Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A study of 3,140 patients found pioglitazone to lower blood pressure in both Stage I and Stage II hypertension cases. This effect could reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Chronic diseases are the largest cause of death worldwide, with a projected increase in global prevalence over the next two decades. Key risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthful diets, and lack of physical activity, with most cases occurring in developing countries.
The UK government has rejected proposals to sell simvastatin over-the-counter for the primary prevention of heart disease due to financial reasons. This decision may increase inequalities as many people cannot afford the medication, which is currently prescribed to around 1.8 million people in the UK.
A recent Emory University study found that adults with better mental health have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Only 17% of the sample met full mental health criteria, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to consider mental well-being in treating patients with heart conditions.
A prospective study found that breastfed preterm infants had lower ratios of LDL to HDL cholesterol and CRP concentrations compared to formula-fed counterparts. Longer human milk intake was associated with additional benefits on cardiovascular health.
A study by Northwestern University and the Framingham Heart Study found that parents with early-onset cardiovascular disease double the risk of heart attack or stroke in their children. Children with intermediate levels of risk factors are most affected, making parental cardiovascular disease a strong predictor of risk.
The European Society of Cardiology is calling for consistency across Europe in terms of data collection and analysis in cardiology. The CARDS meeting aims to agree European data standards, enabling local, national and international comparisons of data using set standards.
Two studies show that women with PCOS are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease due to elevated CRP levels and metabolic abnormalities. Obese women with PCOS symptoms are particularly at risk, highlighting the need for close monitoring of CVD risk factors in this population.
The FREEDOM trial will investigate the impact of cardiovascular disease in diabetics and develop new approaches to management and treatment. The study aims to provide clear guidelines on procedures for diabetic patients, including CABG and angioplasty with stents.
Researchers found that body shape, rather than weight alone, plays a crucial role in determining cardiovascular risk. The study's findings suggest that individuals with large waists and narrow thighs are more likely to experience increased cardiovascular mortality, regardless of their overall weight.
A new animal study has found that trans fats can significantly increase total cholesterol and LDL-C levels, as well as TC/HDL-C ratios, in a swine model. The study suggests that high-trans fat diets may promote the rapid development of cardiovascular disease.
A study presented at a dental research conference explores the link between oral health and diet, finding that poor oral health can lead to unhealthy eating habits. The presentation highlights the potential consequences for systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and malignancy.
A recent study found that folic acid fortification was associated with a significant decline in stroke-related mortality rates. The researchers estimated that 31,000 stroke-associated deaths and 17,000 deaths related to ischemic heart disease may have been prevented each year since fortification was implemented.
A study found that obesity rates among US teens have increased significantly since the 1970s, with total cholesterol and blood pressure strongly correlated to weight gain. The rate of weight gain during the teen years has roughly doubled, posing a significant risk for diabetes, strokes, and heart disease later in life.
A study found that cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension, predict the development of new-onset kidney disease in unselected participants. Patients with mildly reduced GFR should be monitored for progression to kidney disease.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people with lupus are more likely to develop fatty deposits in their arteries, accelerating atherosclerosis. The risk is higher in patients who have had the disease longer and those who have used less immunosuppressive treatment.
Researchers found a significant association between stroke and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older patients. Patients with a history of stroke were 60% more likely to develop AD, with the risk highest among those with established vascular risk factors.
A study found a significant positive association between cardiovascular disease deaths and air pollutants in Athens, Greece, with a 10-mg/m3 increase in black smoke linked to a 4% increase in CVD deaths. High carbon monoxide levels also showed a strong correlation with increased heart disease risk.
Studies found that individuals with cardiovascular risk factors identified in middle age had significantly higher Medicare costs after age 65 and during their last year of life. Those with more risk factors spent more on treating cardiovascular disease and experienced greater healthcare expenditures overall.
Women with COPD are accounting for an increasing number of deaths due to rising smoking rates and occupational exposures. The disease was previously thought to be a male-dominated condition, but recent studies have shown that women's lung health has improved significantly over the past few decades.
