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 found that oleate, a common dietary fat, restored proper metabolism of fuel in an animal model of heart failure. This improvement enabled the heart muscle to access energy more efficiently and reduced toxic fatty byproducts.
Researchers found that using brief depression symptom measures in primary care settings can lead to unnecessary antidepressant prescriptions. The study suggests that these questionnaires may not be diagnostic and can cause false positives, resulting in over-treatment.
Research on Korean adults finds that prolonged work hours are linked to a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. Employees working 61-80 hours per week face a 42-94% increased likelihood of disease development within 10 years.
A study of nearly 4000 Taiwanese found that increased dairy consumption lowered cardiovascular mortality and stroke risks. Moderate dairy intake, even in lactose intolerant individuals, is beneficial for overall health.
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that a protein called Nrf2 continually moves in and out of human cells' nuclei to sense cell health. The team successfully increased Nrf2's movement by introducing health-beneficial substances, such as broccoli-derived sulforaphane and quercetin from onions, into food supplements.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have defined the composition of the human cytoplasmic dynein-2 complex, essential for normal human development. This discovery sheds light on ciliopathies, a range of diseases caused by dysfunctional cilia, and could lead to new treatments.
Researchers found that African American men with mid-section fat are at higher risk of heart disease, while Korean men with higher BMIs have increased fat around the heart. These findings suggest that race and ethnicity should be considered when designing obesity prevention programs to effectively reduce heart disease risk.
Heart failure affects millions worldwide, yet awareness is low among politicians, healthcare professionals, and the public. Many cases are preventable and treatable, improving quality of life and survival.
Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that methylglyoxal damages 'good' HDL cholesterol, reducing its protective function against heart disease. Low levels of HDL are linked to increased risk of heart disease, and MG levels can be managed through diet and supplements.
Death rates from heart disease and stroke are declining overall in Europe, but at differing rates. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among Europeans, accounting for close to half of all deaths. However, cancer is now causing more deaths than heart disease in some countries, particularly among men.
Researchers found consistent improvements in the use of evidence-based treatments and medications, as well as an increase in quality improvement initiatives. Hospitalization rates dropped for all racial groups, with notable declines in heart attack, unstable angina, and ischemic stroke rates.
Researchers will use innovative approaches to study how genetic sequence changes affect cells in the body, leading to diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The goal is to develop new therapies and improve treatment for these conditions.
Research suggests that high levels of inflammatory markers in childhood may increase the risk of developing depression and psychosis in adulthood. The study found that individuals with elevated IL-6 levels were nearly two times more likely to experience depression or psychosis than those with low levels.
A combination pill taking key medications for heart disease prevention may reduce costs and improve adherence to medication recommendations. The polypill has been proposed as a low-cost strategy to improve secondary prevention in nations with limited resources.
Researchers found that childhood coxsackie virus infection depletes cardiac stem cells, impairing the heart's ability to tolerate stress and increasing the risk of heart disease later in life. The study suggests a potential link between early viral infections and long-term cardiovascular health.
Researchers identified 83 gene-deactivating variants that were more prevalent in Finns and found a link between these mutations and lower Lipoprotein(a) levels. The study suggests a
A study analyzing the iceman mummy suggests that genetic predisposition is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, even in ancient times. The iceman's genome revealed specific genetic mutations linked to cardiovascular disease, contradicting the idea that our ancestors lived healthier lives.
A new study comparing ancient and modern Egyptian whole-body CT scans found no significant differences in atherosclerotic disease incidence or severity. Despite higher age ranges in modern Egyptians, researchers detected vascular calcifications strongly correlated to age in both groups.
A survey of 13,860 German patients with aortic valve disease found over 80% were in the same or better state of health one year after intervention. TAVR and AVR procedures showed similar results, regardless of risk group, indicating excellent outcomes for conventional surgery.
A new study found that urbanization in rural sub-Saharan Africa is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Living in more urban villages was linked to poorer lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity and heavy drinking, despite the benefits of access to education, healthcare, and improved sanitation.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that older Americans with multiple chronic medical conditions have shorter life expectancies. On average, a 75-year-old woman with five chronic conditions will only live to the age of 87.
