Articles tagged with Cardiovascular Disease
Global neglect of chronic diseases is a pressing issue, with low-cost solutions available for prevention. The authors recommend reframing the debate to emphasize societal determinants and mobilizing resources through cooperative approaches.
Research finds that mandatory limits on processed food salt content could reduce cardiovascular disease by 18% compared to voluntary curbs. Voluntary industry restrictions are cost-effective but would only cut ill health from cardiovascular disease by 1%.
A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials found that folic acid supplements did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, cancer, or death over a five-year period. The study showed a significant reduction in homocysteine levels with folic acid supplementation but no corresponding benefit for cardiovascular health.
The NIH has awarded $14.6M to Georgia Tech and Emory University to develop nanotechnology tools for detecting and treating atherosclerosis. The research aims to translate these technologies into clinical utility, including diagnosing cardiovascular disease from a blood sample and delivering targeted drug delivery.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that women who receive regular dental care have a lower risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems by at least one-third. The study used data from nearly 7,000 people ages 44-88 and ruled out self-selection bias using instrumental variables.
Mount Sinai School of Medicine is leading a $16.5 million grant program to develop nanotechnology tools for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease. The center aims to utilize nanotechnology to better prevent and treat atherosclerosis, heart attack, and heart failure.
A lifestyle intervention has been shown to provide long-term benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes, leading to significant weight loss and improvements in fitness, hemoglobin A1c levels, and cholesterol profiles. The study suggests that this approach can help prevent long-term complications of the disease.
A 12-week randomized clinical trial found that pine bark extract did not improve risk factors for heart disease, despite its potential biological benefits. The study included 130 participants at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, who took either pine bark extract or a placebo once daily.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol are strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death among both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The study, which evaluated ov...
A study published by the American Physiological Society suggests that as body mass index (BMI) increases, so do platelet reactivity and thrombogenic microvesicles, contributing to cardiovascular disease. Higher BMI groups also showed increased traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and triglycerides.
A review of population strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease concludes that screening and treating high-risk individuals may be ineffective in reducing health disparities. Instead, policy interventions to limit risk-factor exposure across populations appear cheaper and more effective.
A leading international expert in vitamin D, Anthony Norman, recommends increasing daily intake to 2,000-4,000 IU for most adults to maximize health benefits. This could effectively eradicate rickets in infants and reduce the frequency of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune type-1 diabetes.
A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that increasing alcohol taxes can significantly reduce death rates from diseases caused by chronic heavy drinking. The study analyzed data from 1969 to 2004 and estimated that adjusting for inflation, would save around 1,500 Floridian lives per year.
Research suggests that both short and long sleep durations are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adults who sleep less than seven hours per day or more than nine hours per night have a higher risk of heart problems compared to those who get average sleep duration.
A new study found that exposure to ground-level ozone over several weeks increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels and decreased heart-protective protein Cav1 in rats. This suggests a link between O3 exposure and cardiac dysfunction, highlighting the potential risks of air pollution on cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that depressive symptoms in men with erectile dysfunction increase cardiovascular problems independently from other known risk factors. The use of antidepressant medications did not alter this relationship.
The Framingham Heart Study has had a profound impact on the understanding and prevention of cardiovascular disease. The study's findings have led to significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality rates worldwide, particularly in the United States. Its legacy continues to shape public health initiatives globally.
Daily cocoa flavanol consumption more than doubles the number of circulating angiogenic cells in the blood, increasing vessel repair and maintenance functions. High-flavanol cocoa also reduces systolic blood pressure and improves blood vessel function by 47%.
A large US multicenter study suggests that older men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular disease. Higher total testosterone levels relate to an increased risk of coronary disease, particularly in those above 495 ng/dL.
The ACCORD study found that intensive glucose treatment delayed albuminuria onset but didn't reduce microvascular complications like eye disease or kidney failure. However, it increased mortality, weight gain, and severe hypoglycemia risk, prompting a shift to standard therapy.
