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.
Researchers develop a new technique to measure blood attenuation using a fluorophore-coated guidewire, improving the accuracy of near-infrared fluorescence in cardiovascular imaging. The method provides accurate information on vessel walls and outperforms existing correction methods.
The new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of including non-biological factors and social determinants in CVD risk assessment for women. These factors include economic stability, neighborhood safety, education level, and access to quality healthcare, which disproportionately affect women from dive...
New research suggests a way to ward off age-related weight gain by stimulating beige fat cells. Beige fat has thermogenic properties that can reduce blood sugar and fatty acids causing heart disease. The study identifies a specific signaling pathway responsible for suppressing beige fat formation in older mice.
Adult survivors of childhood cancer have a four times higher risk of late mortality compared to the general population. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk by 20%, according to a new study published in The Lancet.
Researchers at TUM have developed a method to create mini-hearts in Petri dishes using stem cells. The resulting organoids mimic the earliest stages of human heart development and can be used to investigate congenital heart defects, potentially leading to new treatment methods.
Studies investigate multimorbidity, which is increasing due to improved survival from chronic diseases and population aging. The prevalence of multimorbidity varies greatly depending on the number and types of conditions considered, with some combinations spending more than the sum of individual diseases.
A new study finds that clear and accurate information about the cause of death, provided in multiple formats, can influence family members' decisions to seek follow-up screening for inherited heart conditions. The study suggests that communication from death investigators and health care professionals is crucial in addressing families'...
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...
WVU engineers developed a new electrode cuff called MouseFlex to test electric current treatments, overcoming previous challenges with stability and durability. The device can withstand high electrical stimulation and may benefit patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and drug-resistant epilepsy.
Researchers successfully add purified curcumin to probiotic yogurt, preserving its dissolved form and enhancing its health properties. The study shows that the curcumin inhibits yeast, fungi, and bacteria growth while maintaining the recommended levels of beneficial lactic acid bacteria.
High blood pressure in children is a significant health concern, potentially leading to cardiovascular problems in adulthood. The American Heart Association recommends monitoring blood pressure levels and implementing lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management.
A specialized mRNA translation circuit controlled by protein RBPMS determines the competence for heart formation in human embryonic development. The study provides a better understanding of human cardiac development and reveals potential molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.
Stuart J. Pocock, a renowned statistician, will receive the TCT Career Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work in interventional cardiology. His research has transformed patient care through evidence-based insights, improving survival and quality of life for heart disease patients worldwide.
Researchers at Temple University and Johns Hopkins University found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) loss underlies post-myocardial infarction heart failure. BDNF levels can be replenished therapeutically, abolishing damage to heart tissue and enabling recovery.
A recent study suggests that cardiac sphericity, or the roundness of the heart, may be a useful indicator for diagnosing cardiovascular conditions. The research used machine learning to analyze medical images and found a link between increased sphericity and future heart troubles.
Researchers aim to understand the allure of highly processed foods, which make up 58% of US calories. By studying their processing and added ingredients, they hope to identify underlying variables driving consumption.
Researchers from the Smidt Heart Institute found that individuals with spherical hearts are 31% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and 24% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy. The study identified four genes associated with cardiomyopathy and a greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found a modest increased risk of developing heart disease among people exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation. The study suggests that guidelines for protection of workers and patients should be reconsidered to minimize the risks associated with low-dose radiation exposure.
A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine suggests that light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), can improve heart function and reduce the thickness of the cardiac wall in middle-aged mice. The research also found improved neuromuscular coordination and a significant survival rate among mice with severe heart disease.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement provides guidance on interpreting incidental genetic variants associated with cardiovascular disease risk. The statement aims to determine whether a variant truly carries a health risk and suggests next steps for individuals and healthcare professionals.
A new study found that eating walnuts may alter the mix of gut microbes in a way that increases the body's production of amino acid L-homoarginine, which has been linked to lower cardiovascular risk. Researchers also discovered higher levels of certain bacteria in the gut of participants on the walnut diet.
A new study suggests that age, not weight, should be used to screen for diabetes, capturing the greatest number of people in all racial and ethnic groups. The approach identifies the greatest proportion of adults with prediabetes and diabetes and maximizes equity across racial and ethnic groups.
The study found that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of long COVID, while factors such as being overweight, female, smoker, or over 40 increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Vaccination halves people's risk of developing long Covid
Researchers found that a plakophilin-2 mutation leads to increased desmosomal protein degradation in ACM hearts, causing structural and functional changes. Studying human heart samples and mice models confirmed the role of protein degradation in ACM development.
Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze electrocardiogram results from 1.6 million patients, predicting mortality risk with 85% accuracy. The study aims to improve individual care and create a learning health-care system that feeds data back into the healthcare system.
Researchers found that Tsimané and Mosetén adults experienced less brain atrophy and improved cardiovascular health compared to industrialized populations. These findings suggest an optimal lifestyle balance between daily exertion and food abundance may be key to healthy brain aging.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia identified an increased prevalence of disease-causing genetic variants in females with unexplained infertility. The study found that 17% of these women had gene variants known to cause heart problems and cancer.
A team of UCF researchers is working on a new project to educate the next generation of nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers to improve heart health in medically underserved communities. They are using high-fidelity simulation scenarios to foster inter- and intradisciplinary care.
Researchers from Linköping University found that estrogen impairs the function of a specific ion channel, Kv7.1/KCNE1, which is associated with long QT syndrome and arrhythmia. This suggests that estrogen may be a risk factor for certain types of heart rhythm disturbances in women with hereditary mutations.
Children from low-income neighborhoods are more likely to develop preventable heart disease due to high blood pressure, according to a new study. The research highlights the importance of considering neighborhood-related factors when diagnosing hypertension in youth.
