Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A recent review of clinical trials from Purdue University suggests that consuming more than half a serving per day of red meat does not worsen blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. The research provides new insights into the relationship between red meat consumption and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Researchers found that adults with lower levels of education are more likely to experience a heart attack. The study analyzed data from over 267,000 men and women in New South Wales and found that those with no university degree were around 150% more likely to have a heart attack than those with a degree.
A Norwegian diet intervention study found similar health effects of diets high in carbohydrates or fats, with substantial improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors. The study suggests that the quality of food is more important than the quantity of fat or carbohydrates, and that most healthy people can tolerate a high intake of satur...
The Hadza people, an indigenous ethnic group in Tanzania, engage in significantly more physical activity than recommended by US government standards. Their lifestyle, characterized by regular hunting and gathering, is associated with extremely low risk of cardiovascular disease.
A large study published in The BMJ found that prediabetes, defined as impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all cause mortality. The study's findings support a lower cut-off point for defining prediabetes, including as low as 5.6 mmol/L.
A study found that intensive systolic blood pressure lowering can prolong life compared to standard levels, preventing approximately 107,500 deaths per year. Additionally, this approach is projected to save around 32,800 lives annually among adults with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease.
The USPSTF recommends initiating low- to moderate-dose statins in adults ages 40 to 75 with high CVD risk factors and a 10-year event risk of 10% or greater. Statin use is also recommended for those with risk factors between 7.5-10%. However, the current evidence is insufficient to assess benefits in older adults (76+ years).
Research finds elevated myocardial inflammation in RA patients, with treatment showing potential to improve inflammation levels. Studies use advanced imaging techniques to detect and quantify heart inflammation, suggesting a link between joint and heart inflammation.
Research reveals a strong connection between fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease, with individuals with fatty liver at higher risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
A study of over 500,000 patients found that high-intensity statin therapy significantly lowers risk of death from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The study suggests optimizing intensity of statin therapy for improved secondary prevention.
A large national study confirms high-intensity statins increase survival rates for people with cardiovascular disease, including those over 75. The study found a 9% increased chance of survival for patients on high-intensity statins compared to moderate-intensity treatments.
Progeria, a rare genetic disease, is characterized by an elevated risk of arrhythmias and premature death due to anomalies in the transmission of electrical signals in the heart. The study reveals that mislocalization of connexin 43 reduces connectivity between cardiomyocytes, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
Researchers found that consuming high oleic canola oil enriched with Omega-3 significantly reduced triglyceride levels and PCSK9 protein concentration in plasma, suggesting a potential role for dietary fat in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
A national 10% tax on SSBs in Mexico may prevent 189,300 new cases of type 2 diabetes, 20,400 incident strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults aged 35-94 over 10 years. The tax could save 983 million international dollars in healthcare costs due to prevention of diabetes cases.
Research found that exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution is associated with abnormal changes in the blood, including increased micro-particles indicating cell injury and death, and proteins that inhibit blood vessel growth. This suggests that living in a polluted environment could promote the development of high blood pres...
A new study found that even low physical fitness levels can reduce most cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers analyzed 205 men and 44 women with heart disease, finding that normal fitness levels were sufficient to prevent five of the eight risk factors, including depression and obesity.
A new special issue on cardiovascular risk factors has been published in CVIA, highlighting key findings on hypertension management and the role of gut microbiota in atherosclerosis. The issue also explores the global burden of cardiovascular disease and its socio-economic impact.
A study by NTNU researchers found that older adults who were fit and had the highest fitness levels had lower cardiovascular risk factors despite spending more hours sedentary. Conversely, meeting physical activity guidelines alone was not enough to eliminate these risks if an individual lacked cardiorespiratory fitness.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has published new guidelines for managing dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend shared decision-making between physician and patient, with a focus on patient involvement in lipid target setting.
A recent NIH-funded study found that all adults, regardless of age, should be mindful of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study, led by George Howard, discovered that nearly half of participants developed high blood pressure during a 10-year follow-up, highlighting the importance of prevention efforts across the lifespan.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that regular exercise can lead to lower healthcare costs, even for those with established cardiovascular disease. Participants who met exercise guidelines had average yearly medical costs $500 lower than those who didn't.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that engaging in regular physical activity may help mitigate the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The research analyzed data from eight British population cohorts and discovered a positive correlation between moderate to high levels of physical...
A new study demonstrates that lowering LDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure can have independent, multiplicative, and cumulative causal effects on cardiovascular disease risk. By reducing both by modest amounts, individuals may see a significant reduction in their lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.
A Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of death in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. The study found that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was linked to a 37% lower risk of death from any cause.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a position paper to tackle the cardiac toxicity of anticancer therapies. The document reviews nine categories of cardiovascular complications and provides recommendations for detection, prevention, and treatment.
Research found moderate physical activity reduces risk of acute cardiovascular event by over 30%, and CVD mortality by 54%. Regular exercise is associated with lower risk, even with other health factors.
Research found that patients with low socioeconomic status have a 36% lower risk of a second event compared to those in the highest income quintile. Being divorced increased the risk by 14%, while education level was also associated with a lower risk, but only after adjusting for income.
A novel activity tracker personalizes exercise based on heart rate data, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. The tracker's algorithm translates heart rate data into a simple score, with scores above 100 associated with reduced mortality risk.
A study of 204,186 people across 46 low- and middle-income countries found that low physical activity is associated with a diagnosis of psychosis, particularly among males. However, psychotic-like symptoms without a diagnosis are not linked to inactivity.
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis have similar coronary calcification as those with type 2 diabetes, both five times higher than in healthy controls. Early cardiovascular risk assessment is recommended for those with psoriasis due to increased atherosclerosis risk.
