Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
Clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular disease are often based on lower levels of evidence or expert opinion. A recent study found that the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines have increased recommendations with more class II and fewer class III recommendations.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that high-fat diets can cause inflammation in fat tissue surrounding blood vessels, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease. The study suggests a direct link between poor dietary habits and inflammation of blood vessels, independent of weight gain or cholesterol levels.
Researchers at the Centenary Institute have discovered a mechanism controlling endothelial cell growth and function. The process of differentiation, triggered by high levels of sphingosine kinase-1, allows cells to mature into functional endothelial cells, potentially leading to new treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that multivitamin use was not associated with an increased risk of breast, colorectal, or cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. No significant associations were found between multivitamin use and cancer or cardiovascular disease mortality rates.
A new study found that increasing potassium intake and reducing sodium consumption can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed 24-hour urine samples from over 2,900 participants and discovered a strong correlation between the ratio of sodium-to-potassium in urine and cardiovascular disease.
A study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that elderly people with damaged kidneys are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and stroke. Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems in these individuals.
Bariatric surgery rapidly improves insulin action, prompting adjustments to diabetic regimens. Genetic testing for heart disease is questioned as a reliable predictor of cardiovascular events, with traditional risk factors proving sufficient. Researchers advocate for increased clinical vigilance in methadone patients to reduce sudden c...
A study published in CMAJ found that men with type 2 diabetes have a 3-fold risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to those without either condition. In the long term, however, the two groups had similar mortality risks.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends echocardiography as the first-line test for patients suspected of cardiovascular disease. Echocardiography provides accurate images of the heart's chambers, valves, and coronary arteries, allowing for diagnosis and prognosis without invasive procedures.
A recent study found that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are three times more likely to experience severe coronary events, including heart attacks. The disease is also linked to increased risks of angina, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis.
A new study published by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina suggests that the risk of cancer from radiation exposure during cardiac CT scans is substantially lower than previously reported for general populations. The study found a cancer risk of 1 in 1000, which mirrors more closely the typical patients who receiv...
A study found that depression increases cardiovascular events due to a lack of physical activity and other unhealthy behaviors. Patients with depressive symptoms had a 50% greater risk of cardiovascular events compared to those without symptoms.
Telcagepant has shown efficacy in treating moderate to severe migraines, offering a safer alternative to triptans with fewer side effects. The study analyzed 1380 patients and found telcagepant 300mg to be more effective than placebo for freedom from pain and other symptoms.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that sleeping less than seven and a half hours per day is associated with future risk of heart disease. Patients with shorter sleep duration plus overnight increased blood pressure had a higher incidence of heart disease.
High levels of hs-CRP increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can be reduced by up to 44% with statin medication. The study included 17,802 patients from 27 countries and demonstrated a significant decrease in cardiovascular events and mortality.
A large, long-term study found that vitamins E and C supplements did not reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in male physicians. Despite previous observational studies suggesting a role for these antioxidants in reducing coronary heart disease risk, the study found no significant effect on cardiovascular mortality or morbidity.
Researchers found that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels can improve cardiovascular disease risk assessment and guide treatment decisions. Studies showed hsCRP adds 5-14% accuracy over traditional risk factors, especially for individuals at intermediate risk.
Research presented at the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Meeting found African Americans with CKD caused by high blood pressure have a higher risk of progression to ESRD. The study followed 691 patients for 11 years and found they were at higher risk of progressing to ESRD than experiencing cardiovascular events.
People with mild sleep apnea may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease due to impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness. A recent study found that minimally symptomatic obstructive sleep apnea can significantly increase cardiovascular risk, even in those without daytime sleepiness.
Researchers have found that an experimental anti-cancer drug can prevent and reverse cardiovascular damage in a mouse model of progeria, a rare genetic disorder causing human premature aging. The study suggests that the drug may also have potential in treating other forms of coronary artery disease.
Researchers found that cardio-selective beta-blockers significantly reduced mortality in both COPD and non-COPD patients within 30 days of surgery. Long-term mortality reductions were also observed among COPD patients on beta-blockers, with a higher risk of death among those not receiving the medication.
A 12-week isoflavone supplement improved brachial artery dilation and reversed endothelial dysfunction in stroke patients. Isoflavone treatment also decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, suggesting reduced vascular inflammatory stress.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition has found that consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate (6.7 grams per day) can lower the risk of heart attack by significantly reducing inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The study, which enrolled over 20,000 participants, suggests that this amount of dark chocolate is associ...
A study published in JAMA found that higher levels of urinary Bisphenol A (BPA) are associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver-enzyme abnormalities. BPA concentrations were linked to a 39% increased odds of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A combination regimen of cardiovascular drugs could avert almost 18 million deaths in 23 low-income countries for $1.10 per person. Integration of primary care approaches with public policies is crucial for effective management of chronic diseases.
Recent research by the University of Granada confirms that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil and antioxidants can help prevent chronic diseases such as pancreatic cancer and cardiovascular disease. By modifying cell membrane composition, the diet's ingredients may influence disease prevention and treatment.
A UK study found that 2.8 million men and 900,000 women are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease but remain undiagnosed. The research highlights the need for a national CVD risk assessment programme to detect those who haven't already been identified.
A recent study published in The Lancet found a statistically significant association between low-dose radiation exposure and cardiovascular disease. Researchers suggest that radiation can cause damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, especially among individuals with certain non-cancer diseases.
A UC Irvine study found that only 17% of adults with cardiovascular diseases have optimal levels for all lipids, compared to 85% of those without heart disease. The researchers emphasize the importance of proper diet, exercise, and medication to target all lipids.
Dr. Eric Lazartigues' research aims to understand the role of ACE2 in regulating blood pressure and developing new treatments for hypertension. With a $1.2M grant, his work has the potential to improve the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which claim more lives than cancer combined.
