Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
The UK is projected to see up to 210,000 avoidable alcohol-related deaths over the next 20 years, including 70,000 from liver disease. The government can take action to prevent this by implementing evidence-based measures such as increasing prices and reducing availability.
Research links injectable progesterone contraceptives to poor periodontal health, with DMPA users at higher risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. Women currently taking or past users of the contraceptive may need to prioritize oral care.
The Gulf states are experiencing a rise in heart disease prevalence due to rapid urbanization and cultural factors, including high rates of obesity and diabetes. Waterpipe smoking is also becoming increasingly popular, particularly among adolescents and women, with its harmful effects similar to those of cigarettes.
Adolescents who consume high amounts of fructose are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to a recent study. The researchers found that heavy consumers of fructose had lower levels of protective fats like HDL cholesterol and adiponectin.
Researchers used advanced imaging technology to visualize minute structural elements within blood vessels and found elastin plays a key role in supporting arterial function. This knowledge could help understand and treat complications of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
A new USDA study identifies two inexpensive tests to evaluate promising wheat varieties for their potential as whole-grain cookie flour sources. The research confirms the reliability of the sucrose SRC test and milling softness equivalent test for early screening.
A 10-year study found that participants with an increase in resting heart rate were at a higher risk of death from all causes and ischemic heart disease. The researchers also discovered that changes in resting heart rate over time do not show a general benefit in relation to ischemic heart disease mortality.
A Swedish study found that antioxidant-rich diets, particularly those high in fruits and vegetables, lower stroke risk in women with and without a history of cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that increasing consumption of such foods may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in stroke development.
Researchers have identified a crucial part of the nervous system whose malfunction may account for an increased risk of death from heart failure. The cardiac ganglion plays a key role in regulating vagal tone reaching the heart.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found no correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increased mortality. NAFLD, prevalent among those with heart disease and obesity, does not appear to undermine health and longevity.
A recent study by Queen's University found that TV viewing, but not computer use, predicted higher cardio-metabolic risk in children. This suggests that limiting screen time, particularly TV viewing, may be an effective way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in young people.
A study found that tripling the standard daily dosage of clopidogrel for patients with a genetic variation improving response to the medication significantly reduced platelet reactivity. Higher doses also improved platelet reactivity in those without the variant gene, guiding further clinical studies.
Research suggests that systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels within the normal range may not be protective against recurrent stroke in patients who have experienced an ischemic stroke. The study found that SBP levels below 120 mmHg or above 140 mmHg were associated with a higher risk of subsequent stroke. Lowering SBP levels to less tha...
Researchers found that increased wave reflections are predictive of cardiovascular events and congestive heart failure, even with small increases in magnitude. This measure surpassed established risk factors like hypertension in predicting heart failure risk.
Research suggests that sexually and physically abused girls may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes as adults. The study found that women who experienced severe physical abuse or forced sex in childhood had a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) has become a critical diagnostic tool in clinical cardiology, providing comprehensive assessments of ventricular function, cardiac morphology, perfusion, viability, and metabolism. CMR offers significant advantages over other imaging modalities, including the absence of ionizing radiation and hig...
A study published in BMJ Open found that if the UK population adopted the average English diet, around 4,000 deaths could be prevented every year. The research suggests that a poor diet high in saturated fats and salt contributes to higher death rates in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compared to England.
The HealtheSteps program is designed to provide tailored exercise prescriptions and support to residents of Huron County, where rates of cardiovascular disease are higher than average. By engaging with the local community through evidence-based research and community consultations, Dr. Robert Petrella and his team aim to reduce health ...
A recent study has identified a potential link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that cancer-causing strains of HPV were strongly associated with CVD, even after adjusting for other risk factors.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, with increased triglycerides and insulin resistance contributing to the condition. Regular screening and treatment can help mitigate this risk, but more research is needed to understand the extent of PCOS's impact on cardiovascular health.
