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.
Death rates from heart disease have decreased in most EU countries since the early 1980s, but some nations are experiencing a slowdown in progress due to rising obesity and diabetes rates. The study found that cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in Europe, with significant variation between individual countries.
Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) show signs of depression, sleeping disorders, and low levels of physical activity, despite physicians rating their quality of life higher. Good communication between physicians and patients is crucial for adherence to medications and long-term prognosis.
Research reveals a gene called CPT1A, which regulates fat breakdown in the liver, may increase risk of heart disease when methylated. The study found elevated levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower adiponectin levels in patients with this genetic switch turned off.
A new study by Dr. Nav Persaud found a significant association between poor eating habits in kids ages three to five and their levels of non-HDL cholesterol, putting them at risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Parents who allowed their children to snack on junk food and eat while watching TV were more likely to have this risk.
A recent clinical trial has found that impaired heart function among obese children and adolescents is associated with an increased risk of future heart disease. The study suggests that obese youth who exhibit insulin resistance and lower adiponectin levels are at higher risk for long-term heart disease.
A new University of Florida study suggests a brain-imaging technique can help diagnose movement disorders. The diffusion tensor imaging technique was used on 72 patients with movement disorder diagnoses, with high accuracy achieved in separating the patients into disorder groups.
A study found that only a few low-and middle-income countries have implemented robust national policies to prevent noncommunicable diseases, such as reducing fat and salt intake. The majority of these countries lack adequate strategies to promote healthier diets and physical activity.
China has made substantial gains in health over the past two decades, including increases in life expectancy and declines in infectious diseases. However, the growth of non-communicable diseases and risk factors such as tobacco use and high blood pressure are becoming major public health concerns.
A large study found that adopting four lifestyle behaviors - a Mediterranean-style diet, regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and not smoking - can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and mortality. The researchers found an 80% lower death rate over an eight-year period among participants who adopted all f...
A $150,000 grant from Coalition Duchenne will fund a clinical trial investigating the use of cardiac stem cells to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients with heart disease. The experimental therapy has shown promising results in regenerating healthy heart muscle and reducing damage caused by heart attacks.
Researchers analyzed nearly 1 million heart failure admissions over 14 years, finding mortality and length of stay peak in January and Friday admissions. The study suggests staffing levels may contribute to seasonal variations in mortality and length of stay for these patients.
A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that fish oil supplementation modestly increases adiponectin levels in the bloodstream. This hormone is associated with lower risk of diabetes and heart disease. The study suggests potential benefits of fish oil consumption on glucose control and fat cell metabolism.
The World Heart Federation hosted an international meeting to address the growing burden of rheumatic heart disease, a neglected non-communicable disease that kills over 200,000 people under 25 annually. Four key strategies were identified to integrate RHD prevention and control into national action plans.
The study aims to investigate how men's and women's hearts use fat for energy differently, with potential consequences for heart disease diagnosis and treatment. Changes in fat metabolism may affect insulin production and lead to diabetes, as well as cause stiffness in heart cells.
A study found that 6 weeks of escitalopram treatment reduced the occurrence of mental stress-induced cardiac ischemia (MSIMI) in patients with stable coronary heart disease. The treatment also improved psychological functioning and hemodynamic responses to stress.
A recent study found that using linked health records can significantly reduce biased disease estimates, with up to half of heart attack cases missed using just one data source. This highlights the importance of using multiple sources in healthcare and research.
Researchers compared electronic health records of 115,737 patients across 18 outpatient practices, finding significant variations in controlling hypertension, diabetes, and smoking cessation. The study aims to improve outpatient care and provide a baseline for quality improvement efforts.
A comprehensive assessment of Pakistan's health systems reveals significant shortcomings in financing, accountability, and training. Key findings include below-average performance in life expectancy, child mortality rates, and improved sanitation, with opportunities for reform under the provincial devolution of health mandate.
A new analysis by University College London highlights the significant burden of disease on men worldwide. Men die at a younger age than women in every region and are disproportionately affected by risk factors such as tobacco smoking, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity.
Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have identified four genes (TENC1, ERBB3, ACVR1B, and DGKA) that influence levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to reduce heart disease risk in humans.