Researchers have identified low levels of naturally occurring antibodies as an increased risk factor for cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke in men. This breakthrough finding suggests that anti-PC antibodies play a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Women with migraines, especially those with aura, may be at higher risk for heart disease and stroke due to a specific gene variant. A study found that women with this gene variant had more than three times the risk of cardiovascular disease, including four times the risk for stroke compared to those without the gene.
A new study found that testosterone predominance during menopause is associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that testosterone may play a more significant role in cardiovascular risk than previously thought.
The LSUHSC has been awarded a $10 million COBRE grant to support cardiovascular research projects and mentor junior faculty. The grant will fund four research projects and one pilot project, focusing on various aspects of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, stents, and stroke.
A new study suggests that increasing mineral intake, particularly potassium, through diet can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products may help achieve these benefits.
A new study suggests that increasing dietary intake of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Potassium, in particular, has been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, particularly in populations with low sodium consumption.
Experts propose measuring only systolic blood pressure in patients aged 50+, as it's a better predictor of risk and simplifies communication with patients. This shift could lead to improved treatment outcomes, reduced disease rates, and increased focus on systolic hypertension.
A new study conducted by the Medical College of Wisconsin researchers found that sedentary high school girls are at a significant risk for developing osteoporosis. The study discovered that nearly 78% of female high school athletes and 65% of non-athletes display components of the female athlete triad, including low bone mineral density.
A study published in The Lancet found that metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in elderly individuals. However, it was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Instead, individual components of metabolic syndrome were linked to a higher risk of new-onset diabetes.
A new study finds that people who were overweight in adolescence have a higher risk of mortality from endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, colon cancer, and respiratory diseases. The study of 230,000 Norwegian adolescents found an increased mortality rate among those with high BMI.
Researchers have identified a gene sequence associated with an expanding waist line, weight gain, and insulin resistance, affecting half of the UK population. The sequence is more common in Indian Asians than Europeans, providing a possible genetic explanation for the high levels of obesity and diabetes in this group.
A study published in The Lancet finds that 4 out of 5 high blood pressure-related deaths occur in the developing world. The research estimates a worldwide burden of disease attributable to hypertension, with 7.6 million premature deaths and 92 million disability-adjusted life years attributed to HBP.
Research found that women with weekly migraines are three times more likely to have a stroke, while those with low migraine frequency may face increased risk of heart attacks. The study suggests that migraine frequency may be an indicator for cardiovascular disease.
A 10-year retrospective study found that even small increases in serum creatinine levels during hospitalization raise the risk of end-stage renal disease and mortality in elderly patients. The study also identified that larger changes in creatinine levels were associated with higher risks.
A clinical trial found that patients with diabetes who reduced their blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol to below standard target levels had a greater decrease in carotid artery wall thickness, but no significant difference in cardiovascular disease events. Targeted treatment of these conditions improved surrogate measures of cardiovasc...
Consuming apples and apple products is associated with a 27% decreased likelihood of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Adults who eat apples also tend to have smaller waistlines and lower blood pressure levels.
A new study in mice found that moderate and high doses of estrogen replacement therapy increased problems in the kidney and heart. The results suggest that ERT dosage may be an important determinant in a woman's overall health.
A recent study from Temple University's School of Medicine found that regular communication with doctors can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. By using an internet-based health reporting system and regular clinic visits, participants were able to improve their blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and cardiovascular...
A recent study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that decreased sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women is not clearly associated with cardiovascular disease. However, dissatisfaction was linked to peripheral arterial disease and angina, while sexual satisfaction was inversely related to these conditions.
A consensus statement by ADA and ACC recognizes NMR measurement of LDL particle number as a more accurate assessment of cardiometabolic risk. This method appears to be more closely associated with cardiovascular disease risk than traditional LDL and non-HDL cholesterol measures.
Genomic medicine shows modest positive effects on psychological outcomes and consumer interest in genetic testing to identify disease risks, but faces significant barriers to integration, including inadequate workforce knowledge and confidence.
A new study published in JAMA found that a lack of regular physical activity can cause many diseases, with effects visible within two weeks. The researchers discovered that reducing daily physical activity led to higher glucose and fat levels in the blood, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
A study by the American Heart Association found that minority and financially vulnerable adults with insulin-treated diabetes are less likely to monitor their blood glucose levels. The disparities were greatest for low-income Hispanics, with significantly lower rates of daily self-monitoring compared to whites.
New study suggests that non-lab-based risk factors can predict cardiovascular events with similar accuracy to laboratory-based values. This approach could simplify risk assessment and screening in developing countries where laboratory testing is often unavailable.
Researchers found that family members caring for loved ones with serious heart ailments were more likely to have high blood pressure, depression, and poor eating habits. These caregivers were also less likely to follow healthy dietary guidelines.
Loud snoring with breathing pauses is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. Quiet snoring is linked only to an increased risk for hypertension in women. The study found that loud snoring carries a significantly increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
A new study has found that kidney donor age is associated with increased aortic stiffness in recipients, which may explain higher rates of cardiovascular disease and death. The study suggests that targeted interventions after kidney transplantation could improve long-term results by reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality.
A large study found that moderate aerobic fitness can significantly reduce stroke risk for men and women. The study analyzed data from over 60,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness had a lower risk of stroke, regardless of other risk factors.
Researchers found that a delay in disabling conditions was crucial for centenarian survival, with male and female centenarians exhibiting different resilience levels. The study highlights the importance of understanding mechanisms for delaying disability to improve health outcomes and therapies.
A genome-wide association study identified a new gene locus associated with LDL cholesterol levels, potentially providing insight into biological mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets. The discovery may aid in the development of new drugs to fight cardiovascular disease.