggests that inflammation may not be a causal factor in the development of frailty in these participants.
Researchers have identified a specific microRNA molecule, miR-206, that plays a key role in atherosclerosis. By blocking its action, they were able to prevent the development of atherosclerotic lesions in mouse models and human cells. This discovery opens up new avenues for targeted therapies.
Greater PTSD symptoms were associated with higher carotid atherosclerosis and brain small vessel disease among midlife women. Women carrying the APOEɛ4 gene showed poorer cognitive performance in response to PTSD.
A recent study analyzing global and national trends of atherosclerosis found an increasing trend in incidence from 1990 to 2019, driven by adults aged 20–54. The burden of the disease is particularly concerning in low- and middle-income countries, where it is rising significantly due to lifestyle factors and aging populations.
A post hoc analysis of 10,678 participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease found no significant difference in heart attack, stroke, or death risk between enteric-coated and uncoated aspirin. Enteric-coated aspirin may offer reduced bleeding risk, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 triggers a dangerous immune response in hardened fatty deposits lining the heart's largest blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to immediate and longer-lasting heart issues, including plaque rupture and blockage of blood flow.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure while lying flat on their backs had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death. The study suggests that measuring blood pressure in different body positions may help identify cardiovascular disease risk.
A new CNIC study confirms that controlling traditional cardiovascular risk factors can prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Maintaining a low cardiovascular risk is linked to preserved cerebral glucose metabolism, indicating better brain health.
Muvalaplin, an oral small molecule inhibitor, significantly lowered lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels in a first-in-human phase 1 study. The treatment showed promise in reducing Lp[a] levels by up to 65% without tolerability concerns.
Researchers investigate how exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics may increase atherosclerosis and CVD risk, particularly in children. The study aims to establish a novel therapeutic target for chemical-induced CVD and explore gene-EDC interactions.
A new study found that arterial stiffness is a novel cause of premature heart damage among adolescents, leading to increased blood pressure and insulin resistance. The study discovered that adolescents with high arterial stiffness had a 23-27% increased risk of structural heart damage.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Augusta University have identified a link between
A study published in Stroke found significant disparities in stroke risk factors between Black and non-Black adults. However, after one year of intensive medical intervention, some risk factors were reduced in Black adults.
A team of researchers identified a specific subtype of complement-producing macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions that exacerbate plaque necrosis and cardiovascular events. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target to control complement activation within cells, which may also apply to other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Researchers found a strong association between certain gut bacteria and coronary atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to heart attacks. The study analyzed gut bacteria and cardiac imaging data from over 8,900 participants and identified Streptococcus species as key players.
A cohort study found that U.S. veterans with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease residing in historically redlined neighborhoods still experience higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and adverse cardiovascular events. Redlining's adverse association persists even decades after its discontinuation.
A new proposal suggests adopting an 'adolescent cholesterol passport' to prevent atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death worldwide. The tool would involve regular cholesterol screenings starting at age two, with the goal of detecting familial hypercholesterolemia and other genetic conditions early on.
A new study by CNIC researchers reveals that low-grade systemic inflammation triggered by subclinical atherosclerosis accelerates epigenetic aging in otherwise healthy young individuals. The study found a strong association between atherosclerosis progression and accelerated biological age, with potential reversibility through lifestyl...
A new study shows that saracatinib reduces inflammation in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by more than 90% and boosts genes that help clean up plaque deposits. The experimental cancer drug may offer an effective therapy for cases where standard treatment fails to help.
The study used transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to stimulate the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in cognitive function. The results showed that tPBM modulated hemodynamic and metabolic activities in a wavelength- and site-specific manner.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that plant-based diets can play a significant role in reducing blocked arteries and lowering the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. The analysis of 30 randomised trials with over 2,300 participants showed a 14% reduction in artery-clogging lipoproteins.
Researchers found that high-fat diets increase levels of gut-derived bacterial toxins and systemic inflammation, promoting atherosclerosis. The study suggests targeting interventions for individuals at risk of developing heart disease.
CARMN is a long noncoding RNA that regulates contractility in both blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract. Without CARMN, mice cannot survive due to impaired GI tract contraction, leading to conditions like intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
A randomized controlled trial shows that a best endovascular treatment first revascularisation strategy is more effective in preventing major amputation and death than a vein bypass first strategy for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia. The study, BASIL-2, recruited 345 patients from the UK, Sweden, and Denmark and found ...
The study found that statin use for primary prevention was low among all racial and ethnic groups, despite varying levels of 10-year ASCVD risk. Improving access to care may help increase equitable use of primary prevention statins in Black and Hispanic adults.
The VALOR-QI program will provide a blueprint for quality care improvement, focusing on high-risk patients and addressing health equity gaps. It will offer education, staff training, monitoring, and other steps to achieve better compliance with cholesterol management.
Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a way to reverse infertility in sterile mice by reducing high-circulating cholesterol with a bacterial protein. The study showed that this protein, called serum opacity factor, lowered HDL cholesterol levels by over 40% in three hours and restored fertility in the mice.
A new study found that walking an additional 500 steps per day was associated with a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. This benefit is significant for older adults, as most studies have focused on early-to-midlife adults.
A study found that over 80% of American adults with type 2 diabetes meet the criteria to use GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is, but only a small percentage are using them. The medications have a substantially higher cost than current first-line treatments, making it difficult for patients to access them.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that irregular sleeping habits may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis among adults older than 45. Maintaining regular sleep schedules can help reduce cardiovascular risk for aging adults and improve overall health.
A recent study found that about 1 in 5 people who survived an ischemic stroke had irregular heart rhythms, atrial fibrillation, due to atherosclerosis. The study suggests that these patients are at increased risk of recurrent strokes and highlights the need for continuous cardiac monitoring to detect unsuspected atrial fibrillation.
A new study by researchers from Lund University in Sweden has found that women with pregnancy complications are at an increased risk of heart disease. The study revealed that women with pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension had visible atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, compared to those without complications.
Researchers found that low-grade inflammation in adolescents can lead to higher blood pressure, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also suggests that dietary factors, such as consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich foods, can help prevent premature vascular damage.
According to hyperfunction theory, menopause is also a disease. Aging is a quasi-programmed disease that can be partially treatable by rapamycin. The author suggests that slowing aging may delay the onset of diseases like prostate cancer, obesity, and hypertension.
A recent study found that consuming soy flour rich in B-conglycinin can reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower the risk of metabolic diseases. The protein inhibits HMGCR, a liver enzyme involved in triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein metabolism.