Unknown mini-proteins in the heart
A team of researchers has discovered unknown mini-proteins in the human heart, which were previously unknown. The proteins are used for energy production and could hold promise for treating heart disease.
Heart Disease
Articles tagged with Heart Disease
Combination of three gene mutations results in deadly human heart disease
A research study has identified a deadly human heart disease caused by the combination of three subtle genetic variants inherited within a family. The study uses CRISPR genome editing and human pluripotent stem cell technology to prove that the interaction between these genes leads to severe heart defects in multiple siblings.
Long-term health effects of armed conflict could last years after bombs stop falling
A systematic review of armed conflict's impact on heart disease risk among civilians found increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The review suggests prioritizing primary healthcare during and after conflicts to prevent heart disease.
What is known -- and not known -- about heart muscle diseases in children
Cardiomyopathies in children are a life-threatening condition with symptoms including difficulty breathing, heart rhythm abnormalities, and swelling. Research highlights the need for better understanding of the causes to provide effective treatments and improve outcomes for affected children.
Leaving school earlier could increase the risk of heart disease
Research suggests that leaving school earlier may increase the risk of heart disease in later life. Studies found that higher levels of BMI, blood pressure, and smoking partly explain this association. Interventions targeting these risk factors could lead to reductions in cardiovascular disease.
More years spent in education associated with lower weight and blood pressure
A study led by Imperial College London found that only 40% of the effect of education on cardiovascular disease risk is explained through body mass index, blood pressure or smoking. Higher education is associated with a reduction in BMI and systolic blood pressure, which can contribute to lower heart disease risk.
Life-threatening genetic cholesterol condition could be found through blood donations
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that blood donation programs can be used to screen for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic cholesterol condition. Researchers identified over 3,000 people with FH in the blood donation records of nearly 1.2 million donors.
Veterans with depression and/or PTSD more likely to seek cardiac rehab
A recent study found that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression were more likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation services following an episode of ischemic heart disease. This contrasts with previous research suggesting mental health conditions may hinder patient engagement in care.
New risk scores help physicians provide better care for high-risk pulmonary patients, study finds
A new laboratory-based method, LIVE score, predicts outcomes for COPD patients and identifies those at high risk of death or disease advancement. The study found that patients with high-risk scores had the highest one-year mortality rates and palliative care referrals.
Breastfeeding reduces long-term risk of heart disease in mothers
Women who breastfed their babies are less likely to develop heart disease later in life, with a stronger effect seen in women who breastfed for longer periods. The study's findings provide further evidence for the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding and its potential role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Arsenic in drinking water may change heart structure raising risk of heart disease
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that arsenic exposure in drinking water may lead to thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber in young adults, increasing the risk for future heart problems. The study, published online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, assessed the effects of arsenic o...
High rates of Indigenous people in jail is a health crisis
High rates of Indigenous incarceration in Canada lead to significant health consequences, including more years of life lost than premature death from common health conditions. The issue is exacerbated by post-release risks, including overdose and suicide, highlighting the need for government action to address systemic racism.
Fingerprint of sleep habits as warning sign for heart disease
Chronic short sleep is linked to clogged arteries and increased mortality rates. Lowered levels of microRNA molecules are now recognized as sensitive biomarkers for cardiovascular health, inflammation, and disease.
A promising new treatment for infants with Noonan syndrome
Researchers at Université de Montréal found that MEK inhibitor trametinib can reverse hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and valvular obstruction in patients with RIT1-associated NS. Dramatic improvement was seen in two infants treated with the drug, suggesting a new treatment option for life-threatening heart disease.
Being a car commuter with obesity linked to a 32% increased death risk
Research by European Association for the Study of Obesity reveals that obese individuals who commute by car have a 32% higher risk of death from any cause. Active commuting, mainly cycling and walking, reduces this risk, but heart disease risk remains increased.
