Research on the causes and treatment of heart disease. Covers light exposure and heart health, sex differences, heart-in-a-dish models, and cardiac risk.
Canadian healthcare leaders call for re-establishment of a national hypertension control program to reduce deaths and disabilities. The program aims to provide population-scale prevention methods, proven to save lives and reduce healthcare costs. Experts highlight the need for collaboration with governments and healthcare providers.
New research from the University of California San Diego found that men with a higher area of abdominal muscle have a greater risk of cardiac trouble. Men with the densest muscle in their abdominal cavity had about one quarter the risk of coronary heart disease later on.
A new study found that chronic exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased risk of hospital admission for various cardiovascular conditions, particularly ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that lowering annual average PM2.5 levels could decrease overall cardiovascular hospitalizations by 15%.
Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods in the US diet is associated with increased rates of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. This may be attributed to additives such as emulsifiers that can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, leading to disease promotion.
A new study suggests that finasteride, a common hair loss and prostate drug, may also lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in men. In mice, the researchers found significant correlations between finasteride use and lower cholesterol levels, as well as reduced inflammation and atherosclerosis progression.
A recent study by Cleveland Clinic researchers discovered a connection between elevated niacin levels and an increased risk of heart disease. The study found that high levels of 4PY, a breakdown product from excess niacin, were strongly linked to the development of heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers optimized polygenic risk scores using ancestrally diverse genomic data to improve accuracy across diverse populations. The recalibrated tests provided a more accurate assessment of disease risk for individuals with varied ancestral backgrounds.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic shed light on the biology of zombie cells and their link to aging-related health issues. A study found that specific senescent biomarkers can predict mortality beyond chronological age and chronic disease presence.
A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research reveals that a dynamic synergy between cell types facilitates cardiac renewal, challenging existing paradigms. Targeting the microenvironment rather than specific cell types is key to healing injured hearts.
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 ...
A new study has found that anabolic steroid use can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals with existing genetic predisposition to heart diseases. Researchers discovered that testosterone and other male sex hormones used for muscle building can lead to electrical problems in the heart, particularly in young men.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the need for increased awareness of heart disease as a major health risk for women, particularly those with pregnancy complications. Early detection and treatment of risk factors may help prevent future heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Researchers identified mechanisms that cause ponatinib to harm the heart and found a promising treatment that could reverse this process. The treatment protects heart cells without diminishing the tumor-fighting efficacy of the drug.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that many excess mortality rates from chronic illnesses were driven by COVID-19 infections, contradicting previous claims. The study estimated 1.2 million excess natural-cause deaths in US counties during the pandemic, with 163,000 uncounted COVID-19 deaths.
Researchers discovered that women with high-risk HPV infection have a significantly increased risk of blocked arteries, heart disease, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health in patients with high-risk HPV, particularly those with obesity or other risk factors.
Research reveals that males born to obese mothers are more likely to be overweight at birth and develop metabolic complications in later life. The study suggests that male sex hormones play a crucial role in the development of the liver, which can lead to health issues if activated too strongly.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System developed a new approach to machine learning that identifies drugs minimizing harmful scarring after heart attacks. The tool predicts and explains drug effects for other diseases as well.
A new study found that people with drug-related cardiac arrests in the U.S. were more likely to be younger and have fewer coexisting health conditions compared to non-drug-related cardiac arrests, which was a surprising finding given the increasing number of overdose deaths.
New research confirms a concerning trend erasing a decade of progress in reducing mortalities from heart disease and stroke. The US cardiovascular disease death rate rose by 9.3% from 2020 to 2022, with over 228,000 more CVD deaths than expected if pre-2020 trends continued.
Researchers at Duke University successfully introduced a mutated BRAF gene into rat heart tissue, inducing growth and cell division. However, the approach was associated with significant loss of contractile strength, highlighting the need for precise control over gene activation and delivery.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Mansoo Yu found that online weight loss interventions with counseling and social support are effective for middle-aged adults with obesity. The study identified two key features: professional health coaching and access to social support from other users, which led to significant long-...