Researchers found that statins protected blood vessels against inflammation, reducing cardiovascular risk in sleep apnea patients. In contrast, CPAP therapy increased levels of angiopoietin-2, a protein associated with heart disease.
Researchers at University of Technology Sydney have successfully created personalized 'bio-inks' from patients' own stem cells, which are then used to 3D-print cardiac tissues to repair areas of dead tissue. This technology shows promise in treating heart failure and may reduce the need for expensive and traumatic heart transplants.
A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.
A new study suggests that pregnant women who have dimmed lights and screens for three hours before sleep are less likely to develop gestational diabetes. Dim light exposure before bedtime may help regulate glucose levels, reducing the risk of this common pregnancy complication.
Adolescents with blood pressure above 130/85 mmHg are at risk of premature heart damage, which doubles in prevalence over a 7-year period. The study found significant differences in heart damage risks between males and females.
Researchers at Brigham and Boston Medical Center found associations between kidney damage and increased risk of heart disease and death. The study analyzed kidney tissue from 597 adults with chronic kidney disease, linking specific lesions to cardiovascular events.
A new study found that poor sleep is associated with compromised cardiovascular health in middle and old age, with men losing nearly 7 years of heart disease-free life compared to healthy sleepers. Women also experienced a significant loss of normal heart health, with up to 2 years lost due to general poor sleep.
A new study published in Hypertension journal found that irregular sleep patterns contribute to higher blood pressure among teens with extra belly weight. The research suggests that maintaining a regular sleep schedule may help protect adolescents from cardiovascular consequences of obesity.
A 'keto-like' diet, characterized by low carbohydrates and high fat intake, has been linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol and a twofold increased risk of cardiovascular events. Regular consumption of this diet was associated with an average increase in blood LDL cholesterol levels over 11.8 years.
A review of dozens of studies found a positive association between sugary drinks and weight gain in both adults and children, with increasing SSB intake linked to greater weight gain over time. Limiting SSB consumption is an effective way to prevent age-related weight gain.
A new study found that walking an additional 500 steps per day was associated with a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. This benefit is significant for older adults, as most studies have focused on early-to-midlife adults.
Two studies found that adults with high cardiovascular health scores tend to live longer lives free of major chronic diseases. The research highlights the importance of maintaining ideal cardiovascular health to delay onset of age-related diseases, allowing individuals to enjoy life in their years as well as their years in life.
A Boston University-led study found that Black women who reported experiencing interpersonal racism in employment, housing, and police interactions had a 26% higher risk of coronary heart disease. Racism has a real impact on the heart health of Black women, increasing blood pressure and inflammation.
Researchers found that self-perceived interpersonal racism in employment, housing, and police interactions was associated with a 26% higher risk of coronary heart disease among Black women. The study analyzed data from the largest follow-up study on the health of Black women in the US.
Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center discovered that S-nitrosohemoglobin senses areas with insufficient oxygen and restores blood flow for oxygenation. This breakthrough opens up a new line of drug development to correct poor tissue oxygenation, including peripheral artery disease and sickle cell disease.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of death from heart-related complications among US military veterans within four years. The study analyzed data from 1,120 veterans who enrolled in a 12-week hom...
A recent study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute has revealed a new pathway for how genetic mutations impact heart muscle function. The research identifies the gene ALPK3 as a key player in cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases affecting the heart's ability to pump blood, and provides hope for new targeted therapies.
Researchers found that 11 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day, equivalent to a brisk walk, lowers the risk of diseases like heart disease and stroke. This amounts to a 23% lower risk of early death, with benefits also seen in reduced cardiovascular disease and cancer risks.
A new review paper from Mayo Clinic outlines how obesity impacts common tests used to diagnose heart disease, such as ECG, CT scan, MRI, and echocardiogram. The study highlights the need for alternative approaches to prevent weight gain in patients with heart disease.
A survey of over 2,500 teens and young adults found that vaping nicotine and THC is associated with self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dual vapers were more likely to report addiction to nicotine and feel less depressed after starting vaping.
A new study finds that rising temperatures will increase harmful plant emissions and dust, leading to a 14% boost in air pollution. The degradation in future air quality from natural sources is predicted to be significant, with two-thirds of the pollution coming from plants.
A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that high levels of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers studied over 4,000 people and found those with higher blood erythritol levels were at elevated risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event.
A new cell therapy has demonstrated significant benefits in improving the heart's pumping ability and reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with chronic heart failure. The therapy, using mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs), also showed a strong signal in reducing inflammation and improving microv...
A recent study found that adverse pregnancy outcomes are largely driven by pre-pregnancy health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. The rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy rose by over 50% during the decade, while the shift in age distribution accounted for less than 2% of that change.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 3.7 million adults found long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, especially in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status. The research lends support for strengthening air quality standards to protect public health.
A study of 3.7 million adults in California found long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) at moderate concentrations is associated with increased risks of heart attack and cardiovascular disease mortality. The findings suggest the current regulatory standard may not be sufficiently protective.
A recent study published in Immunity found that skipping breakfast can lead to a decline in immune cells and an increased risk of heart disease. The research showed that fasting triggers a stress response in the brain, which negatively affects immune cells.
Researchers used materials science to analyze microcalcifications in breast tissue, revealing groups that reflect tissue type and malignancy. The study also found variations in mineral composition and trace metals in malignant calcifications.
Researchers have developed a procedure to create custom, 3D-printed heart replicas that accurately mimic a patient's specific heart form and function. These replicas can be controlled to mimic the pumping action of the real heart, allowing clinicians to test various treatment options for individual patients.
A new study finds that while heart disease deaths are declining nationwide, rural and predominantly Black counties continue to experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Factors such as food insecurity, low income, and housing instability contribute to these disparities.