Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A recent analysis found a strong link between air pollution and mortality from cardiovascular diseases worldwide. In low-income countries, household air pollution caused significantly more stroke-related deaths than outdoor air pollution.
Researchers have developed a new gene mapping technique that reveals how genetic alterations in cells lining blood vessels contribute to coronary artery disease. The technique, called Variant-to-Gene-to-Program (V2G2P), identifies biological mechanisms driving CAD risk by linking genetic variants to gene expression and function.
Researchers discovered that women with high-risk HPV infection have a significantly increased risk of blocked arteries, heart disease, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health in patients with high-risk HPV, particularly those with obesity or other risk factors.
A five-year study shows that bariatric surgery maintains normal blood pressure levels without medications, while reducing BMI compared to medical therapy alone. Participants who underwent bariatric surgery had fewer medications and lower blood pressure rates than those on medication alone.
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.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension found that tirzepatide significantly lowered systolic blood pressure levels in nearly 500 adults with obesity. The results suggest treating obesity with this weight loss medication may be an effective strategy for preventing or treating high blood pressure.
A study published at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024 found that treating people with ischemic stroke with intravenous injections of a combination of biologically active components of ginkgo biloba during the first two weeks after the stroke improved early cognitive recovery. The treatment, called ...
A new study found that abdominal aortic calcification is associated with rapid weight loss in older women, leading to higher risks of falls, fractures, and mortality. The researchers hope this discovery will lead to changes in treatment approaches for rapid weight loss in older adults.
The American Heart Association has outlined three target needs for improving cardiac arrest outcomes by 2030: increasing bystander CPR rates, defibrillation, and survival after cardiac arrest. The goal is to double survivorship to 20% through increased access to lifesaving care in underrepresented communities.
A study has found that sclerostin plays a beneficial role in reducing arterial calcification and promoting cell survival in patients with type 2 diabetes. The protein's cardioprotective function may have significant implications for therapeutic strategies in this patient population.
A international academic consortium has identified 13 biomarkers that significantly improve the ability to accurately predict cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. The standout biomarker was N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which is currently used to monitor heart failure status in patients.
A study combines retinal imaging, genetics, and big data to estimate the likelihood of developing eye and systemic diseases. The researchers identified significant associations between retinal layer thickness and increased risk of various diseases, including ocular, neuropsychiatric, cardiac, metabolic, and pulmonary diseases.
New research confirms a concerning trend erasing a decade of progress in reducing mortalities from heart disease and stroke. The US cardiovascular disease death rate rose by 9.3% from 2020 to 2022, with over 228,000 more CVD deaths than expected if pre-2020 trends continued.
A recent survey found that 51% of Americans are unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. This lack of knowledge can be deadly, with nearly half of adults having some form of cardiovascular disease.
Research finds that stable caregiver relationships in childhood may increase optimal heart health, while adversity and abuse can lead to poor cardiovascular health. Lower income as an adult may also introduce additional adversity, making the relationship between caregiver-child adversity difficult to see.
Research reveals that stable and supportive caregiving during childhood can protect cardiovascular health later in life, contrary to previous findings on childhood adversity. The study analyzed over 2,000 participants and found that each additional unit score of caregiver warmth was associated with 11.7% higher odds of cardiovascular h...
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.
A new study by UCL researchers found that financial stress is detrimental to biological health, disrupting the communication between immune and neuroendocrine systems. This can lead to disease, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and schizophrenia.
A study of 481,000 individuals found that those who predominantly sit at work had a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Engaging in an additional 15-30 minutes of physical activity per day could help reduce this risk to levels similar to those who don't sit
A study published in Science Advances identifies a mitochondrial protein called MCJ as the first therapeutic target to preserve cardiac function in pulmonary hypertension. Modulating MCJ levels can activate a signaling pathway essential for adaptation to low oxygen levels, protecting the heart.
Participants with diabetes remission had a 33% lower rate of CKD and a 40% lower rate of CVD compared to those without remission. The magnitude of risk reduction was greatest for participants with longer-term remission.
Researchers at Iowa State University found that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises reduces cardiovascular disease risks as much as aerobic-only regimens. The study, which involved 406 participants, showed significant decreases in body fat percentage across all exercise groups compared to the no-exercise control group.
A new study found that young adults who reported higher stress as adolescents were more likely to have high blood pressure, obesity, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. This highlights the importance of stress management from an early age to prevent these health issues.
Chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease significantly worsen prognosis for severely burned patients. The study analyzed data from 1,193 patients and found that nearly half did not survive their burns with impaired kidney function. Researchers highlight the need to integrate these findings into burn treatment scores.
Researchers developed an AI-driven algorithm that accurately predicts death and complications after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The tool uses patient feedback to provide a patient-centered, individualized risk prediction score.
Researchers have shown that combining poverty with chronic inflammation worsens health outcomes, increasing heart disease and cancer mortality rates. The study analyzed data from nearly 95 million adults and found a synergistic effect of poverty and inflammation on mortality.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent a single session of aerobic exercise experienced temporary reductions in blood pressure at rest and under stress. The study, conducted at the University of São Paulo, demonstrates the benefits of moderate-intensity walking for cardiovascular management and blood pressure control.
This special issue highlights promising research projects developing scalable digital technology solutions for improved heart and brain health. Smartphone-based assessments and point-of-care echocardiography have shown promise in diverse populations, including those with latent rheumatic heart disease and dementia.
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 found a decade-long decline in blood lead levels among American Indian adults was correlated with long-term cardiovascular health benefits, including reduced systolic blood pressure. The study suggests that even small decreases in blood lead levels can have meaningful health outcomes.