Researchers have identified a common gene variant, GPER, that makes women more prone to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that many women with the less functional form of GPER had higher blood pressure, highlighting a genetic basis for heart disease in women.
A Canadian national survey found that most women lack knowledge of heart disease symptoms and risk factors. Women surveyed were often unaware of their own risk status and had a low understanding of the major symptoms of heart disease.
A new study suggests that cholesterol-lowering statins may help people with Type 2 diabetes live longer, with a 50% increase in survival rate among those taking statins. The use of statins was the only modifiable risk factor identified to be protective against mortality.
A lack of cardiac rehabilitation programs worldwide is a significant issue, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. York University Professor Sherry Grace emphasizes the importance of integrating these programs into cardiac care to reduce deaths, re-hospitalization rates, and improve quality of life.
A new multi-center study found that consuming even light amounts of alcohol has no cardiovascular benefits and may even increase risk. The research, published in The BMJ, analyzed data from over 260,000 people and found that reducing alcohol consumption, even for moderate drinkers, can lead to improved heart health.
Severe obesity is associated with considerable excess risk for cardiovascular diseases in young Hispanic adults, according to a new study. Young adults with severe obesity are more likely to develop high blood pressure and diabetes, both risk factors for heart disease.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that older kidney donors experience similar longevity and cardiovascular health as healthy individuals. The research, led by Dr. Peter Reese, suggests that donation does not significantly increase the risk of death or heart disease among older adults.
Half of US adults suffer from at least one chronic condition, with a quarter having two or more. The report highlights the need for coordinated action to reduce the chronic disease burden, including promoting health and healthy behaviors, effective prevention services, and stronger links between healthcare and community services.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that midlife sex hormone changes are associated with lower quality cholesterol carriers, which predict higher risk of heart disease. The study suggests that advanced testing methods may be needed to evaluate menopause-related dynamic changes in women.
A study found that non-surgical gum disease treatment significantly reduced carotid artery thickening, a risk factor for heart disease. The treatment's systemic impact may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in high-risk populations like Indigenous Australians.
A new clinical trial shows that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can help obese patients with Type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of heart disease. The study found significant weight loss and improved blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in the surgical group compared to the lifestyle modification group.
Case Western Reserve scientists pinpoint the channeling of cell's energy flow in moving metal ions using advanced imaging technologies. This finding has the potential to inform future research on treating diseases such as Parkinson's, chronic liver disease, and heart disease.
An international team created a heart disease risk calculator for rheumatoid arthritis patients, identifying those at high risk more effectively than standard tools. The calculator incorporates disease characteristics into cardiovascular risk assessment, shedding light on how to better gauge heart health in inflammatory diseases.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that radiation from heart imaging tests is relatively low and doesn't significantly raise lifetime cancer risks for most young children. However, some children with complex heart disease can be exposed to large cumulative doses that increase estimated lif...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that children with heart disease have low lifetime cancer risk from X-rays, but those undergoing repeated complex imaging tests face a slightly increased risk. The study of 337 children aged six and younger showed a 0.07% average increase in lifetime cancer risk.
Researchers found that even modest delays in TAVR can significantly impact its effectiveness in severely ill patients. Modest increases in wait times reduced the treatment's benefits, while prolonged waits made it less effective than surgery for high-risk surgical candidates.
A study found that Hispanics have reduced the gap in taking prescribed heart medicines since the 2006 launch of Medicare's prescription drug benefit. Medication adherence increased most among whites and Hispanics, but only slightly among African-Americans.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 850,000 people shows that women with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than women without diabetes. Men with diabetes are twice as likely to develop CHD. The study suggests that sex-specific interventions could improve the prevention of CHD.
A new low-carb vegan diet, called Eco-Atkins, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and aid in weight loss. The diet combines elements of both vegan and low-carbohydrate diets, resulting in a 10% decrease in cholesterol levels over six months.
A seven-year study of nearly 900 middle-aged overweight women found that physical activity reduced the risk of developing heart disease. Low-to-moderate physical activity was the only lifestyle factor that protected these women from becoming at-risk for heart disease.
