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.
A new therapeutic, lepodisiran, has shown promising results in reducing lipoprotein(a) levels to undetectable levels for nearly one year. The study found that the medication is safe and effective in lowering Lp(a) levels by more than 94%.
The Genes & Health study has enrolled its 10th participant in a gene-editing clinical trial for heart disease, specifically familial hypercholesterolemia. This milestone marks an important step towards improving health outcomes for people of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent.
A clinical trial found that high levels of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in pregnant women are associated with an increased risk of fetal atrioventricular block (AVB), a condition that can be fatal. Home-based fetal heart rate monitoring reliably detects conduction abnormalities, potentially reducing the need for serial echocardiograms.
A new study finds that people with antibodies to common foods like dairy and peanuts are at a higher risk of cardiovascular-related death. The research suggests that these subtle immune responses may lead to inflammation and contribute to heart disease over time.
A new study found that workplaces implementing flexible work arrangements can reduce employees' cardiometabolic risk, equivalent to a reduction of 5-10 years in age-related changes. The intervention had no negative impact on productivity and was particularly beneficial for low- and middle-wage workers.
A large US study found that persistent tobacco use and prediabetes significantly increase the risk of stroke in young adults without other cardiovascular risk factors. Quitting smoking is crucial for preventing stroke and heart disease, especially among those with prediabetes.
Two reproductive health conditions, polycystic ovary syndrome and dysmenorrhea, are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk in women. Studies suggest that girls with polycystic ovary syndrome have a 30% higher risk of high blood pressure, while women with dysmenorrhea are twice as likely to experience ischemic heart disease.
A recent meta-analysis found that women in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by obesity, with risks ranging from 2-3 times higher than men. This disparity is most pronounced in the Sub-Saharan region, where women are up to 10 times more likely to have obesity.
Dr. Yibin Wang will be recognized for his commitment to learning more about the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms behind cardiovascular disease. His research has directly contributed to many clinical studies and new trials for heart diseases.
The study analyzed global data from the past three decades, revealing an overall increase in hypertensive heart disease (HHD) prevalence but a decrease in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The burden of HHD is particularly concerning for healthcare systems due to higher prevalence with lower mortality rates.
Researchers developed a novel wearable ECG patch with active dry electrodes that improves upon traditional Ag/AgCl electrodes by increasing user comfort, reducing skin irritation, and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. The compact and lightweight design enables continuous monitoring and remote sensing capabilities.
A large-scale study found that replacing sedentary time with physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, especially in individuals at high genetic risk. The study analyzed data from over 77,000 participants and found that even small amounts of physical activity can lower relative risk.
A new analysis of 50 years of data found that pregnant people who gained more than the recommended amount of weight had a higher risk of death from heart disease or diabetes in the decades following. Higher risk was found for all weight groups studied, but no increase in risk was uncovered among those who were obese.
Researchers found that Porphyromonas gingivalis inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion, worsening cardiac remodeling and causing cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction. The study suggests that treating this oral infection could help prevent fatal heart attacks.
Jinglei Ping, a UMass Amherst engineering professor, has received a $1.9 million grant to investigate a new method of regulating exosome traffic using electronic signals. This approach aims to control cell communication in cancer and heart disease research.
The Kenyan government and food industry could save billions USD by implementing trans fat limits, which would also reduce heart disease cases and prevent deaths. Experts urge food manufacturers to prioritize consumer health by removing trans fats from products now.
A UCLA-led team has identified RBFox1, an RNA splicing regulator, as a key player in promoting human stem cell-derived heart muscle cell maturation. This finding offers a deeper understanding of heart muscle cell development and hints at future therapeutic applications for regenerative therapies.
A new study finds that short and long-term blood pressure fluctuations increase the risk of dementia and vascular problems in older people. Higher systolic BP variations are also linked with stiffening of the arteries, a key factor in heart disease.
Researchers from the University of Virginia Health System have made significant discoveries about the genetic influences on fatty acid metabolism in diverse populations. The study found broad similarities among groups but also notable differences, highlighting the need for genetic studies in diverse groups.
