Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A study funded by NIH found that women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy had a 63% increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life. Early screening and monitoring in targeted areas can help delay or prevent future cardiovascular events among these women.
A recent study in CMAJ found that nearly half of Canadian drownings were caused by pre-existing medical conditions, with seizure disorders posing a significant risk. Young women aged 20-34 with seizure disorders were particularly vulnerable, facing a risk 23 times higher than the general population.
Research published in Circulation Journal Report found no cardiovascular disease benefits among adults using both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. E-cigarette use was associated with lower self-reported cardiovascular events compared to traditional cigarette smoking, but more data are needed for long-term evidence.
A study of 4,177 Black women found that higher education levels were associated with lower allostatic loads, indicating reduced chronic stress. Women with college degrees had lower rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Adults with student loan debt face a higher risk of cardiovascular illness and may experience undermined health benefits from post-secondary education. Researchers analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and found that those who took on new debt or consistently had debt had higher CVD risk scores.
Research reveals mental illness disrupts autonomic functions, leading to greater blood pressure variations during the day. People with mental health issues often experience reduced heart rate variation, indicating poor stress response and exacerbating chronic stress effects.
A modified cardiac rehabilitation program has been shown to reduce mortality rates among stroke survivors by 76%. The program, which includes medically supervised exercise and therapy, improves functional capacity, mobility, self-care, and cognition. This finding has the potential to change the future of stroke care.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism involving the oxidation of cysteines in titin protein that modulates cardiac stiffness and dynamics. This discovery sheds light on how the heart adapts to various situations and responds to oxidative balance disorders.
A study led by Richard Isaacson found that individualized, multi-domain interventions improved cognition and reduced Alzheimer's risk in both men and women. Women demonstrated greater improvements in certain risk scores and biomarkers compared to men.
Researchers used lipidomics to identify lipids associated with cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, finding a link between unsaturated fatty acids in the diet and reduced risk. The study's findings support replacing saturated fats with unsaturated ones for preventing these diseases.
A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.
The USPSTF recommends against initiating low-dose aspirin use for primary prevention of CVD in adults 60+, but suggests its use for those with a 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk. The net benefit is small, and those willing to take daily aspirin are more likely to benefit.
A large observational study found that calcium supplements increased the risk of death and cardiovascular disease in older adults with aortic valve stenosis. The study, published in the journal Heart, suggests that long-term continuous calcium supplementation should be avoided for patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that people with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Cognitive function may predict a person's future risk of heart disease, according to researchers.
A new study finds that people with faster accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia or vascular dementia compared to those with stable risk factors. Researchers suggest earlier interventions could be effective in preventing further memory decline.
A study of nearly 6.4 million adults found a significant association between the 2020 US presidential election and acute cardiovascular disease hospitalizations. The research suggests that the stress and anxiety caused by the election may have triggered increased hospitalizations for cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers found that gamification increased daily steps by an average of 647 for postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, demonstrates the effectiveness of text-based gamification interventions to improve physical activity among high-risk postpartum women.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 108 studies found that people with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, have twice the cardiovascular-related mortality rate as the general population. The association has grown stronger over recent decades, with a possible link to changes in antipsychotic use and smoking prevalence.
A new study published in PLOS ONE finds that high and very high cardiovascular risk are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in women. The researchers used data from a Mediterranean Diet trial and found that participants with higher cardiovascular risk had lower depressive status scores after following the diet.
A study of nearly a million adults in England found that those at risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years are substantially more likely to become seriously unwell with COVID-19. People with elevated cardiovascular risk were six times as likely to die from COVID-19 and had three times the risk of hospitalization, according...
Researchers found that adolescents who consumed ultra-processed foods were more likely to be obese, having abdominal and visceral obesity. The study used data from 3,587 US adolescents aged 12-19, dividing them into three groups based on the amount of ultra-processed foods in their diets.
Current guidelines for treating women's obesity, hypertension and diabetes are based on men's studies. Researchers call for sex-specific guidelines to accurately treat these conditions in women, as they have different risk factors and manifestations.
A study published in the Ochsner Journal found that 28.2% of current smokers reported increased tobacco use during the pandemic, while former smokers experienced no relapse. Researchers identified correlates of increased tobacco use, including mental health concerns and coping strategies.
Adults with a history of allergic disorders are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Asthma is the primary contributor to this risk, particularly among Black male adults.
The American College of Cardiology is partnering with the Korean Society of Cardiology to host ACC Asia 2022 Together with KSC Spring Conference. The conference aims to critically examine emerging trends in cardiovascular care and share evidence-based strategies for improving heart health.
Researchers found that metal concentrations were particularly elevated in CWSs serving semi-urban, Hispanic communities, highlighting environmental justice concerns. Arsenic, barium, chromium, selenium, and uranium concentrations were also disproportionately elevated.
Researchers found that cereal fiber, but not fruit or vegetable fibers, was associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults. The study used data from a large cohort of elderly individuals and confirmed previous associations between dietary fiber and CVD.
A study tracking children for up to half a century found five childhood risk factors predict fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in adulthood. The findings emphasize the importance of preventive strategies starting in childhood.
Dr. Valentin Fuster is receiving the inaugural 'Valentin Fuster Award for Innovation in Science' at the ACC's 71st Annual Scientific Session. The award honors his contributions to cardiovascular medicine and scientific research.
Researchers found smokers have significantly lower A1AT levels, which may reduce cardiac tissue protection during a heart attack. No difference was detected in hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed a novel nuclear microRNA, miR-466c, that regulates vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression in response to hypoxia. The drug has commercial relevance for treating ischemic cardiovascular disease by increasing VEGFA levels.
A study by Alisa Auer and Petra Wirtz found that men with essential hypertension are more likely to recognize angry expressions when looking at others' faces. This 'anger recognition bias' contributes to increased blood pressure over time if someone experiences high levels of anger.