A Saint Louis University study found that modest weight loss via diet, exercise, or both reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 10%, regardless of the strategy. The researchers suggest a combination of healthy eating and exercise is key to heart health.
Researchers developed and validated a prediction model to determine sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk in adults without a history of cardiovascular disease. The study identified 12 independent risk markers that outperformed existing risk equations, providing a strong step toward distinguishing SCD risk across the general population.
A new study has questioned the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's recommendation to raise blood pressure targets for diabetes patients. The study found a linear relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, with lower blood pressure levels associated with fewer cases of stroke and myocardial infarction.
UK cardiovascular deaths plummeted by almost 70% over 30 years, but prevalence remained unchanged. Drug and surgical treatments on the rise, particularly among men.
A large population-based study from Uppsala University found a strong correlation between linoleic acid in adipose tissue and lower mortality among older men. The study suggests that consuming more polyunsaturated fats may reduce the risk of premature death.
A new study found that recording smartphone videos of tooth-brushing can improve oral health care techniques, increasing accuracy and skill mastery by 8%. The study suggests using video-based monitoring apps to provide feedback from dental professionals.
A study has identified D-amino acids as potential biomarkers for predicting chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Elevated levels of D-Serine and D-Asparagine in CKD patients are associated with a higher risk of end-stage kidney disease, highlighting the potential for improved treatment and novel therapy options.
A University of South Florida study found that placental syndromes increase women's short-term risk for cardiovascular diseases. Women with placental syndromes and poor fetal outcomes have a 45% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease within five years of their first pregnancy.
A new study by University of Stirling researchers found that early-life exposure to infections does not lead to increased risk of death in adulthood. Contrary to previous theories on long-lasting inflammation, the study suggests improved adult conditions such as healthcare and diet are responsible for recent increases in lifespan.
Researchers found that an extra-low dose combination of two anticytokines reduced rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and cardiovascular events. The study showed a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in patients treated with the combination, suggesting decreased cardiovascular risk.
Research at Umeå University found a link between low cortisol levels and increased risk of obesity, dyslipidaemia and metabolic syndrome in patients with recurrent depressions or bipolar disorder. Cortisol regulation is linked to worsened physical health in these patients.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the association of butter consumption with chronic disease and all-cause mortality. The researchers found that butter consumption was only weakly associated with total mortality, not associated with cardiovascular disease, and slightly inversely associated with diabetes.
Researchers investigating gestational diabetes aim to understand its impact on offspring's cardiovascular health. They've identified a mouse model with epigenetic changes that mimic human conditions, suggesting environmental factors during pregnancy may shape lifelong risk.
A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that genetic research in large-scale biobank studies can significantly improve the drug development pipeline and reduce costs. The study used a genetic variant linked to cardiovascular disease to demonstrate the value of Mendelian randomization.
A study published in BMJ found that consuming seven servings of whole grains daily lower risk for all cardiovascular diseases and mortality from cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. The researchers also showed a significant reduction in risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, and other health conditions.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new method to accurately measure GDF11, a circulating factor associated with advanced biological age and chronic disease. Higher levels of GDF11 were found in older adults with frailty, diabetes, or prior cardiac conditions.
A systematic review of 45 studies found that higher whole grain consumption was associated with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and mortality from various causes. The researchers recommend increasing whole grain intake to reduce chronic disease risk.
A Brazilian study found that only 21% of women and 29% of men met international standards for moderate weekly physical activity. Active participants were healthier, with lower blood pressure and heart rates, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that laws restricting alcohol sales in Texas counties are associated with higher rates of alcohol misuse and liver disease, as well as atrial fibrillation. In contrast, dry counties had lower rates of these conditions, suggesting a potential benefit to alcohol restrictions.
Research suggests that female patients with migraines have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attacks. The study found a 50% higher risk of developing cardiovascular events in women with a diagnosis of migraine.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal found that consuming more whole grains is linked to a lower risk of death. The analysis of 12 studies involving over 786,000 participants revealed a significant association between whole grain intake and reduced mortality rates.
A University of Liverpool study found the NHS Health Check programme is not supporting the UK population's cardiovascular health. Researchers suggest a new strategy combining structural interventions with screening in deprived areas could maximize effectiveness and equity.
A large study published in The BMJ reveals that women with migraines are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Migraine has been consistently linked to an increased risk of stroke, but few studies have shown an association with cardiovascular disease and mortality.
Research found that smoking increases kidney function decline by 83% in current smokers compared to non-smokers. Smoking also worsens inflammation levels, suggesting a possible mechanism between smoking and kidney function decline.
Research found that both low- and high-birthweight babies are at increased risk for developing dangerous fat around major organs, leading to related problems such as insulin resistance and inflammation. The association between birthweight and future cardiovascular disease may not be easily modified by healthy eating and exercise.
Researchers warn of a looming crisis in cardiothoracic surgical services as the number of trained professionals dwindles and demand increases, particularly among an aging population. By 2030, there will be approximately 3,000 cardiothoracic surgeons needed to cover 854,000 cases, with each surgeon's workload projected to increase by 121%.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that frequent attendance at religious services was associated with a lower risk of death for women from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Women who attended services more than once a week had a 33% lower risk of death compared to those who never attended.
Researchers found that HDL is not uniformly predictive of cardiovascular risk, with triglycerides and LDL modifying the incidence of CVD in both low- and high-level HDL. High levels of LDL or TG can increase cardiovascular risk by 30-60% compared to isolated low HDL.
A new study published in CMAJ found that the UK Health Check program had a modest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, with limited success in meeting national and international targets. The program resulted in increased diagnoses of vascular diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes among participants.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that a widely recommended cardiovascular risk calculator overestimates the actual five-year risk of heart attacks and ischemic strokes. The study suggests that individuals may be over-treated due to the inaccuracies.