Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A large-scale Finnish trial found that taking high doses of vitamin D (1600-3200 IU/day) for five years did not decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease or cancer. The study's findings support the recommendation of 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day for adult Finns, but do not suggest using large doses as a preventive measure.
Researchers at the CNIC have identified a specific type of neutrophil behavior that predicts cardiovascular disease. The study provides crucial information for developing targeted therapies to minimize the consequences of myocardial infarction.
Aspirin use in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease should be individualized based on benefit-to-risk assessment, not age. The authors' updated meta-analysis shows a 13% reduction in cardiovascular disease with similar benefits at older ages.
African American adults in Minnesota have nearly double the rate of death from cardiovascular disease compared to their white counterparts. The study found that basic health beliefs and demographics are associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.
A Colorado State University study analyzed global health data to identify the leading causes of deaths and disabilities in the state from 1990 to 2019. Cardiovascular disease and cancers accounted for half of the deaths, while musculoskeletal disorders and tobacco use were also significant contributors.
A study of over 6,000 women found that US-born Black women are at higher risk of preeclampsia, but this is not solely due to their racial background. Factors such as biology, social and cultural elements, and access to healthcare also play a role in this disparity.
Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified the gut microbial gene cluster responsible for converting carnitine into TMAO, which promotes heart disease and stroke. The study found that dietary modifications may help reduce diet- and TMAO-associated cardiovascular disease risk by targeting the gbu gene cluster.
A University of Birmingham-led study found that patients with a recorded history of gum disease are at higher risk of developing mental ill-health (37%), autoimmune diseases (33%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and cardiometabolic disorders, particularly Type 2 diabetes (26%). The study used UK primary care data to explore the associat...
A recent study found significant inequities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), a medication typically used for treating diabetes, among different racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, showed that Black patients were 19% less likely to have a GLP-1 RA prescription compared to white patients.
Middle-aged women with higher self-compassion had thinner carotid artery walls and less plaque buildup, linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk. The findings persisted even when controlling for behaviors and psychological factors.
A major international study found that stress is a key global risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with severe stress increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 22-30%. The study followed 118,706 individuals in 21 countries over ten years.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that omega-3 fatty acids activate the GPR32 receptor, which reduces inflammation in blood vessels and prevents atherosclerosis. This breakthrough discovery paves the way for new strategies to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease using omega-3 fatty acids.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that overweight youth are developing signs of artery stiffness, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Researchers measured visceral fat levels and arterial stiffness in over 600 children, adolescents, and young adults, revealing higher levels of visceral fat and arterial ...
Researchers found that up to one in five patients experience increased troponin levels after major surgery, indicating potential heart damage. These patients were also more likely to be anaemic before the operation.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people with both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea are at a higher risk of heart problems and mortality. Participants with co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea were two times more likely to have high blood pressure and 70% more likely to have cardiovascular disease.
Scientists at Kumamoto University have developed a novel peptide vaccine that improves obesity-related dyslipidemia and may be cost-effective. The vaccine targets angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and has been shown to reduce dyslipidemia in mice, producing antibodies that last for six months.
A large population study from Lund University found that a sustainable diet is associated with lower risks of premature death. The EAT-Lancet diet, which emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, and pulses, was linked to a 25% lower risk of total mortality and specific causes like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The study found that the ban of heating oil #6 was effective in reducing fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in NYC. The reductions were independent of other sources of air pollution, suggesting a significant impact on public health outcomes.
Researchers found a rare genetic mutation in Black Americans is associated with an earlier onset of heart failure and a higher risk of hospitalization. The study suggests that early screening for the mutation could lead to faster treatment and improved outcomes for this vulnerable group.
Researchers have developed a polygenic risk score using diverse genomic data to predict elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. This improves identification of genomic variants associated with blood lipid levels and provides a more accurate estimate of individual risk for heart disease.