A study found that young women are less healthy and have a poorer quality of life prior to a heart attack compared to men of similar age. Researchers also discovered that women are more likely to have conditions associated with heart disease, such as diabetes and depression.
A new study finds that fast food restaurant menus have only modestly increased nutritious offerings over a 14-year period, with most restaurants failing to meet optimal nutritional quality scores. Despite some improvements, the overall nutritional quality score remains below that of the average American diet.
Patients with increasing accumulations of coronary artery calcium were six times more likely to suffer a heart attack or die from heart disease. More frequent monitoring of patients with coronary artery calcium buildups could help determine the risk and give them time to make changes.
A heart-healthy Mediterranean diet helped men at high risk for heart disease reduce their bad cholesterol levels by 9%, regardless of whether they lost weight. This finding suggests that the Mediterranean-style diet may be recommended for effective management of metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular risks.
A study found that a diet low in grains, beans, and certain vegetables combined with anti-aging supplements improved blood vessel function. Patients consumed a restricted diet and took antioxidants to slow cell aging, potentially reversing high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
A clinical study in over 4,000 subjects found a correlation between high blood levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and increased future risks of death, nonfatal heart attack, or stroke. TMAO is produced when intestinal bacteria digest phosphatidylcholine, commonly found in animal products.
Researchers developed a novel therapy for endothelial barrier damage using multifunctional perfluorocarbon nanoparticles and anti-inflammatory drug delivery. The therapy demonstrated the evolution and severity of endothelium damage in correlation to animal fat-diet consumption.
A study by Dr. Susan K. Wood found that social stress can lead to inflammatory changes in the brain, increasing vulnerability to depression and heart disease. The research identified specific genes and proteins involved in this process, shedding light on potential targets for treatment.
Two studies presented at EuroPRevent 2013 found that physically demanding work increases the risk of coronary heart disease. The research suggests that job strain and high physical demands may exacerbate cardiovascular risks, even when leisure-time activity is taken into account.
The World Heart Federation has published a new position statement outlining five strategic targets to achieve its goal of reducing premature deaths from rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among individuals aged <25 years by 2025. The targets include comprehensive register-based control programmes, global access to benzathine penicillin G, a...
A new study found that heart disease risk scores may be more useful in predicting future decline in cognitive abilities, or memory and thinking, than a dementia risk score. The study involved 7,830 participants and showed stronger links between heart disease risk and cognitive decline.
Research from the Million Women Study found that every 5 unit increase in BMI increases CHD incidence by 23%, equivalent to a 2.5 year age increase. One in six obese women and one in eleven lean middle-aged women will develop CHD between ages 55-74, highlighting the importance of small lifestyle changes.
A new study found that the standard formula used to calculate LDL cholesterol levels often underestimates accuracy, especially in desirable ranges. Researchers suggest using non-HDL cholesterol as an alternative to assess risk and determine treatment.
Researchers found that untreated depression hinders anti-inflammatory effects of exercise and light-to-moderate alcohol consumption. Participants with depression showed no benefit in lowering C-reactive protein levels, despite normal physical activity levels.
A study published at the American Heart Association's meeting found that consuming excessive sodium led to an estimated 2.3 million heart-related deaths globally in 2010. This represents a significant burden on public health, with 40% of these deaths occurring among men and 60% among women.
A new study identifies predictors of complications and mortality following a hip fracture, including dialysis, cardiac disease, and diabetes. The study found that reducing time to surgical intervention appears to be the single greatest factor in influencing the risk of mortality or complications.
The Scottish government has implemented a program to address heart disease inequalities, providing health checks to deprived communities and promoting lifestyle changes. Health care professionals are encouraged to be proactive in seeking out marginalized patients and providing targeted services.
Researchers found that a patient-preference, centralized depression care approach significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved health outcomes for heart attack survivors. The study showed that this type of treatment was feasible, effective, and potentially cost-neutral within six months.
New research reveals that heart disease patients with anxiety are twice as likely to die from any cause compared to those without anxiety. Those with both anxiety and depression face a tripled risk of death. The study suggests that anxiety may underlie the risk previously attributed solely to depression.
