Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
Researchers have identified 16 new serine protease inhibitors in the saliva of medical leeches, which could be used to treat cardiovascular disease. The compounds may inhibit thrombus development and are a promising lead for anticoagulant and fibrinolytic drugs.
A recent study by Ravi Retnakaran and colleagues found that Aboriginal youths who smoked more than six cigarettes per day had higher systolic blood pressure and plasma homocysteine levels. The study highlights the importance of addressing smoking habits among Aboriginal youth to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A new study suggests that ADMA, a substance found in blood vessel linings, may actually contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Researchers found that high levels of ADMA stimulate genes associated with lung, heart, and kidney disease, paving the way for potential new treatment strategies.
Research found a link between high blood homocysteine levels and decreased cognitive performance in individuals over 60. Taking vitamin B12, B6, and folate supplements may help prevent mild cognitive deficit in older adults.
The Gladstone Institutes will develop a core curriculum of required and elective courses spanning various stem cell research disciplines. The CIRM Scholars Training Program aims to advance regenerative medicine by focusing on understanding the fundamental mechanisms related to stem cells.
The study found that adolescents and young adults involved in competitive sports had a two and a half times higher risk of sudden death. ECG screening identified vulnerable young people, reducing sports-related sudden death from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Regular aerobic exercise training is safe and beneficial for cardiac patients, even those with reduced left ventricular function. Appropriate screening and controlled exercise intensity are crucial to minimize risk. Athletes with coronary artery disease can participate in low-intensity competitive sports under supervision.
The EuroAction project demonstrates a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors through a family-based, behavioural approach. Patients and partners achieved improvements in lifestyle, cardiovascular risk factors, and medication use, including increased physical activity and healthier diets.
The metabolic syndrome is frequently present in middle-aged subjects, coinciding with adverse cardiovascular changes, including inflammation, thickening of the heart, and atherosclerosis. Every additional component of MS increases the likelihood of cardiovascular damage.
Researchers found that physical fitness reduces cardiovascular disease death risk by over 50% across all cholesterol levels. The study analyzed data from 19,125 men aged 20-79 and confirmed the effectiveness of revised guidelines for lowering bad cholesterol.
A new study called MESA Air aims to better define air pollution standards by tracking the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in 8,700 participants. The researchers will measure the effect of repeated exposure to six major air pollutants over a 10-year period.
The European Commission's Heart Health Conference aims to promote cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention measures across Europe. The conference concluded with key actions for member states and the EC to implement to improve cardiovascular health in Europe, emphasizing the need for a long-term approach through public health strategies.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found an inverse relationship between the birth weight of a baby and the risk of cardiovascular diseases among fathers, suggesting genetic factors may be at play. The study also revealed that mothers of babies with low birth weights are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found teen-age boys with Type 1 diabetes have significantly higher intima-media thickness than those without the disease, indicating greater atherosclerosis progression. Smoking and poor glucose control are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease in this population.
A study found that ACTOS reduced inflammation markers CRP and IL-6, improving glycemic control in patients with stable blood sugar levels. Treatment with ACTOS resulted in significant decreases in these markers compared to placebo.
Heavy smoking is associated with a four-fold increase in major cardiovascular events, emphasizing the need for enhanced policies and individual support. The European Society of Cardiology advocates for smoke-free environments and access to quitting resources.
A Canada-wide team led by Dr. Louise Pilote at the McGill University Health Centre is investigating key unknowns in cardiovascular disease manifestation between men and women. The project will address both biological and genetic factors as well as social and behavioural factors involved in the disease.
A new general medical services contract in the UK may not adequately address the needs of patients with chronic heart failure. Despite efforts to improve management and diagnosis, concerns remain about the level of support provided by secondary care, particularly access to specialist advice and diagnostic resources.
The study finds that major cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure, are increasing in low-income and middle-income countries, particularly in cities. As a result, these countries will face high levels of cardiovascular disease alongside infectious diseases.
A new research program aims to create advanced nanotechnologies to analyze plaque formation on the molecular level and detect it at early stages. The program will focus on detecting plaque and pinpointing its genetic causes with three types of nanostructured probes.
