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.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that trans fats are associated with a 34% increase in death for any reason, while saturated fats showed no clear association with an increased risk of death or heart disease. However, researchers recommend replacing high-fat foods with vegetable oils, nuts, and whole grains.
Johns Hopkins and Mayo experts suggest upgrades to current heart disease prevention guideline, focusing on improved risk prediction and personalized treatment. The new guidelines aim to clarify key points of confusion related to risk prediction and treatment of heart attacks and strokes, promoting more precise and tailored care.
A study published in The BMJ found that trans fats are associated with a greater risk of death and coronary heart disease, but saturated fats are not. The study suggests that industrial trans fats may increase the risk of coronary heart disease and calls for a review of dietary guidelines.
A new Johns Hopkins study finds that people infected with hepatitis C virus are at increased risk of cardiovascular damage, independent of HIV. Chronic infection leads to abnormal fat-and-calcium plaques in arteries, a common precursor to heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers identified a gene called 14-3-3zeta, which controls the production of fat cells and growth. Silencing this gene in mice resulted in a 50% reduction in specific unhealthy white fat, regardless of food intake.
A recent study published in Circulation found that a traditional Southern-style diet is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 adults and found that those who consumed foods conforming to the Southern dietary pattern had a 56% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who ate it ...
A large observational study found that regular consumption of spicy foods is associated with a lower risk of death, particularly from cancer and heart disease. Participants who ate spicy foods almost every day had a 14% lower risk of death compared to those who consumed them less than once a week.
The July special issue of Ergonomics in Design examines the health and safety effects of the sedentary workplace, exploring alternatives to sitting at work and proposed workplace design solutions. The research highlights key factors that facilitate successful office design and discusses barriers to implementing active workplaces.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds that late- and post-menopausal women have more fat around their hearts than pre-menopausal counterparts, increasing the risk of heart disease. Hormonal changes during menopause may be to blame for this shift in fat deposits.
Researchers are examining the relationship between telomere length and age-related diseases, with the goal of understanding why some people remain healthy into old age while others develop chronic disease. The £2 million study will provide a rich resource for researchers studying various diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
A study has identified a potential link between inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and the development of heart valve disease, including aneurysms. The research team hopes that existing medicines that dampen inflammation could be repurposed to treat heart valve diseases.
Certain ECG measures can identify individuals with chronic kidney disease at high risk of dying from heart disease. A panel of 5 common ECG parameters was found to enhance prediction of cardiovascular death in this population, suggesting potential novel interventions to prevent cardiovascular complications.
A new study by USC researchers reveals that residential exposure to near-roadway pollutants can cause a significant burden of heart disease, particularly among older adults. The study's findings emphasize the need for zoning buffer areas between busy roadways and new housing developments.
A new study analyzing over 135,000 deaths found that individuals with both diabetes and heart disease have substantially lower life expectancy compared to those with one or no condition. Men with two cardiometabolic conditions had an average reduction in life expectancy of 12-23 years at age 40, while women had a 20-year reduction.
A new Northwestern Medicine research center will investigate the potential heart damage caused by excess dietary phosphate, particularly in African Americans. The goal is to find new ways to prevent and treat heart failure and build evidence for regulating phosphate in the food supply.
A new USC-led study found that heart disease is the main reason for the disparity in life expectancies between men and women, with female death rates decreasing 70% faster than male death rates after 1880. The study suggests that biological differences may be at play, with potential factors including diet, exercise, and genetics.
A team from Duke University has developed a new method to measure the aging process in young adults, finding that signs of aging can appear as early as age 26. The study used 18 biological measures to determine an individual's pace of aging, with some participants aging at rates of three years per year.
Researchers explore nanocarriers and microbubbles for efficient thrombus treatment, addressing limitations of existing drugs. The review highlights potential solutions for improving outcomes in ischemic heart disease and stroke, where millions die annually.
Researchers analyzed large genome-wide association studies of migraine and heart disease to find no shared gene variants between the two conditions. Instead, genetic variations that protected against heart disease were found in people with migraine without aura.
