Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
Researchers discovered that cytokine APRIL protects against atherosclerosis by binding to proteoglycans in arteries, reducing plaque formation. High levels of non-canonical APRIL (nc-APRIL) in human blood predict risk of cardiovascular death.
A systematic review of federally funded cardiovascular disease trials found that most failed to recruit adequate numbers of Black participants. Despite efforts to improve diversity, enrollment rates have not changed over time, with nearly a quarter of trials not specifying a target percentage of Black enrollees.
Researchers identified distinct epigenetic patterns associated with heart disease in diverse populations, offering potential early warning signs. The study analyzed genome data from four cohorts and found unique methylation points linked to coronary heart disease.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) living in poor or Black metropolitan areas have higher amputation rates. The analysis also noted significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among different racial and socioeconomic groups.
The number of people living with hypertension has doubled from 331 million in 1990 to 626 million women and 652 million men in 2019. Despite being diagnosable and treatable, nearly half of those with hypertension remain unaware or untreated.
The USPSTF has lowered the recommended starting age of screening for type 2 diabetes from 40 to 35. Screening is now recommended for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, particularly those aged 35-70 who are overweight or obese. This recommendation aims to detect and treat these conditions earlier.
A new study found that increasing childhood cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce the adverse effects of metabolic syndrome traits on atherosclerosis. The researchers discovered a two-way connection between arterial health and fat mass, with healthy arteries associated with higher fat mass in children.
The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of pre-test and post-test counseling for families with children undergoing CVD genetic testing. The statement emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address family concerns and provide appropriate follow-up care.
The American Heart Association highlights recommendations to safely manage pain, screen for opioid use disorder, and support treatment. The advisory aims to mitigate the devastating intersection of opioid abuse and cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications found that acute emotional stress combined with chronic anxiety disorder can cause malignant ventricular tachycardia, cardiogenic shock, and even death. The study highlights the importance of psychological management to improve patient outcomes.
Obstructive sleep apnea is common in kids and adolescents, affecting 1-6% of all children and 30-60% of obese adolescents. It can raise blood pressure and link to insulin resistance, abnormal lipids, and cardiovascular health issues. The American Heart Association calls for further studies on the topic.
A new study found that consuming millets can significantly lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and BMI, as well as decrease blood pressure in people who were overweight or obese. The study used meta-analysis to analyze data from 19 studies with nearly 900 participants.
Researchers uncover a neuro-immune process by which brain signals instruct immune function in visceral fat stores, providing new approaches for fighting obesity and related illness. The study identifies a critical mediator of neuro-immune communication, mesenchymal cells, and reveals the molecular messages exchanged across all steps.
Researchers designed a 3D-bioprinted model of a blood vessel that mimics its state of health and disease, enabling more accurate cardiovascular drug advancements. The team's novel nanoengineered bioink offers high printability and ability to protect encapsulated cells.
Researchers at MUSC identify a type of fat called sphingolipid that could predict the severity of heart disease in African American patients with lupus. Higher levels of Lac-Cer are associated with increased disease activity and may have predictive value for patient progression.
A high-fat diet causes inflammation and damages intestinal epithelial cells, leading to the growth of harmful microbes and increased production of trimethylamine-N-oxide, a metabolite associated with cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that restoring intestinal function with a drug can blunt this effect.
A large cross-sectional study in Canada found no association between loud noise exposure and changes in biomarkers for cardiovascular disease or outcomes. However, there were associations found between noise and several biomarkers, but these remained statistically insignificant after adjusting for important variables.
A pilot study at Baylor College of Medicine found that genetic testing led to clinically significant findings in approximately one-third of patients. The results showed a high rate of genetically actionable issues, with implications on patient care and clinical management.
A new study by Staffordshire University found that users of the Heart Age Test (HAT) were more likely to make healthy lifestyle changes. The test aims to provide early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, encouraging users to reduce their heart age through diet and exercise.
A new clinical trial will test a simple breathing exercise for adults with obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension. The study aims to reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health through inspiratory muscle training.