Researchers found that wild blueberry-enriched diets helped relax arteries, reducing blood pressure and potential damage to the endothelial layer. The study suggests that high concentrations of antioxidants in blueberries may preserve nitric oxide bioavailability, aiding in maintaining arterial relaxation.
The American College of Chest Physicians has established a new Distinguished Scholar program, supporting the development of an original educational project on thrombosis and patient care. Dr. Morris will explore pulmonary care in his project, creating new knowledge to advance best practices.
The study analyzed data from 2,932 participants who were free of major life-threatening diseases and had normal physical and cognitive function at baseline. After eight years, 48% of the participants had aged successfully, with those without subclinical cardiovascular disease faring better.
Researchers identified cardiovascular abnormalities in 39% of participants, highlighting the need for early recognition and treatment. The study suggests that effective treatment can prevent 90% of heart attacks and strokes.
The STELLAR and MERCURY I studies show CRESTOR significantly improves key apolipoprotein and lipid ratios, including Apo B, Apo A-I, and the Apo B:Apo A-I ratio, in patients with hypercholesterolaemia. These findings support CRESTOR's benefits in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
A global physician survey found that six in ten doctors believe men are more likely to die from stroke than women, despite women being 11% more likely to die from the condition. The study highlights the importance of addressing hypertension as a major risk factor for strokes and improving awareness among women about their risk factors.
Researchers found that a significant portion of folic acid is poorly absorbed by the body due to its conversion into the monoglutamate form, affecting overall absorption rates. The study suggests increasing dietary advice or product formulations with more easily absorbable forms of folic acid could help address this issue.
Research by Richard Mattes and Corinna Alper found that regular peanut consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease without causing significant weight gain. The study involved three trials where participants added peanuts to their diet, with no increase in body weight detected despite adding 500 calories a day.
Researchers link tooth loss to subclinical atherosclerosis and increased carotid plaque buildup. The study suggests that chronic infection or inflammation of the gums may contribute to tooth loss.
The CDC recommends testing C-reactive protein levels in patients with intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease, and in those with acute coronary syndromes or stable coronary disease. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of standardizing laboratory test results to accurately measure hsCRP levels.
A large international study has found that kidney-transplant patients who receive statin therapy experience reduced cardiovascular risk and mortality. The study's findings support the use of statins as a preventive measure for these high-risk patients, particularly those with mild renal failure.
A study of over 4,000 men found that erectile dysfunction is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. Men without diagnosed cardiovascular disease who had erectile dysfunction were more likely to have risk factors like diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol.
A study found that regular physical activity, especially brisk walking, significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in men with diabetes. Diabetic men who were in the third highest category of total physical activity reduced their risk by 36 percent.
A new study investigates the likelihood that physical activity level regulation with aging is controlled, in part, by genetic factors. The research found significant differences between strains of female mice in physical activity measurements, suggesting a genetic influence on age-related changes in daily physical activity levels.
A study in Ecuador found that over a third of adults had high blood pressure, with fewer than 1% having well-controlled hypertension. Most cardiovascular deaths were among younger individuals, highlighting the need for accessible care and affordable drugs.
A new study found that statins can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with high blood pressure and normal or low cholesterol levels. The treatment resulted in a 36% lower risk of primary events such as death from CHD and non-fatal heart attacks, primarily within the first year of treatment.
A study of 1,045 patients found that depression significantly impaired physical function after CABG surgery. Patients with depression showed less improvement in physical function compared to non-depressed counterparts.
A study published in MERCURY I showed that CRESTOR 10mg effectively lowered LDL-C levels and enabled over eight out of ten patients to achieve their LDL-C goals. The medication demonstrated superior efficacy compared to atorvastatin, making it a valuable treatment option for managing high cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.
A new Emory University study reveals that depression has a negative impact on CABG outcomes, with depressed patients experiencing less improvement in physical function. The research emphasizes the importance of treating symptoms of clinical depression aggressively in cardiovascular disease patients.
A new study found that calcification in heart valves is independently associated with an increased risk of heart attack and death. After adjusting for known risk factors, the researchers found that individuals with MAC were 50% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 60% more likely to die from cardiovascular causes.