Researchers estimate that mandatory salt reduction targets could prevent up to 4,500 cardiac deaths by 2025, with the greatest benefits in deprived areas. Voluntary schemes may only avoid around 1,500 deaths.
Chronic lung disease guidelines are over-diagnosing COPD in older men and under-diagnosing it in young women, according to experts. The current guidelines may lead to adverse effects of inappropriate medication or incorrect treatment, resulting in poorer outcomes.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the US, with elevated cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking contributing to half of heart disease deaths. Despite decades of progress, reducing these modifiable risk factors has not led to significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality.
A new study found that drinking low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail can help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The polyphenol-rich compound in cranberries supports natural defenses and helps achieve a balanced lifestyle to improve health.
Researchers discovered a link between heart disease and lower bone mineral density, with women more affected. The study suggests that heart disease may weaken bones, increasing risk of fractures.
Research suggests that medically complex patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes who receive early endocrinologist care have lower risk of cardiovascular events. The study, which analyzed Ontario health data, found that these patients had a 10-20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from coronary heart disease.
Researchers have identified the molecular basis for a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy and found a potential treatment that partially restores function to diseased cells. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to model the disease, revealing how a key signaling pathway develops in healthy vs. diseased cells.
Research published in the journal Heart found a strong association between daily chocolate consumption and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Participants who ate more chocolate had lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and related death.
A new five-year grant aims to develop novel treatments for diseases that inhibit blood cell growth and abnormalities in the bone marrow environment. The study focuses on the role of laminin in maintaining healthy bone marrow and identifying potential targets for treating bone marrow failure syndromes.
A Swedish study found that interventions among healthy people were the key to saving lives, with changes in risk factors such as smoking cessation, diet, and blood pressure levels contributing significantly. The greatest impact was seen in people over 55, highlighting the need for a broader approach to health promotion.
The study found a significant association between birth month and disease risk, with people born in May having the lowest risk of disease and those born in October having the highest. The researchers identified nine types of heart disease that correlated with seasonal effects, including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.
The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded five Translational Research Grants to researchers investigating the causes of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The grants will support studies on genetic risk factors, gut bacteria, and targeted treatments for these conditions.
A large prospective study found that individuals with higher HDL function have a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed data from over 25,000 participants and discovered a strong correlation between HDL function and reduced heart disease events.
A study found that a common mutation in the SCARB1 gene is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, especially among men and African Americans. The mutation was linked to a 49% higher risk of heart disease in African American males compared to white males.
A study published in The BMJ found that cholesterol-lowering drugs are associated with a 30% lower risk of stroke in healthy older adults. No association was found between drug use and coronary heart disease, but the results suggest that lipid-lowering drugs might be considered for preventing stroke in older populations.
Researchers predict that personalized medicine interventions could generate significant healthcare gains, including a $607 billion reduction in heart disease incidence. However, weak incentives to develop these interventions hinder their adoption, and experts suggest reimbursement reform could strengthen manufacturers' incentives.
Research found that traumatic life events, such as losing a loved one or experiencing a life-threatening illness, increased the risk of heart attack in middle-aged and older women. Additionally, a history of financial struggle was independently associated with a two-fold higher risk for heart attack.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly increases the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Researchers discovered a 34% increased risk overall and an almost doubling of SCD risk after five years of diagnosis.
Research reveals that detection rates of critical congenital heart disease before birth have improved, but disparities remain in poor and rural communities. The study found that those living in these areas are less likely to receive a diagnosis before birth due to limited healthcare resources.
A new approach to combating tuberculosis aims to harness the body's natural anti-microbial process, autophagy, to target Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Autophagy is being researched for its potential role in various diseases, including heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
A research program led by Carlos M. Ferrario aims to unravel the mechanisms of novel peptides in heart disease and atrial fibrillation. The team will conduct studies to evaluate new therapies to halt the progression of heart disease.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mental disorders and physical diseases often co-occur in teenagers. The strongest correlations were found between affective disorders (e.g. depression) and diseases of the digestive system, as well as anxiety disorders and arthritis. These associations highlight the need for...
