Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
Research supports strong relationship between ceramides and diseases in animals and humans. Ceramides are standalone biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, independent of cholesterol.
A study found that cardiopulmonary exercise testing is highly applicable for early detection of respiratory disorders in obese individuals. The test assesses physiological responses to exercise and identifies potential issues before symptoms appear.
A recent study published by The Menopause Society suggests that eating alone may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease in older women. Older women who eat alone have poorer nutritional knowledge and intake, as well as a higher prevalence of angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have made a major advance in understanding dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a common and fatal heart disorder. The largest single cause of DCM involves the mutation of the gene that encodes titin, leading to abnormalities in heart muscle cells.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sharply curtailed scientific research globally, with nearly all labs closing in 2020 and many clinical trials halted. The American Heart Association calls for increased federal funding to rebuild the research enterprise, targeting early career investigators, women, and underrepresented groups.
Women face unique socioeconomic barriers that set back their cardiovascular health early in life, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke. These disparities can be mitigated through policy changes, community support, and diversification within the cardiology workforce.
A new canine mutant model mimics human cerebrovascular disease by exhibiting severe arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and stroke. The ApoE knockout dogs show extensive and severe arteriosclerosis plaques and arterial stenosis, consistent with human cerebral arteries and coronary arteries.
The MIPACT study analyzed data from thousands of participants, revealing differences in heart rate, blood pressure, and activity levels by age, race, ethnicity, and clinical conditions. The study's findings have significant implications for clinicians, providing a more complete picture of daily life and resulting health.
A recent study has discovered genetic markers associated with high levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the blood, a toxin linked to sepsis and cardiovascular diseases. The research also found a connection between LPS levels and blood coagulation disorders, such as thromboembolism and stroke.
Researchers create maps of senescence in heart and lung cells, comparing different types of senescent cells across the lifespan. The goal is to understand how senescent cells contribute to age-related diseases and develop therapies called senolytics.
Research links Social Vulnerability Index scores with higher rates of cardiovascular disease death in young and middle-aged adults. The study highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions to address social risks in socially vulnerable communities.
Researchers have discovered three new genetic variants linked to fibromuscular dysplasia, which affects women in their prime and is often associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. The study provides new insights into the disease's genetic basis and potential therapeutic targets.
A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that increasing steps per day, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, or reducing sedentary time can improve cardiorespiratory fitness. Individuals with higher-than-average activity levels had better fitness regardless of sedentary time spent.
Researchers found that regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet in mice helped counteract the negative effects of a high-fat, high-calorie diet. The study suggests that this diet may have potential as 'medicine' to prevent obesity and heart disease.
The study provides a unique genomic blueprint for understanding the complex mechanisms linking obesity with comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The Ossabaw pig's genome is highly relevant to humans, making it an ideal model for studying human obesity.
A large population study found that statin treatment was associated with a slightly lower risk of dying from COVID-19. The results suggest a moderate prophylactic effect on mortality, supporting the continued use of statins for conditions like cardiovascular disease and high blood lipids.
A high intake of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils, is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and diseases of the heart and blood vessels. However, further studies are needed to confirm the association with cancer mortality.
A new study found that women whose menstrual cycle length increased two years before menopause had better vascular health than those with stable cycles. Changes in cycle length may predict cardiovascular disease risk, allowing clinicians to recommend preventive strategies.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming whole fat milk has no negative impact on children's health. The research, which involved 49 healthy children aged four to six, showed that both groups consumed similar amounts of calories and fat.
Researchers found a chemical inhibitor of PDE9 stimulates cells to burn more fat in mice, reducing obesity and fatty liver. The study's findings suggest the experimental drug may be effective in treating severe obesity and improving heart function.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found a significant inverse relationship between oral health and COVID-19 severity, as well as delayed recovery and increased inflammation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Researchers recommend maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent or decrease COVID-19 disease severity.
Researchers at the University of Surrey discovered that red blood cells generate an electric field voltage outside and not just within biological cells. This has significant potential implications for future medical treatments, particularly in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and fertility treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise may be associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure. The correlation appears to be greater in people who are former smokers or have high blood pressure.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a carbohydrate called mannose as a biomarker for severe COVID-19 disease severity. The study found that glycolysis and glutaminolysis play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's spread and growth, providing potential new therapeutic strategies.
The Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity aims to address significant disparities in the Asian community's relationship with heart health and mental health. The center will focus on cardiometabolic disease and mental health research to inform practice and policy at local, regional, and national levels.
The ACC Middle East 2021 conference will showcase the latest evidence-based strategies for improving heart health in the Middle East. The event features presentations from renowned experts on the most impactful clinical trials and contemporary best practices in treating cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have found a specific protein, circulating fatty acid synthase (cFAS), in the blood that can accurately detect severe peripheral artery disease and narrow the arteries in the legs. The study suggests that cFAS may contribute to plaque formation characteristic of cardiovascular disease.
A Canadian study found a significant decrease in cardiac procedures during the pandemic, resulting in higher wait list mortality rates. Despite no increase in wait times, patients with heart disease were at higher risk of dying while waiting for their procedure.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores methods to reduce sodium in bread, including salt reduction, physical modification, sodium replacements, and flavor enhancers. The researchers recommend a combination of these methods for optimal results.
A University of Illinois study found that parental income has a lasting impact on children's health, with lower socioeconomic status linked to increased risk of obesity and related conditions. Permanent income is associated with parents' general socioeconomic conditions, while transitory peaks during adolescence can promote better health.
An international study involving almost 10,000 patients with type 2 diabetes found that women are less likely to reach recommended treatment targets for cardiovascular prevention, such as statins and blood pressure medications. However, women were less likely to experience adverse cardiovascular outcomes apart from stroke.
