Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A study by Penn State researchers found that consuming whole grains can lead to significant weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The study showed that the whole grain group experienced a lower body weight, lower blood pressure, and increased intake of fiber and magnesium compared to the refined grain group.
Regular marijuana use in young adulthood is associated with a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, according to the study. Cannabis exposure groups showed significant increases in periodontal attachment loss and new attachment loss compared to non-users.
Researchers identified the HLA-DRB1 gene as a predictor of premature death from cardiovascular disease in inflammatory arthritis patients. The study found that having two copies of the shared epitope allele increased the risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease, particularly among current smokers.
A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that individuals with sedentary lifestyles exhibit shorter telomeres, indicating an accelerated aging process. Regular exercise, however, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which may help mitigate this effect.
A study found that diuretics offer no advantages over other hypertension medications for treating metabolic syndrome, particularly in black patients. Diuretics were shown to be more beneficial than calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and alpha-blockers in preventing cardiovascular disease and kidney problems.
Researchers found that lipoic acid supplements reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by 55% in mice, lowered triglycerides, and helped normalize metabolic processes. The supplements may be useful as a preventive mechanism before advanced cardiovascular disease develops.
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found a correlation between periodontal disease and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Regular brushing and flossing can help lower this risk, according to experts from the American Academy of Periodontology.
A study of 1,739 participants found that vitamin D levels below 15 ng/mL were associated with a twice higher risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers also observed an increase in cardiovascular risk with each level of vitamin D deficiency.
People with restless legs syndrome are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease, according to a study published in Neurology. The risk is highest in those with RLS symptoms at least 16 times per month, where they are more than twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease.
Researchers found that some morbidly obese patients have better cardiovascular disease risk profiles than those who are less obese. Bariatric weight-loss surgery may benefit individuals with a BMI as low as 30, not just those with higher BMIs.
Chronic kidney disease significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. Pioglitazone has been shown to lower this risk, particularly among those with moderate to severe renal disease. The study found that pioglitazone reduced all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke by one-third.
A study of 3,601 women found that low-risk women with advanced coronary artery calcium had a higher risk of heart events and cardiovascular disease. The findings provide new insights into cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged and older women, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating risk assessment strategies.
Achieving a 2% annual reduction in mortality rates due to chronic diseases could prevent 36 million deaths by 2015. The authors urge key players, including governments, industries, and NGOs, to prioritize policies and programs to tackle chronic diseases, such as tobacco control, diet modification, and physical activity promotion.
A new MUHC study found that informing patients about their cardiovascular risk and receiving ongoing feedback from their doctor leads to greater drops in lipid levels. Patients with higher risk profiles experienced a greater impact on their risk profile, highlighting the importance of communicating calculated cardiovascular risk.
A standardized intervention incorporating risk assessment and telephone counselling improved cardiovascular risk factors among those at risk for coronary disease, but not among those with established coronary disease. The study found a positive impact on reducing cardiovascular risk factors in high-risk individuals.
A new study by UMass Medical School researchers found that certain popular weight-loss plans significantly outperform others in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The Ornish, Weight Watchers High Carbohydrate, and New Glucose Revolution plans scored highest due to their emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Researchers found a link between depression, latent viral infections, and increased inflammation, which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that chronic depression can trigger a cascade of events that lead to the buildup of plaques in coronary arteries.
Researchers investigating statin effects on heart cells hope to understand disease process better and develop new treatments. The study, led by Dr Sarah Calaghan at the University of Leeds, aims to determine how statins affect caveolae and impact heart behavior.
Researchers from Boston University and NHLBI analyzed genetic differences associated with cardiovascular disease and other disorders using Framingham Heart Study data. The study found associations between specific genomic regions and characteristics such as blood pressure, lipids, and diabetes.
A study by Penn State found that individuals with higher eating competence have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that training people in becoming eating competent may be an effective way to encourage healthy eating behaviors.
