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.
Research finds that linking financial incentives to quality improvement has improved primary care in the UK, leading to reduced heart disease deaths and hospital admissions. Practices with higher quality scores had lower death rates and fewer hospital admissions, especially in deprived areas.
Scientists have discovered 20 new hormones and substances secreted by human fat cells, including six new proteins and dozens of previously known hormones. This finding could lead to a better understanding of the role of hormone-secreting fat cells in heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have discovered an RNA sequence that promotes increased numbers of specific microRNAs, which regulate cell growth and stress response. This finding provides new insights into the links between miRNA expression and disease, including heart disease and cancer.
Dysphagia is associated with a poorer prognosis, increased risk of death and prolonged hospital stays among hospitalized patients. The condition can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which may precipitate a significant decline in patient outcome.
Research shows that childhood poverty and social isolation can lead to heightened reactivity, increasing the risk of heart disease later on. A study examining 212 adolescents found that those from lower socioeconomic status had stiffer arteries and higher blood pressure.
The study analyzed DNA from over 100,000 people worldwide and found 95 genetic variants contributing to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The findings provide new clues for developing effective medicines to combat heart disease.
A new UCLA study suggests that socioeconomic status is a major driver of cardiovascular disease risk disparities in the United States. The researchers found that lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher risk across all racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers have discovered two novel biomarkers for stroke and coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. Beta-2 microglobulin levels were significantly elevated in CHD patients, while insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 was strongly associated with stroke risk.
Researchers developed a system using Random Forests, Logistic Model Tree, and Neural Network to diagnose heart problems with high accuracy. The study used publicly available heart rate data and achieved a classification accuracy of 98.17%.
The STOP Obesity Alliance Task Force on Women highlights four critical factors hindering women's efforts to combat childhood obesity: socioeconomic challenges, lack of access to healthcare, limited education and awareness, and societal pressure. By addressing these obstacles, the Alliance aims to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce...
A study published in CMAJ found that a larger waistline and high triglyceride levels significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease. The combination of increased waist circumference and triglyceride levels was associated with the highest risk of developing the condition.
Research from the Sleep Heart Health Study found that severe obstructive sleep apnea raised the risk of heart failure and coronary heart disease in men. Men with the most severe OSA faced a 58% higher risk of developing heart failure and a 68% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those without OSA.
A new clinical decision rule called the Primary Care CHD Score can help primary care physicians rule out coronary heart disease in chest pain patients. The score is based on five predictors, including age/gender and known clinical vascular disease.
Research finds that anxiety disorders in heart patients are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and death. A study of 1,015 outpatients with stable coronary heart disease found that those with generalized anxiety disorder had a 74% increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Research on Palestinian women who have given birth multiple times found a significant association between parity and increased risk of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and high blood triglyceride concentrations. The study suggests that any of these factors alone or in combination can increase the incidence of coronary heart disease.
A large US multicenter study suggests that older men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular disease. Higher total testosterone levels relate to an increased risk of coronary disease, particularly in those above 495 ng/dL.
Research finds that radiation therapy to lymph nodes in the chest increases cardiac hospitalization risk among patients with pre-existing heart disease. Patients treated with chemotherapy alone have lower cardiac complication rates, highlighting the need for post-treatment monitoring and intervention.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the key enzyme Brg1, which plays a vital role in both fetal heart development and causing cardiac hypertrophy in adults. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for heart disease.
A study published in Biomed Central (BMC) Genomics found that high-phenolic-content olive oil modifies genes involved in the inflammatory response, potentially reducing heart disease risk. The researchers tracked gene expression in blood cells after consuming two virgin olive oil-based breakfasts with varying phenolic compound content.
A new research project at the University of Leicester aims to develop a reliable and cost-effective system for diagnosing coronary heart disease using CT scans. The technology will enable visualisation of coronary arteries in cadavers, making diagnoses comparable to current autopsy practice.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that consuming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids does not lower heart disease risk in women with type 1 diabetes. Men with the same condition had a lower rate of heart disease at higher omega-3 intake levels.
A study found that high HDL levels in women with type 1 diabetes increased the risk of heart disease, while low levels actually decreased risk. The researchers suggest that too much good cholesterol may not always be protective and could even be harmful.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that dialysis patients taking digoxin had a 28% higher risk of death compared to those not taking the medication. The increased risk was greatest among patients with higher levels of digoxin in their blood.
