Articles tagged with Cardiovascular Disease
Replacing refined grains with whole grains may significantly reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in women, with even a daily increase in whole grain consumption offering benefits. The study of over 75,000 female nurses found that higher whole grain intake was associated with a 43% lower risk of ischemic stroke.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a strong inverse association between fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consuming 10 or more servings per day reduced the risk by 32%, while smokers still experienced a significant risk reduction.
A review by Sanjiv Agarwal and Akkinappally Venketeshwer Rao suggests that dietary antioxidants, particularly lycopene found in tomatoes, may have protective effects against cancer. Further research is necessary to establish guidelines for healthy eating and confirm the role of lycopene in disease prevention.
Studies found human evolution led to a decrease in high-risk genetic variants associated with these diseases, instead increasing protective e2 and e3 variants. Analysis suggests advantageous mutations may have driven this shift.
The study found that low-income African-American women are unaware of the high risk of cardiovascular disease among black women and do not consider it a health priority. They understand the link between diet and heart disease but lack knowledge about obesity, diabetes, and smoking's impact on cardiovascular disease.
Researchers developed an experimental drug that reversed the effects of Fabry disease in mice, reducing glycolipid levels and eliminating toxic side effects. The treatment has potential applications for other lysosomal storage diseases affecting thousands of people in the US.
Researchers found that Losartan reduced fatty streak development in monkeys fed a high-fat diet by 50%, suggesting the drug's potential in preventing atherosclerosis. The study suggests treating hypertension and cholesterol together may improve heart attack prevention statistics.
Researchers used genomics-based approach to discover new surface proteins that behave differently and are present across multiple strains of Neisseria meningitidis. These proteins can stimulate an antibody response capable of killing the bacterium, a key property for vaccine efficacy.
A University of Colorado study identified deposits of beta amyloid in the brains of wild, aging landlocked salmon, sparking new ideas about human aging and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that while brain regions responsible for memory and navigation were affected, other areas continued to function normally.
The Transcendental Meditation (TM) program was shown to decrease atherosclerosis and risk of heart attack and stroke in hypertensive African Americans. The study found that TM practitioners had a significant reduction in carotid intima-media thickness, comparable to lipid-lowering medications and intensive lifestyle modification programs.
A Harvard study finds that regular vigorous exercise lowers leptin levels in both normal-weight and overweight men, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Men who were more physically active had lower leptin levels, regardless of their weight or diet.
A new study published in the American Heart Association finds that eating legumes, such as beans and peas, at least four times a week can lower the risk of heart disease by 19%. The study examined data from over 11,000 men and women and found that frequent bean-eaters had a 9% reduced risk for all forms of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found Madh6 gene and Smad6 protein play crucial role in cardiovascular system, causing heart valve and blood vessel abnormalities. This discovery provides potential target for developing novel therapies to treat cardiovascular disease.
A study found that unfiltered coffee increases plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy volunteers, equating to a 10% overall increase in risk for heart attack or stroke. Individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases should limit their consumption of unfiltered coffee.
A study of 1,081 older men found that hostility is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with high levels associated with obesity, upper body fat distribution, and insulin resistance. The researchers also found that fewer years of education correlated with higher hostility levels.
Abgenix's Phase I/II clinical trial with ABX-IL8 showed dose-dependent improvement in multiple measures of disease, including PASI and BSA. The study achieved a >25% improvement in PASI score for 58% of patients, compared to placebo.
Long-term studies show people with low levels of blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and cigarette use experience lower death rates from heart attack and stroke. The estimated greater life expectancy for low-risk versus others ranged from 5.8 years to 9.5 years.
Researchers found that 40% of men with erectile dysfunction had significant blockages in heart arteries, which is associated with chest pain and an increased risk of heart attack. The study suggests that erectile dysfunction may be an early warning sign of potential heart problems due to atherosclerosis.
A diet rich in folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 may significantly lower homocysteine concentrations in individuals with high cardiovascular risk. This study found that a prescribed diet fortified with these nutrients was effective in reducing homocysteine levels, while self-selected diets showed no change.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is establishing a prestigious new Clinical Nutrition Research Unit with $4.7 million in NIH funding. The unit will focus on enhancing the use of laboratory discoveries in population-based and clinical research, as well as educating health professionals about nutrition.
