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.
The study highlights the importance of understanding the risks of obesity and its effects on overall health. Americans perceive diet and exercise as the most effective long-term weight loss method, despite medical professionals recommending a range of treatments.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that white coat hypertension is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in older patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 650 patients and found that those diagnosed with white coat hypertension were more likely to experience cardiovascular eve...
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that low and very high levels of 'good cholesterol' are associated with an increased risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. Raising HDL levels does not appear to reduce a person's risk of heart disease.
Researchers found resveratrol reversed mouse heart dysfunction by improving pumping efficiency and reducing oxidative damage. The study suggests potential for resveratrol and similar substances to treat Chagas cardiomyopathy in humans.
Research shows vitamin D engages with genes influencing longevity, slowing aging-related protein misfolding and increasing lifespan by 33%. The study provides a link between aging and disease, offering new insights into the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation.
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory found that early-life stress increases adult vulnerability to diseases like arthritis, asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and mental illness. Chronic exposure to cortisol in zebrafish embryos leads to abnormal immune systems and signs of chronic inflammation.
A study of over 1.2 million UK women found that lower education levels and living in deprived areas increased the risk of coronary heart disease due to smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Lifestyle factors accounted for most of the social inequalities in heart disease risk, with smoking being the most significant factor.
A study of over 2,700 participants found that taking calcium supplements may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart disease. Meanwhile, a diet high in calcium-rich foods appears to be protective.
Dr. Calum MacRae wins $75M One Brave Idea research award from AHA, Verily and AstraZeneca to uncover causes of coronary heart disease. The research project will focus on identifying novel markers in people genetically prone to heart disease.
A substantial proportion of birth weight variation is attributed to genetic differences, with some 1/6th of the difference being due to genetics. The study also found a link between genetic differences in early growth and increased risk of adult diseases.
A historical analysis examines the sugar industry's role in coronary heart disease research and suggests the industry sponsored research to influence the scientific debate. The study highlights the importance of having reviews written by people without conflicts of interest and the need for financial disclosure.
A novel TAVI device has been developed to replace heart valves in patients with rheumatic heart disease, offering a simplified approach that does not require advanced cardiac surgical facilities or sophisticated cardiovascular imaging. The procedure can be performed without rapid ventricular pacing, making it more tolerable for patients.
Eating red meat increases significant risks for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. The production of red meat also creates an environmental burden with impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and water use.
A new study from UC Berkeley finds that living in overtly racist communities can shorten the lives of both blacks and whites due to increased heart disease and circulatory issues. Blacks are most negatively impacted by racial bias, with higher rates of heart disease-related deaths in counties with high levels of racism.
A national survey found that over half of Americans know of heart valve disease but less than a quarter understand its symptoms. The condition affects over five million people and can be serious, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education.
Research reveals that patients under 50 who survive a heart attack are at almost twice the risk of dying from heart disease, largely attributed to smoking and other factors. Younger survivors have higher cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
The CE-MARC 2 trial found that cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) significantly reduced rates of unnecessary angiography compared to guideline-directed care. These findings suggest that functional imaging should be adopted on a wider basis, even in high-risk patient subgroups.
A study found that cardiovascular magnetic resonance-guided care reduces unnecessary angiography in patients with suspected coronary heart disease, but was not significantly different from myocardial perfusion scintigraphy-guided care. The strategy did not affect major adverse cardiovascular event rates or disease detection rates.
Research found moderate physical activity reduces risk of acute cardiovascular event by over 30%, and CVD mortality by 54%. Regular exercise is associated with lower risk, even with other health factors.
A clinical trial has shown that metformin can promote a patient's ability to repair their own damaged blood vessels by increasing vascular stem cells. This could lead to improved treatment options for Type 1 diabetes patients at risk of developing heart disease.
Research suggests that younger women with coronary heart disease are vulnerable to the damaging effects of psychological stress on their heart. The study found that stress-induced, reduced blood flow occurred more frequently in younger women than men, especially among those under 50 years old.
The Arab uprising and subsequent wars have had a devastating impact on the region's health, with many countries experiencing downward turns in life expectancy. The study reveals that infant mortality rates are rising, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are becoming increasingly prevalent.
UK cardiovascular deaths plummeted by almost 70% over 30 years, but prevalence remained unchanged. Drug and surgical treatments on the rise, particularly among men.
