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New research from Pear Bureau Northwest

A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial found that regular fresh pear consumption significantly lowered systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in middle-aged men and women with metabolic syndrome. The study, led by Dr. Sarah A. Johnson, suggests pears may be a potential tool to improve cardiovascular risk factors.

Circadian misalignment helps explain higher risk for cardiovascular disease

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that circadian misalignment increases blood pressure and inflammatory markers in healthy adults. Researchers measured these factors in 14 participants during two eight-day stays in the sleep laboratory, one with circadian alignment and the other with misalignment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Height influences risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer

A recent study by DZD researchers found that height has a significant impact on the mortality from certain common diseases. Tall people have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, but a higher cancer risk. The study suggests that increased height may be related to overnutrition during growth stages.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 2, 2016

Regular exercise critical for heart health, longevity

The study emphasizes that even moderate amounts of physical activity can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease mortality risk. The council found no upper limit to exercise-induced health benefits, suggesting all levels of moderate and vigorous intensity exercise result in reduced mortality compared to physical inactivity.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 18, 2016

New treatment potential for heart attack sufferers

A study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that mildly elevated levels of bilirubin, a bile pigment, can reduce damage and improve heart function during recovery from a heart attack. Higher levels of bilirubin have also been shown to protect the circulation from oxidative damage.

SourceGriffith University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateNov 24, 2015

Young women who survive cardiovascular event have long-term risks

A study found that young women who survived heart attacks or strokes had higher mortality rates from cardiovascular events, with an increased risk of cardiac and cerebral events. The researchers followed up with 226 women who had a heart attack, 160 women who had ischemic stroke, and 782 comparison patients for nearly 19 years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2015

Study finds tree nut consumption may lower risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming tree nuts lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and ApoB, key factors used to evaluate a person's risk of cardiovascular disease. Consuming at least two servings of walnuts per day has stronger effects on total cholesterol and LDL.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, Seattle·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 19, 2015

How low to go for blood pressure? Lower target could affect millions of Americans

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120 mmHg could benefit up to 16.8 million Americans, who meet specific eligibility criteria for intensive blood pressure management. The study found that this lower target could have a significant impact on reducing risk of heart failure, heart attack, and death.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 9, 2015

In-hospital nocturnal dialysis may be good for the heart

A new study suggests that in-hospital nocturnal dialysis may be beneficial for patients' hearts as well as their kidneys. The procedure was found to reduce left ventricular mass by a significant margin after one year, which is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateSep 18, 2015

Immune system may be pathway between nature and good health

Research finds that spending time in nature enhances the functioning of the body's immune system, providing protections against a range of diseases including depression and cardiovascular disease. The immune system plays a crucial role in every one of these diseases, highlighting the importance of exposure to nature for overall health.