Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A new study by Yale researchers found that despite reductions in fine particulate air pollution, racial and ethnic minorities still experience disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease-related deaths. The study found that Black people face the highest burden, with a mortality rate 4.59 times higher than white people in 2001.
Autophagy helps protect cardiomyocytes from damage caused by anthracycline drugs like Doxorubicin. The study found that a protein regulator called ER-phagy alleviates Dox-induced cardiomyopathy, promoting cell survival.
Researchers found that Dectin-1 stimulation induced a unique immune signature in HIV-positive older adults, characterized by increased levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-α. This signature may contribute to the pro-inflammatory environment associated with HIV and aging.
Researchers at State University of Campinas found that coconut oil supplementation led to significant alterations in food intake, weight gain, and anxious behavior in mice. The study suggests that long-term consumption of coconut oil can contribute to the development of obesity and associated comorbidities.
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.
A recent clinical trial led by Professor Holger Thiele found that ECLS does not reduce 30-day mortality after cardiogenic shock, but is associated with more complications. The study involved 420 patients and compared ECLS therapy with standard intensive care unit treatment.
A new study found that people who received free produce prescriptions experienced increased fruit and vegetable consumption, leading to improved body mass index, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. This research suggests that produce prescription programs may be an effective way to address food insecurity and promote health.
A global analysis of 2.3 million people reveals women are diagnosed and treated late for cardiac issues, with alarming rise in heart attacks among younger women. Non-traditional symptoms like vomiting, jaw pain, and abdominal pain are more common in women.
A study by the British Heart Foundation found that in England and Scotland, the average distance to a 24/7 accessible defibrillator is over 1.8km in deprived areas, highlighting alarming health inequalities. Researchers are urging urgent action to improve access to these lifesaving devices.
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.
The Texas Heart Institute has received a five-year, $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance organ bioengineering. The project aims to develop transplantable bioartificial hearts to combat end-stage heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation patients in the UK are now 50% less likely to die from heart attacks and strokes than at the start of the millennium. The study revealed significant health inequalities, with socioeconomically deprived patients facing a higher risk of mortality.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.
Research led by Vesna D. Garovic reveals that pre-eclampsia causes accelerated aging in women, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia are more likely to develop chronic conditions at a younger age.
Researchers found that severe COVID-19 survivors exhibit elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity in response to mental stress, which accelerates heartbeat and increases blood pressure. This exaggerated reaction, combined with impaired vasodilation, poses a significant risk for cardiovascular complications.
Researchers found that telomere shortening, a biomarker of cellular aging, accelerated in untreated obstructive sleep apnea patients. However, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) attenuated this damage. The study suggests that CPAP can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to slower aging.
The study found that racial and ethnic disparities in cardiometabolic diseases persisted despite social risk factors adjustments. Individuals with a more favorable social risk factor profile had lower rates of lifestyle risk factors and cardiometabolic diseases.
The Texas Heart Institute has been awarded $1.14 million by the NIH to develop a novel, first-in-class drug for treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The goal of this research is to target lingering inflammation in patients with cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that catheter ablation significantly lowers the incidence of cardiovascular events and death in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The researchers compared 208 patients who underwent AF ablation with those who received medical therapy only, finding a lower risk of both cardiovascular events and de...
A new study found that daily aspirin use could reduce cardiovascular deaths globally, yet fewer than half of people worldwide who have had a heart attack or stroke take the medication. The study showed significant variations in aspirin use among countries, with higher rates in high-income countries.
A new study found that a simple blood test can predict the risk of progressive heart and kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. The test measures levels of four biomarkers, which fell after treatment with canagliflozin, a type 2 diabetes medicine.
Researchers identified a link between high white blood cells in saliva and compromised flow-mediated dilation, an early indicator of poor arterial health. The study suggests that low levels of oral inflammatory load may have an impact on cardiovascular health.
Chronic disease medications impair the body's ability to regulate core temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illness in elderly patients. Exercise and improved fitness levels can help mitigate these effects, but bodily impairments from chemotherapy and medications may limit exercise capacity.
A new study finds that people who adhere to a Mediterranean lifestyle have a lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality. The study, led by La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, analyzed data from 110,799 participants and found an inverse association between adherence to the Mediterranean lif...
A recent study at UC Irvine found that semaglutide medication can lead to significant weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risk in 93 million U.S. adults. The medication may prevent up to 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes over 10 years, resulting in 43 million fewer obese people.
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 large US study found that social determinants of health are a major factor contributing to higher cardiovascular disease mortality rates in Black individuals compared to Whites. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 adults and found significant associations between social factors such as unemployment and food insecurity with CVD m...
A new study from Tulane University found that Black adults are 54% more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than White Americans, largely due to social factors. The study's lead author suggests that addressing unemployment, low income, and lack of a partner can help reduce this disparity.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association highlights the importance of shared decision-making in cardiovascular care. Key findings include improved patient understanding, acceptance, and satisfaction when healthcare teams involve patients in decision-making processes.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Augusta University have identified a link between
A new study found consistent increases in premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) death and disability due to particulate matter air pollution globally. The analysis, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, revealed a 8.1% rise in age-standardized CVD deaths attributed to outdoor PM pollution between 1990 and 2019.
The study found that walking at least 3967 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from any cause, while 2337 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The researchers also found that every 500-1000 extra steps increase health benefits and reduce mortality risk by up to 15%.