The American Physiological Society's conference highlights the importance of considering sex and gender in cardiovascular health. Research findings show that women accumulate plaque more evenly inside major arteries, making heart disease a significant concern for women.
Researchers found that genetic variants associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease may be mitigated by a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables. The study's results suggest that dietary choices can influence the impact of these genetic variants on cardiovascular health.
A study by Uppsala University researchers found a clear connection between increasing levels of environmental toxicants and atherosclerosis. The findings also showed a link to fat accumulation in vessel walls, highlighting the potential role of these compounds in cardiovascular disease.
A new study from the University of Adelaide reveals a strong link between cardiovascular disease in both parents and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in their daughters. Mothers with PCOS are more likely to have high blood pressure, while fathers are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
A large study led by Stanford urologist Michael Eisenberg found that childless men are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than fathers. The study tracked over 135,000 male members and found a 17% increase in mortality risk among childless men compared to fathers.
Research finds psoriasis patients are 26% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 18% more likely to die from all causes after a heart attack. The study emphasizes the need for a more aggressive approach to secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in psoriasis patients.
The C-CHANGE guidelines integrate over 400 recommendations into one comprehensive resource, distilling practice and evidence down to 89 simplified recommendations. This harmonization aims to improve health outcomes by promoting a more evidence-based approach to cardiovascular care.
A University of Alberta nutrition expert recommends re-evaluating trans fat labelling due to evidence suggesting natural trans fats have positive health effects. Natural trans fats found in dairy and beef products are not detrimental to health and may even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
African American women with higher BMI levels are at increased risk of death, according to a new study. A larger waist size was also associated with a higher risk of death among non-obese women, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and reducing waist size.
A new article in PLOS Medicine suggests that improvements in advocacy, national planning, resource allocation, long-term investments, and health system strengthening are needed to tackle non-communicable diseases. The authors argue that lessons learned from the global AIDS response can inform a successful NCD response.
A global study found that 60% of individuals with heart disease and up to half of stroke patients are not taking four effective drug types, with underuse highest in low-income countries. The study suggests improvements in drug use could substantially reduce global cardiovascular disease within years.
Researchers found that inhibiting microRNA-100, a regulatory RNA molecule, can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in animals with peripheral artery disease. This could lead to potential therapeutic applications for cardiovascular diseases.
The number of patients with cardiac problems during pregnancy is increasing, and careful screening for heart disease is crucial. New ESC guidelines recommend regular screenings, appropriate risk assessment, and counseling to minimize complications and ensure fetal and maternal health.
Estrogen has been found to help regulate white blood cell activity, preventing them from sticking to blood vessel walls and causing vascular damage. This natural mechanism could have important implications for understanding and treating cardiovascular disease.
A Gladstone scientist has discovered a genetic factor that regulates heartbeat synchronization, potentially advancing medicine and human health. The study found that abnormalities in this regulation lead to heart arrhythmias, which can be fatal, and may offer new avenues for drug therapy to target these pathways.
A new study suggests that increases in public health spending result in healthier people, particularly in communities with limited resources. Communities investing more in local public health activities saw significant reductions in mortality from preventable causes of death.
A study found that measuring hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with diabetes can improve models for predicting cardiovascular disease risk. The level of risk varies among patients, and the test reflects average blood glucose levels over two to three months.
Fetal exposure to nicotine causes permanent changes in blood vessel behavior, leading to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. This study provides novel information on the fetal programming underlying these risks.
The latest evidence-based vascular medicine provides comprehensive guidance on managing noncardiac vascular diseases, including PAD, carotid stenosis, renal artery stenosis, chronic mesenteric ischemia, and critical limb ischemia. The series of articles offers expert clinicians the tools they need to improve patient care.
A team of scientists and medical doctors proposes an integrated method using systems medicine to investigate chronic non-communicable diseases as a group. This approach aims to provide personalized holistic treatment at the primary care level, reducing healthcare costs and burden.
