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 recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that irregular sleeping habits may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis among adults older than 45. Maintaining regular sleep schedules can help reduce cardiovascular risk for aging adults and improve overall health.
A study published in eLife has linked infection with the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that individuals with high genetic risk scores for coronary heart disease were at elevated risk for cardiovascular events.
A study analyzing 11,167 patients found a 30% lower risk of cardiovascular complications in women compared to men. The researchers argue that other factors contribute to the observed 'male disadvantage' in COVID-19 severity.
A multinational study of over 600,000 heart failure patients found that the disease is relatively fatal, with an average annual death rate of 13%, and results in high healthcare costs. The study also identified new treatment opportunities for heart failure with preserved left ventricular function.
A smart necklace called SmokeMon tracks a user's every puff and provides valuable insights into their smoking behavior. By analyzing heat signatures, the device can detect when a cigarette is being lit, how much smoke is inhaled, and when the person holds it to their mouth, helping to prevent relapse and improve quit rates.
Research highlights the intergenerational impact of prepregnancy heart health on offspring, with low pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health linked to pregnancy complications and higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Improving women's heart health before pregnancy could reduce these risks and have a positive impact on future generations.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst epidemiologist is leading a team to better understand the effects of chronic stress on future health risks. They will examine metabolites in blood samples from a large, racially diverse population to identify potential biomarkers for heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that higher consumption of free sugars is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers analyzed data from 110,497 individuals and found that consuming more free sugar, particularly from sugary drinks and sweets, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In...
A study of over 350 patients with small vessel stroke found that the medications were well-tolerated and safe, suggesting potential benefits in improving patient outcomes. The results indicate that cilostazol and isosorbide mononitrate may help reduce recurrent stroke, cognitive impairment, and improve quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.
A recent study from the University of Bergen found that elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with suspected or verified coronary heart disease. Higher plasma MMA levels were linked to reduced renal function and low vitamin B12 status, but also p...
Research suggests that poor oral health may contribute to declines in brain function and cognitive abilities. A recent study analyzed the relationship between oral health and brain health among approximately 40,000 adults and found a potential link between gum disease and white matter hyperintensities.
A $1.1 million Department of Defense grant supports Augusta University research linking prostate cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Avirup Guha's research aims to investigate the aging process, exploring the role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in this connection.
Women who experience five major pregnancy complications face an increased risk of ischemic heart disease up to 46 years after delivery. The study found that all major adverse pregnancy outcomes should be recognized as lifelong risk factors for heart disease.
Researchers discovered that myosin motor proteins must be activated before muscles can contract, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating inherited cardiac conditions. This new understanding could lead to medical remedies for diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
A new study found that women with pre-pregnancy migraine had greater risks of preterm delivery, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Migraine with aura was associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia than without aura.
A new randomized controlled trial found that self-help metacognitive therapy significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms in recovering heart disease patients. The study suggests this treatment approach may be beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular disease who struggle with rumination.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 studies found individuals with autism have a higher associated risk of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Clinicians should monitor individuals with autism for early signs of cardiometabolic disease and its complications.
The UVA Health, Southwest Virginia Coalition is partnering to improve COVID-19 outcomes and chronic health conditions through innovative telehealth models. The consortium will bring together healthcare groups to develop a long-term blueprint for providing care in rural communities.
The world's first international clinical guidelines have been created to prevent and treat heart complications in children undergoing cancer treatment. The guidelines cover cardiovascular disease assessment, screening, and follow-up for pediatric patients receiving various cancer treatments.
A study published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology found a significant correlation between periodontitis and fibrosis in the left atrium, which can lead to atrial fibrillation. Researchers suggest that periodontal care could aid in comprehensive management of atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found that state gratitude predicts lower systolic blood pressure responses throughout the stress-testing period, indicating a unique stress-buffering effect. Affect balance amplifies the effects of state gratitude, suggesting its clinical utility in improving cardiovascular health.
