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 10-year study of living kidney donors in Ontario found no increased risk of heart disease compared to the general population. Despite reduced kidney function, donors had a lower risk of death and heart disease than non-donors.
Nicotine, a component of cigarette smoke, can change cell structure, leading to migration and invasion of smooth muscle cells that line blood vessels. This process contributes to the formation of fatty deposits known as plaque, the hallmark of heart and blood vessel disease.
A new study by University of Nottingham researchers found that systematically collecting family medical history is a significant tool in helping GPs spot patients at high risk of heart disease. The study identified an additional five percent of patients who would benefit from prevention measures, highlighting the potential for low-cost...
Researchers at Berkeley Lab found structural images of CETP interacting with HDLs and LDLs, revealing a tunnel mechanism that facilitates cholesterol transfer. This discovery supports the design of next generation CETP inhibitors to prevent heart disease.
A comprehensive study published in PLOS Medicine found that high blood homocysteine levels are not linked to an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. The analysis of data from 19 unpublished and 86 published studies showed no significant effect on the risk of developing the condition.
A novel oral bacterium, Streptococcus tigurinu, has been linked to serious diseases like heart disease and meningitis. Its identification allows scientists to understand the risk it poses and develop effective treatments.
Researchers found that women with pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders or diabetes may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes were linked to higher CVD risk factors, including fasting glucose and insulin levels.
Researchers identified 72 mutations in the TTN gene that cause structural deformations in heart muscle fibers, leading to heart muscle disease. The study found that TTN gene mutation causes DCM, but rarely causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and that outcomes for patients with DCM are similar regardless of gender.
Researchers identify FoxO1 as critical for diabetic cardiomyopathy development, suggesting a promising therapeutic target. Activation of FoxO1 in mice with type 2 diabetes models triggers cardiomyopathy, highlighting the need for new treatments to address this leading cause of death in diabetics.
Researchers found a significant association between chronically elevated glucose levels and minute levels of troponin T, a blood marker for heart damage. The high-sensitivity test detected low levels of cTnT in 66% of the study population, suggesting potential pathways for diabetes-related heart disease.
A team of UCSF researchers argues that sugar is a primary culprit of the global obesity pandemic, contributing to 35 million deaths annually. Limiting sugar consumption requires environmental and community-wide solutions, similar to those for alcohol and tobacco.
A recent meta-analysis by CAMH found a complex relationship between alcohol consumption and ischaemic heart disease, with varying risks depending on gender, drinking patterns, and overall health outcomes. The study concludes that lower drinking limits for women are needed to inform safe drinking levels.
A new study reveals that middle-age risk factors have a profound impact on an individual's lifetime risk for heart disease. Researchers found that people with two or more major risk factors in middle age had dramatically higher lifetime risks for cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke across the lifespan.
A new NIH grant could lead to a potential treatment for obesity-related diseases. Preliminary studies show that controlling a specific gene pathway can prevent long-term inflammation and its associated diseases.
Researchers analyzed the whole-genome sequences of two supercentenarians, aged over 114 years, and found a mix of common and rare genetic variants. Despite carrying many disease-associated genes, they lived exceptionally long lives, suggesting other protective mechanisms are at work.
A new study published in The Lancet found that MRI scans are more accurate than SPECT tests in detecting coronary heart disease. MRI scans also do not use ionizing radiation, potentially reducing exposure for patients and healthcare professionals.
Research reveals that women at risk for breast cancer are also at a higher risk for heart disease due to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The study found that these genes regulate heart function and can lead to increased mortality rates after a heart attack.
A 10-year study found that participants with an increase in resting heart rate were at a higher risk of death from all causes and ischemic heart disease. The researchers also discovered that changes in resting heart rate over time do not show a general benefit in relation to ischemic heart disease mortality.
A recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that individuals exposed to the 9/11 disaster are at risk of developing heart disease, respiratory illness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Volunteers who were not affiliated with organizations were more highly exposed to hazardous chemicals and had poorer health outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh developed an imaging technique using positron emission tomography (PET) scans to predict which patients need open heart surgery. The study found that inflammation and calcification processes are key factors in aortic stenosis, offering new hope for treatments.