Researchers developed an AI-powered system to model disease progression in patients as they age. The model assesses metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers to calculate health status and disease risks across a patient's lifespan.
Children with autism spectrum disorder should be screened for abnormally high or low cholesterol levels, according to physicians. Research found reduced HDL-C levels in individuals with ASD, indicating a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
A daily dose of yoghurt has been found to be associated with lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. The study, conducted on 915 community-dwelling adults, found that even small amounts of yoghurt were linked to significant reductions in blood pressure.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and higher blood pressure. Increasing vitamin D levels in deficient individuals may prevent up to 4.4% of all CVD cases, according to the research.
Women with breast implants after mastectomy are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to chemotherapy and radiation. Inaccuracies in cardiac imaging studies, such as echocardiography and nuclear tests, have been reported in some cases.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that maternal hypertension genes influence infant birth weight through effects on the placenta. The researchers analyzed fetal growth data and found a significant association between maternal genetic risk score and placental weight.
A study of HIV-positive black and Latino men found that methamphetamine use combined with intimate partner violence boosts inflammatory and antiviral genes, leading to immune system exhaustion. This combination may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other disorders.
A study by CIBERDEM and IBIMA found a significant association between long-term exposure to particulate matter pollution and the incidence of high blood pressure. The research, published in Scientific Reports, monitored 1103 people over 8 years, with 282 cases of incident high blood pressure recorded.
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that individuals with a resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute or higher had a 55% higher risk of dementia. The association remained significant after adjusting for other cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a potential link between elevated heart rate and cognitive decline.
Researchers found that increased physical activity reduced mortality risk in all groups, but health benefits plateaued in healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular risk factors. In contrast, cardiovascular disease patients showed no further benefit beyond a certain volume of physical activity.
A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC finds that Medicaid expansion is associated with a significant reduction in mortality rates. The study, which tracked data from 2014-2018, found that expanding Medicaid coverage resulted in an estimated 3.8% decrease in adult deaths per year.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found a strong link between the apoB/apoA-1 ratio and cardiovascular disease. Individuals with higher ratios had a greater risk of severe cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
A UC Riverside-led study found that dicyclohexyl phthalate, a common plasticizer, increases plasma cholesterol levels by binding to the pregnane X receptor, or PXR. The study suggests that PXR activation contributes to the harmful effects of plastic-associated chemicals on cardiovascular health.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights how major life events, such as starting school or entering retirement, can negatively impact physical activity levels and heart health. The statement emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address this issue and provides guidance for healthcare professionals to pro...
A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä found that physically active lifestyle mitigates unfavourable changes in metabolic health during menopause. Menopausal transition is associated with increased abdominal fat mass, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
A novel detection system has been developed to detect skin cholesterol, providing a non-invasive method for long-term lipid management of cardiovascular diseases. The system uses fluorescent reagent to bind to skin cholesterol, allowing for accurate measurement of cholesterol content.
A study by the Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S. found that consuming ultra-processed foods significantly increases the risk of a second heart attack or fatal stroke in people with cardiovascular diseases, even if they follow the Mediterranean diet.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that patients with type 2 diabetes often do not receive adequate cholesterol-lowering treatment, despite guidelines recommending statin prescriptions for elevated LDL-C levels. Women tend to have higher average LDL-C levels and receive less statin treatment than men.
Research from Harvard University reveals that physical activity later in life shifts energy towards mechanisms that extend health, reducing chronic illnesses. The study highlights the importance of staying physically active as we age to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow down deterioration.
Extreme heat events are associated with a greater risk of death from ischemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Preventive strategies aim to reduce hyperthermia and dehydration to minimize cardiovascular risk during extreme heat events.
A nationwide observational study published in Circulation found that lower levels of income and education are associated with reduced chances of survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study analyzed data from 31,373 cases of OHCA between 2010 and 2017, showing a correlation that was observed in both men and women.