Intervention increases healthy behavior among South African adolescents
A specially designed health intervention improved healthy eating and exercise habits among South African youth, with effects lasting at least 4.5 years. The study found that participants in the intervention had greater odds of meeting guidelines for healthy eating and physical activity than the control group.
Antibiotic use linked to greater risk of heart attack and stroke in women
Women who take antibiotics for two months or more are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in late adulthood and middle age. The study found that long-duration antibiotic use was associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in women aged 60 or older.
Healthy hearts need two proteins working together
Two proteins, glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor, work together to support heart health in mice. The study's findings may lead to the development of therapeutic compounds that help people with an increased risk of a heart attack by regulating cortisol levels.
Framingham Heart Study awarded $38 million for the next 6 years
The Framingham Heart Study, the nation's longest-running cohort study, has been renewed for an additional six years and $38 million from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Researchers will examine the elderly groups and younger cohorts to better understand aging and determinants of health and disease in older people.
Mid-life resting heart rate of 75 plus beats/minute linked to doubling in early death risk
A study found that a resting heart rate of 75+ beats per minute in mid-life is associated with a doubling in the risk of an early death from all causes. Men in their 50s with increased heart rates are at heightened risk of developing heart disease over the next 11 years.
Novo Biosciences achieves major milestones in moving trodusquemine into clinical trials
Trodusquemine has shown promise in stimulating heart muscle regeneration in mice after an artificially induced heart attack, and slowing heart and skeletal muscle degeneration in a mouse DMD model. Novo Biosciences aims to develop a dosing regimen for juvenile DMD patients and define toxicity in juvenile animal models.
Chronic diseases restrict the mobility of older people -- often unconsciously
Research reveals that chronic diseases significantly decrease mobility in older adults without them realizing it, affecting physical activity levels. Exercise therapies tailored to the type of disease can improve physical functioning and independent living possibilities.
Graphic cigarette warning labels can deter some sales
A new study by RAND Corporation found that graphic health warning labels on cigarette packages can deter some adults from purchasing tobacco products, particularly those with lower nicotine dependence. However, the strategy is unlikely to influence those smokers who are most addicted to nicotine.
Text messages show promise as next step for improving heart health in China
Researchers at Yale University tested a text message intervention aimed at improving heart health in Chinese patients with heart disease. The study found that although the texts did not produce the desired outcome, patients liked the messages and wanted them to continue.
New study exonerates refined grains
A new study published in Advances in Nutrition reveals that refined grains are not associated with increased disease risk and premature death. Refined grain intake was found to have an inverse association with total cancer deaths and a statistically significant inverse association with all-cause death rate.
Fewer people died from heart disease in states that expanded Medicaid coverage through the Affordable Care Act
Researchers found counties in expansion states had about four fewer deaths from heart disease per hundred thousand residents compared to non-expansion states. This translates to approximately 1,800 fewer deaths per year in areas that expanded Medicaid coverage under the ACA.
Super berries power up porridge
Researchers found that Aronia berries resistant to heat during production of cornmeal porridge, retaining antioxidant content. The study highlights the potential of super berries like Aronia for functional foods like porridge.
The Lancet Public Health: Ageism linked to poorer health in older people in England
An observational study of over 7,500 people aged over 50 found that a quarter reported age discrimination, which was associated with fair or poor health and serious health problems. The study highlights the need to tackle ageism to improve health and wellbeing in older people.
Shift work increases diabetes and heart disease risk
A study published in Experimental Physiology found that shift work can have a long-term effect on the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Shift work was shown to negatively impact the breakdown of triglycerides and sugar utilization in the body, increasing the risk of these diseases.
Restoring this enzyme's function protects against heart disease in lupus and beyond
Researchers at MUSC have shown that restoring the enzyme's ability to produce nitric oxide can help protect against heart disease in lupus patients. The study suggests that this approach could also be relevant to heart disease more broadly, by promoting endothelial cell function and reducing inflammation.