The University of California, Irvine, has received a $5 million gift from Edwards Lifesciences to establish a center focused on researching and developing the next generation of cardiovascular devices. The center will promote collaboration among students, faculty members, and experts in various disciplines.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that women with a family history of heart disease are less likely to quit smoking and engage in physical activity, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Women with this history also tend to have higher rates of unhealthy eating habits.
Researchers studying 523 pairs of twins aim to understand the role of environmental stress in cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. The study, funded by a $1.7 million grant, will evaluate twins' living environments and stress coping mechanisms over four years.
Researchers at U of M discovered that treating people with early cardiovascular abnormalities can slow progression and even reverse damage to the heart and blood vessels. The Rasmussen Disease Score helps doctors identify early signs, enabling targeted lifestyle counseling and drug treatment.
Mortality rates from pulmonary fibrosis are expected to continue rising, with a significant increase in deaths from the disease itself rather than coexisting conditions. The study found higher mortality rates in older men and women, as well as disparities among racial and ethnic groups.
The NCRR has launched a Translational Research Network to facilitate multi-site clinical and translational research among minority institutions. The network will enable researchers to pool resources and expertise, increasing the productivity and impact of individual centers.
A study by Dr. Michael Holick reveals that vitamin D deficiency is common and problematic, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. The author suggests increasing recommended Adequate Intakes for vitamin D to 800-1000 IU/d.
A survey of 750 doctors from 10 countries found that only 47% of their patients reached cholesterol goals, but 61% deemed this acceptable. Doctors preferred prescribing statins and lifestyle changes over other approaches. Key findings showed significant variation in treatment recommendations across countries.
The study found that women treated at top-performing hospitals have a significantly lower risk-adjusted mortality rate for cardiovascular disease, with an average improvement of 8.7%. The greatest quality gaps were seen in heart failure and interventional cardiology procedures.
Researchers found that COPD patients exhibit greater arterial stiffness, especially those with osteoporosis. This early sign of aging may contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
A study by Siobhan Banks found that chronic sleep restriction can lead to a decrease in heart rate variability, potentially elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease. This negative impact on cardiac activity may be a contributing factor to the association between short sleep duration and increased mortality.
Two studies identify interactions between heart disease and kidney disease, revealing that anemia, microalbuminuria, and declining eGFR are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The findings highlight the importance of screening and intervention for patients at high risk of kidney disease.
A study found that men and women with diabetes at age 50 and older have a significantly reduced life expectancy and fewer years without cardiovascular disease. This increase in risk of illness and death is attributed to the global prevalence of Western lifestyle habits, leading to an alarming rise in diabetes cases.
Researchers found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have higher levels of dead cells from the lining of their blood vessels, which may explain why they are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Treatment with nasal CPAP reduced levels of these cells.
A meta-analysis of 25 studies found that regular exercise increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels by an average of 2.53 milligrams per deciliter, corresponding to a 5-7% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that employees who participated in a workplace health program improved their blood pressure control and diabetes management, with significant reductions in absenteeism and workplace accidents. The program's comprehensive wellness system, which included coaching, incentives, and health screenings, was key to its success.
Research suggests that elderly people exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of developing dementia. The study found that those with high lifetime exposure were approximately 30% more likely to develop dementia than those with no exposure. High exposure was defined as more than 30 years of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Researchers found that pistachio amounts of 1.5 ounces reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 11.6% and total cholesterol by 8.4%, while the higher dose showed significant reductions in lipoprotein ratios. Pistachios also increased antioxidants in the blood, which may help reduce inflammation.
A new study found that cherry-enriched diets lowered blood cholesterol, insulin levels, and other factors linked to metabolic syndrome. Researchers say the findings are encouraging and will lead to further clinical studies in humans.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found a connection between high insulin levels and impaired intestinal lipid metabolism in an animal model, supporting the role of intestinal metabolic dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Excessive insulin slows chylomicron removal from the bloodstream, leading to blockages and heart problems.