A novel detection system developed by Chinese researchers can non-invasively detect skin cholesterol levels, a close proxy for LDL-C and apoB serum measurements. This innovation may help long-term lipid management of CVDs, providing an alternative to invasive blood lipid detection methods.
A recent study published in Hypertension suggests that adolescent arterial stiffness may increase the risk of systolic and diastolic hypertension by 20% and 2-fold, respectively, seven years later. Higher arterial stiffness levels were also associated with an increased risk of abdominal and whole-body obesity.
Researchers found that cerebral palsy patients with low muscle mass often have inaccurately calculated kidney function, leading to missed diagnoses of advanced kidney disease. This association increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in this population.
The European Society of Cardiology has published guidance for diagnosing and managing cardiovascular disease in patients with COVID-19. The two-part document provides practical information and advice to help clinicians care for patients affected by the pandemic.
A recent study published in Circulation found that patients receiving a combination of antiplatelet drugs for many months (up to 2.5 years) after stent procedures may not receive the full benefit of treatment. The researchers compared characteristics of 8,864 patients from an older trial to 568,540 contemporary patients and determined ...
Recent clinical and experimental data suggest that vascular calcification and bone loss share common pathophysiological mechanisms. The International Osteoporosis Foundation's new review elucidates the key associations between the two disorders.
A new UCL-led study found that people who survived childhood cancer have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, infections, and disorders of the immune system by age 45. The study also suggests that cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy face greater long-term health effects.
A new study by Intermountain Healthcare finds that nearly 40% of patients reported new or continuing symptoms of depression during the pandemic. This increase in depression was associated with higher emergency department visits for anxiety and chest pain, highlighting the negative impact of the pandemic on physical and mental well-being.
A NIH-funded study found that patients with a two-step surgical approach for 'leaky heart valves' had better short-term outcomes, but were more likely to need a pacemaker. The procedure involved repairing the tricuspid valve at the time of mitral valve surgery, and results showed reduced risk of death, reoperation, or severe regurgitat...
A study of 35 low- and middle-income countries found that less than one-third of individuals with high cholesterol received treatment. This highlights the inadequate care for hypercholesterolemia in these regions, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
A Cleveland Clinic study shows that bariatric surgery significantly lowers the risk of progression to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver-related death. Bariatric surgery also reduces the risk of developing serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Pollution has been linked to nine million deaths worldwide in 2019, with five million due to cardiovascular disease. The researchers emphasize the need for individual physicians to consider pollution as a risk factor when treating patients, and advocate for government-supported interventions to reduce exposure.
Two leading US physicians urge doctors to screen patients for exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, recommending interventions to limit exposure and improve cardiovascular health. Governments also have a primary responsibility to adopt technologies and regulations that reduce air pollution.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found that low levels of microRNA-210 in red blood cells cause vascular damage in type 2 diabetes. The reduction in microRNA-210 levels impaired blood vessel endothelial cell function and led to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Primary care practices showed significant improvements in cardiovascular quality measures after receiving QI training. The study suggests that light facilitation can support important changes in small practices, leading to better patient outcomes.
A study found that consuming high amounts of herbs and spices daily can lead to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The researchers discovered that adding just 1.3 teaspoons of herbs and spices a day to an average American diet resulted in lower blood pressure after four weeks.
A study found that Hispanic adults with peripheral artery disease are 80% more likely to access inpatient care through the emergency room, leading to longer and more costly hospitalizations. This disparity highlights the need for improved outpatient care and education among this population to manage PAD effectively.
A new study tracked the spread of a genetic mutation that causes young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents over centuries. The research found that the mutation was passed down from Northern Europe to other parts of the world through migration, and identified a specific gene, KCNQ1, as the cause of the disease.
A study published in The Lancet found that using physiologic measurement quantitative flow ratio (QFR) for lesion selection during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) leads to better clinical outcomes compared to standard angiography-guided strategies. This is due to fewer procedural complications and superior long-term results.