A new study reveals how blood flow dynamics within blood vessels may influence the development or rupture of plaques, potentially leading to early interventions in treating heart disease. The research improves predictions of circumferential wall stress and identifies weak spots on a vessel wall that are likeliest to fail.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that limited access to nearby stores selling fresh food may increase residents' risk of developing signs of early heart disease. The research found that healthy food stores within one mile of their home significantly reduced or slowed the progression of coronary artery calcium buildup.
African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study show lower risks for heart attacks and strokes with more heart-healthy metrics, yet only 17% meet these criteria. The study highlights a persistent inequity in heart health among this group, despite known prevention strategies.
A new cost-effectiveness tool provides guidance on preventing and treating rheumatic heart disease, recommending prioritization of primary prevention services. The tool suggests that prevention is more cost-effective than treatment, with primary prevention being likely to be cost-saving in the long-term.
A recent Cornell University study suggests that circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) may be a biomarker of differences in the gut microbiome rather than a cause of heart disease. Researchers found that healthy men with elevated TMAO levels after consuming eggs and beef also had high counts of firmicutes, a type of bacteria that co...
The National Institutes of Health awards a four-year grant to analyze the molecular signals influencing gene-expression patterns that can lead to heart disease. The research aims to understand the mechanisms of cardiac diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets.
A recent study by Cynthia Levine suggests that people who fit better with their culture have healthier eating habits. In the US, independent behavior predicts a healthy diet, while in Japan, interdependence is linked to healthier eating.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher total physical activity levels are strongly associated with a lower risk of five common chronic diseases. Most health gains occur at a level of 3000-4000 MET minutes a week, suggesting that current recommended minimum levels may not be sufficient to achieve larger reductions in risks.
A new study of over 1 million people found that doing at least one hour of physical activity per day can eliminate the increased risk of death associated with sitting for 8 hours a day. The study also highlights the significant economic burden of physical inactivity, with estimated costs of over $67 billion annually.
The study found that genetic signatures predict education, height, BMI, and heart disease more strongly today than in the past. The role of genes decreased for education but increased for BMI and heart disease due to environmental factors.
Researchers found that community-based behavioral lifestyle intervention programs improve health-related quality of life by nearly 10% among participants. Those with lower baseline quality of life showed the greatest improvement, with scores increasing from 61.8 to 74 after completing the year-long program.
A new study by University of Stirling researchers found that early-life exposure to infections does not lead to increased risk of death in adulthood. Contrary to previous theories on long-lasting inflammation, the study suggests improved adult conditions such as healthcare and diet are responsible for recent increases in lifespan.
A new study found that spending 2.5 hours per week on recreational physical activity can lower the risk of coronary heart disease in women under 50 by 25%. The benefits of physical activity for cardiovascular health have been shown in previous studies, but this research focused on younger women.
Researchers at Australian National University have identified over 1,000 RNA-binding proteins in the heart that could lead to a cure for heart disease. These proteins interact with RNA and play a crucial role in regulating genome function.
A European-wide research programme is investigating why great apes are prone to heart disease, with a focus on chimpanzees and gorillas. The Ape Heart Project aims to improve heart screening in zoos and gain insights into the management and welfare of primates in human care.
Biophysicists at FAU discover that plastic cell deformation is caused by microscopic damage to the cytoskeleton. This finding helps characterize diseased cells more accurately, enabling better understanding of cancer, lung diseases, and heart diseases.
A study of 500,000 people found that shared lifestyle and surroundings contribute significantly to a person's risk of disease. Factors such as shared living space and eating habits make a major contribution to diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Children born with heart disease have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes after age 30, according to a new study. Those with cyanotic congenital heart disease face the highest risk. The incidence of diabetes by age 45 was significantly higher in CHD subjects compared to the general population.
Researchers found that pre-stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, significantly influence future stroke and dementia risk. After one year post-stroke, survivors retain a high risk of recurrent strokes or dementia for at least five years.
Scientists have identified a regulatory system in collagen that regulates enzyme activity, potentially shedding light on disease processes. The study reveals that collagen defects can spontaneously form and heal, with tension eliminating defects in tendons.
A Kaiser Permanente study found national heart disease and stroke mortality rates slowing down since 2011, with some experts attributing the decline to increases in obesity and diabetes, which may be driving a recent slowdown.
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.