Researchers found longer telomeres correlate with longer lives and increased survival rates among patients with heart disease. The study analyzed DNA samples from over 3,500 heart attack and stroke patients, revealing a link between telomere length and life expectancy.
A clinical trial found that a centralized, patient-preference program decreased depressive symptoms and may be cost-neutral over time. Active treatment for post-ACS depression was associated with significant improvements in symptoms and potentially lower healthcare costs.
Dr. Eric N. Olson has discovered pivotal genes and regulatory pathways governing the development, disease, and regeneration of the heart and other muscles. His research offers hope for prevention and treatments for some of the most serious birth defects.
Research found that tooth loss is associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers and higher probabilities of diabetes, smoking, and obesity. Gum bleeding was linked to higher blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. The study suggests that dental health could be a useful risk marker for heart disease in the future.
The UK's pace of decline in premature mortality has fallen behind the average of other European countries and EU15+ nations over the past 20 years. The country struggles with disabling conditions such as back and neck pain, depression, and drug use, leading to more chronic disability than ever before.
Researchers have discovered how oxidative stress can turn a benign cellular protein into a powerful accomplice in neuronal death. This finding could lead to new therapeutic approaches for debilitating diseases, including those related to inflammation, aging and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
A small study found that babies born to overweight or obese mothers already have thickened artery walls, a sign of heart disease. This finding suggests that maternal weight may contribute to a child's risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Researchers argue that traditional notions of healthy and successful aging fall short for many Canadians living with chronic diseases. Instead, they advocate for supporting older adults to live well according to their own definitions of health.
A study by 98-year-old researcher Fred Kummerow found that oxidized lipids contribute to heart disease by increasing calcium deposition on the arterial wall and interrupting blood flow. Oxidized cholesterol was also linked to an increased synthesis of a blood-clotting agent, thromboxane.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that women's awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of death has nearly doubled in the last 15 years. However, disparities persist among minority groups and younger women, who are less likely to discuss their heart health with doctors or take preventive action.
A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that sitting time was significantly associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. The study, which included 63,048 middle-aged Australian males, showed a steady increase in risk as sitting time increased.
A psychiatrist proposes a new subspecialty to address the link between depression and heart disease. Interleukin-6 levels were found to be higher in depressed patients than healthy controls.
A study of 61,443 Swedish women found that high calcium intake doubles the risk of cardiovascular death, particularly among those who take supplements. The researchers suggest that diets extremely low or high in calcium can disrupt normal blood levels of calcium.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new method called MixMAP that uses existing public databases to reveal substantial new information about genes associated with high cholesterol and heart disease. The approach provides opportunities for developing new treatments and identifying people at greatest risk.
A large study of over 388,000 participants found that high supplemental calcium intake was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease death in men, while dietary calcium intake had no such effect. The study suggests that sex may play a role in the cardiovascular effects of calcium supplements.
Researchers found that physical activity alone does not correlate with obesity or body fat among the Tsimane, suggesting excess food intake may be more responsible for chronic disease. The study also revealed that modernization has little impact on physical activity levels, but women are more likely to be overweight.
A new study from the University of Oxford found that vegetarians have a 32% lower risk of hospitalisation or death from heart disease compared to meat-eaters. The study analyzed data from almost 45,000 volunteers and found that vegetarian diets were associated with lower blood pressures and cholesterol levels.
A major new study has found that men with erectile dysfunction are at higher risk of hospital admission for heart disease and premature death. The research, which examined data from over 95,000 men, also showed a direct link between the severity of erection problems and the risk of cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic find that cardiac disease is associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment, particularly among women. The study suggests that preventing and managing cardiac disease may help reduce the risk of non-Alzheimer's dementias.
Scientists will use high-throughput screening to identify novel inhibitors of ASK1, a promising therapeutic target for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The grant aims to develop new treatments using compounds from the Scripps compound collection.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered genetic differences between men's and women's hearts, finding that women with failing hearts have weaker gene expression systems than men, while men are more susceptible to atrial fibrillation and long-QT syndrome.