Migraines in men are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. The study found that men who experienced migraines had an increased risk of myocardial infarctions, with an incidence rate of 10.4 per 10,000 men per year.
New research suggests that living in rural areas can lower the risk of heart disease, possibly due to easier access to fresh produce and outdoor exercise. Meanwhile, urban residents are more motivated to get healthy but lack knowledge about heart-healthy eating.
Long-term aspirin use in women with low to moderate doses has been associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality and cancer deaths. The study found that women who used aspirin had a lower risk of death from any cause, particularly heart disease, compared to those who did not use aspirin.
A new gene, kalirin, has been discovered that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. The research suggests a biological mechanism never before linked to the disease and could lead to novel ways to treat or prevent it.
A large study found that patients with established arterial disease have significantly higher cardiovascular event rates than those with multiple risk factors only. The rates increased directly with the number of symptomatic arterial disease locations, emphasizing the need for improved secondary prevention and clinical outcomes.
Individuals with one or more long-lived parents may have fewer risk factors for heart disease in middle age, according to a study. Those whose parents survived to age 85 or older tend to have optimal blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lower cardiovascular risk scores.
A comprehensive review highlights clinically relevant differences in women and men's heart disease prevalence, presentation, management, and outcomes. Young women with acute coronary syndrome face higher mortality rates than young men.
Research from the Framingham Heart Study found that people with long-lived parents are more likely to avoid high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other cardiovascular risk factors in middle age. Long-lived parents also conferred a lower risk of cardiovascular disease over time.
A study published in SLEEP finds that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including systemic hypertension and heart failure. The study attributes this link to the physiologic effects of OSA on the body.
A six-month study found that three forms of garlic, including raw and commercial supplements, did not significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults. The results suggest that garlic may have other beneficial health effects, but its ability to lower LDL cholesterol is uncertain.
Researchers developed and validated two clinical algorithms to predict global cardiovascular risk in women, showing improved accuracy and reclassification of 40-50% of those at intermediate risk. The Reynolds Risk Score calculator is freely accessible online.
A new risk-factor list for postmenopausal women could help reduce cardiovascular disease deaths by incorporating family history and C-reactive protein. The updated criteria may change the risk scores for at least 20% of studied women.
A recent study published in JAMA found that reducing body iron stores through phlebotomy in patients with peripheral artery disease did not significantly decrease the risk of death or nonfatal cardiovascular events. However, younger patients and those without diabetes showed apparent improvement with iron reduction.
Researchers at Tufts University have found that while older adults consume more vitamin K than younger adults, many still do not meet the recommended intake. High phylloquinone intake may be associated with better dietary habits and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but further research is needed.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that 18% of American men experience erectile dysfunction, with age being a major risk factor. Lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity and disease prevention measures may also improve male sexual function.
A University of Washington study found that women living in areas with higher levels of air pollution have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and dying from cardiovascular causes. Fine particulate matter, tiny airborne particles, were linked to a significant increase in cardiovascular disease events.
A recent meta-analysis supports the existence of metabolic syndrome as a predictor of cardiovascular disease and death, particularly in women. The study analyzed over 37 studies and found that the constellation of conditions constituting metabolic syndrome increases heart risk compared to individual factors alone.
Global health experts highlight the need for more international assistance to address chronic non-communicable conditions in low and middle income countries. Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer cause more deaths than infectious diseases, yet receive less funding.
A study published in JAMA found that South Asians have higher levels of heart attack risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes, at younger ages. The research suggests that lifestyle changes implemented early in life can reduce the risk of heart attacks in South Asians.
A meta-analysis of 12 randomized clinical trials found that folic acid supplementation does not decrease the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke among people with a history of vascular disease. The study suggests that alternative strategies, such as smoking cessation and lipid reduction, are more effective in preventing cardiovasc...