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 at Penn Medicine successfully harnessed CAR T-cell therapy to target and remove activated cardiac fibroblasts, significantly reducing cardiac fibrosis and restoring heart function in mice with heart disease. The approach demonstrates potential for treating heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide.
Researchers create biomaterial-based models of heart tissues to understand the impact of aortic valve replacement procedures on cardiac tissue remodeling. The study reveals key proteins associated with myofibroblast deactivation and offers potential for developing innovative therapies for fibrotic diseases of the heart.
A study published in PLOS Biology has identified conserved proteins and pathways in four major animal models and humans, revealing unique sets of proteins mutated in human disease states. This discovery allows researchers to select the most appropriate model systems for studying cardiac development and investigating diseases.
Research suggests that central blood pressure, measured at the aorta, can more accurately reflect heart disease risk in individuals with treatment-resistant high blood pressure. This measurement may help tailor blood pressure treatment and reduce heart disease risk for affected patients.
Researchers at CNIC discover strategies to inhibit kinase GSK3? in mice with ARVC5, reducing fibrosis and improving heart function. The study aims to translate the results to patients and investigate gene therapy strategies for potential cure.
Researchers found that modest decreases in cholesterol and blood pressure can reduce the lifetime risk of developing fatal heart and circulatory diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. A long-term reduction of 1 mmol/L LDL cholesterol and a 10 mmHg decrease in blood pressure led to an 80% lower lifetime risk.
A new study suggests that a diabetes medication called empagliflozin can protect against heart disease by regulating circulating progenitor cells and reducing inflammation. The findings from the EMPA-HEART CardioLink-6 Trial may provide the basis for new therapies for patients with heart disease complicated by diabetes.
A new Northwestern Medicine study finds total heart disease deaths increasing since 2011, with a significant portion of deaths preventable. The study's authors call for a shift in focus towards prevention to combat cardiovascular disease.
A hand-held device measures heart disease biomarkers from saliva to predict risk of heart disease, failure or heart attack. The technology has been validated in the lab with high accuracy and could help millions of potential victims take preventative steps.
Research funded by the British Heart Foundation has challenged a long-held medical myth that women experience unusual heart attack symptoms. According to the study, both men and women present with similar key symptoms, such as chest pain and nausea, highlighting the need for awareness of common warning signs.
Researchers have discovered bone-like particles in the peripheral circulation of individuals with advancing age, which may lead to vascular calcification and restricted blood flow. These particles are potentially more dangerous due to their sharp edges and could contribute to diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Researchers found that moderate flavonoid consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from cancer and heart disease. Participants consuming about 500mg of total flavonoids per day had the lowest risk of a cancer or heart disease-related death, which is easily achievable through a balanced diet.
A new drug called volanesorsen has been shown to significantly reduce blood fat levels in people with a rare genetic disorder. In a Phase III clinical trial, participants experienced a 77% reduction in triglyceride levels, while those receiving a placebo saw a 18% increase.
The Endocrine Society recommends regularly screening older adults for heart disease and diabetes risk, prioritizing lifestyle modification as the first-line therapy. Patients with at least three metabolic risk factors should be screened annually, while those with one or two risk factors should be screened every three years.
Scientists developed a technique to study heart disease in action, enabling them to identify ways to lower plaque-forming lipoproteins. The LipoGlo system allows researchers to measure lipoproteins in tiny droplets of blood, opening up new avenues for treating cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that university students who used their smartphones for five or more hours a day had a 43% increased risk of obesity. This prolonged cell phone use was associated with decreased physical activity and unhealthy lifestyle habits, including consuming sugary drinks and fast food.
A single viral factor released from HIV-infected cells impairs cholesterol metabolism in uninfected cells, triggering inflammation and contributing to the development of diseases such as dementia, heart disease, and diabetes. Targeted treatment may provide a longer and healthier life for people living with HIV/AIDS.
A new study found that individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) or atherosclerotic heart disease (ASCVD) experienced more cardiovascular events when they couldn't get their prescribed LDL-cholesterol lowering medication. Those whose PCSK9 inhibitors were rejected by insurance had a 16% increased risk of a cardiovascular even...
A large-scale analysis found that women and those aged less than 45 years were more likely to be under-treated compared to men and older people with CHD. Women were also less likely to be prescribed the recommended medications for daily use.
Researchers found that people on the Paleo diet had twice the amount of a key blood biomarker linked closely to heart disease. The study suggests that the diet's exclusion of whole grains may be to blame for elevated TMAO levels, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
A quarter of adults aged 40+ take daily aspirin for heart disease prevention without physician's advice. Nearly half of adults 70+ report taking aspirin daily due to potential harm outweighing benefits.
