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Five minutes of exercise a day could lower blood pressure

A new study suggests that adding physical activity into daily life can help lower blood pressure. Replacing sedentary behaviors with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day was estimated to lead to a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure, while just five minutes of activity a day was also associated with reduced levels.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2024

Presence of subclinical atherosclerosis is marker of mortality and its progression increases risk of death

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that subclinical atherosclerosis is independently associated with the risk of dying from any cause. The study also showed that monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis can improve the prediction and prevention of death from any cause.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2024

Progression of subclinical atherosclerosis predicts all-cause mortality risk

A study published in JACC demonstrates that subclinical atherosclerosis burden and progression independently predict death from any cause. Asymptomatic individuals with high carotid plaque burden and coronary artery calcification are at increased risk of mortality.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2024

The heart of the question: Who can get Medicare-covered weight loss medicine?

A new study found that up to 10 million people in the US could qualify for Medicare-covered semaglutide injections, depending on their level of cardiovascular risk. Those with higher risk scores would be eligible for full or partial coverage, potentially expanding access to this life-saving medication.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2024

Scientists discover potential cause of an enigmatic vascular disease primarily impacting women

Researchers identified changes in the UBR4 gene as a key driver of fibromuscular dysplasia, a blood vessel disorder affecting up to five percent of adults. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches for the condition, particularly beneficial for women who account for 90% of cases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Effects and consequences of cardiac metabolism in the elderly

Research explores relationship between cardiac metabolism dysfunction and heart failure in the elderly, revealing potential therapeutic targets for improved cardiac outcomes. The study highlights the critical role of Pdk4 and MIF in cardiac metabolism, suggesting innovative treatments to manage interconnected cardiovascular conditions.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 4, 2024

New Chronic Coronary Syndrome (CCS) Guidelines expand diagnostic tools and ways to prevent major adverse events and enhance quality of life

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of detecting non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCA/INOCA) caused by microcirculation dysfunction. A risk factor-weighted clinical likelihood model helps estimate pre-test likelihood, allowing for targeted testing and treatment. The guidelines also recommend invasive coronary functiona...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024

ECU medical researchers confirm genetic link between Alzheimer’s and heart disease

Researchers at Edith Cowan University have uncovered a significant genetic connection between Alzheimer's disease and several coronary artery disease-related disorders, offering opportunities to improve health outcomes. The study found that some of the same genes played a role in or are associated across these conditions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2024

Passive heat exposure increases stress on the heart, posing risk to adults with history of CAD

A laboratory study found that passive heat exposure stresses the heart, increasing myocardial blood flow in all participants, regardless of age or health status. Adults with a history of CAD are at particular risk and may benefit from minimizing cardiac strain during extreme heat by staying cool.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJun 10, 2024

Study reveals how 'forever chemicals' may impact heart health in older women

Research from the University of Illinois has found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. The study reveals how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways, providing potential explanations for the increased risk.

Can triglycerides-HDL-C ratio, HOMA-IR, ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and free cholesterol be laboratory-associated flags of female coronary atherosclerosis regardless of being diabetic?

Research finds insulin levels correlate with triglycerides, ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and free cholesterol in women with atherosclerotic coronary disease. The study suggests these laboratory-associated flags indicate early coronary atherosclerosis in both diabetic and non-diabetic women.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Biomarkers Journal·DateMay 24, 2024

Early diagnosis & treatment of peripheral artery disease essential to improve outcomes, reduce amputation risk

The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMay 14, 2024

Treating gum disease after heart rhythm ablation reduced risk of AFib recurrence

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that treating gum disease after a heart rhythm ablation procedure can lower oral inflammation and reduce the risk of AFib recurrence. Researchers found that an index measuring the severity of gum inflammation was associated with the return of AFib, highligh...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 10, 2024

Preventive angioplasty does not improve prognosis

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that preventive angioplasty for heart attack patients does not improve prognosis. The research included 1542 patients and showed no difference between treatment groups in terms of new heart attacks or all-cause deaths.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2024

Menopause and migraines: New findings point to power of prevention

A new study found that women with migraines and long-term hot flashes or night sweats are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the research suggests that focusing on prevention and correcting unhealthy habits can help most women mitigate this risk. Women who have experienced both migraines and vasomotor symptoms for ...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024

APOE genetic variants linked to Alzheimer disease are also associated with the development of subclinical aterosclerosis

The study found that APOE4 carriers have elevated LDL cholesterol levels, increasing their risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. In contrast, APOE2 carriers have lower cholesterol and reduced atherosclerosis prevalence.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 23, 2024

Multidisciplinary panel advocates for increased adoption of Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) in peripheral vascular interventions

Experts recommend increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in lower extremity revascularization procedures to optimize outcomes and reduce complications. The technique provides detailed information about vessel walls, plaque composition, and blood flow characteristics, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateJan 9, 2024

Updated Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines advise against routinely taking aspirin daily for primary prevention of heart attack or death but acknowledge there may be a role for some people

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has updated its guidelines to no longer recommend routine daily aspirin use for primary prevention of heart attacks or death. However, daily aspirin may be considered for people with high risk factors for heart attack, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. The new guidelines emphasize the ...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 14, 2023

Coronary heart disease before age 45 may increase risk of dementia later in life

Research found a significant linear relationship between age of coronary heart disease onset and dementia, highlighting the detrimental influence of premature cardiovascular events on brain health. Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascu...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 29, 2023

Measuring long-term heart stress dynamics with smartwatch data

Biomedical engineers at Duke University created a new 'digital twins' framework using smartwatch data to capture personalized arterial forces over 700,000 heartbeats. This approach reduces the computational load by simulating tasks in parallel, enabling real-time tracking of cardiovascular disease progression and risk assessment.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

University of Minnesota Medical School researchers investigate cause of cardiomyopathy in coronary artery disease using cardiac MRI

A recent study published in Circulation found that non-ischemic or dual cardiomyopathy occurs in 1 out of every 6 patients with coronary artery disease. These conditions are characterized by heart muscle damage and can lead to worse long-term outcomes. The researchers used cardiac MRI to determine the cause of cardiomyopathy, which has...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCirculation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2023