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 no association between calcium and increased risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests that calcium supplementation with or without vitamin D may be safe for cardiovascular health.
A new Global Cardiovascular Disease Atlas shows that wealthy countries are reducing their burden of heart disease and stroke, while developing countries are experiencing mixed performance. The atlas uses disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to measure the burden of CVD in each region and country.
A University of Alabama researcher advocates for a greater emphasis on the body's metabolites in understanding illnesses, highlighting their potential to predict heart disease and response to environmental change. The study used fruit flies as animal models and identified nine new metabolites that are good predictors of these traits.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve immune function and reduce inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease. Six months of regular walking was shown to decrease immune cell activation and markers of systemic inflammation.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that stronger adolescents and teens have significantly lower risks of heart disease and diabetes. The research suggests that muscle strength may play an equally important role in cardiometabolic health in children, particularly in those with higher strength-to-body-mass ratios.
Researchers identified plasma levels of microRNA 122 and 126 that decline before a person suffers a heart attack, suggesting these markers may help predict imminent risk. The discovery could lead to the development of a blood test to identify people at high risk of having a heart attack.
Researchers used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to identify patients with mild heart disease who were at high risk of developing more serious heart problems. The study found that these patients had nearly three times the likelihood of experiencing a major cardiac event over time compared to those without a mild heart attack.
A comprehensive review of bariatric surgery data shows that death rates are reduced by 40% and heart attacks by half compared to non-surgical obese patients. Obesity is a significant health issue worldwide, associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and shorter life expectancy.
Researchers identified a new mechanism linking genetic variation to heart disease risk by disrupting the interaction between a developmental gene and a specialized type of RNA. This discovery expands understanding of complex disease risk and potential drug targets for cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that high sodium intake in teenagers can lead to faster cell aging, with overweight and obese teens showing the most significant effects. Researchers analyzed data from 766 people aged 14-18 and discovered that those who consumed more salt had shorter telomeres, which protect chromosomes from damage.
Researchers found a significant decrease in snuff smoke exposure among non-smokers in Spain after the implementation of tobacco control laws. The perception of being exposed to snuff smoke decreased by 36.5% at home and 25% overall, indicating smokers are restricting indoor smoking.
The new consensus document outlines steps hospitals can take to provide the safest possible environment for PCI when cardiac surgery is not available. The recommendations aim to increase safety while maintaining access to quality care for underserved patients.
Researchers found no association between saturated fat intake and coronary disease risk, contradicting existing dietary guidelines. However, certain fatty acid subtypes showed varying effects on cardiovascular risk.
A large waist circumference is associated with increased mortality risk, even among individuals with a healthy body mass index (BMI). Men and women with larger waists are more likely to die younger and die from illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Researchers recommend considering both BMI and waist circumference in risk assessm...
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy had a larger carotid artery wall thickness, indicating an increased risk of early atherosclerosis and heart disease. This finding suggests that reproductive complications can signal future disease risk.
Research suggests that a history of gestational diabetes may be a risk factor for early atherosclerosis in women during midlife. The study found that pregnant women who developed gestational diabetes had a slightly larger carotid artery intima-media thickness, an early measure of sub-clinical atherosclerosis, compared to those who didn't.
A study of 37 obese adolescents found that even after controlling for physical activity, low levels of sleep remained a significant predictor of cardiometabolic risk. Objective sleep assessment may be a useful screening tool to identify at-risk adolescents.
A leading US cardiovascular research scientist argues that low saturated fat diets do not reduce heart disease risk and that current dietary guidelines are based on flawed data from the 1950s. He recommends a diet low in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods to boost and maintain heart health.
A recent study by CHOP researcher Brendan J. Keating found that higher BMI raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, while another study identified genetic signals linked to central adiposity. These findings have significant implications for the obesity pandemic in the US and other countries.
A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that eating fish comparable to those in Japan may ward off heart disease due to high omega-3 fatty acid intake. The study tracked nearly 300 men for five years, finding a significant protective effect against coronary artery calcification.