Researchers analyzed data from 8972 patients with heart blockages to understand variations in cardiac procedures, including bypass surgery and stent placement. They found significant differences in procedure rates based on patient factors, physician recommendations, and hospital characteristics.
Androgen suppression therapy used to treat advanced prostate cancer may significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, say specialists. This risk is often overlooked in standard management of the disease.
INT-777 prevents atherosclerosis by exerting an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulating insulin secretion and reducing plaque formation in arteries. The compound activates TGR5 receptor in gut cells, enhancing Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, providing a promising treatment for metabolic syndrome and its associated conditions.
Researchers will evaluate the relation between low vitamin D levels and risks for certain chronic diseases, including osteoporosis and heart disease. The study aims to define the optimal level of vitamin D in the multi-ethnic U.S. population by sampling African-origin populations across a range of latitudes.
A McMaster University study found that moderate salt intake was linked to the lowest risk of cardiovascular events, while excessive or low salt intake increased the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other complications. The research calls into question current guidelines recommending low sodium intake.
A new stent design has been linked to shortening and deformity in some patients, leading to serious complications. Researchers and clinicians are investigating the issue and working on new recommendations for its use.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers pinpoints CaM kinase as the key player in cardiac rupture. Blocking this protein may help prevent cardiac rupture and reduce death risk. The study also found that activated CaM kinase prompts heart muscle cells to produce an enzyme called MMP9, implicated in heart rupture.
A study found that women and young men make up a substantial portion of heart attack patients without known coronary disease. These groups are less likely to receive preventive medications, which could reduce their risk of heart attacks.
Researchers analyzed database of symptomatic patients to investigate optimal timing for carotid artery stenting. The study found no significant difference in outcomes between those receiving CAS at 30 days post-event and those receiving it more than 30 days after stroke or TIA.
A study by the American Heart Association found that frequent professional tooth scaling can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Participants who received regular cleanings had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and 13% lower risk of stroke compared to those who never received dental care.
A study found that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients can survive to the age of 90, with most deaths unrelated to the disease. The study analyzed data from 1,297 HCM patients and showed a greater proportion of patients reaching 90 years or older than expected in the general population.
A nationwide study finds depression and a history of suicide attempts in young people markedly increase their risk for dying from heart disease. Women are particularly at risk, with a three times higher risk of cardiovascular disease and 14 times higher risk of ischemic heart disease.
Researchers at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital are conducting two studies to investigate the role of vitamin D in preventing heart disease and inflammation in HIV-positive individuals. The studies will explore the effects of vitamin D deficiency on immune system function, bone density, and cardiovascular health.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified a protein called p75NTR that kick-starts the response to low levels of oxygen in cells. This discovery may lead to new therapies for conditions such as heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer by modifying blood vessel production.
A CU-Boulder study finds that fatty acids circulating in python bloodstreams promote healthy heart growth, with no evidence of fat deposition in the heart. The researchers also saw an increase in the activity of a key enzyme protecting the heart from damage.
Researchers identified three fatty acids involved in Burmese pythons' extreme heart growth after large meals. These fatty acids may trigger healthy physiological cardiac hypertrophy in diseased human hearts.
Researchers developed a blood test that measures lung protein levels to quantify smoking-related effects on heart disease. Smokers with high lung protein levels are more likely to develop dangerous plaque buildup in blood vessels.
A new study reveals that young adults with normal weight and BMI can still have atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of measuring visceral fat. Waist circumference is a simple predictor of increased visceral adiposity and premature atherosclerosis.
A study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation found that women under 55 experience worse outcomes after a heart attack, including more recurrences of chest pain and physical limitations. The research highlights the need for increased awareness of risk factors and symptoms among women to improve their health outcomes.