Regular NHS Health Checks are associated with reduced risks of dying and developing long-term diseases like dementia and liver cirrhosis. The study analyzed data from 97,204 UK Biobank participants and found that attendees had lower diagnosis rates for these conditions, including a 19% lower rate of dementia diagnosis.
Chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease significantly worsen prognosis for severely burned patients. The study analyzed data from 1,193 patients and found that nearly half did not survive their burns with impaired kidney function. Researchers highlight the need to integrate these findings into burn treatment scores.
A study found that women consuming higher amounts of plant-based protein developed fewer chronic diseases and were generally healthier later in life. Plant protein was strongly linked to sound mental health, lower LDL cholesterol, and improved insulin sensitivity.
A new study by University of Florida researcher Arch Mainous III found that people with chronic inflammation living in poverty have a significantly increased risk of dying from heart disease (127% increase) and cancer (196% increase) within 15 years. The study analyzed data from over 95 million Americans ages 40 and over, highlighting ...
This special issue highlights promising research projects developing scalable digital technology solutions for improved heart and brain health. Smartphone-based assessments and point-of-care echocardiography have shown promise in diverse populations, including those with latent rheumatic heart disease and dementia.
A new AI platform matches cardiologists in detecting rheumatic heart disease, demonstrating its potential to prevent hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths worldwide annually. The AI algorithm identified mitral regurgitation in up to 90% of children with RHD, making it a promising tool for early detection and treatment.
Researchers found a shared genetic trait that predicts a higher risk of small lung vessel disease and its severe form, pulmonary arterial hypertension. This discovery could lead to personalized treatments for patients with limited oxygen response.
A biorobotic heart with a silicone robotic pump system can mimic the structure and function of a healthy or diseased heart. The device allows surgeons and researchers to demonstrate various interventions while collecting real-time data, bridging gaps between current simulators and animal studies.
A nationwide Danish study found a slightly increased risk of arrhythmia in patients taking medical cannabis for chronic pain. The risk was more than twice that of those not receiving cannabis, with the largest increases observed in older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
A new study found that paying doctors to visit rural areas is a cost-effective way to provide reasonable access and effective care. The study estimates the financial costs of mitigating cardiologist shortages by studying outreach patterns over 30 years in Iowa.
Researchers found that people with noncommunicable diseases experienced greater psychological distress, increased alcohol consumption, and disrupted medical care. Those with NCDs were more likely to report anxiety, depression, and difficulty accessing non-COVID medical care.
The American Heart Association has made significant medical advancements over the past 100 years, including the development of artificial heart valves and implantable pacemakers. The organization continues to work towards health equity, with a focus on removing barriers to healthcare for diverse populations.
A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope can detect peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially life-threatening condition, more accurately than regular care. The researchers identified twice as many cases using the AI-powered tool.
A new study has identified genetic variants that protect against pericarditis, a disease characterized by inflammation of the heart's surrounding sac. The findings provide important insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and suggest that interleukin-1 may be an important contributor to pericarditis.
Researchers at UNIST developed a novel one-pot process for growing Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium with potential as 'living antibiotics'. This approach eliminated the need for multiple vessels and reduced growth time by over 50%, enabling large-scale cultivation without compromising efficacy.
Research found that having high cholesterol and blood pressure before age 55 significantly increases the risk of heart disease in later life. The study's results show a lasting impact on cardiovascular health, even if levels are lowered subsequently.
Researchers at MMRI have developed a novel approach to minimize cardiac damage after a heart attack by targeting the spleen with histone deacetylase inhibitors. This targeting strategy results in a significant decrease in cardiac scar size and preservation of heart function, even after just one dose.
A recent study published in EBioMedicine found that yellow fever virus causes myocardial fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and vascular endothelium alterations, leading to cardiac conduction system disruption. The research provides new insights into the pathogenesis of YF-associated heart injury.
A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.
