Articles tagged with Heart Disease
Recent national trends in US death rates show a deceleration of decline in cardiovascular deaths, with heart disease mortality rates slowing down between 2000-2014. Cancer mortality rates remained relatively stable during this period.
A recent study found that a period of controversy over statin risks and benefits led to a temporary increase in people stopping their statin treatment in the UK. The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that widespread media coverage may have impacted healthcare-related behavior.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found a new way to keep the heart pumping, which could lead to new drugs for heart disease. By activating the beta2-adrenergic receptor, they can promote the contraction of heart muscle cells and potentially treat heart failure.
A review paper published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery suggests targeting non-muscle cells in the heart responsible for cardiac scarring could lead to new treatments for heart disease. Scientists aim to utilize natural reparative processes of fibroblasts to modify scar tissue properties.
A protein-based risk score was developed and validated for predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease. The score performed better than the Framingham secondary event risk model but provided modest discriminative accuracy.
Long-term statin therapy reduces cardiovascular events in patients with ischemic heart disease who have moderate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but not those with high LDL-C levels. The study suggests that a blanket principle of lower LDL-C being better for all patients may not apply.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley economist Timothy Brown estimates that each dollar spent on public health programs returns $67 to $88 in improved health outcomes. This far exceeds the return on investment for selected aspects of medical care, which ranged from $1.10 to $4.80 per dollar spent.
A new study from Ohio State University finds that women who work long hours over three decades triple the risk of diabetes, cancer, heart trouble, and arthritis. Long hours above 50 per week also increases the risk of life-threatening illnesses.
A new study found significant improvements in coronary heart disease rates among the US population, particularly among those without established risk factors. The prevalence of CHD decreased by 1.3% from 2001-2002 to 2011-2012, with notable declines seen among women, non-Hispanic white and black adults, and those with health insurance.
A new study found that laws restricting alcohol sales in Texas counties are associated with higher rates of alcohol misuse and liver disease, as well as atrial fibrillation. In contrast, dry counties had lower rates of these conditions, suggesting a potential benefit to alcohol restrictions.
Long-term exposure to household air pollution from fuels like kerosene, diesel, or natural gas may increase the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular death. Burning cleaner fuels, such as natural gas, is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular deaths, according to new research.
A study found that a biomarker linked to increased cardiovascular risk is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, heart failure, and death. The study suggests that measuring the biomarker twice over time can provide better risk characterization.
Participants in a 22-session program increased their moderate intensity physical activity by 45-52 minutes per week, with average weekly activity levels maintained after the program ended. The study found that season and weather influenced physical activity levels, with more activity during summer months.
A genetic approach has been demonstrated to identify potential side effects of new diabetes drugs at early stages of development. Researchers used genetic data from over 12,000 individuals and found a variant in the GLP1R gene associated with lower fasting glucose and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
A decade-long study of thousands of Americans found that exposure to fine particulate matter and traffic-related pollutants accelerates the progression of coronary artery calcium scores. This acceleration is associated with a 20% faster rate of calcium deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Researchers have identified a new disease gene associated with severe pediatric cardiomyopathies, allowing for improved genetic counselling, predictive testing, and early treatment. The discovery also provides a potential drug development target for treating affected children and family members.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new culprit behind heart disease: the fragmentation of elastic fibers within the arterial wall. This finding could revolutionize the way we detect and treat heart disease, as it suggests that traditional strategies may not be effective in addressing the underlying cause.
A new study found that triclosan exposure causes rapid changes in the gut microbiome of zebrafish, compromising its function. This disruption may contribute to disease development or severity.
Research suggests that people who take foreign breaks have higher levels of vitamin D in their blood, which has been linked to wide-ranging health benefits. Farmers also have higher levels of vitamin D, particularly those over 60 years old.
A simple screening test can accurately predict the severity of heart disease in patients with heart failure. The test calculates a patient's sarcopenia score based on their age, grip strength, and calf circumference, making it a useful evaluation method for daily clinical practice.