Researchers determined that a woman's 'vascular age' is a better indicator for cardiovascular disease risk than her chronological age or years since menopause. Hormone therapy brings increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but 'vascular age' provides a clearer answer for physicians making decisions about hormone therapy.
The Wayne State LEAP-HTN project aims to improve access and delivery of care for Black adults with high blood pressure living in under-resourced neighborhoods in Detroit. The program deploys mobile health units and community health workers to provide personalized coaching and direct healthcare.
Researchers found that cardiometabolic abnormality, such as hypertension and high cholesterol, were more strongly associated with cognitive function and decline than obesity alone. Individuals with obesity and cardiometabolic abnormality had lower performance results on testing and greater cognitive decline.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...
The American College of Cardiology has issued clinical guidance on reducing ASCVD risk in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, recommending lifestyle intervention and non-statin therapies. The guidance emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition guidance for these patients.
A new study found that machine learning models incorporating social determinants of health can better capture cardiovascular risk and outcomes for diverse groups. The research emphasizes the need for algorithms to include community-level data and studies that consider more diverse populations.
The new center aims to understand the causes of cardiovascular disease and cancer in Blacks, with a focus on identifying early indicators of heart problems from cancer treatment. Research will also investigate how socioeconomic disparities and obesity contribute to increased risk of both conditions.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia discover that copper transporter ATP7A plays a crucial role in new blood vessel formation and restoring blood flow in ischemic cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that increasing and stabilizing ATP7A levels could lead to the development of new treatments for heart attack, peripheral art...
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine investigated the association between cycling and mortality rates among individuals with diabetes. The research suggests that regular cycling may help reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease or any other cause.
Scientists at UCSF have shown that gene-edited cellular therapeutics can effectively treat major diseases such as peripheral artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure. The study used specially engineered induced pluripotent stem cells called HIP cells to evade the immune system.
Regularly consuming a Southern-style diet characterized by added fats, fried foods, eggs, organ meats, processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. In contrast, following a Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and legumes can decrease this risk.
A recent study published in Chinese Medical Journal found that maintaining normal blood pressure over a long period of time significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from a 26-year follow-up of participants and found that cumulative blood pressure levels were a reliable measure of the risk of CVD.
A Finnish-English study published in the Lancet Digital Health found that accelerating risk factor changes can identify high-risk individuals, who may lose 2 to 6 life-years if preventive measures are delayed. An online tool has been developed to study the impact of risk history on estimated cardiovascular disease risk.
A recent Finnish study found that higher levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity can reduce arterial stiffening in childhood. The study, which followed 245 children aged 6-8 years over two years, showed a positive association between increased physical activity and more elastic arteries.
Researchers successfully engineered yeast to produce spermidine, a natural molecule that induces autophagy, in hopes of addressing age-related diseases. The production yield reached 2.3 grams per liter, paving the way for fermentation-based manufacture of polyamines and their analogues.
Researchers found that mutations in cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) cause HCM through unknown mechanisms, altering protein integrity or mechanical properties. This knowledge is crucial for clinical follow-up and treatment of patients and their families.
A study published in Atherosclerosis has found that the build-up of calcium in major blood vessels is linked to a 39% higher risk of serious falls in older women. The research used bone density scans to identify abdominal aortic calcification, which can be detected early on, and may help health professionals to prevent future falls.
Researchers have developed a new AI-powered diagnostic tool using electrocardiograms (ECGs) to diagnose coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. The tool achieved an accuracy of over 98.5% in classifying patients' ECG signals.
Research led by Dr. Satya P. Kunapuli seeks to understand how platelets become activated to form clots that lead to cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack. The study aims to identify molecular differences in platelet genes and proteins to facilitate the discovery of new signaling pathways relevant to cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published by the American Society for Nutrition compared the effects of low-fat and plant-centered diets on cardiovascular health. The research found that a plant-centered diet was associated with a lower long-term risk for cardiovascular disease, although both diets were linked with lower LDL levels.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that regular milk consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The research, which analyzed genetic biomarkers in over 400,000 people, suggests that milk's calcium content may contribute to improved cholesterol levels and reduced cardiovascular risk.