Study questions value of genetic risk scores
A recent publication touted genetic risk scores as a tool for identifying patients at high risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. However, a new study questions the value of these scores, finding they have lower accuracy when considering individual patient factors.
More children could mean higher risk of heart disease
A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Health found a significant association between having five or more children and an increased risk of heart disease in adults. The research, led by Sara Hipp at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, analyzed data from nearly 25,000 participants aged 50 and older.
Many recovering from addiction have chronic health problems, diminished quality of life
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that over a third of individuals in recovery have chronic physical diseases related to previous substance use. The presence of these diseases significantly reduces participants' quality of life and is associated with lower life expectancy.
Asian-American groups vary in life years lost to premature heart disease, stroke
Researchers found that Asian subgroups have varying risks of death from heart disease and stroke, with women losing more years due to stroke. The study identified unique risks for each subgroup, including cerebrovascular disease affecting Vietnamese and Filipino men and women, resulting in lost life expectancy.
New tool better at predicting death after cardiac admission than current indexes
A new cardiac-specific comorbidity index outperforms existing general indexes in predicting death after hospital admission for patients with heart disease. The index was derived from administrative data and tested on almost 19,000 cardiac patients in Alberta.
Australian study links breastfeeding with lower risk of heart disease
A new Australian study found that mothers who breastfeed are 34 percent less likely to die of heart disease than those who don't. Women who breastfed for up to 12 months had a lower risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease, with significant findings independent of socio-economic status and overall health-related lifestyle.
Inflammation links heart disease and depression, study finds
Researchers at University of Cambridge found link between chronic inflammation and increased risk of depression and heart disease. Inflammation-related proteins IL-6 and CRP were identified as biomarkers for depression.
A new battle: Veterans more likely to have heart disease
A new study by University of Central Florida researcher Ramon Hinojosa reveals that veterans are more prone to cardiovascular morbidity and conditions earlier than non-veterans, possibly due to modern warfare, diet changes and increased rates of obesity and mental illness.
Climate Change: Heat-induced heart attack risk on the rise
A study of over 27,000 heart attack patients found an increase in heat-induced heart attacks in recent years, particularly among individuals with diabetes or hyperlipidaemia. Climate change is suspected to be a contributing factor, but the exact mechanism behind these deaths remains unclear.
At what age do you feel 65?
A new scientific study found a 30-year gap between countries with the highest and lowest ages at which people experience health problems equivalent to those of an average 65-year-old. The United States ranked 54th, between Iran (69.0 years) and Antigua and Barbuda (68.4 years).
Yo-yo dieting may increase women's heart disease risk
Research suggests that yo-yo dieting may increase women's heart disease risk by making it harder to control various risk factors. Women who experienced weight cycling reported lower scores on the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 score.
Mass. General-led study provides new insights into the role of aging in heart failure
The study found that activity of the ActRII pathway increases with aging and heart failure, leading to cardiac dysfunction. Inhibiting this pathway can improve cardiac function in animal models of heart failure, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy for the deadly disease.
Adding high-quality plant-based foods to diet decreases risk of deaths from heart disease
Preliminary research found that adding high-quality plant-based foods to a diet decreases the risk of deaths from heart disease. A 10-point increase in score on a healthy plant-based diet scale was associated with a 10% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death.
Overcoming cardiovascular disease with a magnetically steerable guidewire microrobot
Researchers developed a microrobot that can reach accurate locations of cardiovascular disease, such as Chronic Total Occlusion, and move towards desired directions inside complicated blood vessels. This innovation increases the success rate of treatment and shortens surgery time.
More immediate concerns beat heart health in the priorities and behaviors of young women
A recent study published at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2019 reveals that young women in the US tend to worry more about stress and mood disorders than their heart health. The research, which surveyed 331 young women ages 15-24, found that only ...