Researchers found that microbial pathogens induce atheroma plaque formation in mice lacking anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The study suggests that exposure to air-borne pathogens multiplies plaque formation by a factor of 10 in IL-10-deficient mice, making the plaque more likely to rupture.
Researchers are changing treatment methods for gum disease to focus on treating bacterial infections. This approach can save many teeth that were previously considered 'hopeless' and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
A new study found that heavy alcohol consumption initiates free-radical mediated processes associated with heart disease, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, and other chronic diseases. Vitamin C may help quell this activity, potentially limiting organ injury.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that a non-invasive test can predict heart problems in middle-aged women without clinical signs of disease. The test, called electron beam computed tomography (EBCT), detected early signs of atherosclerosis in women who had no risk factors or clinical signs of disease.
Seven large randomized clinical trials investigate the relationship between homocysteine, vitamins, and cardiovascular risk. The American College of Physicians recommends high-risk individuals take folic acid supplements, while others can benefit from a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
The new center will conduct studies and educational activities to understand the underlying mechanisms of inflammatory diseases and their relationship to oral inflammation and systemic conditions. The research aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of patients by identifying similarities between inflammatory conditions.
New research recommends a higher intake of vitamin C due to its role in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cataracts. Studies show that increased levels of vitamin C can reduce risk factors associated with these conditions, making it essential for overall health.
The US FDA approves ENBREL, a biologic response modifier, for moderately to severely active polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients with an inadequate response to other treatments. The treatment has shown a clinical response in 74% of study participants.
The American Society of Gene Therapy is hosting its 2nd Annual Meeting, featuring key researchers and NIH director Harold Varmus. The event showcases the latest advancements in gene therapies for various genetic disorders, including AIDS, cardiovascular disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, and neuromuscular diseases.
Abgenix's Phase II trial shows 56% of patients survived at least 100 days with high-dose ABX-CBL, outperforming low-dose cohort. The company plans a pivotal Phase III clinical trial for ABX-CBL after FDA approval.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that HbA1 levels predict mortality from coronary artery disease in women with Type 1 diabetes. However, this association was not seen in men with the same condition. The study analyzed data from over 600 subjects and suggests a gender-specific link between hyperglycemia and CAD risk.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) can identify older adults with heart disease who appear healthy through standard non-invasive tests. EBCT measures coronary and aortic calcification, which are known risk factors for coronary events.
Researchers have identified three types of oral bacteria most likely to increase the risk of heart disease: B. forsythus, P. gingivalis, and C. recta. These bacteria can contribute to plaque formation, narrow blood vessels, and induce platelet aggregation, increasing the risk of heart attack in persons with periodontal disease.
A large study found that cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, regardless of body fatness. The researchers suggest that fitness may be more important than being lean for reducing obesity and mortality risk.
This study of 260 retired Baltimore schoolteachers found correlations between coffee consumption, inadequate dietary protein, and increased serum homocysteine levels. The findings suggest that reducing these lifestyle factors may help mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new UCSF study reveals that women are as likely as men to agree to a doctor's recommendation for an invasive cardiac procedure after testing positive for heart disease. The study also found that men and women reported similar willingness to accept recommendations for coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
A seven-year national study found that white patients with chronic renal failure were three times more likely to receive cardiac catheterization and surgeries than their black counterparts. However, once blacks developed end-stage renal disease and became eligible for Medicare, the disparity narrowed greatly.
Researchers suggest a clear connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, with bacteria and toxins traveling through the bloodstream. Periodontal bacteria contain lipopolysaccharides that can cause illness and damage blood vessel linings.
People with diabetes are at increased risk of getting periodontal disease, which can lead to problems with blood sugar control and complications like vision problems and cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies show that people with severe periodontal disease are six times more likely to have poor glycemic control.
A UK study found that decreasing food intake can help ward off age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The research team led by Mark Mattson discovered that eating less made nerve cells in the brain more resistant to deterioration and death.