A team of scientists has identified a key molecular connection between diabetes and vascular disease, finding that high blood glucose activates an enzyme that constricts blood vessels. The study aims to develop new treatments targeting this pathway for reducing vascular complications of diabetes.
Researchers found a slowdown in dietary salt intake in England since the voluntary pact was introduced in 2011, leading to an estimated 9900 extra cases of heart disease/stroke and 1500 additional stomach cancer cases by 2018. If current trends continue, this may lead to 26,000 extra cases and £1 billion in healthcare costs by 2025.
A recent analysis of clinical trials found that only a low-salt diet, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, and possibly folic acid supplements showed potential health benefits. The majority of supplements had no link to increased or decreased risk of death or heart health.
Researchers at UCalgary have identified a new cell population in pericardial fluid that helps heal injured hearts in mice and humans. This discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with damaged hearts.
Research found that young adulthood is a critical period for cardiovascular disease prevention. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels in this age group are associated with an increased risk of heart disease later in life. Maintaining optimal levels of these risk factors could yield substantial lifetime benefits.
Recent evidence highlights the need for physicians to ask athletes about symptoms and family history to determine inherited conditions. Automated external defibrillators can significantly increase survival rates after sudden cardiac arrest in athletes.
A large UK Biobank study found an association between elevated systolic blood pressure and increased risk of major valvular heart disease. The study included over 329,000 individuals with genetic data and blood pressure measurements.
A global audit and survey found that cardiac rehab is available in only 55% of the world's countries, serving only 1.65 million patients, leaving a gap of over 18 million patients in need. The programs that do exist are often under-resourced, with many countries lacking cardiac rehab spots altogether.
A study in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation reveals that adults with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general population. The research found that cancer accounted for 27.8% of deaths among those with type 2 diabetes, while heart disease was the leading cause in the general population.
Researchers reviewed gene sequences of over 70,000 people and found that only 5% of patients with a TTN gene mutation developed dilated cardiomyopathy. Despite this, subtle differences in heart function were detected in those with the mutations, suggesting that pinpointing these genes may not be a reliable predictor of heart disease.
A recent study has found a link between cardiac disease in captive gorillas and male obesity, revealing that thickening of the heart due to scarring interferes with normal heart function. Female gorillas also develop heart disease but less frequently than males, despite living longer.
Researchers found that each additional year of schooling lowered risks like smoking and depression in adulthood. Higher education also linked to reduced heart disease due to higher incomes allowing better food and healthcare access.
A study found that increased educational attainment during childhood is associated with reduced heart disease and improved cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood. The authors suggest that policies to increase educational attainment could help reduce the burden of heart disease at a population level.
A new study reveals that chronic diseases such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, and lung cancer are now the leading causes of premature death in China. The study's findings show a significant shift from communicable to chronic conditions over nearly three decades, largely due to economic growth and increasing education levels.
Adults with coronary heart disease experience faster cognitive decline in long-term studies, according to researchers. Cognitive tests reveal significant differences in verbal memory, semantic fluency, and temporal orientation among patients with angina or heart attack.
Patients with untreated white coat hypertension face a 36% increased risk of heart disease and 33% increased risk of death, finds a new study. Out-of-office blood pressure monitoring is crucial in diagnosis and management of hypertension, the researchers argue.
A new study finds that low intake of fruits and vegetables may account for millions of cardiovascular deaths worldwide, with nearly 1.8 million related to low fruit intake and 1 million related to low vegetable intake. The research highlights the need for population-based efforts to increase fruit and vegetable consumption globally.
Research funded by the British Heart Foundation found nearly 276,000 pregnancies affected by high blood pressure and 223,715 with pre-eclampsia. The study revealed a 45% increased risk of serious heart conditions for women with high blood pressure during pregnancy, and a 70% increased risk for those with pre-eclampsia.
A large-scale study found that consuming high amounts of cholesterol from eggs is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The researchers also noted that even healthy diets can have negative effects when eggs are consumed excessively, emphasizing the importance of moderation and balance in daily eating habits.
Researchers at WVU discovered that higher exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances was associated with lower rates of coronary heart disease in adults with diabetes. The study, led by Kim Innes, used data from the C8 Health Project and found an inverse association between PFAS levels and heart disease risk.
Research highlights increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases among people with HIV due to interactions between traditional and HIV-specific risk factors. Additionally, stigma and barriers to healthcare can exacerbate these risks, emphasizing the need for better awareness and patient-focused care.
Researchers at RIT are developing a computational framework to reconstruct and visualize myocardial active stress, enabling direct appraisal of cardiac function. This will help detect and localize regions with diminished contractile activity, improving diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease.
A recent study found that the use of advanced imaging equipment like cardiac MRI is driving a significant increase in the diagnosis of Left Ventricular Non-Compaction (LVNC) in adults, raising questions about its clinical utility and potential for over-diagnosis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.