A new study found that pre-pregnancy obesity is a primary driver of future cardiovascular disease risk, rather than pregnancy complications. The research followed 4,216 individuals from early pregnancy to postpartum and found those with overweight or obese BMI had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
A study of 23,000 adults found a significant link between depressive symptoms and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. Public health efforts can support nationwide strategies to reduce depression's burden.
Researchers developed an AI tool that can detect valvular heart disease with 93% sensitivity and 98% specificity. The tool analyzes audio data from a short burst of sound vibrations using a contact microphone and neural networks, allowing for quick identification of five different valvular diseases.
A real-world study confirms the reliability and effectiveness of the Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) in assessing cardiovascular risk, regardless of statin use. The PCE performed well across different demographics and retained accuracy with measurement factors outside its original risk profile range.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia alter cardiac energy production by interfering with metabolic substrate uptake. The research reveals early changes in apparently healthy middle-aged individuals, highlighting the importance of identifying mechanisms involved in heart disease onset.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 triggers a dangerous immune response in hardened fatty deposits lining the heart's largest blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to immediate and longer-lasting heart issues, including plaque rupture and blockage of blood flow.
A new study from Tulane University found that walking more than five flights of stairs daily can cut the risk of heart disease by 20%. The study, published in Atherosclerosis, used UK Biobank data from 450,000 adults and found that stair climbing reduced cardiovascular disease risk in those with multiple risk factors.
Researchers tracked over 25,000 people using wearables data and found that daily living activities of at least moderate intensity can reduce major cardiac events; longer bouts lasting 5-10 minutes may have comparable health benefits.
A new Canadian guideline aims to promote health equity among marginalized groups by providing 16 preventive care recommendations. The guidelines focus on removing barriers to healthcare, prioritizing people from disadvantaged groups, and improving access to essential screenings and interventions.
The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Neurology have announced a new scholarship program supporting early career trainees focused on brain health. The Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships will award two $150,000 scholarships annually to pursue research or public health service projects on prevention and maintenance of brain...
Researchers at U of A are developing an AI-powered system to analyze cardiac images, enabling clinicians to diagnose heart disease more accurately. The project aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes, with potential global implications.
A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal reveals that men who experience job strain combined with high efforts and low reward have doubled the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the pressing need to proactively address stressful working conditions to create healthier work environments.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 195 clinical trials found that cell therapy can reduce the risk of death from COVID-19 by 60%. The studies, conducted in 30 countries between January 2020 and December 2021, used various types of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and natural killer cells.
A Geisinger-led study found that knowing the genetic cause of high cholesterol increases heart disease risk more than having high cholesterol levels alone. The study used UK Biobank data and observed distinct differences in heart disease rates among participants with different genetic causes.
Researchers analyzed data from 2005-2020 and found that 10-year conditional survival was similar between biventricular and most single-ventricle CHD patients. Biventricular CHD patients also showed better 10-year survival compared to non-CHD heart transplant recipients.
A systematic review found that antidepressants are equally effective and safe for patients with both depression and physical health issues as those without. The study suggests that treating these patients with antidepressants can improve quality of life and reduce the course of physical disease.
A recent study found a three-fold increase in obesity-related heart disease deaths in the US between 1999 and 2020. The study highlights racial disparities, particularly among Black women, who faced the highest rates of obesity-related cardiovascular mortality.
Researchers found that infected individuals with multiple strains of the T. cruzi parasite were better able to control the disease, while those with a progressive form had fewer strains. This discovery provides a new framework for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed SparkMaster2, an open-source software that analyzes normal and abnormal calcium activity in human cells. The tool can identify calcium sparks associated with irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmia, enabling better understanding of the underlying biology.
A Medical College of Wisconsin research team has identified a new role for liver protein tPA in influencing blood cholesterol levels. The study found that increased tPA production leads to decreased VLDL assembly in the liver, which may provide a novel target for heart disease treatment.
A global analysis of 2.3 million people reveals women are diagnosed and treated late for cardiac issues, with alarming rise in heart attacks among younger women. Non-traditional symptoms like vomiting, jaw pain, and abdominal pain are more common in women.