Emory University researchers suggest that high estradiol levels increase MPO, which oxidizes LDL and clears it via the liver. This mechanism may explain estradiol's protective effects on cardiovascular disease.
The American Society of Human Genetics workshop presents an overview of early childhood cardiac disorders and their impact on quality of life in adulthood. Panelists discuss recognizing asymptomatic cardiac conditions and understanding the role of environmental factors in cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that a larger angle between an artery and its branching points increases the susceptibility to plaque buildup, leading to cardiovascular disease. Researchers discovered that fluid mechanics plays a crucial role in vessel wall thickening, particularly at lower shear stress areas.
Researchers have confirmed a genetic influence for Alzheimer's disease in families with high incidence of the disorder. The study identified a gene on chromosome 12 associated with an increased risk and susceptibility to late-onset Alzheimer's disease, offering new insights into the disease's causes.
New research suggests that US high school athletes' cardiovascular screenings are insufficient, leaving them vulnerable to potentially fatal heart problems. The American Heart Association's guidelines for screening young athletes were issued in 1996 and have not been updated since.
Researchers discovered a possible link between elevated blood homocysteine levels and Alzheimer's disease, with lower folate and vitamin B12 levels also observed. Long-term clinical trials are needed to determine if lowering homocysteine levels can prevent or delay the progression of the disease.
The Rockefeller study aims to identify genetic causes of early- and late-onset type 2 diabetes to develop better diagnostic tools and improved drug therapies. The researchers seek individuals with type 2 diabetes and at least one affected family member to participate in the study.
A lifestyle profile with low folate intakes, smoking, and high coffee consumption is associated with high plasma homocysteine levels. Folate intake, smoking status, and coffee consumption are major determinants of plasma homocysteine concentration in the general population.
A major study found that smoking speeds up the hardening of arteries, increasing stroke and heart attack risk. Quitting smoking can slow this process, but may not reverse existing damage.
Researchers have identified 80% of the genes active in the cardiovascular system, creating a comprehensive database that sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding complex diseases and developing new diagnostic tests and therapies.
Researchers used a novel test to measure damaging activity of free radicals in body tissues, finding high levels in atherosclerotic plaque tissue. The technique provides a real handle on oxidant processes in atherogenesis and could lead to clinical studies testing efficacy of drugs limiting free-radical damage.
A study found that moderate alcohol consumption cuts the risk of death from a second heart attack in men who already had one. Men who drank light to moderate amounts reduced their risk by 20-30% compared to non-drinkers. However, heavy drinking poses significant health risks.
A University of Georgia study found that blood vessels from African Americans generate more free radicals than those from Caucasians, which may contribute to the higher incidence of cardiovascular disease in African Americans. The increased free radical production could be linked to reduced vasodilation and increased blood pressure.
The study found that people with the 4/4 variant are 15 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those with the 3/3 variant. In contrast, individuals with the 2/3 genotype appear to be protected from developing AD due to the presence of the protective 2 allele.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered an enzyme in Porphyromonas gingivalis that activates blood-clotting in humans, potentially linking periodontal infections to heart disease. The study suggests a mechanism for this connection and may lead to a vaccine to neutralize the enzyme.
A recent study conducted among Native Americans has found that periodontal disease significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease in the future. The research revealed a powerful association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, with diabetes being the only factor showing a stronger association.
A study by scientists at the National Institute on Aging and Johns Hopkins University found that long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research tracked over 1,686 participants for nearly two decades and showed a significant decrease in Alzheimer's risk with longer NSAID use.
Researchers at UT-Houston Institute of Molecular Medicine have discovered sentrin, a protein that protects cells from apoptosis by blocking Fas/APO-1 and TNFR receptors. This finding has significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and degenerative diseases such as arthritis and Alzheimer's.
A new study reveals that a protein called apolipoprotein E (apoE) can protect cultured nerve cells from the damaging effects of oxygen molecules associated with Alzheimer's disease. The apoE protein has different levels of antioxidant activity, with E2 being the most effective.