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 recent study found that only 19% of seniors with lung disease quit smoking within two years, while regular exercise improved were rare. The research suggests intensive efforts are needed to help seniors make lifestyle changes after a chronic diagnosis.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that men with prostate cancer are more likely to die from preventable conditions such as heart disease than the disease itself. The study emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle changes in prostate cancer management.
A $4.7 million study aims to investigate why people with diabetes suffer from unusually severe forms of heart disease. The researchers suspect that abnormal lipid metabolism is a key culprit, leading to inflammation and damage to heart cells.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that analyzing HDL particle count provides stronger cardio-protection than traditional HDL cholesterol measurement. The study suggests that raising HDL levels through other means may be more effective in preventing coronary heart disease.
A new study suggests adding a modified echo to current screenings to identify student athletes with heart problems that could lead to sudden death. The study found that an abbreviated echo can increase the sensitivity of finding heart defects in competitive athletes.
Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that strawberry extracts positively activate the Nrf2 protein, decreasing blood lipids and cholesterol levels. This activation reduces the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes by counteracting post-meal blood glucose and low-density lipoprotein.
A prospective cohort study found associations between plasma concentrations of saturated phospholipid fatty acids and increased risk of coronary heart disease. In contrast, n-6 polyunsaturated phospholipid fatty acids showed an inverse association with coronary heart disease risk.
A landmark randomized clinical trial is testing whether earlier treatment can prevent or delay heart damage in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study uses enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to detect early changes in heart function and evaluate the effectiveness of an anti-fibrosis drug regimen.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed two surveys, FETCH and CATCH, to evaluate the quality of life for dogs and cats with heart disease. The tools ask owners to rank aspects of their pet's health on a scale of 0-5, allowing veterinarians to assess the animal's perceived quality of life.
Scientists have identified genetic heart conditions as a possible cause of unexplained stillbirths, with up to 8% of cases attributed to cardiac channelopathies. The research, led by Ms Alice Ghidoni, used molecular screening to detect disease-causing variants in stillborn fetuses.
A new study finds that patients with hyperthyroidism are at a greater risk of hospitalization for heart and blood-vessel disease, even years after successful thyroid surgery. The risk is largely due to the disease itself, rather than treatment, and persists for up to two decades.
A new survey found that only 36.5% of coronary heart disease patients in Europe participate in cardiac rehabilitation, despite the American Heart Association's recommendation. The study suggests that smoking, older age, and lower educational attainment are associated with lower attendance rates.
A large-scale Canadian study has found that patients with chronic kidney disease are at comparable risk of future coronary events to those who have previously suffered a heart attack. This could lead to targeted treatment for high-risk individuals, including the use of statins to reduce 'bad' fats in the bloodstream.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that embryonic stem cells enter a unique, privileged state during early embryo development where specific genes are activated, allowing them to differentiate into any cell type. This discovery may provide insight into how to improve the clinical value of ES cells for therapy.
A new study from Children's National Medical Center found that routine echocardiogram screenings can identify three times as many cases of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as clinical examinations. The screenings can detect clinically silent RHD in children, allowing for early intervention and prevention of serious complications.
A study found that while improved treatment uptake contributed significantly to reduced death rates from coronary heart disease, socioeconomic disparities persisted. The authors call for evidence-based policies to promote healthier diets and address social gradients in risk factors.
New research from the University of Copenhagen found that even slightly higher blood glucose levels increase the risk of ischemic heart disease. A study of over 80,000 participants revealed a 69% increase in risk with just 1 mmol above normal levels.
A Wayne State University School of Medicine study found that 90.7% of patients with hypertension also had hidden heart disease, emphasizing the need for early detection and treatment. The study's results have significant implications for preventing cardiovascular disease in high-risk populations.
Researchers used echocardiograms to spot early heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The study found that the condition is often underestimated by traditional risk assessment tools.
A Tel Aviv University researcher found that cardiac patients living in high-pollution areas were 43% more likely to have a second heart attack, and 46% more likely to suffer a stroke. Long-term exposure to air pollution was linked to increased risk of mortality and recurrent vascular events.
