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 study found that fitness watches can be beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses, increasing exercise motivation, but also causing unnecessary anxiety due to misinterpreted data. Researchers recommend a collaborative care approach to help patients and clinicians jointly interpret wearable device data.
Recent reports suggest a lower incidence of COVID-19 among high-altitude populations, however, current data is insufficient to confirm this association. The authors conclude that there is currently little supporting evidence for any protective benefit of genetic or nongenomic adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia.
Researchers have developed a tiny, flexible scope that can provide high-quality 3D images inside blood vessels, enabling better understanding of heart attack causes and progression. The device's miniaturization could lead to improved treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Ketone bodies, produced during fat metabolism, may have therapeutic benefits against COVID-19, seasonal flu and other respiratory infections. Researchers propose testing ketone supplementation to bolster muscle function and attenuate delirium among infected survivors.
A review of available evidence suggests that prediabetes is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease in both the general population and patients with a history of heart disease. Screening and proper management of prediabetes may contribute to primary and secondary prevention of CVD.
A UCalgary research study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect risk of heart failure and death in those with dilated cardiomyopathy. The study confirms about 40% of patients with DCM have scarring patterns on their heart muscle, associated with higher risk of future cardiac events.
Researchers will focus on inflammation and the role of different cells in the immune system in cardiovascular health. The team plans to establish the molecular basis of inflammation in the heart and accelerate innovation in immune-cardiology.
A plant-based diet can help promote healthful aging and mitigate the global burden of disease. The diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease by almost 50%. Plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes have also been tied to increased life expectancy.
A new study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine suggests that people with familial hypercholesterolemia should eliminate carbs and focus on a heart-healthy diet low in sugar. The research finds no evidence to support the long-held recommendation to minimize saturated fat intake.
A new study found that 12 weeks of passive leg stretching improved blood flow and reduced stiffness in arteries. This non-invasive technique could serve as a new drug-free treatment for improving vascular health and reducing disease risk.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that women with gestational hypertension are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and heart failure. Women who experienced high blood pressure during their first pregnancy were 45% more likely to develop overall cardiovascular disease.
A pilot study found that providing cardiac patients with in-home portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduces their personal-level exposure to fine-particle pollutants, a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The study showed a 40% reduction in PM2.5 air pollution exposure and potentially lower cardiovascular event rates.
The Resource for Quantitative Elemental Mapping for the Life Sciences (QE-Map) will enable unprecedented insights into metal role in human health and disease. QE-Map will pioneer cutting-edge imaging and detection technologies to deepen understanding of interplay between metals and biological processes.
A new polymeric heart valve, PoliValve, has been developed by scientists at the universities of Bristol and Cambridge, promising to address the limitations of current artificial valves. The device combines excellent durability with biocompatibility, making it a potential alternative for valve replacement surgery.
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found routine revascularization associated with lower non-procedural MI and unstable angina risk, but higher procedural MI rates. The benefits of routine revascularization compared to medical therapy are still uncertain.
A global study found a 20% increase in cardiovascular events and death among middle-aged participants with four or more depressive symptoms. Depression is now considered an important risk factor for heart disease and early death alongside traditional factors like smoking and high blood pressure.
A new study found that older adults with low vitamin K levels had a higher risk of death over 13 years compared to those with adequate vitamin K levels. The research suggests that vitamin K may have protective health benefits as we age, particularly in reducing the risk of death.
Research shows that just one 60-minute bout of exercise can shift the muscle clocks of mice by around an hour, influencing circadian rhythms. This discovery highlights the potential of exercise as a treatment for conditions like heart disease, where disrupted body clocks are a contributing factor.
Researchers analyzed data from three large study groups with up to 32 years of follow-up to investigate the link between healthy eating patterns and cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that long-term adherence to recommended diets was associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham found a rare bone in the hearts of wild chimpanzees, measuring only a few millimeters in size. This discovery could help advance the understanding and management of cardiovascular disease in these endangered animals.
