Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol levels, triglycerides, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the diet can help prevent metabolic syndrome and its components.
The END Diabetes Program aims to show that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes, thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The six-month program offers educational workshops, free membership, individual coaching, and regular exercise sessions for at least 200 adults.
Researchers found that tomatoes contain powerful antioxidants like lycopene, which has greater bioavailability after cooking and processing. Tomatoes also have anti-inflammatory functions and a lower risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cognitive dysfunction.
Hearing impairment is a common condition among middle-aged adults, affecting up to 29 million Americans. The study found that cardiovascular disease risk factors and noisy occupations are associated with an increased likelihood of hearing impairment. Early detection and prevention may be possible if the condition is detected early.
Researchers found that an abnormal response to early heartbeats can predict cardiac death in healthy-looking individuals. Those with no conventional markers of cardiovascular disease were eight times more likely to die from cardiac causes if they had abnormal heart rate turbulence.
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that children with type 1 diabetes often develop early cardiovascular disease before puberty, characterized by stiffer blood vessels and vascular inflammation. The study highlights the need for long-term studies to monitor the progression of these changes in young patients.
A study by researchers at UCLA Stroke Center found that strokes and cardiovascular disease exacted an enormous toll on Hollywood stars. The team identified 30 actors who suffered strokes and 39 heart attacks among Oscar nominees between 1927 and 2009, with women accounting for 60% of stroke victims.
A new perspective paper challenges long-held beliefs about saturated fatty acids and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the complexity of diet's effects on CVD risk. Experts conclude that blood lipid ratios and food matrices, including nutrients like protein and calcium, play a more significant role than just fatty acid content.
A new venue for imaging tests has been inaugurated for the PESA study, aiming to improve early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disorders. The research aims to identify risk factors and daily habits influencing atherosclerosis development.
A new study suggests that consuming inorganic nitrate from spinach can improve mitochondrial efficiency, leading to reduced oxygen consumption while exercising. This increase in efficiency may contribute to the known health benefits of fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens like spinach.
A recent study found that exposure to traffic noise increases the risk of stroke, especially in individuals aged 65 and over. The researchers discovered a significant association between road traffic noise and stroke risk, with an estimated 8% of all stroke cases potentially attributed to traffic noise.
Researchers found that portable HEPA filters reduced fine particulate matter and woodsmoke concentrations, improving endothelial function and decreasing inflammation. These findings support the hypothesis that reducing particle concentration can favorably influence cardiovascular morbidity.
Fat is linked to distinct DNA chemical changes, which may help explain why obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The study identified two genes, UBASH3A and TRIM3, with altered methylation patterns in obese individuals.
A new study reveals that COPD patients on LTOT are at a higher risk of death from non-respiratory causes such as cardiovascular disease. The study found an increase in mortality due to circulatory and digestive organ diseases, emphasizing the importance of optimized diagnostics and treatment.
Researchers have found that RevaTen platelet-rich plasma stimulates cell repair via growth factor release, attracting reparative cells. Studies indicate significant improvements in cardiac function and reductions in scar tissue after treatment with RevaTen PRP.
A new study led by MSU researcher Claudia Holzman aims to understand why preterm births increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in mothers. By analyzing data from over 3,000 women who delivered babies early or full-term, researchers hope to identify factors that contribute to this link and potentially develop new treatment strategies.
A Spanish study found alarmingly high cardiovascular risk factors in a random selection of 2,270 adults, with low education levels linked to increased risk. The researchers also discovered strong links between smoking, obesity, abdominal obesity, and high cholesterol levels.
Scientists from UT Health Science Center San Antonio discovered a relationship between phosphoinositide kinases and calcium ions in nerve cells, which could lead to treatments for neurological disorders. The study's findings have implications for epilepsy, stroke, dementia, hypertension, mental illness, and other diseases.
A team of international researchers led by Daniel J. Rader will investigate the molecular mechanisms of six novel genes associated with heart disease. The five-year study aims to identify new potential therapeutic targets and establish an infrastructure for systematic evaluation of future genetic association studies.
A new study suggests that consuming an almond-enriched diet can improve insulin sensitivity and decrease LDL-cholesterol levels in individuals with prediabetes. The study found significant improvements in insulin levels, homeostasis model analysis for insulin resistance, and clinically significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol.
A new study found that cardiac troponin T levels detected with a highly sensitive assay are associated with structural heart disease, cardiovascular mortality, and increased all-cause death in the general population. The prevalence of detectable cTnT varied by sex, race, age, and comorbidities.
The European Society of Cardiology stresses that lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are major contributors to heart disease. The summit advocates for a harmonized strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease through policies supporting healthy lifestyles.
A study by Sara Adar and colleagues found that long-term air pollution exposure is associated with narrowing of retinal arterioles, a microvascular change linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Short-term pollution exposure also showed weak associations with retinal vessel changes.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an independent predictor of death from all causes, doubling a veteran's risk of mortality. Researchers found that PTSD veterans had more severe coronary artery disease, with accelerated atherosclerosis being a key mechanism behind the excess mortality risk.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found a link between fat around the outside of arteries and the development of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals with diabetes. The study suggests that this fat tissue, known as perivascular adipose tissue, can lead to inflammation and unstable blood vessels, increasing the ...
According to the American Heart Association, only 12% of men and 13% of women had all four health factors at ideal levels. Researchers found that death rates were 55% lower for participants with five to seven health factors at ideal compared to those with no health factors at ideal levels.
The NCD Alliance warns that ignoring chronic diseases will lead to a future where healthy people are in the minority, while unhealthy children die before their parents. The alliance calls for effective actions on diet, physical activity, risks, and determinants related to non-communicable diseases.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.