A recent study found that minority and less educated women perceive breast cancer as a more common killer than heart disease, which may contribute to worse health outcomes. Researchers recommend that healthcare providers incorporate messages for both breast health and heart disease prevention to maximize impact.
A study of over 1,100 patients who underwent mitral valve repair found that older age and preoperative atrial fibrillation significantly increased the risk of developing tricuspid regurgitation. The risk was further exacerbated by impaired heart function, with patients experiencing devastating effects from severe TR.
According to new research, nearly half of all heart attacks are 'silent', with symptoms appearing so mild that they are barely noticed. Silent heart attacks increase the risk of dying from heart disease and other causes, and can be as deadly as those with classic symptoms.
A study of 90,000 nurses found that high fruit consumption during adolescence was associated with a 25% lower risk of breast cancer diagnosed in middle age. Increasing alcohol intake in later life was linked to a higher risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
Researchers found that HDL is not uniformly predictive of cardiovascular risk, with triglycerides and LDL modifying the incidence of CVD in both low- and high-level HDL. High levels of LDL or TG can increase cardiovascular risk by 30-60% compared to isolated low HDL.
Medical errors are a leading cause of death in the US, with estimates suggesting 210,000 to 400,000 deaths per year among hospital patients. Experts call for better reporting and strategies to reduce medical errors, including making errors more visible and having remedies at hand.
A study of over 189,000 initially healthy women found that working rotating night shifts for 5 years or more was associated with a small increase in coronary heart disease risk. The researchers also discovered waning risk after cessation of shift work and decreased risk among those who quit earlier.
Researchers found that women who worked rotating night shifts for five or more years had a 15-18% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Changing shift schedules may help offset this risk, which is modifiable and important to note.
A combined dietary supplement of marine fish oil, cocoa extract, and phytosterols could potentially prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting key processes associated with its progression. The study found that combining these ingredients helped halt the progression of atherosclerosis in cell-based models.
A nationwide study of 2.3 million Israeli adolescents found an association between elevated BMI in late adolescence and subsequent cardiovascular mortality in midlife. Even BMI considered 'normal' during adolescence was associated with a graded increase in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
The £43m study will create the biggest collection of scans of internal organs, transforming the way scientists study diseases like dementia, arthritis, cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. This will give new perspectives on preventing and treating multi-faceted conditions.
Researchers analyzed previously unpublished data from a large controlled trial and found that using vegetable oils high in linoleic acid may not decrease the risk of heart disease. In contrast, using butter did lower cholesterol levels without affecting heart attacks or deaths.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that replacing saturated fats with vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid does not curb heart disease risk or help people live longer. Despite lowering cholesterol levels, participants who had greater reductions in blood cholesterol actually had higher risks of death.
A team of Russian scientists has identified a gene responsible for the development of coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. The study found that mutations in the T-cadherin protein are associated with an increased risk of cardiac ischemia, highlighting a potential new target for preventing cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that resveratrol changes the gut microbiome, reducing levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide and inhibiting TMA production, which contribute to atherosclerosis. The study suggests that resveratrol could be used as a natural treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that a protein called TRIM21 was preventing the body's antioxidant response system from working effectively, leading to serious illness. Inhibiting this protein may lead to effective treatments for liver and heart disease.
A study by University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health suggests that middle-aged black women have higher levels of a protein in their blood associated with heart disease risk. The research recommends routine blood testing for this population to determine heart disease risk and potentially start therapies.
Researchers at Lehigh University developed a technique to observe cell-to-cell interaction in an environment that closely mimics the human body. This innovation enables real-time microscopic analysis, ideal for developing targeted drugs and testing precision treatments.
Researchers found a link between stress center activity in the brain and arterial inflammation, increasing cardiovascular event risk. High stress levels were associated with more inflammation and a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of women have one or more heart disease risk factors, yet only 16% were informed by their doctors about these risks. The study highlights the need for physicians to adopt prevention guidelines and focus on monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A study published in The BMJ found that adherence to Japanese dietary guidelines is associated with a lower risk of death. Balanced consumption of grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat contributes to longevity in the Japanese population.
