Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A recent study published in JAMA found that hospitalization for pneumonia significantly raises the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is especially true for older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol.
A study published in JAMA found that hospitalization for pneumonia is associated with an increased short-term and long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk was highest in the first 30 days after hospitalization, with a 4-fold higher risk compared to those without pneumonia.
A study found that nearly 12% of patients receiving aspirin for primary prevention were taking it inappropriately. Inappropriate use was more common among women and younger patients. The study highlights the need for medical providers to consider potential benefits vs. risks when prescribing aspirin therapy.
A review on Urotensin II has shown its ability to modulate biologic activities in the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and central nervous system. The peptide can constrict and dilate blood vessels, making it a promising candidate for treating various cardiovascular diseases.
A large international study has shown that statin treatment reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in women, with benefits similar to those seen in men. Statins have been proven to be effective in preventing heart attacks and strokes in both sexes, especially for high-risk individuals.
A daily snack of 1.5 ounces of almonds significantly improved LDL and total cholesterol levels, reducing central adiposity and improving heart health risk factors. The study also found benefits in reducing abdominal and leg fat mass.
A large study found a strong association between eating more whole grains and lower total and cardiovascular mortality rates. The researchers estimated that every serving of whole grains per day was associated with a 5% lower total mortality rate or a 9% lower CVD mortality rate.
Research suggests yoga can positively impact cardio-metabolic health by reducing CVD risk factors and improving metabolic syndrome outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found significant evidence supporting the effectiveness of yoga as a therapy for these conditions.
A new study finds that higher human exposure to cadmium can lead to significantly shorter telomeres, associated with cardiovascular disease and other diseases of old age. Cadmium exposure has been linked to premature aging of cells, kidney disease, and other health problems.
Researchers identified two lipid metabolites, lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, while monoglyceride was linked to increased risk. The study's findings suggest that these blood lipid metabolites could serve as predictors for cardiovascular disease.
Experts recommend reducing air pollution exposure and decreasing fossil fuel use to combat cardiovascular risk. People with heart disease are urged to follow these guidelines to minimize harm from air pollution.
Ramy Arnaout has been awarded a two-year grant to analyze antibody repertoires of over 1,000 Americans to clarify the link between antibodies, cardiovascular disease, and aging. The goal is to determine individual treatment needs for patients with cardiovascular disease.
A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that obesity is associated with a dramatic increase in risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a result, adults who are overweight or obese may lose up to 19 years of healthy life, while those who are very obese may lose up to 8 years.
Resveratrol, a natural substance found in red wine, has anti-inflammatory effects on cardiovascular diseases by binding to the KSRP regulator protein and activating it. This activation reduces the stability of messenger RNA, resulting in lower synthesis of inflammatory mediators.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that police officers are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death when performing physically demanding and stressful duties. The research analyzed over 4,500 US police officer deaths and found a significant association between these tasks and cardiovascular deaths.
Research suggests that spices and herbs, such as cinnamon and garlic, can lower triglyceride levels in the blood, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. The use of high-antioxidant spice blends may be a potential way to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.
A Mount Sinai study found that vital exhaustion increases the risk of first-time cardiovascular disease by 36%, affecting otherwise healthy people. The researchers investigated 11 prospective studies involving 60,610 participants and found a significant association between vital exhaustion and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that Hispanic women with five or more live births are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Diastolic dysfunction, an abnormal relaxation phase of the heart, was common among these women, with 85% showing signs, according to the study.
Researchers found a significant association between vital exhaustion and an increased risk of developing first-time cardiovascular disease. Vital exhaustion, characterized by fatigue, irritability, and demoralization, was linked to a 36 percent higher risk of heart disease in healthy individuals.
Patients who develop heart attacks in hospitals for non-acute conditions have a 3.5-fold higher mortality rate compared to those with outpatient-onset STEMI. Inpatient-onset STEMI patients are also less likely to be discharged home and undergo necessary treatments, leading to longer hospital stays and higher costs.
