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Where are the new therapies for heart disease?

A new study from Bentley University and Tufts University tracks the progress of developing new therapies for cardiovascular disease, finding that median time to first approval is greater than 40 years. The authors propose accelerating drug development by optimizing basic research and synchronizing it with growth.

SourceBentley University·JournalClinical Therapeutics·DateJun 26, 2017

Three types of work stress increasing in the US, according to SUNY downstate researchers

Researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center found increasing trends in US work characteristics since 2002, including low job control, job strain, and work-family conflict. These stressors are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and contribute to the slowing of declining CVD mortality rates.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 24, 2017

Study of 3.5 million people shows 'healthy' obese people are still at higher risk of cardiovascular disease events than the general population

A study of 3.5 million people found that 'metabolically healthy' obese individuals have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease events, including heart failure and stroke, compared to normal-weight individuals with no metabolic abnormalities. The study also showed that the risk of CVD events increases with the number of metabolic abnor...

Is alternate-day fasting more effective for weight loss?

A randomized clinical trial of 100 obese adults found that alternate-day fasting resulted in similar weight loss to daily calorie restriction (5.3% vs 6.0%). The study suggests that daily calorie restriction may be a more effective option for weight maintenance and cardiovascular disease risk reduction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 1, 2017

Longer telomeres may shield mice from age-related human diseases

A recent study found that longer telomeres in mice may shield them from age-related human diseases. Researchers used mice with shortened telomeres to examine a genetic defect causing an age-associated congenital heart disease in humans. The findings suggest that decreasing telomere length contributes to the onset of age-related diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 27, 2017

Benefits of physical activity may outweigh impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease

Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease regardless of age. For middle-aged and elderly people, the benefits of physical activity may outweigh the impact of overweight and obesity on cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 1, 2017

Discovery could help doctors to spot cardiovascular disease at an earlier stage

Researchers have discovered a new group of apolipoproteins, including apoE, apoC2, and apoC3, that are associated with a stronger link to cardiovascular disease. These findings could lead to improved screening methods and personalized treatments for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 21, 2017

A simple test allows to identify children prone to suffer cardiovascular diseases

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine analyzed data from over 9,000 children and adolescents to identify those with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The research found that a simple aerobic capacity test can determine which children have worse cardiovascular health and should undergo an intervention program.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2017

Testosterone therapy provides protection against cardiovascular disease in men with low testosterone

A new study found that long-term testosterone therapy improves vigor and vitality, while reducing the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease in men with hypogonadism. The research suggests that testosterone therapy is an effective approach for secondary prevention in hypogonadal men with a history of cardiovascular events.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateFeb 13, 2017

Cardiovascular disease-related hospital admissions jump on second day after major snowfall

A new study found that hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases decline on snowy days but surge 23% two days later, according to a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study. The researchers analyzed data from four major Boston hospitals and found cold-weather-related disease admissions increased by 3.7% on high snowfall days.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJan 30, 2017

Oral devices reduce sleep apnea but may not affect heart disease risk factors

A randomized controlled trial found that oral appliances significantly improved sleep quality and symptoms in patients with severe sleep apnea, but had no effect on endothelial function or blood pressure. The study suggests further research is needed to determine the impact of oral devices on cardiovascular health.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 27, 2017

New tools developed to help clinicians predict risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study provides powerful new tools for clinicians to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk globally, especially in resource-poor settings. The researchers developed two models: one using lab-based blood measurements and another that can be used without bloodwork, improving CVD risk prediction in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 23, 2017

Depression as hard on the heart as obesity and cholesterol

A study published in Atherosclerosis journal reveals that depression poses a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases, comparable to high cholesterol levels and obesity. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,400 male patients, finding that depression accounts for roughly 15% of cardiovascular deaths.