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 have found that mitochondria aren't producing the same levels of energy as those in a healthy heart, leading to impaired cellular energy production and potential new approaches for treating heart disease. Understanding this abnormality could influence future treatments for millions of people worldwide.
A new study by San Diego State University researchers found that a protein called ATF6 promotes the natural ability of heart cells to ward off stress-induced damage during heart attacks. This discovery suggests a novel treatment and prevention strategy for people at risk of heart disease, particularly as they age.
A new report highlights a significant gender divide in the screening of patients for cardiovascular disease, with women being less likely to receive targeted screenings and treatments. The study found that younger women at high risk of CVD were 37% less likely than their male counterparts to have appropriate medications prescribed.
A new study by the University of Warwick found that workers with desk-bound jobs have bigger waists and increased risk of heart disease. To avoid these risks, researchers suggest spending at least seven hours a day on your feet or walking seven miles.
A new review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concludes that eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts can reduce heart disease risk. A predominantly plant-based diet is recommended over other nutrition fads.
A new study reveals that high lipoprotein(a), a form of cholesterol, is responsible for 1 in 14 heart attacks and 1 in 7 cases of aortic valve disease. Researchers hope to raise awareness about the risk and stimulate development of new therapies to lower this form of cholesterol.
Research reveals Mexican-American stroke survivors are more likely to receive home-based rehabilitation, while non-Hispanic whites get inpatient treatment. This disparity may contribute to worse outcomes for Mexican-Americans after stroke.
Researchers assessed 6,711 adults with periodontal disease for 15 years and found participants with mild, moderate or severe gum disease were 1.9-2.2 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than those without periodontal disease. The association was strongest in cardioembolic and thrombotic stroke subtypes.
A meta-analysis of 95 studies found that consuming more than five portions of fruit and vegetables daily reduced disease risk, with the greatest benefit seen in eating ten portions or 800g a day. This amount was associated with significant reductions in heart attack, stroke, cancer, and premature death risk.
A University of Pittsburgh-led study discovered that Japanese men who produce equol, a substance made by gut bacteria when metabolizing isoflavones, have lower levels of heart disease risk factors. The research suggests that equol production may hold the key to why some people derive a heart-protective benefit from eating soy foods.
A new study by UNC School of Medicine researchers found that the IRS-1 protein plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation, which helps prevent atherosclerosis. In people with diabetes, low IRS-1 levels contribute to abnormal cellular proliferation and increased risk of heart disease.
The updated guidelines include two new medications approved by the FDA as safe and effective treatments for heart failure in women. WomenHeart sees these guidelines as an important addition to treatment efforts to achieve positive outcomes for women with the disease.
A phase III trial of a fasting-like diet shows significant benefits for 'at-risk' patients, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, and fasting glucose levels. The regimen also shrunk waistlines and resulted in weight loss, with sustained effects even after returning to normal daily eating habits.
Research finds genetic predisposition to higher waist-to-hip ratio associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that body fat distribution beyond BMI measurement may explain part of the variation in cardiometabolic disease risk.
Researchers found that genetic predisposition to abdominal adiposity significantly increases the incidence of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, as well as cardiovascular risk factors. The study suggests that using genetics to determine the effects of body shape on cardiometabolic outcomes could lead to new prevention strategies.
A new study found that a specific type of heart fat associated with an increased risk of coronary artery calcification, an early sign of heart disease. In postmenopausal women and those with lower estrogen levels, epicardial fat volume was linked to higher risk of heart disease.
A new analysis published in PLOS ONE found that the proportion of US deaths attributable to diabetes is as high as 12%, three times higher than estimates based on death certificates. Diabetes was estimated to be the third leading cause of death in the US in 2010, after heart disease and malignant neoplasms.
A Scripps Florida team has been awarded $1.8 million to develop drug candidates for diseases such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders. The researchers will focus on inhibiting the ASK1 enzyme, which has shown promise in reducing heart cell death and improving resistance to stress-related diseases.
A new Harvard study found that 4.9% of Americans with chronic diseases gained insurance coverage under the ACA, while nearly 1 in 7 remained uncovered. The study also showed significant barriers to regular medical care for those without coverage.
