Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
High blood pressure during and after exercise is associated with a higher risk of hypertension, preclinical cardiovascular disease, and death in middle-aged to older adults. Regular physical activity and monitoring blood pressure numbers can help lower this risk.
Researchers found that patients with peripheral artery disease or stroke were less likely than those with coronary artery disease to receive recommended treatments to prevent heart attack. Lifestyle changes and medication, including statins and aspirin, are crucial for all three types of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Research shows low-income adults are less likely to receive preventive heart disease care, including cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Socioeconomic disparities worsen during crises like COVID-19, highlighting the need for city-level interventions and public health policies to address these gaps.
The American College of Cardiology and global partners will host a Week of Action from May 18 to 24 to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases. The event celebrates the launch of the ACC's NCD Academy, which provides free mobile app-based training for primary care providers.
A large-scale California study found that drinking one or more sugary beverages daily increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease in women. The research also revealed significant differences in cardiovascular risk based on the type of sugary drink consumed.
Researchers analyzed CDC data from 1999 to 2017 to compare changes in cardiovascular death rates in urban vs rural US areas. The study found significant disparities in mortality rates by age, sex, and race/ethnicity between the two regions.
A genetic study found a strong association between higher alcohol consumption and increased risk of stroke and peripheral artery disease. The study used Mendelian randomization to identify genetic variants associated with these conditions, suggesting that blood pressure may be the underlying mechanism.
Women with preexisting cardiovascular conditions should receive preconception counseling and specialized maternity care from a cardio-obstetrics team. Regular exercise during pregnancy may improve blood vessel function and prevent preeclampsia.
The American College of Cardiology has issued a framework for safely reintroducing invasive cardiovascular procedures and diagnostic tests. The document highlights the need to prioritize patients with untreated cardiovascular disease and ensure fair access to care, while also protecting patients and healthcare workers from COVID-19.
A new statement emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing cardiovascular disease during pregnancy. Cardio-obstetrics teams comprehensively manage cardiovascular conditions, reducing pregnancy-related deaths and improving maternal outcomes.
Researchers suggest that tobacco use contributes to the disparity in COVID-19 mortality rates between men and women in Spain, with over 30% of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. The study calls for increased data collection on tobacco use among those infected and measures to curb smoking during the pandemic.
A new Northwestern University study links childhood trauma and family dysfunction to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in adulthood. Adults who experienced high levels of adversity in childhood are more than 50% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at CNIC discovered a biomarker, complement component 5 (C5), that detects atherosclerosis in its preclinical phase. Plasma levels of C5 can identify individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis, helping to select those who would benefit from more costly imaging analysis.
Researchers will develop techniques for analyzing MRI and echocardiogram images to improve patient assessment and diagnosis. The collaboration aims to co-develop practical solutions for both the US and India, addressing high healthcare loads and improving diagnostic accuracy.
A new study from Aarhus University shows that a motivational interview with a GP can have a preventative effect on cardiovascular disease. The study found a 13% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk among patients without diabetes who talked to a GP trained in motivational interviewing.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University finds that celiac disease is associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. The study examined almost 50,000 patients with celiac disease and found a 21% increase in overall mortality compared to controls.
A U-shaped relationship was found between egg consumption and the risks of incident CVD and total death among general Chinese. Consumption of 3-6 eggs/week was associated with the lowest risk. Higher or lower egg intake was linked to increased cardiovascular disease and mortality risks, respectively.
New research finds that SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists are similarly effective in reducing major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. Hospitalization for heart failure is also reduced with SGLT2 inhibitors, especially in those with severe cardiovascular risk.
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers also found that cardiovascular disease plays a key role in this association, and that reducing emissions can help mitigate the risk.
A study published in JAMA Network found that COVID-19 is associated with increased risk of fatal cardiovascular outcomes in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease. The researchers evaluated the relationship between pre-existing heart conditions and myocardial injury on patient mortality rates.
A long-term study found that regular tub bathing is associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke, with higher frequencies seeming to offer greater protection. The study tracked over 61,000 middle-aged adults in Japan and found that daily hot baths were linked to a 28% lower overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
Serum irisin is linked to various metabolic markers and may be a promising treatment for conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies suggest irisin's pathogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis.
Life expectancy in the US has stagnated since 2010, with cardiovascular diseases having a greater impact than drug deaths from the opioid crisis. The number of drug-related deaths had a small influence on life expectancy, rising by just 0.4 years between 2010 and 2017.
A UK study found that cyclists have a 45% higher risk of hospital admission for a first injury compared to car commuters, but lower risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease and death. Cycling also offers health benefits such as improved fitness and lower body fat.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that individuals who maintain intermediate to ideal cardiovascular health for longer periods are 33% less likely to develop hypertension and other diseases. This suggests that promoting healthy behaviors throughout life may be beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and mortality.
Researchers examined Hadza adults' activity patterns, finding they spent nearly 10 hours a day in nonambulatory postures similar to industrialized populations. However, Hadza adults spent more time in squatting and kneeling postures, which produce muscle activity, suggesting humans need daily muscle activity from both movement and resting
A 10-year prospective cohort study found that older patients with vertigo had significantly lower mortality rates than those with presyncope or cardiovascular disease-related dizziness. Many patients still alive at follow-up reported substantial dizziness-related impairment, regardless of subtype or cause.
Preliminary research suggests that older adults can benefit from light-intensity physical activities such as household chores or casual walking, which can lower the risk of death from any cause. In contrast, sedentary time is associated with a higher risk of dying.
Researchers have identified phenylacetylglutamine (PAG), a gut microbe byproduct produced from phenylalanine breakdown, as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Elevated PAG levels predict adverse cardiac events and are associated with enhanced platelet reactivity and clotting potential.