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has launched a Virtual Research Centre to address barriers in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease research. The centre aims to facilitate collaborative research, provide access to resources and technology, and develop broad coalitions for innovation and training.
Researchers disagree on whether reducing saturated fat intake can lower rates of heart disease, with some arguing that the evidence is inconclusive and others citing a strong link between saturated fats and increased LDL cholesterol levels. Experts caution against replacing foods high in saturated fat with added sugars and refined carb...
A groundbreaking study published in iScience has created a detailed 3D map of the intracardiac nervous system (ICN), the 'little brain' of the heart. The researchers used novel imaging techniques to reveal previously unknown complexity and diversity of molecular identities among neurons.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a non-invasive wearable device to track vitamin C levels in sweat, enabling personalized nutrition and dietary adherence. The device has shown high sensitivity and potential for detecting nutritional deficiencies and supporting recovery from COVID-19.
Research finds women are less likely to be prescribed statins, aspirin, and ACE-inhibitors, but more likely to be prescribed diuretics for heart disease treatment. Women should discuss benefits and risks with their physicians about using heart disease medications.
Researchers have discovered a rare disease called TRAF7 syndrome, characterized by distinctive facial features, cardiac defects, and intellectual disability. The study analyzed 45 new patients, expanding on previous research with seven individuals, to define the clinical picture of this condition.
Among highly educated Black and Hispanic individuals, the protective effect of education against heart disease was weaker compared to non-Hispanic and White individuals. Education does not seem to be an equalizer for health outcomes, as it is linked to social stratification in the US.
Scientists at Temple University Health System are exploring the molecular mechanisms of heart injury and repair. They aim to identify new paths to developing innovative heart therapies. The study focuses on understanding the role of molecules known as G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) in heart function and disease.
Women with preexisting cardiovascular conditions should receive preconception counseling and specialized maternity care from a cardio-obstetrics team. Regular exercise during pregnancy may improve blood vessel function and prevent preeclampsia.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that e-cigarette users experience vascular damage comparable to traditional cigarette smokers. The researchers discovered stiffening of arteries and damaged endothelial cells, which can lead to heart disease.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with work-related stress were 1.4 times as likely to have a record of peripheral artery disease in hospitalization registers. Work-related stress, or job strain, refers to psychological and social stress at work.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a potential link between heart disease and worse COVID-19 outcomes. The study found that patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had elevated levels of the ACE2 protein, which the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses to gain entry into cells.
Scientists found that PTSD patients exhibit changes in small blood vessels, leading to abnormal responses in the sympathetic nervous system. Antioxidant supplements can reduce oxidative stress and improve blood vessel function.
Researchers found significant differences in mineral deposits on aortic valves between men and women with stenosis. The study highlights the importance of considering diversity in research to improve science.
A large European study of over 100,000 adults found that a combination of healthy lifestyle factors, including low smoking and moderate physical activity, were linked to the longest periods without chronic diseases. The study's results provide new insights into the importance of healthy habits in preventing chronic disease.
A recent review published in JAMA Cardiology reveals that COVID-19 can cause cardiac injury and worsen outcomes for patients with pre-existing heart conditions. The study found a higher risk of cardiovascular complications in patients over 65 with coronary heart disease or hypertension.
Researchers found a moderate association between consuming tofu high in isoflavones and a lower risk of heart disease. The study primarily showed favorable effects on young women before menopause or postmenopausal women not taking hormones, with a 18% lower risk compared to those eating tofu less than once a week.
Rates of deaths related to hypertension have risen sharply across the US, with a 72% increase in rural areas and a 20% increase in urban areas. High blood pressure can cause damage to arteries and lead to events such as heart attacks or strokes, emphasizing the importance of taking it seriously.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified a novel way to treat Danon disease using gene therapy, adding a specially designed gene that restores LAMP2 function. The treatment improved cardiac and liver function in mice with the disease, offering a new approach beyond heart transplants.