A study found that women with preeclampsia exhibit early signs of cardiac dysfunction, which persist after pregnancy. The research suggests a higher risk of heart disease in African-American women, emphasizing the need for close follow-up care.
Researchers use genetic correlation to link disease risks, including heart health and diabetes, using data from a long-standing cohort and electronic health records. The method provides opportunities to answer epidemiological questions in weeks rather than decades.
Women from low socioeconomic backgrounds are 25% more likely to suffer a heart attack than disadvantaged men, according to a major new study. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, with an estimated 8.6 million deaths per year.
Researchers found that brief conversations in waiting rooms increased fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income families, with a nearly four-fold increase in program use. The Double Up Food Bucks program matches SNAP funds spent on healthy foods, supporting local growers.
Research published in JAMA Network found that diabetes in middle-aged Chinese adults leads to a nine-year loss of life on average. The study discovered higher mortality risks from ischemic heart disease, stroke, and cancer, particularly in rural areas.
Diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity are identified as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Chinese Australians. The study found a 25% higher prevalence of diabetes, a 22% higher prevalence of smoking, and a 45% higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to non-Chinese Australians.
A large study found that consuming hot red chili peppers is associated with a 13% reduction in total mortality, primarily due to heart disease and stroke. The study analyzed data from over 16,000 Americans who were followed for up to 23 years.
Experts develop five-stage system to classify heart disease risk, including earlier stages for previously underrecognized populations. The new system puts focus on those who pass stress tests or have less obvious danger signs.
Researchers propose a high-value health plan that combines consumer-driven HDHPs with exemptions for clinical services proven to benefit patients. The concept has already gained bipartisan appeal in the US House bill.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered patterns of biomarkers that predict how well people age and their risk for future age-related diseases. The study, led by Paola Sebastiani and Thomas Perls, used data from over 5,000 participants to identify 26 different predictive biomarker signatures.
A recent study found that moderate and high levels of physical activity are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and death from all causes among older adults. Exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight, lowers blood pressure, and improves the ratio of unhealthy to healthy cholesterol in the body.
A new study has found that increasing intake of EPA and DHA omega-3s can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, particularly among populations with high triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. The study analyzed data from 93,000 and 732,000 subjects across 18 randomized controlled trials and 16 prospective cohort studies.
A new study has confirmed the presence of ticks carrying Lyme disease in nine eastern national parks, highlighting the need for visitors to take precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Park Service collected ticks along hiking trails and found all nine parks had infected blacklegged ticks.
A new study finds that individuals with symptoms at increased risk for heart disease are more likely to have shoulder problems, including joint pain and rotator cuff injury. The research suggests that controlling blood pressure and other heart risk factors may alleviate shoulder discomfort.
Researchers discovered a single gene mutation causing two types of heart disease: one causes holes in infants' hearts, and the other leads to heart failure. The study revealed how the GATA4 gene's disruption affects cardiac development and muscle contraction.
A new study found that smoking intensity and duration are crucial factors in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Researchers discovered that smokers with longer exposure to cigarettes face a higher relative risk of heart disease compared to those who smoke the same number of cigarettes over a shorter period.
A study by researchers from the Netherlands discovered a clear association between higher levels of N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and brain damage, including smaller gray matter volume and poorer white matter organization. This finding suggests a close link between cardiac dysfunction and subclinical brain damage.
A diet rich in magnesium may lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes. Researchers found people with higher magnesium intake had a lower risk of these diseases compared to those with lower intake.
A new study found that optimism is associated with a significantly reduced risk of dying prematurely among women. The most optimistic women had a nearly 30% lower risk of dying from any disease analyzed in the study, including cancer, heart disease, and infection.
Researchers identified seven new areas of the genome linked to body fat distribution in a study involving over 18,000 individuals. The findings provide new insights into the biological mechanisms influencing cardiometabolic diseases.
A Melbourne-based team has developed a vaccine for chronic periodontitis, aiming to reduce the need for surgery and antibiotics. The vaccine targets enzymes produced by a specific bacterium, triggering an immune response that neutralizes its toxins.