The study reveals that tafamidis works by stabilizing the transthyretin (TTR) protein tetramer, preventing it from aggregating into amyloids. This stabilization prevents nerve destruction in polyneuropathy patients and delays disease progression.
A new stem cell technique allows for efficient generation of abundant cardiomyocytes, critical heart muscle cells. This method is more efficient and robust than existing methods, promising a uniform alternative for research and pharmaceutical applications.
A study found that behavioral support from peers and primary care office staff can help patients with poor blood pressure control improve their blood pressure levels by as much as starting a new drug. The intervention reduced systolic pressure by 7.2mmHg in the treatment group compared to 0.8mmHg in the control group.
Obesity affects 62% of Canadian adults, with a significant economic burden and increased risk of related diseases. The 5A model provides an effective approach to counselling patients, combining assess/ask, advise, agree, assist, and arrange steps for successful weight loss and maintenance.
Researchers at Yale University found that short- and long-term mortality decreased in all subgroups of age, sex, and race after mitral valve surgery. Despite this improvement, female and non-white patients still experienced higher mortality rates compared to male and white patients.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening heart condition, is revealed to be a vascular disease caused by an imbalance of angiogenic proteins in the heart. The study suggests that proangiogenic therapies may be beneficial treatments for this condition.
University of Guelph researchers found the location and effect of abnormal heart proteins that can cause cardiac failure. They discovered three variants affecting heart contractions and three others impacting stability and efficiency, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Researchers found two subclasses of HDL cholesterol: one with apolipoprotein C-III increases heart disease risk, while the other without it is protective. Measuring HDL-apoC-III may be a better gauge of heart disease risk than total HDL.
A study published at the University of Granada found that heart rehabilitation programs significantly improved cardiovascular health in patients with heart disease. The program reduced total cholesterol and plasma triglyceride levels, promoted healthier eating habits, and increased physical activity among participants.
Researchers at UC Irvine found that moderate to severe COPD patients with low heart disease risk had a significantly better prognosis. The study suggests addressing cardiac risk factors can improve outcomes in people with COPD, and highlights the importance of cardiovascular health for lung disease patients.
A Mendelian randomization analysis found a continuous association between increased BMI and risk for ischemic heart disease, with no threshold below which BMI increase has no effect on IHD risk. The study's findings have important implications for public health policy.
A new study challenges traditional risk factors for contrast-induced nephrotoxicity, finding that patients with history of renal disease, hypertension, and heart disease are at greater risk. In contrast, diabetes is not a significant predictor of reduced renal function.
New research published in PLOS Medicine reveals a strong link between body mass index (BMI) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) risk. A significant increase in BMI was found to elevate the risk of developing IHD by 50% on average, highlighting the importance of addressing obesity levels in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology found that reducing SUN1 levels in mouse models doubled the life spans of those with progeria and tripled it for those with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. This discovery opens up a possibility for therapeutic use of reduced SUN1 levels for other forms of heart disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that city center residents are almost twice as likely to develop coronary artery calcification as those living in less polluted urban and rural areas. The study also discovered that males, older participants, diabetics, and smokers face higher risks.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) as a crucial protein in maintaining insulin sensitivity and regulating fat storage. The discovery offers new avenues for treating type 2 diabetes, potentially providing a more natural alternative to existing antidiabetic drugs.
A new study at the World Congress of Cardiology found that women with diagnosed heart disease are more likely to give birth to female babies. The study, which reviewed 200 pregnant women with cardiac disease, found that 75% of their children were female.
A new report highlights significant gaps in public awareness regarding the cardiovascular risks of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. Half of all Chinese smokers and one-third of Indian and Vietnamese smokers are unaware that smoking causes heart disease, with even higher rates among non-smokers.
Patients with rheumatic heart disease in the Middle East are being admitted too late for surgery, highlighting the need for early screening and prevention programs. The World Heart Federation calls for coordinated efforts to prevent progression to severe RHD, which can be prevented with penicillin.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found a cellular pathway linked to obesity-related disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Deleting the enzyme histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) completely protected mice against high-fat feeding's negative health consequences.