A large-scale study finds a strong association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ischemic heart disease in female veterans. Women with PTSD were 47 years old on average, five years younger than those without the condition, highlighting the need for earlier screening and routine care.
A new review of international research on food taxes highlights the strong evidence showing such taxes work in reducing sugary drinks consumption. A 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages could raise NZ$40 million annually, which could be recycled back into the community to fund healthy initiatives.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered new genetic variants that cause heart disease in infants, revealing novel insights into the role of a protein affecting blood pumping force. Understanding these interactions could lead to new treatments for both the specific disease and general heart disease.
Researchers found that consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day was associated with a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing butter, margarine, or dairy fat with olive oil also showed significant health benefits.
Researchers found that replacing red meat with plant-based protein sources reduced the risk of death from any cause and coronary heart disease. Studies suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and nuts may help improve cardiovascular health.
Preliminary research suggests that improved sleep patterns can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Regular bedtimes and consistent sleep duration can also lead to healthier body weights.
Researchers estimate that air pollution causes an extra 8.8 million premature deaths annually, shortening global life expectancy by nearly three years. Cardiovascular diseases account for the greatest proportion of shortened lives, with older people disproportionately affected.
Two systematic reviews found that omega-3 supplements have minimal effects on health, with a small protective effect on cardiovascular disease but a slight increase in prostate cancer risk. The benefits are negligible, and the research team suggests that taking fish oil supplements for cancer prevention is not beneficial.
A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that myotonic dystrophy's genetic abnormalities lead to the overproduction of an alternative-splicing factor that regulates protein processing. This triggers abnormal splicing of proteins essential for heart cell function, causing cardiac conduction defects.
Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered a link between amyloid-beta levels in the blood and cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of amyloid-beta may indicate a higher risk of developing serious heart complications, such as heart failure and progression to heart disease.
Researchers found that high cholesterol levels increase the risk of developing aortic stenosis, a major heart valve disease. The study used Mendelian randomization to determine the causal effect of cholesterol levels on aortic stenosis.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that genetic tests for heart disease risk had only modest improvement over conventional testing. The test analyzed thousands of genetic variants linked to heart health but did not significantly enhance predictive power.
A study of 139,000 older Australians found strong links between certain food groups, such as fruit, vegetables, and protein-rich foods, and reduced memory loss and comorbid heart disease. Age-specific dietary guidelines may be necessary to prevent cognitive impairment in older populations.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that longer sitting times were associated with higher levels of heart disease risk among overweight and obese post-menopausal women. The study revealed a strong negative link between sitting time and insulin resistance, particularly among Hispanic women.
New research reveals rising sudden cardiac death rates among women, with the disorder often being their first sign of heart disease. The study highlights the importance of identifying novel risk factors and diagnostics to reduce this risk.
A study found that reducing animal product intake and following a primarily plant-based diet can decrease the risk of heart disease by minimizing the adverse effects of a gut-microbiome associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. Higher TMAO levels were linked to a 67% higher risk of CHD.
A new gene mutation, A143T variant of GLA gene, is associated with an increased risk of Fabry cardiomyopathy. Patients carrying the mutation should initiate treatment to prevent disease progression.
A team of bioengineers from Trinity College Dublin has developed a prototype patch that mimics the electrical signalling properties and mechanical demands of heart tissue. The patch, manufactured via melt electrowriting, withstood repeated stretching and showed good elasticity, addressing key requirements for cardiac biomaterials.
A petition to the FDA suggests that ED drug labels should recommend a plant-based diet to prevent artery disease and its related risks, including heart attacks, strokes, and early death. A recent meta-analysis found that men with ED have a higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke compared to those without symptoms.
Researchers found that increasing small blood vessels, rather than just improving circulation, could aid recovery from movement difficulties. The study uses a rat model to show that growing more capillaries is a new treatment option for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Research from The Francis Crick Institute found that gut bacteria activate a specific gene called Ahr in intestinal nerves, promoting healthy digestion and peristalsis. This relationship can be disrupted in cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.