A nationwide study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that eating a plant-based dinner can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 27,000 U.S. adults, discovered that individuals who consumed more whole carbohydrates and unsaturated ...
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that a diet proven to lower elevated blood pressure, known as the DASH diet, reduces inflammation and heart injury. The findings also showed that a low-sodium diet can improve cardiovascular risk factors in a relatively short time period.
A Rensselaer-developed deep learning algorithm can identify patients at risk of cardiovascular disease using low-dose CT scans used for lung cancer screening, potentially expediting diagnoses and accelerating treatments.
Research presents evidence that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women. The study found that measures of social isolation and loneliness should be incorporated into standard care to better understand cardiovascular risk and develop solutions.
The Lancet Commission report outlines 10 recommendations to improve health outcomes for millions of women worldwide and achieve the global targets set. The report aims to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular conditions in women, including heart disease and stroke, which account for 35% of deaths.
A TGen-led study of 70,000 individuals found that both smoking and cardiovascular disease impair verbal learning and memory in adulthood, with sex differences observed. The study suggests that quitting smoking can improve brain function and maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial for preventing cognitive decline.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with heart disease are less likely to receive cholesterol-lowering statin prescriptions later in the day, particularly after 12 pm. The odds of prescription decreased progressively throughout the morning and remained low throughout the afternoon.
Smaller, solo practices that made operational changes, such as training medical assistants for accurate blood pressure readings, saw substantial improvements. Practice facilitation was crucial, with larger practices requiring more facilitation to achieve meaningful gains.
A new study found that vegetarians had significantly lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and higher levels of beneficial biomarkers like HDL cholesterol. However, they also had higher levels of fats and poorer kidney function markers, suggesting a more complex relationship between diet and health.
A study of over 5,000 couples found that individuals with a spouse who has heart disease are more than twice as likely to have heart disease themselves. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use, as well as caregiver stress, were also identified as contributing to this increased risk.
Researchers created a probe that glows when detecting an enzyme associated with blood clots and strokes. The probe, made up of two components, can host fluorescent molecules and detects an increase in fluorescence intensity when the probe comes into contact with the enzyme.
A large study of 345,000 people from 48 trials found that blood pressure-lowering medication lowers the risk of cardiovascular events by around 10% regardless of starting blood pressure level. The research calls for global guidelines to be changed so that anyone with increased risk of cardiovascular disease is considered for treatment.
Research shows that physically active individuals who reach 100 PAI points per week have a lower risk of excessive weight gain. The study, which tracked over 85,000 healthy Norwegians for 20 years, found that maintaining at least 100 PAI points per week can help prevent unhealthy weight gain.
Researchers found that duloxetine inhibited platelet function and protected against clot formation, potentially benefiting patients with both depression and cardiovascular disease. The study aims to develop new drugs based on the structure of duloxetine to protect from thrombosis.
A new study found that people living near fracking sites are at a higher risk of heart attacks, with rates increasing by 1.4-2.8% depending on age group and level of activity. The research also highlights the potential negative impact of fracking on cardiovascular health in rural communities.
Researchers identified two dietary patterns associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death in middle-age. The first pattern includes high intakes of chocolate, confectionary, butter, and white bread, while the second is characterized by high sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juice, and preserves.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has found a clear link between disrupted sleep and an increased risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as death from any cause. Women were found to have nearly double the risk of cardiovascular death compared to men.
Researchers found that almonds contain approximately 20% unabsorbed calories after digestion, which can result in reduced energy absorption and potential weight loss. This finding could alleviate concerns about nuts contributing to weight gain, allowing for healthier snacking options.
New research suggests that HDL particles' anti-inflammatory properties may predict future cardiovascular events, improving risk assessment and prediction. The study found that individuals with lower anti-inflammatory activity in their HDL particles were more likely to experience cardiovascular events.