A study found that the common drug Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) increases plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels in patients with cardiac failure, making them falsely positive on a debated Alzheimer's blood test. This could lead to misclassification of patients as having Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by UCL researchers suggests that a vest mapping the heart's electrical activity could help identify people at high risk of sudden cardiac death. The electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) vest combines signals with MRI images to generate 3D models, potentially predicting risk factors for life-threatening heart rhythms.
Research suggests that childhood sedentariness contributes to elevated cholesterol levels and premature heart attack or stroke in mid-life. Engaging in light physical activity for 3-4 hours/day may be effective in reducing high cholesterol.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that patients from lower socioeconomic areas were less likely to fill their heart-failure medications, highlighting the importance of neighborhood-level interventions to improve access to lifesaving drugs. The research team plans to explore additional barriers, such as cost and language barriers,...
Researchers discovered that Nectandrin B, a bioactive lignan compound from nutmeg, extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster by as much as 42.6%. The study found that Nectandrin B reduces intracellular ROS levels and improves age-related symptoms such as locomotive deterioration and neurodegeneration.
Research from the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that poor diet quality among adolescents is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity and related diseases. The study suggests that promoting nutrition knowledge is necessary to prevent these health risks.
Researchers identify memory CD8 T cells as potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis in aging. The study shows that these immune cells enhance plaque buildup in the arteries of aged mice, which could lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers found that statin therapy reduced mortality and disease risk among people with chronic kidney disease and frailty, regardless of age-related health conditions. The studies provide additional context to the debate about initiating statin use in people at high risk for heart disease.
A new study finds that consuming more oily fish like salmon and mackerel can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with a family history. The research suggests that these fatty acids EPA/DHA play a crucial role in mitigating this risk, especially for those with close relatives who have suffered from cardiovascular disease.
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that cardiovascular disease mortality was similar among individuals with hypertension receiving diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or ACE inhibitors. However, ACE inhibitors were associated with an increased risk of stroke outcomes by 11% compared to diuretics.
Researchers have developed a new method, SECRE, to identify genetic regulators of cytokine secretion in autoimmune diseases. The technique has been validated on cells known to play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and shows promising results for treating conditions with few therapeutic options.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a stagnation in cardiovascular health trends among middle-aged adults, with low-income individuals facing higher rates of hypertension and other risk factors. The research highlights the need to address social determinants of health contributing to these disparities.
Thirty-two institutions earned the SET-10 distinction, with top ten recognized globally for their dedication to advancing scientific knowledge in interventional cardiovascular medicine. The rankings span six categories and acknowledge excellence within and outside the United States.
A large Asian cohort study identified systolic blood pressure targets below 130 mmHg and diastolic targets between 80-89 mmHg as key to reducing cardiovascular mortality. The findings underscore the need for cautious blood pressure management in patients with diabetes.
Researchers found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with biological age acceleration and hypertension in middle-aged and older adults, but not in young adults. The study suggests that alcohol consumption may mediate the association between alcohol intake and quantitative traits like hypertension.
The COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose epidemic significantly contributed to the widening gender gap in US life expectancy. Chronic metabolic disease and mental illness are also thought to play a role in the growing disparity.
Researchers developed a deep convolutional neural network to pinpoint cardiac catheter tip locations in photoacoustic images, achieving high precision and recall. The approach has the potential to replace fluoroscopy during cardiac interventions, leading to safer procedures.
A 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events has been observed for patients with obesity but no history of diabetes taking semaglutide. This study marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide beyond its weight loss effects.
A new study suggests that a PCSK9 inhibitor given every 1-3 months may effectively lower bad cholesterol levels in people with non-genetic hypercholesterolemia. The medication, recaticimab, showed similar effectiveness and safety as other PCSK9 inhibitors when administered less frequently.
A phase 1 trial shows that a single dose of lepodisiran can reduce blood levels of lipoprotein(a) by up to 96%, a key driver of heart disease risk. The therapy, which blocks the production of lipoprotein(a), is well-tolerated and has long-lasting effects.