Research published in BioMed Central's Breast Cancer Research journal found that two-thirds of women with breast cancer died from other causes, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death. Women over 50 with co-existing health conditions were most likely to die from non-cancer related causes.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that watching more than two hours of TV per day increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The researchers also found that prolonged TV viewing is associated with an increased risk of premature death.
Watching TV for 2-3 hours per day or more increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease, and all-cause death. A meta-analysis of 8 studies found a 20% higher risk of type 2 diabetes and a 15% increased risk of fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular disease with each additional 2 hours of TV viewing.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new imaging technology that uses nanosecond laser pulses to measure ultrasound signals from molecules, enabling precise three-dimensional images of arterial plaques. This breakthrough could lead to better diagnoses and treatments for cardiovascular disease and other disorders.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in detecting diabetes and cardiovascular disease through advanced lipid genetics. Dr. Joanne Curran discovered that dihydroceramide (dhCer) is a reliable early indicator of diabetes risk, while Dr. Sara Willems found a link between genetic variants and atherosclerosis.
A new Canadian blood pressure education program has shown promising results in reducing stroke risk by up to 40%. The program, launched in 11 primary care sites across Ontario, achieved sustained average blood pressure reductions of 6.4/3.8 mmHg after three years.
A four-in-one combination pill, containing aspirin and agents to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, has been shown to halve the predicted risk of heart disease and stroke. The trial tested 378 people with raised cardiovascular risk against a placebo.
A large cohort study found that initially healthy middle-aged women with new-onset atrial fibrillation had an increased risk of cardiovascular, noncardiovascular, and all-cause death. The risk was partly attributed to nonfatal cardiovascular events such as congestive heart failure and stroke.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that atrial fibrillation in mostly healthy women is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. The study of over 34,000 women found that 2.1% of deaths could be attributed to atrial fibrillation, highlighting the importance of managing cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found that arsenic exposure elevates cardiovascular disease mortality in individuals who smoke. Arsenic levels above the safe limit significantly increase risk of death from cardiovascular disease, even at lower doses than previously reported.
A literature review suggests that drinking 100 percent fruit juices may offer disease-fighting benefits similar to whole fruits. The review found a positive association between 100 percent juice intake and reduced risks for several chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
Researchers from Wisconsin and Texas have identified two EET analogs that effectively lower blood pressure and reduce kidney injury in animal models of hypertension. The findings offer a promising avenue for the development of novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.
A cohort study analyzing over 3,600 patients with severe psoriasis found a 53% increased incidence of major adverse cardiac events compared to the general population. Patients with severe psoriasis have an additional 6% ten-year risk of MACE.
A large-scale Harvard study of over 51,000 men and 121,700 women found no association between mercury exposure and increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. Higher levels of mercury exposure were actually linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk, likely due to beneficial effects of fish consumption.
A University of Missouri researcher has discovered a plant oil called sterculic oil that may help reduce belly fat and insulin resistance in humans. The oil contains unique fatty acids that suppress an enzyme associated with insulin resistance, improving metabolic profiles and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
A study found an association between occasional physical activity and a short-term increased risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death. The absolute risk was small, but those with high levels of regular physical activity were less susceptible to the triggering effect of episodic physical activity.
A Monash University study has found a direct link between time lived with obesity and the risk of mortality. Participants who experienced medium to long durations of obesity had significantly higher mortality rates compared to those who were never obese.
UC researchers determined the structure of human HDL cholesterol, revealing a cage-like protein structure that encapsulates its fatty cargo. The study suggests that proteins like apolipoprotein A-I play a dominant role in HDL's protective effects against cardiovascular disease.
An international study of 220,000 people found that obese individuals with central obesity have a similar risk of heart attacks and strokes as those with general obesity, challenging earlier research. The study highlights the importance of measuring blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels in primary prevention.
Researchers found that ultrafine particles can activate platelets, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in people with diabetes. The study provides new insights into air pollution's impact on heart health, emphasizing the importance of controlling exposure to pollutants for vulnerable populations.