A large cohort study found that people with sleep apnea are more likely to develop pneumonia, especially those with severe symptoms and comorbidities. The study suggests that increased risk of aspirating contents or liquid from the throat may be a key factor in this association.
A study of 1,125 domestic violence victims found that those whose partners were arrested were 64% more likely to die early compared to those who received a warning. Employed black victims suffered the worst effects, with mortality rates over four times higher than those whose partner received a warning.
A new national interdisciplinary effort examines how biology and social factors interact within marriage to affect cardiovascular health. The study aims to identify risk factors for heart disease and elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship.
A review of scientific literature indicates that depression should be added to the list of risk factors associated with heart disease. Studies found that depression increases the likelihood of having a heart attack or dying from heart disease.
A nationwide study found larger daily temperature changes and higher average dew points were associated with increased stroke hospitalization rates. Lower annual temperatures also linked to higher hospitalization and death rates from ischemic strokes.
A new imaging technique can diagnose aortic disease and predict potential complications in patients with bicuspid aortic valve. Blood flow changes were found to be driven by specific types of abnormal aortic valves, and the study demonstrated a direct association between blood flow patterns and aortic diseases.
A study found that patients undergoing PCI have a higher risk of dying from non-cardiac diseases than heart disease, with only 37% of deaths being cardiac-related. The researchers attribute this to improved cardiac therapies, such as medication and catheterization laboratory technologies.
A new study using genetic signals has strengthened the case for high triglyceride levels as a cause of heart disease. The findings also suggest that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol does not have a protective effect on cardiovascular health, contradicting conventional wisdom.
A large national study found that elevated blood pressure as young as age 18 is a warning sign of cardiovascular disease developing later in life. The study identified distinct blood pressure patterns from ages 18 to 55 that reveal people at high risk for calcification of coronary arteries, a marker for heart disease.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a causal link between depression symptoms and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. In contrast, no such association was found with stroke risk. The Whitehall II study, which followed over 10,000 civil servants in the UK for 20 years, suggests that r...
African American youth experiencing frequent discrimination during adolescence are at risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Emotional support from parents and peers can protect against stress-related damage.
A large prospective study has confirmed that vodka consumption is a major cause of early death in Russian men, with those who drink heavily facing a 60-70% increased risk. The study found that heavy vodka drinkers were more likely to die from alcohol-related causes such as poisoning, accidents, and violence.
A new study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that children with depression are more likely to develop obesity, smoking habits, and lower physical activity levels. These factors can increase the risk of heart disease later in life, even as early as teenage years.
A University of Arizona researcher has shown that genetic mutations in the titin gene can cause skeletal muscle myopathy, a disease characterized by muscle weakness. The study, published in the Journal of General Physiology, could be an important step in developing treatments for this condition.
The Arab world has made significant strides in reducing premature death and disability, but still struggles with substantial burdens of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Governance and health systems are also critical to addressing these challenges.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a new fluorescent compound to detect and measure cardiolipin, a unique lipid in cell membranes. The new dye, TTAPE-Me, improves upon existing methods for detecting cardiolipin, which is linked to various diseases including heart conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancers.
New research published in The FASEB Journal found that tobacco smoke disrupts the circadian clock function in both lungs and brains, leading to reduced productivity, mood disorders, and depression. Quitting smoking may improve sleep quality and cognitive function by targeting a specific pathway involving the anti-aging molecule SIRT1.
Researchers found significant differences in mechanisms causing high blood pressure in women compared to men. Women experience 30-40% more vascular disease for the same level of elevated blood pressure, highlighting a need for tailored treatments.
The CANHEART health index found that 9.4% of Canadian adults and 16.6% of youth were in ideal cardiovascular health, while 37.3% of adults and 49.7% of youth had poor heart health. The study suggests that addressing behaviours can reduce cardiac risk factors.
Researchers found that increasing dietary fiber intake by just 1 extra portion of wholegrains and more fruit and vegetables can significantly lower the risk of heart disease. A 7g daily increase in fiber consumption was associated with a lower risk of CVD and CHD events.
A new study has found that heart disease is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older postmenopausal women. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 6,500 U.S. women ages 65-79 and found that those with heart disease or vascular disease were 29% more likely to experience cognitive decline over time.
