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A secret sibling of fat cells could hold new clues to understanding fat’s role in cardiometabolic diseases

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen discovered a new type of fat cell called SWAT cells that provide structural integrity to adipose tissue. These flexible cells can differentiate into various types, including fat cells and progenitor cells, suggesting a crucial role in adapting to metabolic conditions.

Making immunotherapy safer

Researchers developed CrossDome, a tool that uses genetic and biochemical information to predict T-cell immunotherapy's impact on healthy cells. The tool identified high-risk candidates in cases where treatments mistakenly attacked heart cells.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 14, 2023

Elevated Lipoprotein(a) is the latest variant of ‘bad cholesterol’ found to increase the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease

A new study found that elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels are a significant predictor of recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD) in people over 60. The study suggests current cholesterol-lowering medications may not be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent CHD, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics to target elevated Lp(a).

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2023

Experimental cancer drug may slow inflammation linked to heart disease

A new study shows that saracatinib reduces inflammation in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by more than 90% and boosts genes that help clean up plaque deposits. The experimental cancer drug may offer an effective therapy for cases where standard treatment fails to help.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023

1 in 3 adults with Type 2 diabetes may have undetected cardiovascular disease

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that elevated levels of two protein biomarkers associated with heart damage were linked to undetected or symptomless cardiovascular disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed health information and blood samples from over 10,300 adults and foun...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 31, 2023

Scientists identify how some angiogenic drugs used to treat cancer and heart disease cause vascular disease

Researchers discovered that vascular toxicity linked to these drugs is unrelated to angiogenesis-related genes, but rather due to changes in vascular architecture. This new understanding will help select the most effective and safe way to modulate angiogenesis in ischemic tissues or cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

A Spanish team presents the first pharmacological treatment able to improve cardiac function in stiff-heart syndrome

Researchers have developed a pharmacological treatment that improves cardiac function in patients with stiff-heart syndrome, a condition caused by amyloid protein deposition. The new drug reduces amyloid protein deposits and shows promise in reversing established disease symptoms.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2023

New study highlights dangers of cumulative exposure to cardiovascular risks and need for earlier primary prevention strategies

Researchers developed a new tool to predict heart disease risk in those over 40 based on their total exposure to heart disease risk factors. The study found that black patients have a 46% greater risk of developing heart disease compared to white patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

Established cardiovascular disease in people living with overweight or obesity associated with more illness, death and medical costs than obesity alone, UK study in over 420,000 adults finds

A UK study of over 420,000 adults reveals that those with existing cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity are five times more likely to suffer a stroke and four times more likely to have a heart attack than those with extreme obesity. The study highlights the substantial impact of living with both conditions on individuals, p...

Diabetes drugs associated with fewer adverse cardiac events in older veterans

A retrospective cohort study of U.S. veterans found that adding a GLP1 receptor agonist to diabetes treatment reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and heart failure hospitalization by about 20% compared to DPP4 inhibitors. The study's findings will aid clinicians in choosing a diabetes drug regimen for older patients.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 8, 2023

Wakefulness-promoting agents effective for excessive daytime sleepiness but patients may discontinue due to side effects

Researchers found that solriamfetol, armodafinil–modafinil, and pitolisant reduce excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea already using conventional therapy. However, patients may be more likely to discontinue the use of these medications due to adverse events including headache, anxiety, and insomnia.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 8, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution

A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 8, 2023

Adolescents, young adults with advanced heart disease show desire to take active role in medical care decisions

A new study found that young adults with advanced heart disease desire to be actively involved in their medical care decisions, despite their parents' preference for a shared decision-making approach. The research highlights the importance of understanding individual preferences and personalizing communication methods with each patient.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 5, 2023

Behavior patterns of people who achieve clinically significant weight loss

Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 US adults, finding that those who lost at least 5% of their body weight showed higher diet quality and more moderate physical activity. However, the study also found that many individuals relied on unsustainable non-evidence-based approaches for weight loss, highlighting the need for a paradig...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2023

New Family Heart Foundation study reveals systemic underdiagnosis and undertreatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

A new study reveals delayed diagnosis of HoFH leads to premature cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for increased lipid screening and aggressive treatment. Despite available therapies, most patients require further lipid-lowering treatments.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023

Air pollution exposure associated with increased risk of irregular heartbeat: Large study

A large Chinese study found that acute air pollution exposure is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmia, with the strongest link seen in atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia. Exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide was found to persist for up to 24 hours after initial exposure.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 1, 2023

Risk of rehospitalization in younger women after heart attack nearly double that of men

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that younger women are nearly twice as likely to be rehospitalized after a heart attack as men. The disparity is largely due to higher rates of risk factors such as obesity and depression among women, which contribute to more adverse outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2023

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary vascular disease and left heart disease are not mutually exclusive

A long-term analysis reveals that approximately one-third of CTEPH patients also have left heart disease, which can worsen breathing symptoms and requires more comprehensive diagnostic approaches. The study suggests that treatment options for both conditions may overlap, necessitating further research to find effective therapies.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 27, 2023

U.S. adults who felt discrimination at work faced increased risk of high blood pressure

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that U.S. adults who experienced workplace discrimination were more likely to develop high blood pressure. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,200 adults, suggests that work-related stress due to discrimination may be an emerging risk factor for card...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 26, 2023

LincRNA paints a target on diseased tissues

Researchers have discovered a novel feature of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) that can serve as markers indicating specific types of tissue. This finding has the potential to lead to highly specific disease treatments by targeting diseased tissues.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023

New, comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis illustrate the need for nuance in public health guidance related to consumption of sugars

A comprehensive review of 169 clinical trials found that the effect of fructose-containing sugars on adiposity varies among food sources and energy control. High doses of certain sources, like SSBs, lead to increased body weight, while others, such as fruit and honey, show moderate beneficial effects when consumed in moderation.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 26, 2023

Reduced access to TAVR to treat aortic stenosis in Canada compared to the US may affect mortality risk, potentially threatening lives

A new study comparing outcomes between Ontario and New York State found patients in Ontario more likely to die within a month of procedure due to inadequate availability and long wait times. The study suggests that improved access to TAVR may lead to better post-procedural outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Achieving prevention and health, rather than more healthcare

Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2023