Chronic exposure to discrimination may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in African-American women, according to a study. The research found that higher levels of perceived discrimination were associated with greater calcium buildup in the arteries, highlighting the importance of addressing this stressor for heart health.
Researchers found that a personalized physical exercise and Mediterranean-style diet plan improved vascular structure and function in volunteers with pre-clinical cardiovascular disease risk factors. Average VO2 max increased by 3.2 mL/min/kg, while body weight decreased significantly.
Study reveals nearly two times higher likelihood of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS, leading to increased risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease. Women with both conditions exhibit more severe insulin resistance.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that HDL (high-density lipoprotein) activates an enzyme called eNOS, leading to a cellular signal that depends on cholesterol efflux. The activation of eNOS is mediated by two intact domains of SR-BI, which act as 'cholesterol sensors' triggering cellular events.
A large study found that untreated severe sleep breathing disorder, also known as obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea, significantly increases the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in men. Effective treatment with CPAP reduces this risk. Simple snoring is not a significant cardiovascular risk factor.
A new study published in Heart found that individuals with giant cell arteritis (GCA) have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to healthy adults. The prevalence of GCA is estimated at one per every 500 seniors, and patients with this condition are more than twice as likely to experience heart attacks or strokes.
A new study has found a direct association between periodontal bacteria and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The research, presented at the International Association for Dental Research, measured carotid artery thickness in subjects with high levels of periodontal-disease-causing bacteria.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients with swelling in large joints, vasculitis, lung disease, or high ESR levels have a significantly increased risk of dying from heart conditions. The study suggests that systemic inflammation promotes this risk and hypothesizes that closely monitoring and controlling inflammation may decrease the risk.
People with migraine are 43% more likely to be smokers and have high cholesterol, while those with aura symptoms are more likely to have high blood pressure and history of stroke or heart disease. The study suggests a shared predisposition toward both conditions.
A recent NIH study found a direct link between cardiovascular disease and four types of bacteria commonly found in periodontal infections. The study monitored 657 participants' oral bacteria and carotid thickness, revealing that the same bacteria were present throughout, suggesting a specific association.
A full-body MRI study found that 21% of healthy patients exhibited signs of atherosclerotic disease and 12% had peripheral vascular disease. The screenings also revealed relevant additional findings in non-targeted organs, raising questions about the benefits and risks of such screenings.
Eating baked or broiled fish regularly has been linked to a reduced risk of stroke in older adults. A study found that consuming broiled or baked fish one to four times per week was associated with a 28-32% lower risk of ischemic stroke, while fried fish and fish sandwiches increased the risk by 37-44%.
A new study found that rats bred for low aerobic exercise capacity had more cardiovascular disease risk factors than those bred for high exercise capacity. The researchers discovered a close association between low aerobic capacity and metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, insulin-resistance, and abdominal fat.
The global prevalence of high blood pressure is expected to increase from a quarter to a third by 2025, totaling over 1 billion adults. Developing countries are projected to bear the brunt of this increase, with three-quarters of the world's population with high blood pressure in these regions.
A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that aspirin use is underutilized among diabetic women and young adults. The researchers discovered a significant disparity in aspirin use between men and women with diabetes, with only 34% of women using aspirin regularly compared to 42% of men.
Recent research analysis finds no significant link between oral contraceptive use and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. The NHLBI emphasizes the importance of randomized controlled trials for establishing scientific evidence, citing biases and errors in exploratory analyses.
A long-term study found that women had a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease and lung cancer after stopping beta-carotene supplements, while the excess risk in men disappeared. The results suggest careful monitoring is needed to document long-term safety and efficacy.
Adults with diabetes have experienced a 50% reduction in the rate of incident CVD, while those without diabetes saw a 35% reduction. Patients with diabetes have benefited from similar declines as those without, with substantial room for further progress to reduce high CVD event risks.