Research suggests that people sensitive to stress hormones are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, with markers indicating increased risk of stroke and heart attack. A novel proteomic signature may help identify these individuals and inform stress management strategies.
The ACC Quality Summit Virtual brings together clinicians, administrators, and quality professionals to translate data into achieving quality care. Key findings include innovative health care strategies and exceptional leadership, as showcased by the 2021 Ray Bahr Award of Excellence winner.
A new study using quantitative meta-analysis found a significant association between sexual violence and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Childhood sexual abuse was particularly linked to poorer cardiovascular health outcomes.
A new study based on SWAN data suggests that a higher radiodensity of perivascular adipose tissue in midlife women is associated with worse working memory performance later in life. The quality, not quantity, of cardiovascular fat may serve as a novel biomarker for cognitive function status.
A new study finds that left-sided breast cancer radiation therapy increases the risk of coronary artery disease in younger survivors, with a significant increase in risk seen at 10.5% for those who received left-sided radiation therapy compared to 5.8% for right-sided.
Increasing physical activity and improving fitness are superior to weight loss in reducing mortality risk and treating obesity-related health conditions. Employing a weight-neutral approach also reduces the risks associated with yo-yo dieting.
A new study suggests that failing to meet sleep recommendations can lead to higher intake of non-meal calories, including carbohydrates, added sugar, fats, and caffeine. Adults who don't get enough sleep tend to make poorer snacking choices, such as reaching for salty snacks and sweets.
A common blood test could identify patients with schizophrenia at high risk for cardiovascular disease, enabling early intervention. Elevated white blood cell counts are suspected to be a signal, and a large-scale analysis of over 20,000 patients will examine its associations.
A Finnish study discovered a positive association between standing and improved insulin sensitivity in adults with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers found that increasing daily standing time can help prevent chronic diseases, even if physical activity recommendations are not met.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery about cells' 'batteries,' revealing how they sense problems and perform quality control on mitochondrial function. This finding could lead to better treatments for non-communicable diseases, which are estimated to cause 71% of all deaths.
A study published in Stroke Journal Report found that eating 4-5 peanuts per day lowers the risk of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease among Japanese men and women. Peanuts are rich in heart-healthy nutrients that help reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A large European study found that prolonged exposure to even low levels of air pollution can increase the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon were linked to adverse cardiovascular effects, with no safe thresholds detected.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people living with HIV are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those without the virus. The study analyzed data from over 144,000 veterans and found that 26% of those who died from sudden cardiac death had HIV.
A 34-year follow-up study found that the coexistence of hypertension and fatty liver disease did not exceed their separate effects on mortality. The study suggests a negative interaction between the two conditions on cardiovascular death in non-diabetic men.
Patients treated by mobile stroke units had faster anti-clot medication delivery and less disability at 90 days compared to standard ambulance care, according to a study published in NEJM. The trial, which enrolled over 1,500 patients, showed that MSU-treated patients were more likely to receive tPA and have better mortality rates.
Researchers found that remnant cholesterol levels above 24 micrograms per deciliter were associated with a 40-50% higher risk of major heart disease or stroke. The study suggests using remnant cholesterol as an additional metric for predicting cardiovascular disease and stroke risk, in addition to LDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a 3D model of the human artery blood vessel wall to study atherosclerosis. The model, called an 'arterial wall-on-a-chip', helps understand how cholesterol and inflammatory cells contribute to the disease.
A study of over 20,000 medical records found pregnant women with regurgitant or 'leaky' heart valves are up to 100 times more likely to experience cardiac complications during delivery. Women with any type of valve disease should receive increased screening and attention before and during pregnancy.
Adults with heart disease living in rural areas experience higher levels of hopelessness and an increased risk of death. The study found that living in a rural setting is a significant risk factor for feelings of hopelessness among people with heart disease, which can more than triple the risk of death or heart attack.
A new study found that women are experiencing a greater increase in non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as work stress and sleep disorders, compared to men. The trend coincides with an increase in women working full-time, highlighting the need for prevention strategies to address these emerging risks.
Research published in JAMA Network Open found that preterm infants with higher exposure to their mother's breast milk had enhanced cardiac function at one year of age, approaching values seen in healthy full-term infants. Exclusive breast milk consumption was associated with normalization of heart traits and lower lung pressures.
A new study from Uppsala University found that genetic tests are more accurate than traditional blood tests in determining the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed data from 500,000 subjects and discovered a significant link between blood group genetics and coagulation proteins.
The FIGARO-DKD trial found that finerenone improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. Finerenone reduced the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by 13%, largely driven by a 29% reduction in hospitalization for heart failure.
A new project aims to create a cell atlas of the pediatric heart, filling the knowledge gap in molecular mechanisms involved in childhood death causes. Researchers will analyze healthy heart tissue from children using single-cell analysis and gene expression studies.
A two-year randomized controlled trial found that eating about ½ cup of walnuts daily modestly lowered LDL-cholesterol levels and reduced small LDL particles in healthy, older adults. The study suggests that walnuts can improve cardiovascular health by improving the quality of LDL particles.
The European Society of Cardiology's new guidelines emphasize the importance of individualized risk estimation and tailored treatment approaches to prevent cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation as key measures to reduce CVD risk.
A combination therapy of aspirin, statins, and at least two blood pressure medications cuts the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease by over half. The treatment strategy, known as a polypill, is consistent in benefits across different blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels, and diabetes status.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine studied 2,000 participants and found dedicated exercise was three times more efficient than walking alone in improving fitness. Higher steps/day and exercising time could partially offset the negative effects of being sedentary.