A large analysis of current research reveals that consuming at least 20g of nuts per day can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, cancer, and premature death. The study found a 30% reduction in heart disease risk, a 15% reduction in cancer risk, and a 22% reduction in premature death risk.
A new USC study found that taking low-dose aspirin every day can reduce the risk of heart attack, prevent some cancers, and extend life. The daily regimen is estimated to have a net health benefit worth $692 billion for the US population over 20 years.
Research found that swimming, racquet sports, and aerobics are associated with reduced risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease. Racket sports showed the strongest association, followed by swimming and aerobics.
A new study finds that inflammatory marker AGP better predicts mortality than IL-6, offering insights for personalized medicine. Researchers used data from 1997 to 2015 on 6545 adults aged 45-69, revealing the potential for inflammation markers to predict disease risk and death.
Cardiac diseases cause pathological growth leading to heart failure. Researchers found epigenetic marks responsible for this growth are lost in disease, allowing cells to switch back to fetal form and leading to irregular rhythms. This finding points to a new strategy for epigenetic therapy.
A large study published in The BMJ found that high intake of major saturated fatty acids increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing these fats with polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, or plant-based sources can reduce this risk by 6-8%.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that consuming high amounts of four major saturated fatty acids increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing these fats with healthier alternatives, such as whole grains and plant proteins, may reduce this risk.
A large study published in The BMJ found that prediabetes, defined as impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all cause mortality. The study's findings support a lower cut-off point for defining prediabetes, including as low as 5.6 mmol/L.
A Yale-led research team identified a protein called ALK1 that binds to LDL cholesterol, facilitating its transport into cells. This finding could lead to a new therapeutic approach for reducing atherosclerosis and slowing heart disease.
The BLUEPRINT project has discovered how variation in blood cell characteristics and numbers affects the risk of complex diseases such as heart disease and autoimmune diseases. Genetic differences affecting some characteristics are linked to increased risk of heart attack, rheumatoid arthritis, and other common autoimmune diseases.
Li Qian's research focuses on cardiac reprogramming, converting scar tissue cells into functional cardiomyocytes. Her long-term goal is to see her approach used in patient care within five to 10 years.
Researchers have developed a long-acting drug delivery capsule that can safely stay in the stomach and deliver medicine for up to two weeks, potentially providing a new way to combat malaria and other infectious diseases.
Researchers found that high levels of pessimism were associated with an increased risk of CHD-induced mortality, even after adjusting for known physiological risk factors. Optimism did not appear to have any protective effect on this risk.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found a strong association between a genetic mutation and left ventricular noncompaction, a rare form of heart muscle disease. The study sequenced nearly 5,000 genes in 335 patients with a family history of the disease to identify common genetic variants.
Postmenopausal women who experience weight cycling are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death and coronary heart disease deaths. Researchers found that normal-weight women who lost and regained weight had a higher risk of sudden cardiac death than those with stable weight.
A large-scale genetic study found a strong link between the inability to safely store excess fat and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The study identified 53 regions of the genome associated with insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of peripheral fat tissue in energy storage.
A recent study found that the incidence of coronary heart disease in the US declined by nearly 20% between 1983 and 2011. The decline was attributed to improvements in diabetes treatment and control, as well as changes in awareness and prevention efforts.
A new study of over 200,000 cancer survivors found that those diagnosed at younger ages have a higher risk of death from heart disease. Cancer survivors diagnosed between 15-19 years old had a 4.2 times higher risk compared to the general population.
Food cooked at high temperatures may contain toxic chemicals that raise the risk of heart disease. Researchers found that traditional South Asian cooking methods can lead to the formation of trans-fatty acids and other toxins, which are linked to higher heart disease rates in some communities.
Researchers have created computer models of blood flow through the heart's upper left chamber that may help predict stroke risk. The study found that a corkscrewlike motion helps move blood efficiently through the atrium, whereas an enlarged and diseased heart fails to form this motion, increasing the risk of developing a blood clot.