A new meta-analysis of health data from over 1 million participants found no association between moderate egg consumption and cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers concluded that eggs can be part of a healthy eating pattern, but are not essential.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that older women with obesity are at a higher risk of prolonged sickness absence or losing their jobs due to health reasons. Women with severe obesity were almost three times as likely to lose their job because of their health.
A large UK Biobank study found that regular fish oil supplement users had a 13% lower risk of all-cause mortality, a 16% lower risk of CVD mortality, and a 7% lower risk of CVD events. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce mortality.
A large US-based observational study found no association between moderate egg intake and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Egg consumption was not linked to higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, or coronary heart disease. However, replacing eggs with processed red meat may be associated with an increased CVD risk.
A new study finds that irregular sleep patterns, such as no regular bedtime and wake-up schedule or varying amounts of sleep each night, may represent a novel and independent heart disease risk factor. Older adults with these patterns are nearly twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
A new observational study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that drinking 12 ounces of sugary drinks more than once per day is linked to lower levels of HDL-C and higher levels of triglycerides. The study also found that regularly consuming sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of cardiovascular di...
A recent study published in Obesity Reviews reveals that obesity can lead to premature aging, causing DNA damage, weakened immune systems, and increased risk of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's. Researchers argue that obesity should be considered a form of premature aging.
Research suggests that conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors are not associated with menopause age, but estrogen loss does compromise heart health. Women should be given hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent this harm, according to specialists in a linked editorial.
Women who have experienced domestic abuse appear to be more than 40 per cent more likely to die from any cause compared to the general population. The researchers found an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in those who have experienced abuse.
Researchers propose evaluating vascular function in women starting in middle age to detect early signs of vascular aging and reduce heart disease risk. This approach could help establish a baseline of vascular health, measure effectiveness of lifestyle changes and clinical treatment for cardiovascular disease.
A large study of nearly 30,000 adults found that eating processed meat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The study also found no significant association between unprocessed red meat consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease or death.
A new study from Northwestern University and Cornell University links red and processed meat consumption to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The research suggests that reducing red meat intake may be an important strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease and premature death.
A large meta-analysis of SGLT2 inhibitor trials found consistent cardiovascular benefits in diverse subsets of patients with type 2 diabetes, including those without established cardiovascular disease. The study showed a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events, cardiovascular deaths, and hospitalizations for heart failure.
A recent nationwide monitoring campaign in China found that fine particulate matter (PM1) is strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease, with a 21% higher risk compared to larger particles. The study suggests that PM1 can more easily deposit in the lungs and circulation, increasing health risks.
A higher intake of fermented soy products, such as natto and miso, is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. The study found that men who ate natto had a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality than those who did not.
A large multinational study found no harm from consuming eggs, with moderate intake (one egg per day) not increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease or mortality. The study analyzed data from 146,011 individuals across 21 countries and found no association between egg consumption and blood cholesterol levels.
Researchers from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University used Raman spectroscopy to study the thrombocytes of patients with cardiovascular diseases and compared their spectra with those of healthy people. The study identified differences in spectral intensity that may indicate changes in physical characteristics of thrombocyte membranes.
A review article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology estimates that 2 million adults with cardiovascular disease in the US have used or currently use marijuana. Observational studies link marijuana use to increased heart risk, including stroke, arrhythmia, and decreased heart muscle function.
A 16-year study of Hong Kong's population found that death rates from all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer decreased significantly in older adults with diabetes. In contrast, younger adults with diabetes experienced little to no change in their death rates over the same period. The researchers suggest that targeted p...
A new study from the Smidt Heart Institute found that women's blood vessels age faster and are more susceptible to high blood pressure earlier in life. The research highlights sex differences in cardiovascular physiology and disease, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment approaches.
A new study found that cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease, are each linked with a higher risk of developing kidney failure. Adults hospitalized with heart failure had an 11.4-times higher risk of developing kidney failure than individuals without cardiovascular disease.
A study of US health professionals found that adopting five healthy lifestyle factors can add up to 10 extra years of disease-free life, with women gaining the most benefit. Participants who adopted four or five low-risk lifestyle factors had significantly longer life expectancy free from major chronic diseases.
A study of 1.3 million people found shared genetic factors between body mass index and major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which contributes to a shorter life expectancy among those with psychiatric disorders.
A new study published in BMJ found that middle-aged individuals who practice five healthy habits at age 50 can live an average of 34.4 more years free of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer compared to those with none
Researchers found that relaxin upregulates sodium channels, improving electrical signaling in the heart, and reverses age-related reductions in cell adhesion molecules. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease treatment.
Patients with type 1 diabetes and high lipoprotein(a) levels have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and calcified aortic valve disease. High blood glucose levels are also associated with elevated lipoprotein(a) levels in this patient group.
Researchers found that good sleep patterns can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35% compared to unhealthy sleep patterns. People with a healthy sleep score of 5 had nearly seven fewer cases of cardiovascular disease per 1000 people per year compared to those with a poor sleep pattern.
The American Heart Association suggests focusing on an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern that replaces saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats to maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels. A nutrient-rich diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
A nationwide study found that low educational levels predict a higher risk of developing or dying from heart disease and stroke. The study also discovered that low income and work stress could explain up to 54% of the increased risk among people with and without cardiovascular diseases.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that low-dose aspirin did not reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack among African Americans, unlike in white populations. The study used data from over 65,000 participants and suggested genetic differences and poor control of other risk factors may contribute to this result.
Aging adults are more likely to develop and die from cardiovascular disease due to narrowed, hardened arteries. The study reveals a novel pathway where mitochondrial dysfunction and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 co-exist with aging to promote atherosclerosis.