Research found no significant association between serum cotinine levels and hearing loss, contradicting previous reports. The study included 197 patients with new hearing loss and 394 without, but noted the need for further longitudinal studies to clarify the relationship.
Researchers found that early cardiovascular changes, such as carotid artery narrowing and electrocardiographic abnormalities, are strong independent risk factors for future cardiovascular events. These measures were more powerful in identifying high-risk individuals among women, particularly black women, who faced a significantly highe...
Research from the Look AHEAD study reveals that individuals with diabetes who are overweight or obese have poorer control of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The findings highlight the importance of weight loss programs as part of preventing cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.
A new study found that long-term air pollution exposure contributes to cardiovascular problems at an early stage of the disease, enhancing atherosclerosis. The strongest association was seen in women over 60, with a 15.7% increase in CIMT for every 10 ug/m3 increase in PM2.5.
A large cohort study found that eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but not cancer. Green leafy vegetables showed the strongest inverse association with both conditions.
Researchers found that optimists had a 55% lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death compared to pessimists. Optimism was associated with better coping strategies and protected against changes in risk factors that affect cardiovascular disease progression.
A recent study found that 91% of patients with cardiovascular disease suffered from moderate to severe periodontitis, while 66% in non-cardiac patients. Periodontitis may influence the occurrence and severity of coronary artery disease and increase heart attack or stroke risk.
A study found racial and gender differences in lipid profiles, with African-American women having the best distribution and white men having the worst. These differences can determine cardiovascular disease risk.
A recent study published in JAMA found that young adult women with low cardiovascular risk factors experience significantly lower mortality rates compared to those with high risk factors. The researchers analyzed data from the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project, which screened over 40,000 people between 1967 and 1973.
A study found that young women with favorable levels of cardiovascular risk factors have lower age-specific risks for cardiovascular disease and death. Among those at low risk, CHD and CVD cease to occur at epidemic rates.
Two studies find that high hemoglobin A1c levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, including heart disease and stroke. Improvements in glycemic control may improve health outcomes in people without diabetes.
The European Society of Cardiology provides recommendations for athletes with cardiovascular disease, balancing risks and benefits of competitive sport. The panel aims to inform physicians and cardiologists about safe sport activities for candidates with cardiovascular abnormalities.
The European Society of Cardiology awarded Ireland's Minister for Health and Children the Gold Medal for his efforts to move cardiovascular disease up the political agenda. The Minister has led initiatives in public health and medical arenas, including heart health promotion and data registration standards.
A study found that atorvastatin reduced cardiovascular events, deaths, and strokes by a third in patients with type 2 diabetes without high LDL cholesterol. The results suggest statin therapy may be safe and effective for this patient group.
The study aims to understand the health effects of air pollution and cardiovascular disease, recruiting 8,700 participants in nine communities across the US. It will examine subclinical measures of atherosclerosis and clinical cardiovascular events, incorporating factors like diet and exposure to second-hand tobacco.
A team of scientists at UNC School of Medicine is investigating the molecular basis of blood vessel aging and its role in cardiovascular disease, including heart attack. New information gleaned from this basic research could offer new treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease.
A study found that adding aspirin to clopidogrel therapy increased the risk of intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a history of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Despite this, combination therapy did not significantly reduce the primary outcome measure at 18 months.
Cardiovascular patients who have undergone re-vascularization procedures tend to live longer and have a better quality of life, according to the study. The guidelines provide recommendations for pre-travel preparation, including medication management and airline security protocols.
Eating spinach and broccoli may slow cognitive decline; green leafy vegetables are associated with better brain health; complex leisure activities combining social, mental, and physical activity can prevent dementia.
Researchers found a significant link between deep periodontal pockets and ECG abnormalities, with those having pockets over 2mm at greater risk. Periodontitis may contribute to cardiovascular disease by causing inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions.
A small but statistically significant improvement was found in arthritis symptoms among patients given atorvastatin compared to those on placebo. The study suggests that statins could be used to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers discovered that healthy Asian Indian men, even those not overweight, exhibit abnormal cytokine production levels associated with insulin resistance. This metabolic issue can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.