A new study has identified left-ventricular hyper-trabeculation as a common feature among black male athletes, with a prevalence of 6.8% compared to 0.4% in non-athletes. This finding raises concerns about the challenges of differentiating between athlete's heart and serious medical conditions in this demographic.
Research suggests that CD36 protein, involved in cellular inflammation, increases harmful effects of LDL cholesterol. Mice infected with gum disease bacteria showed increased fatty plaque accumulation, while those with deleted CD36 gene remained plaque-free.
Research from Duke University Medical Center finds that patients with voice problems experience nearly as many days of short-term disability claim and work productivity losses as those with chronic conditions. The study reveals that up to 40 lost workdays and $3,400 in short-term disability payments occur annually due to dysphonia.
Researchers found that EKG abnormalities in healthy elderly individuals increased the risk of heart attack. The study, which followed 2,192 adults aged 70 and older for eight years, suggests that EKGs could be used to detect heart disease earlier in patients without chest pain or symptoms.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London reveals that people with diabetes face numerous challenges in self-managing their condition, including social and environmental factors. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to better support patients in managing their disease.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine finds that asbestos workers are significantly more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for smoking. Women are found to be at greater risk than men, with longer exposure durations increasing the likelihood of heart disease deaths.
A study of nearly 2000 US male health professionals found that moderate drinkers who survived a first heart attack had a lower risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease. The researchers discovered a 'U' shape effect, where heavy drinking increased mortality risk.
A pilot program at OB/GYN clinics screened 2,234 women for cardiovascular risk factors or disease. Cardiovascular assessment in these settings may enhance primary prevention and education to female patients. Many women are unaware of their heart disease risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
A study published in JAMA found that using bone marrow cells to treat chronic ischemic heart failure did not show significant improvements in most measures of heart function. However, exploratory analysis revealed a significant effect on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among patients under 62 years old.
The NIH has launched an online resource called e-Source, which offers a range of interactive chapters, discussion forums, and references to help researchers apply behavioral and social science methods to public health activities. The resource is designed to provide a foundation for collaborations between biological and social scientists.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that state-level resources contribute to early risk factors for heart disease in women. Wealthy states have lower levels of cardiovascular inflammation, while those with higher financial inequality have higher levels of inflammation.
Researchers at University of Granada developed a software tool estimating accurate heart disease risk for individuals and populations, reducing potential years of work and productivity loss. The tool employs various equations to understand the risk factors, contributing to heart disease prevention and long-term cost savings.
A study of over 6,600 US mothers found that giving birth to unusually small infants doubles the risk of ischemic heart disease. The correlation was independent of other factors, suggesting that such pregnancies may induce cardiovascular changes and be an early risk factor for heart disease.
Researchers used the Cardiochip gene analysis tool to investigate a specific gene variant linked to inflammation and heart disease. They found that an existing anti-inflammatory drug may offer a new potential approach for preventing CHD by targeting the interleukin-6 receptor.
A study published in PLOS One found that delivering a small full-term infant increases the mother's risk of ischemic heart disease by almost two-fold. The researchers suggest that this may be due to long-term cardiovascular changes triggered during pregnancy, which can lead to increased maternal risk for heart disease.
A genetic study found that targeting the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) signalling pathway could be an effective way to combat heart disease. The research, led by the University of Cambridge, discovered a genetic variant that reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that red meat consumption is associated with an increased risk of total, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. Substituting other healthy protein sources was associated with a lower risk of mortality.
Men who consumed daily sugar-sweetened beverages had a 20% higher risk of heart disease compared to non-drinkers. The study also found associations with increased triglycerides and CRP levels, but not HDL levels.
Researchers have gained a realistic insight into the operation of the P2X1 receptor, a key player in blood clotting. By visualizing the receptor's structure and detecting changes upon activation, scientists have identified a crucial mechanism that could lead to the development of new drugs to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
A new UC Davis study finds that the increase in childhood obesity among California school children has slowed from 2003 to 2008. The study suggests that expanded fitness testing and outreach efforts are needed to address the persistent obesity trend among younger children.