The number of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the US rose significantly between 2019 and 2020, with Asian, Black and Hispanic populations most affected. The largest single-year increase since 2015 was seen in CVD deaths among these populations, highlighting structural and societal disparities.
Engineers and physicians developed a portable, postage-stamp-sized wearable ultrasound device for cardiac imaging. The device measures blood pumping activity in real-time, even during exercise, providing continuous insights into heart health.
Researchers seek to reduce medical errors among patients with limited English proficiency by implementing three different translation approaches. The goal is to compare the effectiveness of telephone interpreter-based and in-person interpreter-assisted communication in reducing errors.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that exertional dyspnea can be a misleading presentation of pulmonary embolism, affecting 32% of patients under 75. The Pulmonary Embolism Dyspnea Italian Study (PEDIS) highlighted the importance of evaluating young patients with severe respiratory fatigue for ...
Thomas E. MacGillivray, MD, was elected President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, emphasizing the importance of long-term outcomes and the value of surgery for patients compared to competing therapies. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. MacGillivray has published extensively on aortic diseases and adult congenital heart disease.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement suggests that surgery should be considered for patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism to improve survival rates. The statement also calls for increased research and data quality registries to better understand the disease process and effective treatments.
Researchers have discovered an anti-ageing gene that can rewind the heart's biological age by 10 years, offering a potential target for patients with heart failure. The study found that administering the healthy mutant gene to elderly patients with severe heart problems improved their cardiac function and rejuvenated their immune system.
Recent national data analyzed by leading cardiology and cardiothoracic surgical researchers found that the rate of successful repair has reached over 90% in the US, with an extremely low risk of mortality across nearly all age ranges. A novel risk model was developed to predict 30-day outcomes based on patient health conditions.
A Canadian-led research team has discovered how the protein PCSK9 degrades LDL receptors, leading to increased cholesterol levels. HLA-C plays a critical role in this process, which could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
Higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids found in seafood are associated with a modestly lower risk of chronic kidney disease and slower decline in kidney function. Plant derived omega 3 fatty acids show no association with CKD risk.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences discover genes and individual variations associated with atrial fibrillation, predicting stroke and mortality risk. They also uncover a potential treatment target, ERRg, involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that wearing tefillin, a traditional Jewish practice, can induce preconditioning associated changes in heart rate variability, leading to lower metabolism and potential protection against heart attacks. The research suggests this low-intensity method of protection could be a game changer for cardiova...
Researchers analyzed data from the VITAL trial and found that vitamin D supplementation increased biomarkers associated with vitamin D metabolism in people, regardless of their weight. However, these increases were significantly smaller in people with elevated BMIs, suggesting a blunted response to supplementation.
A new study finds that dietary choline deficiency can cause profound negative effects on the body, including organ damage and changes in brain pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the importance of adequate choline intake to protect against neurodegeneration and improve overall health.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in working-age heart patients. The therapy improved quality of life and reduced readmissions for heart problems.
Researchers found that patients with low comorbidity groups who received more frequent phone calls had improved outcomes, including reduced mortality and longer hospital stays. The intervention involved regular calls from nurses to monitor patient response and address any unusual symptoms.
A new twin study by Karolinska Institutet suggests that the same genes may be behind both cardiometabolic diseases and dementia. The study found that individuals with multiple cardiometabolic conditions had a significantly increased risk of developing dementia.
A new study found that teenagers who reported feeling optimistic, happy, and loved had better cardiometabolic health outcomes in adulthood. Despite this, racial disparities remained apparent, with Black teens facing increased health risks due to structural racism.
A new study suggests that reformulating packaged foods in Australia to contain less sodium could save up to 1,700 lives per year. Implementing the World Health Organization's sodium targets may also reduce rates of cardiovascular disease and stomach cancer.
A study from Japan found that variations in psychiatric diagnoses across different cultures can affect the efficacy of antipsychotics in clinical trials. Researchers analyzed data from 28 double-blind randomized trials and found that psychotic features were associated with varying therapeutic responses to antipsychotic medications.