US heart disease death rates have declined overall since the 1970s, but there are significant differences in rates among US counties, with weaker declines found south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The study's findings emphasize the importance of geography for heart disease prevention and treatment, suggesting that social and economic condit...
A study published in The BMJ found that genetic tests providing risk estimates for diseases like lung cancer and heart disease have little to no effect on behavior change. Despite initial hopes, informing individuals of their genetic risk did not prompt them to adopt healthier habits or quit smoking.
A how-to guide provides easy-to-use exercise prescriptions for specific chronic diseases, including knee osteoarthritis and COPD. The guide lists exercises by disease type, materials needed, benefits, and contraindications.
A new study reveals genetically inherited high levels of cholesterol are more prevalent than previously believed, affecting an estimated 834,500 U.S. adults. Researchers found that familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) affects both men and women equally, with varying prevalence rates across racial groups.
Researchers analyzed health records of 1,621 COPD patients and found cardio selective beta-blockers reduced exacerbation risk by 21% for all patients and 55% for those with heart failure. These preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of beta blockers for patients living with both lung and heart disease.
A new approach to determining statin eligibility could improve prevention of heart disease, especially in younger individuals. The research team found that targeting statin treatment to this group would prevent an additional 266,000 heart attacks and strokes over 10 years.
Researchers identified a genetic cause of elevated HDL-C levels that paradoxically increases heart disease risk, contradicting the long-held notion that high HDL is protective. The study's findings have implications for understanding the complex relationship between HDL function and heart disease.
Scientists have developed a modified form of CRISPR that can silence genes in stem cells more efficiently and precisely than the original CRISPR-Cas9 system. This new technology allows for flexible gene suppression and reversal, enabling versatile investigations into genetic diseases.
A new study from Ohio State University found that men and women with higher levels of linoleic acid tend to have less heart-threatening fat, more lean body mass, and lower inflammation. Higher linoleic acid levels also meant lower likelihood of insulin resistance and diabetes.
A four-month dance program helped older Latino adults walk faster and improved their physical fitness, reducing their risk for heart disease. The culturally-tailored intervention increased leisure time physical activity by nearly 300 minutes per week, with significant benefits also seen in stress reduction and community building.
Experiencing physical violence in adulthood may increase the risk of women developing heart and blood-vessel disease. Women who had experienced physical violence were more than one and a half times more likely to have narrowing of the main blood vessels in the neck, an early sign of increased risk for stroke.
A study examining rheumatic heart disease prevalence in Eastern Nepal found that nearly 1 in 10 children have the condition. The study discovered a significant age-related increase in the incidence of rheumatic heart disease, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
A new analysis suggests that reducing fruit and vegetable prices by 10% could lower the death rate from heart disease and stroke by about 1%, saving around 64,000 to 69,000 lives over a 15-year period. This is more effective than mass media campaigns, which would save between 7,500 and 8,300 lives.
A study of 5,566 older workers found that those in sales, office-support and service occupations had more risk factors for heart disease and stroke than management or professional jobs. Workers in these professions had higher rates of smoking, poor eating habits and lower levels of physical activity
A University of Louisville cardiologist is conducting a study to determine if certain lipids in blood can be used to identify women at risk for a heart attack. The presence of oxidized phospholipids may allow doctors to pinpoint women with increased risk before permanent damage occurs.
A study by Penn State and Columbia University found that individuals who experience more negative emotions and perceive stressful events as more stressful have lower heart rate variability, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This suggests that reaction to stress is more important than its frequency in determining health risks.
The BENEFIT trial suggests that treating Chagas disease earlier is crucial, as it did not show incremental benefits in cardiac outcome. The study found that 17-18% of patients died over a period of five years, with the number comparable to breast cancer mortality.
Researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health have published a comprehensive review of ways to monitor physical activity and tools for occupational exposure scientists. The study highlights complex relationships between physical activity and common chronic diseases, such as heart disease and arthritis.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne are using supercomputers to create personalized 3D models of patients' arteries, helping cardiologists predict plaque buildup and tailor stents. This technology aims to reduce heart disease's toll by identifying high-risk plaques earlier.