A meta-analysis of studies found that statin therapy does not reduce the risk of death in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease but without a history of heart disease. The study suggests caution when extending statin use to lower-risk populations.
A recent study of 700,000 people found that diabetes approximately doubles the risk of developing blood vessel diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. The disease is now estimated to be responsible for 325,000 cardiovascular deaths per year in industrialized countries.
Women who experience early menopause are more than twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease event later in life. The study also found that early menopause remained a risk factor even after controlling for hormone replacement therapy and major cardiovascular risk factors.
Research reveals a significant association between sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease, with pro-thrombotic biomarkers PAI-1 and fibrinogen showing increases in relation to SDB severity. The study suggests that even mild levels of SDB may pose an enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease.
A study of 2,230 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that long-term treatment with beta-blocker medications was associated with fewer respiratory flare-ups and longer survival. The study also showed that beta-blockers may reduce the risk of exacerbations in patients with COPD.
A comprehensive health promotion program developed by CSX Transportation reduced cardiovascular disease-related medical claims from 56.6% to 48.3% and hospital claims from 6% to 4.3%. The program, launched in 2004, included interventions such as biometric screenings, nutrition and exercise coaching, and on-site fitness centers.
A new study published in The Lancet found that common blood tests for kidney function and urine protein levels can predict mortality risk. People with high levels of albumin in their urine were at a higher risk of mortality, with an increased risk of nearly 50% at certain thresholds.
Women with type 2 diabetes who consumed more whole grains and bran had a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes. The study found that high bran intake reduced the risk by 35% for CVD mortality and 28% for overall mortality.
The University of Missouri received an $8.5 million grant to explore the role of microcirculation in cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of death. The research will focus on the smallest blood vessels in the body and their contribution to health and disease.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive test for cardiovascular disease using VENDYS, a device that monitors finger temperature to measure an individual's risk. The test, which takes 15 minutes, can help identify vascular health issues and provide valuable feedback on progress.
This special issue of Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases explores the connections between high-altitude medicine and low-altitude diseases. Studies have elucidated fundamental mechanisms involved in lung edema and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, while also detecting vascular dysfunction in humans.
Researchers predict a significant increase in cardiovascular disease events and deaths in China between 2010 and 2030, driven by demographic changes and rising risk factors. Dramatically reducing smoking and controlling elevated blood pressure could prevent up to 5.7 million deaths by 2030.
A new center will use a community-based approach to reduce cardiovascular disease risk among Latinos in East Los Angeles, where obesity-related chronic diseases are prevalent. The study will examine the role of acculturation and food environment on cardiovascular disease, with interventions targeting family and neighborhood environments.
Combining four unhealthy behaviors like smoking, lack of physical activity, and poor diet increases death risk. Individuals with all four behaviors had about three times the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer.
Researchers found that calorie restriction influences the same molecular pathways related to aging in all animals studied, leading to improved health and reduced chronic diseases. By understanding these pathways, scientists may develop interventions or medicines to promote healthy aging.
Over 3,000 employees from Banco Santander will participate in the PESA CNIC-Santander trial, exploring the progression of early subclinical atherosclerosis and daily habits that influence its development. The project aims to improve current prevention strategies and identify risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Early recognition and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are vital for all settings. CKD is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, even at mild reductions in glomerular filtration rate. Implementing interventions can reduce cardiovascular events or progression to kidney failure.
Researchers have discovered that heat shock protein 90 inhibitors could be effective in treating cardiovascular disease by blocking chronic inflammation. By targeting NFкB, they aim to find a less toxic alternative to existing anti-inflammatory agents.
The WPI research team aims to develop powerful diagnostic tools that can predict the likelihood of plaque rupture, which is responsible for most heart attacks and strokes. The new NIH award will enable the team to extend their research on arterial plaque development and predict potential rupture.