Smokers often misunderstand health risks of smokeless tobacco product, Rutgers study finds
A Rutgers study found that smokers perceive snus as less harmful for lung cancer and heart disease but more harmful for oral cancer. The researchers suggest that quitting tobacco is the best course of action, while switching to snus may reduce risks for non-quitters.
Kidney disease killer vulnerable to targeted nano therapy
Researchers at Clemson University developed a targeted nano therapy that destroyed calcium buildup in arteries without causing side effects. The therapy mimics a human's chronic kidney disease and has the potential to benefit thousands of patients.
New device mimics beating heart with tiny pieces of heart tissue
Researchers created a bioreactor to study heart tissue's mechanics in sync with the body's beats, revealing changes in force similar to those observed in living hearts. The device allows for adjustment of contraction parameters to mimic normal or disease conditions, enabling studies on high blood pressure's effects on heart cells.
Psychosocial stress, the unpredictability schema, and cardiovascular disease in women
Research highlights psychosocial stress and its impact on cardiovascular disease in women, particularly younger women and ethnic minorities. The unpredictability schema may contribute to heightened CVD risk in women, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Challenges in cardiovascular risk prediction and stratification in women
The article highlights the challenges in predicting and stratifying cardiovascular risk in women due to sex-specific factors, traditional risk models' flaws, and inadequate representation of women in CVD research. This has led to a persistent gap in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of ischemic heart disease in women.
Heart disease in pregnancy: A special look at peripartum cardiomyopathy
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a disorder where heart failure develops during or after pregnancy. Recent studies suggest angiogenic imbalance plays a key role, with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1) and prolactin being important factors. The latest IPAC study recommendations are also referenced.
Obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease in women
The study examines the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women, highlighting sex differences and conflicting evidence. The authors argue that more studies are needed to better understand OSA's impact on CVD outcomes in women, leading to personalized care.
UVA expanding telehealth to better treat diabetes, heart disease
UVA is expanding its telehealth capacity to help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, and heart disease. The initiative includes remote monitoring, screenings, home rehabilitation programs, and training for healthcare providers.
10 percent of Chinese adults have high heart disease risk, aren't treated for it
A study of 1.7 million Chinese adults found 10% at high heart disease risk, yet only 3% taking statins or aspirin for prevention. The low uptake is attributed to a lack of awareness among patients and providers in China.
Diabetes mellitus and stable ischemic heart disease
Diabetes mellitus increases risk of stable ischemic heart disease, with trial data showing no benefit from nuclear stress tests or cardiac computed tomography. Revascularization for SIHD also does not reduce mortality or myocardial infarction rates in diabetic patients without symptoms.
Stable ischemic heart disease in the older adult
The article highlights the need for a practical approach to defining the elderly population and provides an evidence-based review of diagnostic and therapeutic implications of advanced age in ischemic heart disease. This knowledge gap affects risk-benefit ratios of pharmacotherapies and percutaneous coronary interventions.
Contemporary management of patients with stable ischemic heart disease
For patients with stable ischemic heart disease, aggressive risk factor modification and optimized medical management are crucial. Novel agents like ivabradine improve treatment options for symptom control in patients unresponsive to current treatments.
Blood clot discovery could pave way for treatment of blood diseases
Researchers have developed a new technique to simultaneously measure blood clotting and the formation of free radicals, shedding light on their role in blood vessel damage and disease development. The discovery could lead to better treatments for conditions like heart disease, stroke, and vascular dementia.
CVIA special issue on stable ischemic heart disease
This special issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications Journal covers key aspects of stable ischemic heart disease, including contemporary management strategies and epidemiology. The collection of reviews and commentary provides insights into the latest research and clinical practices for this condition.
Diet drinks may be associated with strokes among post-menopausal women
A study of 81,714 postmenopausal women found that drinking multiple diet drinks daily was associated with a higher risk of stroke, especially small artery strokes. The research highlights the potential health risks of artificially sweetened beverages and recommends limiting their use.