Researchers discovered that angiotensin-receptor blockers can slow the progression of calcific aortic stenosis, reducing mortality risk and lowering healthcare costs. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for treatment and may potentially delay or prevent valve replacement surgery.
A recent study has identified a potential link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that cancer-causing strains of HPV were strongly associated with CVD, even after adjusting for other risk factors.
New research reveals that spinal cord injuries are associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease, particularly in individuals with autonomic dysfunction. The study suggests that screening the autonomic system may be beneficial in evaluating cardiovascular health in spinal cord patients.
A study by Dr. Joan Tranmer found that female hospital staff working night shifts are at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and abdominal obesity. The study suggests that age and shift work status are significantly associated with increased risk.
A Penn State University study analyzed tweets about the H1N1 vaccine to track vaccination rates and attitudes. The research found patterns that correlate vaccination rates with geographic location and sentiment trends over time. This analysis could be used strategically to develop targeted public health initiatives.
A new study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine could lead to improved gene therapies for conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Researchers found that a virus used in vaccines can also be tailored to cause less of an immune response in gene therapy applications.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered that consuming generous amounts of fruit and raw vegetables can significantly weaken the effect of the 9p21 genetic variant, which increases the risk of heart disease. This study supports public health recommendations to consume more than five servings of fruits or vegetables daily.
The UMass Amherst School of Public Health has received a four-year, $2.5 million grant to establish a Public Health Training Center. The center will provide training to community health workers and place UMass Amherst SPHHS undergraduate student interns in local communities to develop diabetes prevention strategies. The goal is to focu...
A study found that smokers are twice as likely to have strokes and almost a decade younger when they do. Quitting smoking reduces stroke risks significantly within 18 months.
A new study reveals that people with COPD are at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for routine screening. The study found that 50.1% of patients with COPD had cardiovascular conditions, compared to 41% of those without COPD, emphasizing the importance of identifying comorbidities in clinical practice.
A new study found that underweight COPD patients are 1.7-times more likely to die than those with a normal body weight. Additionally, heart disease and cardiac failure increase mortality rates among COPD patients.
Research from Ohio State University finds that those living in poorer neighborhoods have a higher risk for out-of-hospital deaths caused by coronary heart disease. The study analyzed data from four U.S. communities between 1992 and 2002, finding that lower socioeconomic status was associated with greater mortality rates outside hospitals.
A new mouse genetic blueprint accelerates human genetics research by identifying 56.7 million unique sites of variation associated with over 700 biological differences, including markers for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
According to a Canadian Medical Association Journal study, approximately 19% of Canadians have metabolic syndrome. The syndrome is more common among people with lower income and education levels, particularly those with abdominal obesity.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that people living in poorer neighborhoods are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The disparity was particularly pronounced among individuals under 65 years old, with those in lower socioeconomic groups experiencing rates two- to fourfold higher than those in h...
A recent study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that exercise plays a crucial role in recovery from peripheral arterial disease after treatment. Interventions such as angioplasty and stenting can also help restore blood flow, improving walking ability and overall quality of life.
A study published in The Lancet found that a decrease in smoking rapidly reduces mortality rates in individuals and populations within six months. Dietary improvements also show positive results within one to three years.
A new algorithm using hs-cTnT levels at presentation and one hour after admission accurately differentiates acute myocardial infarction from non-coronary cardiac diseases. This approach reduces avoidable early coronary angiographies and shortens time of uncertainty for patients.
The study found a very high hospitalization rate during pregnancy, with 338 patients hospitalized (26% of all pregnancies) and 203 cardiac cases. Maternal death occurred in 13 patients (1%) and fetal death in 59 cases (4.5%). The authors suggest that further analysis and larger numbers are needed to identify the underlying causes of hi...
A Norwegian study found a graded increase in atrial fibrillation risk with increasing levels of physical activity in men, but not women. Heavy exercise was associated with a 2-3 fold increased risk, while the majority of heavily exercising men had normal heart rhythms.
A review of seven studies involving over 100,000 participants found that higher levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke. However, the authors caution that further studies are needed to confirm these findings.