The Heart of New Ulm Project demonstrated population-level improvements in blood pressure and lipids, with increases in residents meeting blood pressure and LDL cholesterol goals. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and increased physical activity, also showed significant effects on HDL levels and total cholestero...
A study found that beta-blockers are associated with lower all-cause mortality in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction, but no significant effect on combined all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization. The study used data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry and included over 41,000 patients.
The latest issue of Global Heart explores the challenges of delivering critical care in resource-limited settings, where cardiovascular disease is emerging rapidly. Key findings include the need for effective diagnostic resources and treatments for conditions like sepsis, ARDS, and pulmonary vascular disease.
The Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (VCOR) collects data on coronary angioplasty procedures to ensure high-quality care for cardiac patients. The registry aims to establish best practices in addressing cardiovascular disease in Victoria, with plans to expand its activities beyond coronary angioplasty.
Researchers are investigating the effects of aspirin and statins on preventing cardiovascular disease in people with long-term HIV infections. The study aims to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health in participants.
A study found that aging and depression are associated with increased expression of the FKBP5 gene, linked to inflammation and cardiovascular risk. This epigenetic change may contribute to the development of age-related diseases.
A new study by Brown University found that women who lived close to highways had a significantly higher risk of high blood pressure, with risks rising with proximity to the roadways. The study controlled for various confounding factors and found that living within 100m of a highway increased hypertension risk by 22%.
Researchers discovered that the STXBP5 gene influences blood clotting by regulating VWF, a key contributor to normal clot formation. However, they found that mice lacking this gene experienced increased bleeding instead of clotting, highlighting distinct roles for STXBP5 in endothelial cells and platelets.
A study of nearly 4000 Taiwanese found that increased dairy consumption lowered cardiovascular mortality and stroke risks. Moderate dairy intake, even in lactose intolerant individuals, is beneficial for overall health.
The report emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to treating cardiovascular disease, focusing on reducing cholesterol levels to specific targets based on a patient's unique health profile. This approach includes lifestyle changes, non-lipid risk factor management, and medication tailored to the patient's needs.
Investigational alirocumab produced superior results compared to placebo in reducing low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The study found that 72.2% of patients treated with alirocumab reached an LDL-C goal, significantly higher than the 11.3% on placebo.
The new document provides clear recommendations on how to identify ACS patients at risk for arrhythmias and manage tachy- and bradyarrhythmias using drugs, devices, and catheter-based approaches. The paper also offers guidance on the use of antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with ACS and ventricular arrhythmias.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends intensive behavioral counseling for overweight and obese patients with at least one additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This intervention helps individuals lose weight and improve their lipid levels, blood pressure, and glucose levels.
A new study finds that calcium buildup in coronary arteries is a strong indicator of heart disease risk in individuals with chronic kidney disease. This measure outperforms other commonly used tests in predicting cardiovascular disease among CKD patients, who are at high risk for heart disease.
Researchers found that calcium build-up in coronary artery walls is a more useful indicator of heart disease risk in patients with CKD than traditional measures of atherosclerosis. The study suggests that this finding could help safeguard the heart health of millions of people globally who have chronic kidney disease.
Death rates from heart disease and stroke are declining overall in Europe, but at differing rates. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among Europeans, accounting for close to half of all deaths. However, cancer is now causing more deaths than heart disease in some countries, particularly among men.
Fenofibrate cuts cardiovascular disease risks by 30 per cent in women with type-2 diabetes, a five-year study reveals. The drug also reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or having a stroke by 30 per cent in women and 13 per cent in men.
Research highlights the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering treatment based on cardiovascular risk, as well as the importance of predicted baseline risk equations. Additionally, studies investigate the use of bivalirudin versus heparin in percutaneous coronary intervention and implant-based multiparameter telemonitoring for heart ...