The University of Minnesota Medical School has been awarded two $3.25 million and $3.25 million NIH grants to study cardiovascular health among a diverse population of school-aged children. The research, led by Jerica Berge, will address social and structural determinants of health in primary care settings.
A new analysis reveals that salt substitutes are not only effective in reducing stroke risk but also cost-saving, with costs outweighing the cost of the intervention. The study found a 14% reduction in stroke risk and 13% reduction in strokes and heart attacks combined.
A large prospective study found a positive association between higher avocado consumption and lower cardiovascular events. Avocados contain healthy fats and other favorable components that support good cardiovascular health.
A study identifies new biomarkers that predict the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, providing a non-invasive way to detect cardiovascular disease. The research team analyzed blood plasma samples and validated three proteins as biomarkers, improving the prediction of cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at UConn Health found that deleting TRPM2 from macrophages in mice reduced atherosclerosis by inhibiting the TRPM2–CD36 inflammatory axis. This approach prevented foamy macrophages and alleviated inflammation in arteries.
A randomized controlled study found that lack of sufficient sleep increased calorie intake and visceral fat area by 9% and 11%, respectively. The study suggests that inadequate sleep is a previously unrecognized trigger for visceral fat deposition, potentially contributing to obesity and metabolic diseases.
A large study published in JAMA Network Open found no evidence that light alcohol consumption provides heart-related health benefits, instead suggesting lifestyle factors common among moderate drinkers contribute to the observed benefit. The study linked high-risk cardiovascular disease across all levels of alcohol intake.
A new study by the American College of Cardiology reveals that exercise nearly doubles the cardiovascular benefit for individuals with depression or anxiety. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by up to 22% in those with anxiety and depression, compared to 10% for those without these con...
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 3 heart attack survivors experience significant mental decline in the days and months following their heart attack. Cognitive deficits can impact quality of life and treatment adherence, emphasizing the need for cardiologists to monitor patients regularly.
A study found that living near high levels of transportation noise increases the risk of heart attack by 72%, with 5% of hospitalizations attributable to elevated noise levels. Noise exposure can cause chronic stress, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress, leading to cardiovascular health issues.
A study finds that extreme heat is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality, particularly among men and non-Hispanic Black adults. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,100 counties in the US and found that each additional day of extreme heat was linked to an average of 600-700 additional deaths per year.
A comprehensive literature review found that consuming plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich in walnuts and flaxseeds can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 10% and fatal coronary heart disease risk by 20%. ALA may also benefit heart health when combined with other omega-3s.
Researchers at CNIC discover that bone marrow activation is an early event in the development of atherosclerosis, leading to inflammation and plaque formation. The study identifies metabolic syndrome as a key trigger for this process.
Researchers identified three NAFLD subtypes with unique lipidomic profiles and varying cardiovascular disease risk. Subtype A shows a lower CVD risk profile, differing from other subtypes, which may explain variation in hepatic versus cardiovascular outcomes.
A clinical trial found that daily cranberry consumption improved flow-mediated dilation, a biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk, in healthy men. Cranberries' unique proanthocyanidins may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that a cocoa flavanol supplement reduced cardiovascular death by 27% and total cardiovascular events by 10%. The study also showed no significant effect on cancer risk. Further investigation is warranted to understand the effects of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular health.
A new retrospective cohort study analyzed data from over 4.5 million adult cancer patients, revealing a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular mortality and events following a new cancer diagnosis. The study highlights the need for a collaborative approach to healthcare for cancer patients and survivors.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa developed a spray-on technology using customized nanogold and peptides that can restore heart function and electrical conductivity in damaged hearts. The therapy showed promising results in lab mice, with no off-target organ infiltration by tiny gold particles.
Researchers found that post-COVID patients displayed altered autonomic nervous system functioning, with increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity. Obesity and physical inactivity were key factors contributing to these changes.
New research suggests that routine mammograms can provide key insights into a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that detection of breast arterial calcifications on mammograms was associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke in postmenopausal women.
Researchers found that impaired kidney function is preferentially associated with cardioembolic stroke in a large cohort of patients. Low filtration rates and high urine protein levels predicted increased risk of cardioembolic stroke, disability, and mortality.
A study of insurance claims data found that state laws governing opioid prescribing had a negligible effect on opioid prescribing trends. The authors suggest that shifting clinical guidelines, professional norms, or other factors may be driving the decline in opioid prescribing. In contrast, a post-hoc analysis of an ASPREE trial found...
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the link between high cholesterol and heart disease may not be as strong as previously thought. The research suggests that statins may have a modest benefit for some individuals, but this benefit varies depending on personal risk factors.
A new study found that consuming a balanced diet with proteins from various different sources may help prevent the development of high blood pressure. The analysis involved nearly 12,200 adults in China and found an association between protein variety score and reduced risk of new-onset hypertension.
The International Lipid Expert Panel recommends a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and managing muscle symptoms caused by statins. The 'nocebo/drucebo' effect, where patients experience side effects due to expectation, affects up to 70% of diagnosed statin intolerance cases.
Researchers found that elevated blood levels of two cardiovascular markers are associated with higher risks of cardiovascular problems in psoriatic disease patients. The study suggests a potential clinical tool for assessing heart health, but ordering tests is not recommended for asymptomatic patients.
A new analysis by University of Copenhagen researchers found that a Nordic diet has positive health benefits regardless of weight loss. The diet's unique fat composition, high in omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fats, plays a significant role in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
A landmark study published in JAMA reveals that hurricanes and tropical cyclones in the US are associated with increased deaths from various causes, including injuries, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. The study analyzed 33.6 million death records and found a significant increase in mortality rates after tropical cyc...