A miniature human heart model, approximately half a grain of rice in size, has been developed to transform drug testing and cardiovascular research. This self-paced, multi-chambered model provides real-time measurements of essential parameters, enabling unprecedented insights into heart function and diseases.
Researchers at NUS have developed a new treatment method that reduces the size and increases the stability of atherosclerotic plaques in arterial walls. The treatment involves injecting omega-3 fatty acids into the bloodstream via nanomedicine, which helps to reduce inflammation and prevent plaque rupture.
A new American Heart Association science advisory emphasizes the need for more resources and best practices in pediatric preventive cardiovascular care. The survey found that many programs are overwhelmed with referrals and have long wait times, highlighting the importance of updated guidelines and strategic action plans.
A new study reveals a high incidence of youth with cardiovascular risk factors but inadequate resources to provide preventive care. Pediatricians and policymakers must address these gaps by investing in pediatric preventive cardiology and increasing collaboration between programs.
Researchers at the University of South Australia found that chatbots significantly improved physical activity, diet and sleep. Chatbots were effective across different age groups and more conducive to achieving positive outcomes than speech-based AI. A blended approach with human coaching may be the most beneficial.
A new diagnostic method assesses electrical and mechanical activity in the heart during atrial fibrillation, providing personalized assessment of atrial remodeling. This can help predict disease progression and guide treatment.
University of Melbourne researchers developed a novel approach to 'tissue engineering' blood vessels by combining multiple materials and fabrication technologies. The method creates blood vessels with complex geometries like native blood vessels, offering a transformative solution for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers analyzed data from 230,000 individuals with second primary cancers, revealing higher mortality rates among Black and Hispanic populations compared to whites. The study highlights the need for targeted research on survival disparities in multiple primary cancer survivors.
A University of Minnesota-led study found that long-term consumption of aspartame and saccharin is associated with increased volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The researchers recommend considering alternative approaches to artificial sweeteners due to potential health consequences.
A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that an e-health and telehealth-based collaborative care intervention had a significant impact on patients with depression. The intervention resulted in a 43% reduction in depressive symptoms among participants, compared to only 17% in the usual primary care group.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new strategy for producing oxygen-tolerant probiotics, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which can improve glucose control. The combination of bacteria increased biomass and butyrate production, making it safe for human consumption.
A University of Minnesota-led study identified higher incidence of brain hemorrhage, hardening of the arteries, and small vessel disease in Hmong stroke patients. Risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes are prevalent among this community.
Researchers found that stable, long-term elevation in urinary albumin excretion is associated with a high risk of new-onset heart failure and mortality. Persistently high levels were linked to older patients and those with conditions like diabetes and previous heart attacks.
The study reveals altered magnitudes and coherence between oscillations in brain vasculature and brain waves in older adults. This finding has significant implications for the assessment of Alzheimer's disease and monitoring of neurodegenerative disorders.
Research analyzed seven international studies and found a continuous increase in blood pressure measures with both low and high alcohol intake. Low levels of alcohol consumption were linked to detectable increases in blood pressure levels, which may lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
Dr. Prachi Singh of Pennington Biomedical Research Center has received a $3.7 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to investigate the cardiovascular risks associated with limited sleep and extended eating duration.
A new multi-center study found that having a genetic variant in the prealbumin gene alone is not sufficient for diagnosing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older Black patients. Researchers suggest that a blood test measuring prealbumin levels may be useful in identifying patients at risk of developing cardiac amyloidosis.
The study reveals the molecular mechanism by which ABCC4 recognizes broad-spectrum substrates, providing a structural basis for rational design of platelet antagonists targeting ABCC4. The research also elucidated the molecular mechanism of ABCC4 in binding and transporting platelet agonists and antagonists.
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.
A new study reveals that illicit drug use is involved in nearly one in three sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) among young adults in Victoria, Australia. The analysis of data from a statewide registry found higher levels of illicit drugs and multiple substance use among SCD patients.
A study published in JACC: Heart Failure found that people with heart failure who increase their daily step count experience improvements in health status over a 12-week period. The study suggests that wearable device data, such as step counts, can be clinically significant and inform future clinical trials and care.
A study by I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods significantly increases mortality risk among people with type 2 diabetes. Even those following a Mediterranean diet are at increased risk if ultra-processed foods account for a large share of their diet.
Researchers found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, with reduced blood oxygen levels being the leading factor. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea could help prevent future cardiovascular outcomes.
The conference will focus on optimizing patient care in the Latin America region, discussing strategies to improve heart health and address rising cardiovascular disease rates. Key topics include cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure management, and practical approaches for clinicians.
The American Heart Association has funded seven new scientific research projects to explore the connection between migraines, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. The studies will analyze existing datasets using machine learning and aim to create a collaborative group of experts to uncover the causes of increased risk.
Researchers at UC Riverside discovered that female mice secrete more RELMalpha, an immune protein, which protects them against obesity and inflammation. In contrast, male mice have lower levels of RELMalpha, leading to increased inflammation and obesity.
A vegetarian diet has been shown to modestly but significantly improve cardiometabolic outcomes in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease. This finding suggests that vegetarian diets could be a useful addition to standard pharmacological therapy for primary prevention.
A new study published in Radiology found that AI can use data from low-dose CT scans of the lungs to improve risk prediction for death from various causes. The study used data from over 20,000 individuals and found that body composition measurements derived from lung screening LDCT were strong predictors of mortality.