A new analysis found that high sodium intake above the World Health Organization's recommendation of 2.0g per day contributes to nearly one in 10 global cardiovascular deaths. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, estimated 1.65 million annual cardiovascular deaths globally.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that heart attack survivors who exercise excessively are at a higher risk of cardiovascular deaths. Researchers recommend exercising within a moderate range to reap long-term health benefits, with daily doses not exceeding 60 minutes and 5 hours of vigorous exercise per week.
New research reveals that blacks and women have a higher burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors than whites. The study analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study and found that diabetes contributes more to CVD in women, while high blood pressure is a greater risk factor for blacks.
A study by Helmholtz Munich found that extreme heat and cold increase mortality rates, particularly among the elderly with pre-existing medical conditions. The researchers observed a significant rise in cardiovascular events and stroke during hot temperatures and up to two weeks after cold weather.
A study of over 830,000 participants found that consuming at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Higher consumption above five portions did not show further reduced risk of death.
A high-salt diet doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes, according to a new study published by The Endocrine Society. Researchers found that poor blood sugar control exacerbates this effect.
Researchers discovered that a particular EPA metabolite, 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE), plays a crucial role in protecting against cardiovascular diseases. This metabolite was produced by immune cells and confirmed its heart-protective effects.
A new study suggests that genetic variation in the COMT gene may modify the cardiovascular benefit of aspirin, with val/val women experiencing more cardiovascular events when assigned to aspirin. In contrast, met/met women showed reduced rates of cardiovascular disease when assigned to either aspirin or vitamin E.
A large international study has found that overall death rates among HIV-positive adults have almost halved since 1999, while deaths due to AIDS-related causes and cardiovascular disease have declined significantly. Non-AIDS cancers remain a leading cause of non-AIDS deaths in people with HIV.
Research found that higher levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and hostility are associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in middle-age and older adults. The study used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and found that individuals with the highest scores for these p...
A study found that non-surgical gum disease treatment significantly reduced carotid artery thickening, a risk factor for heart disease. The treatment's systemic impact may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in high-risk populations like Indigenous Australians.
Researchers developed a new method to predict disease progression by analyzing Denmark's entire population health records. The approach revealed surprising correlations between diseases, such as gout and cardiovascular disease, and showed that certain diagnoses are often followed by others in a causal sequence.
African American women are more resistant to the anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin compared to white women, according to a new study. The research found that African American women experienced a reduced response to aspirin therapy in reducing cardiovascular disease and its risk factors.
The new ACC/AHA guidelines recommend statin therapy for people with type 2 diabetes, but experts debate its appropriateness. Robert H. Eckel supports the guidelines, while Henry Ginsberg argues they are too narrow and ignore evidence of lower LDL-C levels.
Scientists from the University of Leeds have found a way to restore the function of damaged blood vessel repair cells. A protein called Akt was identified as the reason for reduced effectiveness in South Asian men's cells, which were able to be restored through the addition of active Akt.
Researchers found that a daily lycopene supplement improved endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular disease, but not in healthy volunteers. The supplement showed significant improvements in widening of blood vessels by over half compared to baseline.
Raised systolic blood pressures increase risk of intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and stable angina, while diastolic pressure is linked to abdominal aortic aneurysm. Modern therapy still struggles to manage hypertension's substantial lifetime burden.
A new study uses chest CT scans to identify individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease, regardless of conventional risk factor status. The study found that radiologic information can complement standard clinical strategies in cardiovascular risk screening.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found no association between resveratrol consumption and improved health outcomes. The research suggests that the supposed health benefits of resveratrol from food sources may be exaggerated or entirely unwarranted.
Researchers found that a diet rich in resveratrol did not reduce mortality rates or cardiovascular disease, contradicting previous expectations. However, they suggest that other polyphenols in these foods may still provide health benefits.
A new study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that taking calcium supplements did not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women. The study, published in Osteoporosis International, examined 74,245 women over 24 years and found no association between calcium supplement intake and heart attack or stroke.
A study reveals that women with peripheral artery disease (PAD) experience excellent treatment outcomes, with higher success rates compared to men. Despite having more severe symptoms, women performed just as well in minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stent placement.