A University of Florida study reveals that gum disease bacteria increase risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease in mice, potentially changing how physicians diagnose and treat heart disease patients. The study's findings support a causal link between oral disease and increased heart disease risk.
Two studies indicate that more intense exercise does not always mean better for heart health. Overdosing on high-intensity exercise may actually increase the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke in those with existing heart disease. Moderate exercise at moderate intensity is key to maximizing cardiovascular benefits.
A new study finds that women who experience early menopause at ages 40-45 are 40% more likely to develop heart failure than those who enter menopause between 50-54. Smoking also significantly increases the risk of heart failure in these women.
The Heart Failure Association calls for global policy change to address the growing burden of heart failure, which affects millions worldwide. The organization emphasizes the importance of prevention, awareness among healthcare professionals, and equitable care for all patients.
The document outlines criteria for healthcare providers and institutions to offer consistent and appropriate care to patients in transcatheter valve therapy. A multi-disciplinary team approach is emphasized, involving both surgeons and interventional cardiologists, to improve patient treatment and outcomes.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new model of heart tissue carrying an inherited cardiovascular disease, a major step forward for personalized medicine. The study used patient-derived cardiac cells and 'organs-on-chips' technology to create a functional human heart tissue that can be replicated in the laboratory.
A recent genome study has found that polar bears rapidly evolved the ability to consume a fatty diet without developing heart disease due to mutations in cardiovascular function genes. The study also reveals that polar bears diverged from brown bears less than 500,000 years ago.
Research finds inactivity surpasses other known risk factors like overweight for heart disease risk in women from age 30 onwards. Regular exercise can save over 2000 women's lives each year in Australia by reducing this risk.
Researchers investigated the neural circuitry behind stress and heart disease, finding that negative emotions increase pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body. Individuals who struggled to regulate their emotions showed elevated blood levels of inflammatory cytokines and atherosclerosis markers.
A Wayne State University team is investigating possible determinants of adult-onset diseases like diabetes and atherosclerotic heart disease. The study aims to understand how sulfotransferase enzymes might impact drug efficacy, environmental carcinogens and metabolic processes.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cardiac progenitor cells, responsible for building mouse hearts, can renew themselves. This discovery may pave the way for using these cells to repair damaged heart tissue and even grow new heart tissue for transplantation.
Research found that eating more fibre, especially cereal fibre, can improve long-term survival rates after a heart attack. Those who ate the most fibre had a 25% lower chance of dying in nine years compared to those who ate least fibre.
Researchers have identified the RAF1 gene as a cause of childhood-onset dilated cardiomyopathy, a progressive and potentially fatal heart condition. The study found that patients with this genetic variant showed increased activity of the protein mTOR, which can be inhibited with FDA-approved drugs.
Researchers found that cardiac fibroblasts are unique cells with organ-specific functions and can be used in replacement therapies for congenital heart disease and heart failure. They have specific genes that tell them to become heart cells, making them a promising alternative to heart transplants.
A new study from Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington found a strong association between heme iron consumption and coronary heart disease. Heme iron intake was shown to increase the risk for coronary heart disease by 57 percent, while nonheme iron had no such link.
A new study by LA BioMed Research found that a calcium score can predict heart disease risk among adults with minimal or no known risk factors. Adults with low to moderate calcium scores were more likely to die from heart disease than those with no calcified plaque buildup.
Research published in BMJ Open found a 15% decrease in dietary salt intake between 2003-2011, likely contributing to a 40% decline in heart disease and stroke deaths. Despite progress, 70% of adults still consume excessive amounts of salt.
A large study found that periodontal disorders such as tooth loss and gingivitis are associated with numerous cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with more teeth had lower levels of CVD risk factors, including diabetes and smoking.
A gene therapy approach using adeno-associated virus (AAV) successfully treated heart disease in mice with Friedreich's ataxia, restoring full functionality to the hearts. The treatment, which introduced a normal copy of the FXN gene, prevented the development of heart disease and even fully cured advanced-stage cases.