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Your weight history may predict your heart failure risk

A study analyzing 6,000 people found that tracking a patient's weight history from young adulthood can provide valuable insights into their future risk of heart failure. The investigation showed that maintaining a normal weight over the lifespan is ideal, while obesity at specific ages significantly increases the risk of heart disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 12, 2018

Study links frequent red meat consumption to high levels of chemical associated with heart disease

Researchers found that people who eat a diet rich in red meat have triple the TMAO levels of those who eat a diet rich in either white meat or mostly plant-based proteins. However, discontinuation of red meat eventually lowers these TMAO levels, suggesting a promising new strategy for individualizing diets and preventing heart disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 11, 2018

Is being a night owl bad for your health?

Research reveals an increased risk of ill health in people with evening preference, including erratic eating patterns and consumption of unhealthy foods. The study also found that glucose levels increase when night owls eat shortly before bed, negatively affecting metabolism.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateNov 30, 2018

UA scientist identifies cellular gene signatures for heart muscle regeneration

Researchers at the University of Arizona have identified multiple subpopulations of cardiomyocytes expressing specific transcription factors, which could lead to better repair of heart muscle injuries. The study uses a systems-based approach encompassing single-cell transcriptomics, single-cell proteomics and CRISPR gene-editing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2018

Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's genetically linked

Researchers identified 90 genetic points associated with increased risk for both cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's, including genes involved in lipid metabolism. The study found that targeting these genes may help lower Alzheimer's risk by managing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateNov 11, 2018

Diabetes drug prevents heart failure

The Dapagliflozin Effect on CardiovascuLAR Events - Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58 trial found that dapagliflozin markedly reduced the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and progression of renal disease, with benefits seen across the study population.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 10, 2018

Double whammy for grieving spouses with sleep problems

A new study from Northwestern University finds that grieving spouses with sleep problems have a two-to-three times higher risk of chronic immune activation and increased inflammation, making them more susceptible to heart disease or cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective in treating sleep disturbances, and physicians ...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateNov 8, 2018

Food for thought

The Tsimane's high-carbohydrate and protein-rich diet with low fat intake is associated with low cardiovascular disease risk. Despite the lack of dietary diversity, their daily food intake provides a balanced nutrient profile, highlighting the importance of adopting similar eating habits to mitigate the effects of Western diets.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2018

New way to prevent heart disease in type 1 diabetes

Scientists at Newcastle University have found that metformin can reduce the presence of microRNAs that contribute to heart disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes. By decreasing these microRNAs, metformin improves glucose levels and promotes blood vessel repair, opening up new treatment options for this vulnerable patient group.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 19, 2018

Building a safer heart pump

Researchers at Penn State are developing a new generation of blood pumps that use computational methods to predict clot formation and design safer devices. This could enable earlier intervention for patients with congestive heart failure, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.

What time is it in your body?

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a simple blood test called TimeSignature that can identify the body's precise internal time clock. The test measures gene expression markers and can be taken any time of day, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018

What Anglo Saxon teeth can tell us about modern health

Researchers from the University of Bradford analyzed Anglo Saxon children's milk teeth to identify modern children at risk for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The study found that teeth provide a more reliable indicator of diet and health than bones, revealing biomarkers for stress in early life.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 6, 2018

The Mona Lisa decrypted

Dr. Mandeep R. Mehra proposes a novel explanation for the Mona Lisa's smile and facial features, attributing them to clinical hypothyroidism. The theory is supported by visible signs of thyroid dysfunction in the painting, including thinning hair and yellow skin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateSep 4, 2018

Researchers highlight neglected evidence on the cardiovascular risks of toxic metals

A comprehensive analysis found associations between exposure to toxic metals and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. The study's authors call for attention to metals as a significant source of cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for population-wide strategies to minimize exposure.

Care coordination improves health of older patients with multiple chronic diseases

A large study found that care coordination strategies significantly reduce symptoms of depression and improve health in seniors with multiple chronic diseases. The review included 25 studies and 12,579 older adults, highlighting the potential benefits of managing co-existing chronic illnesses in a coordinated manner.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 27, 2018