Researchers found that financial constraints, transportation problems, and stigma associated with the disease were major barriers to accessing penicillin injections. Despite these obstacles, patients reported personal motivation and injection reminders helped them stay on schedule and manage their symptoms.
A Johns Hopkins report provides clinicians with concrete tips to help patients decide whether to take statins, balancing benefits and risks. The report emphasizes the importance of individualized advice, clear explanation of benefits and risks, and shared decision-making.
A recent study has found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with a nearly 50% greater risk of developing heart failure among veterans. The research adds to growing evidence linking PTSD and heart disease, suggesting a potential causal relationship between the two conditions.
A new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that women who have given birth to four or more children are more likely to experience cardiovascular changes that can indicate heart disease. Researchers compared data from the Dallas Heart Study and found a U-shaped association between the number of births and heart disease risk.
A diet high in whole grains and cereal fibers is associated with a reduced risk of premature death. Researchers found that consuming an average of 1.2 ounces of whole grains per 1000 kcal per day was linked to a 17% reduced risk of premature death compared to those consuming less.
Research reveals vitamin D's role in preventing chronic inflammation that causes cardiometabolic disease, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Vitamin D helps immune cells reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of fat-laden macrophages.
The American College of Physicians recommends avoiding cardiac screening in low-risk adults, citing lack of benefits and potential harms. Instead, physicians should focus on treating modifiable risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and hypertension.
Current statin guidelines may exclude middle-aged adults who could benefit from the drugs and over-prescribe in older adults. Researchers propose adjusting the guidelines to capture more middle-aged adults with premature heart disease and prevent unnecessary medication for many seniors.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that higher testosterone levels and lower estrogen levels in men worsen cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance and muscle fat. This discovery may help explain why men have a higher risk of heart disease compared to premenopausal women.
A workplace lifestyle intervention program developed by the University of Pittsburgh significantly reduces risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. Participants lost an average of 5% of their body weight and increased physical activity, with 96% saying it was beneficial to offer the program.
Researchers found that dialysis patients have altered enzyme activities and compromised HDL function, which may lead to advances in protecting kidney disease patients' heart health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in these patients.
A study of 451,256 Europeans found that a pro-vegetarian diet lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 20%. The research analyzed the eating habits of participants and categorized them based on their plant-based food intake. A high-protein, low-animal-based diet reduced mortality rates from heart disease and stroke.
Researchers found that low stress resilience in adolescence increases heart disease risk, even with good physical fitness. The study of 237,980 men suggests that promoting both exercise and stress management could help prevent heart disease.
Researchers are using social media to study personality, mental health, and cross-cultural differences. Studies have found that language patterns on Twitter and Facebook can predict heart disease risk and emotional stability, while open-vocabulary analysis reveals connections between words and personality traits.
Researchers found that blocking interleukin-1, a master regulator of inflammation, increased the risk of coronary heart disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm. In contrast, naturally occurring interleukin-1 inhibition decreased the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study by Yale University found that younger women with heart disease symptoms often delay seeking medical care, citing fears of false alarms. The research highlights the need for education and improved response strategies to empower these women to recognize early symptoms and seek prompt care.
A University of Iowa expert will testify before the Presidential Task Force on 21st century policing, sharing her research on improving police officer health and wellness. Her pilot intervention program has shown promise in reducing stress-related disability, improving officer retention, and increasing job satisfaction.
Middle-aged women who engage in regular physical activity have lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots compared to inactive counterparts. Moderate physical activity levels appear to provide the greatest reduction in risk, with more frequent activity offering little additional benefit.
Research presented at the Saudi Heart Association conference reveals that 26% of participants are at high risk of having a heart attack or dying from a heart attack in 10 years. The study found that diabetes, obesity, and smoking were major contributors to this risk.