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Black women of childbearing age more likely to have high blood pressure, raising pregnancy risks

A new study found that Black women of childbearing age are twice as likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure as their white peers, increasing their risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy. Food insecurity was also a significant issue among Black and Hispanic women, with one in four experiencing food insecurity.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 27, 2023

Cleveland Clinic study finds common artificial sweetener linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke

A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that high levels of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers studied over 4,000 people and found those with higher blood erythritol levels were at elevated risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2023

Reproductive factors in women contribute to risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study from Imperial College London finds that earlier first birth, higher number of live births, and starting periods at a younger age increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in women. The researchers hope their findings will help doctors better understand and monitor women's risk factors.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2023

Current air pollution standards tied to higher heart risks

A Kaiser Permanente study of 3.7 million adults found long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, especially in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status. The research lends support for strengthening air quality standards to protect public health.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 24, 2023

Children’s lung capacity improved in cleaner air

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Keck School of Medicine study finds “forever chemicals” disrupt key biological processes

A Keck School of Medicine study found exposure to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' disrupts key biological processes in children and young adults, increasing risk of diseases such as developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of regulating PFAS as a class of chemicals.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Does risk for heart disease start before birth?

Research highlights the intergenerational impact of prepregnancy heart health on offspring, with low pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health linked to pregnancy complications and higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Improving women's heart health before pregnancy could reduce these risks and have a positive impact on future generations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 13, 2023

Research aims to expand understanding of link between chronic stress and heart disease, among other age-related conditions

A University of Massachusetts Amherst epidemiologist is leading a team to better understand the effects of chronic stress on future health risks. They will examine metabolites in blood samples from a large, racially diverse population to identify potential biomarkers for heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.

Heart failure places a great strain on healthcare

A multinational study of over 600,000 heart failure patients found that the disease is relatively fatal, with an average annual death rate of 13%, and results in high healthcare costs. The study also identified new treatment opportunities for heart failure with preserved left ventricular function.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalHeart·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Salt cuts off the energy supply to immune regulators

A new study found that excessive salt intake disrupts the energy metabolism of regulatory T cells, leading to dysfunction. This may have implications for autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. The research suggests that sodium can alter gene expression and trigger malfunctions in mitochondrial energy generation.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Drinking coffee helps maintain low blood pressure

A study published in the journal Nutrients found that regular coffee consumption is associated with lower blood pressure levels, both peripheral and central. The researchers analyzed data from a sample of Italian adults and discovered that moderate coffee drinkers had significantly lower systolic and pulse pressures.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 7, 2023

Playing golf may be just as healthy or better than Nordic walking for older people

A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine suggests that golf may be just as healthy or even healthier than Nordic walking for older adults. The research compared the acute effects of three aerobic exercises: an 18-hole round of golf, 6km of Nordic walking, and a 6km walk. The results showed that all three types of ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2023

Ideal cardiovascular health can help people live longer, finds Chinese Medical Journal study

A large-scale observational study from China demonstrates a strong link between ideal cardiovascular health and lower mortality rates. Individuals with higher scores on behavioral and medical factors had approximately a 50% lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and respiratory mortality compared to those with lower scores.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Spanish scientists identify a new therapeutic target in macrophages for the treatment of obesity-related diseases

Macrophages adapt their metabolism according to the organ they reside in, reveals Spanish scientists. This discovery highlights a vulnerability of macrophages that contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases and could be exploited therapeutically for conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

PRESS RELEASE: Elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is related to increased cardiovascular events

A recent study from the University of Bergen found that elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with suspected or verified coronary heart disease. Higher plasma MMA levels were linked to reduced renal function and low vitamin B12 status, but also p...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Self-help metacognitive therapy – which aims to reduce rumination – significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms in recovering heart disease patients, according to new randomized controlled trial

A new randomized controlled trial found that self-help metacognitive therapy significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms in recovering heart disease patients. The study suggests this treatment approach may be beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular disease who struggle with rumination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2023

World-first guidelines created to help prevent heart complications in children during cancer treatment

The world's first international clinical guidelines have been created to prevent and treat heart complications in children undergoing cancer treatment. The guidelines cover cardiovascular disease assessment, screening, and follow-up for pediatric patients receiving various cancer treatments.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJACC Advances·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 29, 2023

Pre-eclampsia linked with four-fold higher risk of heart attack in decade after delivery

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that pre-eclampsia is associated with a four-fold higher risk of heart attack and stroke within a decade after delivery. Women who had pre-eclampsia, especially those aged 30-39 or over 50, were at significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2023

Dartmouth-led study finds that team-based coaching reduces risks of acute kidney injury after heart procedures

A Dartmouth-led study found that team-based coaching significantly improves the risk of acquiring post-procedural acute kidney injury (AKI) when compared to other interventions. The Collaborative with Surveillance intervention reduced the odds of AKI by 46 percent, making it a promising approach to address this prevalent adverse event.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 19, 2023

University of Cincinnati research shows health benefits from Jewish tradition

A study published in PLOS ONE found that wearing tefillin, a traditional Jewish practice, can induce preconditioning associated changes in heart rate variability, leading to lower metabolism and potential protection against heart attacks. The research suggests this low-intensity method of protection could be a game changer for cardiova...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

COVID-19 patients retain elevated risk of death for at least 18 months after infection

A recent study published in Cardiovascular Research found that COVID-19 patients experienced higher risks of cardiovascular disease and death in the short- and long-term. The study analyzed data from nearly 160,000 participants and revealed that the risk of death remained elevated for at least 18 months after infection.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Reducing total calories may be more effective for weight loss than intermittent fasting

A six-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that reducing overall calorie intake was a stronger determinant of weight change than meal timing. The research suggests that limiting total eating window during the day may not be as effective for controlling weight as previously thought.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 18, 2023

Deep meditation may alter gut microbes for better health

A study found that Tibetan Buddhist monks with long-term deep meditation practice had distinct gut microbiome profiles, associated with lower risks of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Their gut microbiota was enriched with beneficial bacteria that may influence mental health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2023

Research brief: New “burden-free” study method finds two blood pressure drugs equally effective

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School conducted a large clinical trial comparing two commonly prescribed generic drugs, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. The study found that both medications were equally effective in preventing cardiovascular disease and non-cancer death, contradicting current clinical guidel...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2023