The American Heart Association's scientific statement highlights the importance of preventing childhood obesity to reduce adult heart disease risk. Studies show that obesity in children is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for early interventions.
The American Heart Association has released comprehensive guidelines for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in children. The guidelines recommend health promotion goals, identifying risk factors in childhood and safely modifying them without harm to the growing child. For high-risk children, specific testing is recommend...
A global study identifies cost-effective strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, prioritizing non-personal interventions such as salt reduction and health education. Combination treatments with blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering agents are also shown to be effective in reducing disease impact worldwide.
A new study highlights the cost-effectiveness of reducing sodium in processed foods to limit cardiovascular disease, while also recommending a combination of treatments for high-risk individuals. The research found that targeting blood pressure and cholesterol levels could prevent over 21 million DALYs per year worldwide.
Recent studies suggest apolipoprotein B is a superior marker for predicting cardiovascular disease risk compared to total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. The ratio of apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-1 is also more effective in assessing cardiovascular risk than the traditional LDL/HDL ratio.
Researchers found that combining ibuprofen with aspirin increased the risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease by 75% and 200%, respectively. Patients taking both medications also had a higher risk of bleeding from stomach ulcers.
A recent NHLBI study found a link between low levels of endothelial progenitor cells and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The study suggests that these cells play a crucial role in repairing damaged blood vessels, and their depletion may contribute to the progression of heart disease.
A new study found that men with moderate anger expression had nearly half the risk of nonfatal heart attacks and a significant reduction in stroke risk compared to those with low anger expression. Moderate anger may be protective against cardiovascular disease over a limited period, according to researchers.
A study of 1000 postmenopausal women who survived a first heart attack found no difference in recurrent heart attacks or cardiac death between those given oestrogen therapy and placebo. The study provides insufficient evidence to alter current guidance against HRT for cardiovascular disease prevention.
A study found a common genetic link between depression and cardiovascular disease, with increased frequency of specific gene variants in patients with severe depression. The combined presence of ACE-D and G-ß3-T alleles was associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disorders and depression.
A study in Hong Kong found that reducing sulphur emissions led to a 2% decline in all-cause deaths and a 5% decrease in respiratory disease-related deaths. The policy change also resulted in increased life expectancy, with women experiencing a 20-day lifetime increase and men experiencing a 40-day increase.
A randomized trial of 1000 patients with a history of CAD found that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid significantly reduced cardiac events and mortality. The study demonstrated improved metabolic profiles without increased non-cardiac deaths.
A recent study from the Framingham Heart Study has shown a small but significant improvement in heart-failure survival rates since the 1990s. This increase is attributed to the widespread adoption of proven-effective medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and aldosterone antagonists. The findings suggest that treating patie...
A team of researchers, led by Josef Penninger, found that the PTEN and PI3K alpha and gamma proteins work together to regulate heart size. They also discovered that when these proteins are shut down, large hearts can pump more efficiently than normal-sized hearts.
A new study found that moderate red wine consumption is associated with higher levels of HDL cholesterol in regular drinkers. The researchers discovered that the fatty acid composition of these HDL particles may play a beneficial role in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing an innovative drug delivery device using liposomes to target damaged areas of arteries in cardiovascular disease. The device aims to improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates associated with cardiovascular disease.
Research found that adults consuming at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables daily had a 27% lower stroke incidence and 42% lower stroke mortality rate compared to those with low or moderate intake. Regular exercise, no smoking, and low dietary cholesterol also contributed to cardiovascular disease prevention.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that balancing ACE 1 and 2 genes leads to healthy hearts in mice models. The study sheds light on the complex relationship between ACE 1 by-products and cardiovascular disease.
A six-month intervention increasing fruit and vegetable intake lowered blood pressure and boosted antioxidant levels in UK participants. The study found a significant association between higher fruit and veg consumption and lower cardiovascular disease risk, similar to previous findings from the DASH trial.
A nationwide study of over 1,500 Hispanic, white, and black men found that erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximately 20% of Hispanic men, 22% of whites, and 24% of blacks. The study also revealed a strong link between ED and cardiovascular disease, as well as diabetes.