Research found a significant increase in cardiovascular disease deaths related to substance use, particularly among young adults and certain racial and ethnic groups. The study highlights the need for comprehensive public health efforts to address substance use and its impact on heart health.
Experts recommend increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in lower extremity revascularization procedures to optimize outcomes and reduce complications. The technique provides detailed information about vessel walls, plaque composition, and blood flow characteristics, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
A study of over 2 million individuals found a strong association between sibling death in childhood and early adulthood with an increased risk of early-onset cardiovascular diseases. The findings highlight the need for extra support to bereaved siblings to reduce this risk later in life.
The American Heart Association has made significant medical advancements over the past 100 years, including the development of artificial heart valves and implantable pacemakers. The organization continues to work towards health equity, with a focus on removing barriers to healthcare for diverse populations.
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.
A new UofL study shows that nicotine salts in pod-based e-cigarettes can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrhythmias. The research found that these aerosols stimulate the same receptor that is inhibited by beta blockers, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system activity.
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that stressed women undergoing fertility treatment may experience higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which can lead to weaker cardiovascular health. Women who conceived through intrauterine insemination (IUI) had higher stress and blood sugar levels than those...
Researchers found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood plasma were associated with better lung function and longer survival without needing a lung transplant. This was consistent regardless of smoking history or cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that Angelica gigas extract improves vascular function in high-fat diet rats, reversing endothelial dysfunction and increasing NO bioavailability. The extract regulates IRE1α sulfonation and RIDD signaling, promoting NO production via the SIRT1-eNOS axis.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that maintaining aerobic fitness is linked to a 7-14% lower risk of hospitalizations for any reason. Increased fitness also reduces hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest potential benefits for individual health and healthcare costs.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that night owls are more likely to develop artery calcification than early risers. The research, which examined data from over 771 middle-aged participants, suggests that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have discovered that analyzing changes in sweat metabolism can help diagnose the severity of sleep apnea. The study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, found that sweat samples can provide valuable insights into energy production and oxidative stress associated with the disease.
A 12-week beetroot juice supplement reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.5mmHg and increased walking distance by 30 meters in COPD patients. The nitrate-rich supplement improved cardiovascular risk markers, suggesting potential benefits for everyday life and heart disease prevention.
A new study found that people with Alzheimer's dementia who were treated with lipid-lowering statins showed slower cognitive decline compared to those not treated. The researchers emphasize caution due to the observational nature of the study and initial concerns about statins' effects on patients with dementia.
Researchers have discovered a new control mechanism that drives the maturation of human stem cell-derived heart muscle cells, providing fresh insight into cardiac regenerative therapy and disease modeling. The study identifies RBFox1 as a key intrinsic regulator of heart muscle cell maturation.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has updated its guidelines to no longer recommend routine daily aspirin use for primary prevention of heart attacks or death. However, daily aspirin may be considered for people with high risk factors for heart attack, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. The new guidelines emphasize the ...
Research suggests that timing food intake earlier in the day can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Eating breakfast within an hour of waking and finishing dinner before 8 pm may help reduce this risk, with longer night-time fasting periods also associated with lower cerebrovascular disease rates.
Research suggests that childhood sedentariness contributes to elevated cholesterol levels and premature heart attack or stroke in mid-life. Engaging in light physical activity for 3-4 hours/day may be effective in reducing high cholesterol.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona discover iron accumulation as a driver of pathological senescence and fibrosis, highlighting its role in various fibrotic disorders. The study identifies potential methods for non-invasive assessment and treatment of fibrotic diseases via MRI and chemical compounds.
Researchers developed a framework to identify genetic contributors to disease by applying stress tests to human blood cells. This study found links between blood-response characteristics and subsets of common diseases.
A study found childhood cancer survivors have twice the risk of developing prediabetes as the general public, increasing their risk of life-threatening diseases. Lifestyle interventions may help reduce this risk and improve their life expectancy.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that people admitted to the hospital for acute hypertension are increasingly likely to need urgent kidney dialysis or die in the hospital. The study's lead author notes that patients with certain traits, such as being younger, male, or overweight, are high-risk groups.
A clinical trial found that stem cell-based therapy reduced daily hardship and improved physical and emotional health in patients with advanced heart failure. Patients who received the treatment had lower death and hospitalization rates compared to those on standard care.
The new Global Burden of Disease report provides an update on the global burden of cardiovascular disease, with Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East having the highest CVD mortality rates. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and dietary risks remain leading causes.
The American Heart Association offers a new individual certification for healthcare professionals in tobacco cessation, aiming to standardize training and improve patient outcomes. The certification is based on evidence-based therapies and will help reduce the nation's dependence on tobacco.
Researchers tested removing race information from cardiovascular risk calculators and found no impact on patients' risk scores. Adding social determinants of health also didn't have an effect, suggesting that measuring traditional risk factors can accurately predict risk without using race.
Researchers found that statin therapy reduced mortality and disease risk among people with chronic kidney disease and frailty, regardless of age-related health conditions. The studies provide additional context to the debate about initiating statin use in people at high risk for heart disease.
The UTHealth Houston School of Public Health offers a 12-month lifestyle program combining evidence-based nutrition education with culinary learning to support behavior change. Participants will attend in-person and virtual classes, including hands-on cooking lessons, physical activity guidance, and mindfulness education.
Eating fatty foods during stressful periods can reduce brain oxygenation and cause poorer vascular function in adults. Consuming low-fat food and drinks may help mitigate this effect.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that telemedicine patients with hyperlipidemia experienced significant decreases in LDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels. Virtual appointments were shown to be as effective as in-person visits in improving cholesterol levels, overcoming barriers to access for patients.