New research from Karolinska Institutet found that radiotherapy can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life due to sustained inflammation in arteries. The study suggests that post-radiotherapy changes in gene expression may be the cause of this increased risk, which can appear years after treatment.
Researchers found that abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) test results are prevalent among individuals not considered high risk for coronary heart disease by Framingham risk score. This simple test can help identify those who may be at risk for future heart attacks, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Researchers found that treating vitamin D deficiency with supplements can reduce cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. Increasing vitamin D levels by 1000-5000 IU per day may be beneficial for patients at-risk.
Research finds that erectile dysfunction is a strong predictor of death from all causes and cardiovascular events in men with cardiovascular disease. Men with ED were more likely to suffer death, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failures compared to those without ED.
The ACCORD trial showed that targeting normal systolic blood pressure levels did not significantly reduce the risk of fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular disease events. Treating multiple lipids with combination drug therapy also did not provide additional benefits over treatment with statin alone.
A study found that individuals with a low ankle-brachial index (ABI) did not significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events with aspirin use. Alternative therapies, such as statins or more potent antiplatelet agents, may be considered for these high-risk patients.
A major new study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who are usually happy and content have a lower risk of heart disease than those who tend to be unhappy. The study suggests that increasing positive emotions may help prevent heart disease, but more clinical trials are needed.
A study of over 19,000 women found that a genetic risk score based on multiple genetic markers was not associated with improved cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction. Despite this, traditional factors such as family history and intermediate phenotypes like cholesterol levels remained significant predictors.
A recent study found that early life stress can predict an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Researchers used a proven model of chronic behavioral stress on rat pups and found that animals with early life stress had increased blood pressure and inflammation in their blood vessel walls upon reaching adulthood.
A large population study found that lower IQ scores were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and total mortality, surpassing the risk linked to smoking. The study also identified other risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, and low physical activity.
A new study by Dr. Steven Hunter found that low-carbohydrate high-fat diets do not lead to greater weight loss and increase cardiovascular disease risks. The research highlights the potential dangers of these diets for people at risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A new study reveals that dentists can identify patients at risk of a fatal cardiovascular disease using software called HeartScore. Six men who thought they were healthy received preventive treatment in time thanks to the dental care team's efforts.
The International Menopause Society consensus statement emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about cardiovascular disease risks in postmenopausal women. The statement also concludes that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally safe and may have cardioprotective effects, particularly for younger women.
A recent study by researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that patients with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to develop coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. The study followed 27,686 patients over a year and found that those with very low levels of vitamin D were 77% more likely to die.
A new study found that dentists using the computerized system HeartScore can identify patients at risk of fatal cardiovascular events and refer them to physicians. The study followed 200 patients in Sweden and found that dentists were able to accurately assess their risk for serious complications.
Research reveals that broccoli contains abundant levels of the carotenoid lutein, an antioxidant linked to improved eye health and reduced risk of cancer. Lutein levels are influenced by genetics, not environment, making it a promising target for breeding programs aimed at producing higher-lutein broccoli varieties.
A mathematical model predicts that low background levels of radiation increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk is consistent with previous studies involving nuclear workers.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery investigators finds that most lupus patients are not aware of their increased risk for cardiovascular disease, but a counseling program helps them make informed lifestyle choices. The program has been well-received by patients, with over 90% satisfaction rates.
A recent study published in the American Heart Journal found that more than half of randomized clinical trials for cardiovascular disease fail to report vital information about patient race or ethnicity. Only 15% of trials had sufficient diversity, highlighting the need for better representation of minority groups in RCTs.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that patients who received refurbished pacemakers donated from Detroit area funeral homes survived without complications. The pacemakers functioned normally at six months, with no device complications reported.
A recent Cochrane Systematic Review found no evidence that B-vitamin supplements can prevent heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. The review of 24,210 people showed that these supplements have no effect on the incidence of cardiovascular disease.