A new MU study highlights the protective role of innate lymphoid cells and interferons in reducing neurological effects of Brucellosis. The findings could lead to improved diagnostics and therapies for neurobrucellosis, a condition that can cause long-term neurological complications.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation has announced the TCT 2023 late-breaking clinical trials, featuring 12 studies on minimally invasive techniques, pharmaceuticals, technologies, and devices. These trials aim to improve patient outcomes in cardiovascular disease, with a focus on safety and effectiveness.
The Texas Heart Institute has received a five-year, $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance organ bioengineering. The project aims to develop transplantable bioartificial hearts to combat end-stage heart failure.
University of Louisville researchers have received a five-year, $11.7 million National Institutes of Health grant to investigate the connection between microorganisms and disease. The study will focus on various chronic conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, diabetes, periodontitis, and colorectal cancer.
Patients with valvular heart disease, congenital abnormalities, or pacemakers should prioritize prevention measures like twice-daily tooth cleaning and strict skin hygiene. The Guidelines emphasize the importance of patient education, antibiotic prophylaxis, and early diagnosis to combat infective endocarditis.
A new study found that younger atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients who underwent MRI-guided ablation treatments had better outcomes. The treatment significantly improved arrhythmia recurrence rates by 50% for patients under 58 years old.
UC researchers investigate signaling pathway of Trypanosoma cruzi to transform and reproduce, aiming to find better drug targets to kill the parasite. The study reveals crucial proteins involved in the parasite's survival and transmission, highlighting potential strategies for disease control.
The University of Tennessee Extension will address health disparities related to poor nutrition, physical activity, and obesity in seven rural Tennessee counties. The CDC's High Obesity Program funding aims to reduce chronic diseases by improving access to fresh foods and opportunities for physical activity.
The August issue of CHEST journal features a new clinical practice guideline for managing patients with neuromuscular weakness and a multisociety evidence review on the effect of race and ethnicity on pulmonary function testing interpretation. This is complemented by other research and reviews covering various aspects of chest medicine.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people who experience pain after a heart attack are more likely to die within the next 8.5 years. The study analyzed data from over 18,300 adults who had a heart attack and found that moderate or extreme pain was linked to a higher mortality risk.
A computational genetic model has been developed to predict individual genetic risk of developing breast cancer based on a woman's genetic profile. The model uses data from a large-scale international study and identifies women at high risk, who may benefit from earlier and more frequent screening.
Researchers investigate how exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics may increase atherosclerosis and CVD risk, particularly in children. The study aims to establish a novel therapeutic target for chemical-induced CVD and explore gene-EDC interactions.
A recent study at UC Irvine found that semaglutide medication can lead to significant weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risk in 93 million U.S. adults. The medication may prevent up to 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes over 10 years, resulting in 43 million fewer obese people.
Researchers at West Virginia University are tracing the cause of diabetic heart disease using diabetic animal models to examine mitochondrial function. They hope to understand how faulty protein import affects the mitochondria and explore potential treatments to improve energy production and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered a non-ectodermal and mesodermal origin for large numbers of enteric neurons born after birth. This finding overturns decades of scientific dogma and offers hope for disease-modifying cures to aging patients.
A new study reveals a high incidence of youth with cardiovascular risk factors but inadequate resources to provide preventive care. Pediatricians and policymakers must address these gaps by investing in pediatric preventive cardiology and increasing collaboration between programs.
A new American Heart Association science advisory emphasizes the need for more resources and best practices in pediatric preventive cardiovascular care. The survey found that many programs are overwhelmed with referrals and have long wait times, highlighting the importance of updated guidelines and strategic action plans.
Between 1990 and 2019, US coronary heart disease mortality rates declined, but slowed significantly since 2011. The study found that eliminating smoking, drinking, and obesity could have prevented half of the deaths observed during this period.
Researchers found that stable, long-term elevation in urinary albumin excretion is associated with a high risk of new-onset heart failure and mortality. Persistently high levels were linked to older patients and those with conditions like diabetes and previous heart attacks.
Researchers at Harvard developed a fiber-infused ink that allows 3D-printed heart muscle cells to align and contract like human heart cells, enabling the creation of functional heart ventricles. The innovation can be used to build life-like heart tissues with thicker muscle walls, paving the way for regenerative therapeutics.