A study of 417 middle-aged women found that modest weight loss over two years reduced risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Women who sustained a 10% or more weight loss benefited the most from this reduction in risk factors.
The American Heart Association's annual statistical update reveals that heart disease and stroke remain major public health concerns in the US, claiming over 787,000 lives annually. Cardiovascular diseases account for more deaths than all forms of cancer combined, with nearly half of African-American adults affected.
A new study suggests that taxing sugar-sweetened beverages in California could lead to significant reductions in diabetes and heart disease rates. The analysis predicts that one in 20,000 Californians would avoid diabetes, with the health benefits greatest for poor and minority communities.
Research presented at EuroEcho-Imaging 2013 found that HIV patients with a positive blood viral load have a significantly higher incidence of structural heart disease. The study suggests that HIV itself might be an independent causal agent, and having a detectable blood viral load nearly doubles the prevalence of heart disease.
Researchers devised a mathematical model to improve treatment options for coronary heart disease (CHD), which accounts for 18% of US deaths annually. The model helps explain the factors governing drug release and distribution in drug-eluting stents, providing valuable insight into developing better treatments.
Ancel Keys, a prominent nutrition researcher, has had a significant impact on American eating habits. The new biography aims to explore his life and work in the context of the evolution of American food culture and its effects on health status.
A recent study highlights the association between poor oral health and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly among those consuming high amounts of sugar in junk foods. Experts recommend reducing fizzy drink intake and improving oral hygiene to prevent heart problems later in life.
Researchers have discovered a rare genetic variation that increases triglyceride levels, contributing to the risk of heart disease and other disorders. The ApoE R145C variant is estimated to affect up to 36 million sub-Saharan Africans worldwide.
A study from a worldwide research consortium found that controlling three risk factors - blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and blood glucose - can cut the obesity-related risk of heart disease by more than half. High blood pressure poses the biggest risk, accounting for 31% of increased heart disease risk.
A pooled analysis of 97 prospective studies found that controlling these factors can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in overweight and obese individuals. High blood pressure poses the biggest risk, accounting for most of the increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that beta-blocker medication given to patients with heart disease undergoing noncardiac surgery is associated with a lower risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events. The effect was more pronounced in patients with heart failure or recent myocardial infarction.
Family members of patients with coronary heart disease improved cholesterol levels, physical activity, and dietary habits after participating in a year-long intervention program. The program included counselling sessions, goal setting, and feedback, resulting in reduced body mass index and waist circumference.
Research shows childhood cancer survivors are more likely to experience premature heart disease and a decline in arterial function, with a 9% decrease in arterial health seen among leukemia survivors who completed chemotherapy. Lifestyle changes can help mitigate these risks.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of early statin therapy in children with familial hypercholesterolemia and found that it significantly reduced coronary heart disease survival rates. After 10 years, young adult patients who received statins from childhood had not suffered from cardiovascular complaints.
Research found that heart disease accounted for approximately one-quarter of pregnancy-related deaths in California between 2002-2005. Women who died from cardiac causes were more likely to be African-American or obese, and often had undiagnosed high blood pressure during their pregnancies.
A novel method to estimate LDL-C levels has been developed, providing more accurate risk classification for heart disease. The new approach uses a larger database of lipid profiles and applies an adjustable factor for triglyceride levels, resulting in improved accuracy, especially for patients with elevated triglyceride concentrations.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center has discovered a simple way to further predict a diabetic patient's risk for heart disease: measuring their body mass index or BMI. The findings show that the greater the patient's BMI, the greater their risk for heart disease.
Research tracked almost 23,000 UK children's pulse rates from 1980-2008, finding a consistent rise of 0.04 bpm per year, more pronounced in boys. The increase suggests higher risks of diabetes and heart disease in later life.
Danish researchers have identified a clear link between narrowed heart valves and high levels of lipoprotein(a) in the blood, which may help prevent valvular heart disease. The study found that people with very high levels of lipoprotein(a) are two to three times more likely to develop aortic stenosis.