Swimming-induced pulmonary oedema (SIPE) is a relatively little known hazard associated with open water swimming. Risk factors include older age, long distances, cold water, and female sex. SIPE can occur in fit and healthy individuals, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
Mount Sinai researchers discovered that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be caused by two distinct types of deposits in the retina: drusen and subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs). Early intervention with vitamin supplements can slow down drusen formation, while SDDs pose a greater threat to advanced AMD.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a new mechanism for slowing scarring of heart tissue, a process known as cardiac fibrosis. The study's findings suggest that inhibiting the degradation of eicosanoids may be a promising approach to preventing or reversing cardiac fibrosis.
Researchers found that time-restricted eating synchronizes circadian rhythms across multiple systems in mice, activating genes involved in specific diseases like cancer. Nearly 40% of genes in the adrenal gland and pancreas were affected by time-restricted eating, offering guidance for managing diseases.
Researchers developed a new epigenetic biomarker, GrimAge version 2, which leverages two DNAm-based estimators of plasma proteins to predict mortality risk. The study found that GrimAge 2 outperforms existing clinical biomarkers in predicting mortality across multiple racial/ethnic groups and associations with age-related conditions.
Researchers found genetic mutations to OAS and RNase L proteins increase inflammatory response in immune cells, leading to MIS-C. This understanding may provide clues to chronic inflammation diseases like Kawasaki disease.
A Christmas-themed physical activity intervention during Advent showed promise for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time among inactive adults. The study, published in the BMJ, found that participants who received a daily email with physical activity ideas reported participating in more moderate-to-vigorous intensity...
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that elevated levels of phenylacetylglutamine, a byproduct of gut microbiome breakdown, increase heart failure risk and severity. This discovery suggests potential approaches to modify PAG-associated risks through diet and beta blocker use.
A recent study discovered a link between soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and the development of atherosclerosis, a hardening of arteries that affects over a billion people worldwide. SuPAR was found to cause inflammation in blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular events and increasing risk of heart disease.
Researchers will investigate the relationship between heart function and aorta stiffness to identify risk factors for heart failure in Hispanics/Latinos, who are disproportionately affected by this condition. The study aims to develop new methods for predicting and preventing heart failure in underrepresented populations.
A study followed over 7,000 Canadians for three years to find that being female, physically active, and not obese were key to maintaining excellent health. Factors such as high income and social support also played a crucial role in optimal aging.
A recent study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research found a link between COVID-19 and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), with patients infected five times more likely to develop the condition. Vaccination was also linked, but at a lower risk, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in reducing POTS.
A new study found that extreme temperatures are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular death, particularly heart failure, which was the leading cause of death globally. The research analyzed data from 32 million cardiovascular deaths in 567 cities across 27 countries between 1979 and 2019.
A global analysis of over 32 million cardiovascular deaths found that extreme temperatures increase the risk of heart failure deaths. People with heart failure are most likely to be negatively impacted by very cold and very hot days.
As people age, their health care needs become more complex, making it essential to consider anatomical and functional changes when diagnosing and treating ACS. An individualized and patient-centered approach is best for older adults, considering coexisting conditions and input from multiple specialists.
People with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to inflammation. However, new research suggests that commonly used treatments for RA can also lower this risk by reducing arterial inflammation and disease activity. The study found that immunomodulators like methotrexate and TNFi drugs reduced heart dise...
A Cedars-Sinai study found that even subtle forms of liver disease directly impact heart health, with elevated FIB-4 scores associated with abnormalities in heart function and vascular dimension. Cardiac MRI scans revealed that nearly 86% of patients had at least one heart abnormality.
A study published in the Hypertension journal suggests that bromocriptine, a Parkinson's disease medication, may help prevent heart disease in youth with Type 1 diabetes. The research found that teens with Type 1 diabetes who took bromocriptine had lower blood pressure and less stiff arteries after one month of treatment.