Menopausal hormone therapy may offer significant benefits to some women, particularly those starting treatment a short time after menopause. The Endocrine Society's new statement suggests that MHT can lead to a 30-40% decrease in mortality and a 90% reduction of menopausal symptoms.
A recent study found that only 6.8% of obese individuals are 'metabolically healthy', meaning they have no history of heart disease or stroke, diabetes, or high blood pressure. These metabolically healthy obese individuals appear to have protection against cardiovascular disease.
Residents of Bangladesh exposed to low-level arsenic in well water are at increased risk of death, with up to 24% of deaths attributed to arsenic exposure. Long-term arsenic exposure is also linked to various health problems and heart disease.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have differentiated human stem cells into heart cells with cardiomyopathy. The study provides a foundation for developing drug therapies to stop or slow the disease.
A large population-based study found a small increase in heart disease risk linked to higher blood sugar levels, but the changes were not substantial. The researchers confirmed their findings in a systematic review of existing literature.
The Inova Life Sciences Research Collaboration Fund – George Mason University has awarded $16 million in life sciences research grants to teams of joint Inova-Mason researchers. The grants focus on chronic disease management, obesity, heart disease, and other medical issues.
A previously-unknown ion channel in human blood vessels has been identified as a natural defence mechanism against heart disease. Pregnenolone sulphate, a 'fountain of youth' steroid, can trigger this protective effect in diseased and healthy blood vessels alike.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that consuming processed meat, such as bacon or sausages, increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by 42% and 19%, respectively. In contrast, unprocessed red meat is not associated with these health risks.
A long-running study of over 10,000 civil servants in London found that working overtime was associated with a 60% higher risk of heart-related problems. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, controlled for various risk factors and suggested that chronic stress may be a key mechanism behind this association.
Researchers from CAS develop novel tea filter to treat cigarette addiction, identifying theanine as key ingredient inhibiting nicotine addiction. The treatment shows promise in reducing smoking consumption and symptoms, with no apparent side effects.
Genetic research suggests that elevated triglyceride levels are associated with a higher risk of heart disease. A major international consortium led by Dr Nadeem Sarwar and Professor John Danesh found this link in analysis of 350,000 people from 101 studies.
A large study of female nurses found that high-pressure jobs boost young women's risk of ischemic heart disease. Nurses who experienced work pressures were 25-60% more likely to develop heart disease, depending on the level of pressure.
The Biodesign Institute project seeks to discover and validate molecular signs to predict who will develop diabetes before symptoms appear. By analyzing blood samples from over 700 patients, researchers hope to identify new biomarkers that can identify those at risk for developing diabetes and heart disease.
A study of 79,036 participants found that Lp-PLA2 enzyme levels were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and early death. The magnitude of this risk was comparable to that due to high blood pressure or bad cholesterol.
A new study confirms tart cherries' anti-inflammatory properties, reducing body and specific sites of inflammation, such as belly fat and the heart. This research also supports the potential health benefits of cherries in managing inflammation and lowering disease risk.
A new Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine study found that combining coronary artery calcium score (CACS) with traditional risk factors for heart disease is a better method than using traditional predictors alone to predict future heart attacks. The CACS was key in classifying people in the most extreme categories, iden...
A study found that adding calcium in coronary arteries to traditional risk factors improves classification of risk for predicting coronary heart disease events. The researchers used computed tomography to measure the buildup of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries, and found significant improvements in risk prediction.
A new study finds that ethnic groups in Ontario have distinct cardiovascular risk profiles, with Chinese having the lowest prevalence of heart disease (3.2%) and South Asians having the highest (5.2%). Smoking and obesity are more prevalent among white populations, while diabetes and hypertension affect South Asians and black populatio...
A study of 306 non-smoking patients found that those exposed to secondhand smoke at home, work, and social functions had a higher risk of developing chronic rhinosinusitis. Approximately 40% of cases were attributed to secondhand smoke exposure, highlighting the need for eliminating this public health problem.
Consuming foods with high glycemic index increases the risk of coronary heart disease in women due to higher levels of blood glucose and triglycerides. A study found that a diet rich in high-glycemic index carbohydrates, rather than overall carbohydrate intake, is associated with greater risk of heart disease in women.
Researchers will measure BPA levels in over 1,000 people with heart disease undergoing bypass surgery and thousands of individuals from Norfolk studied for over 10 years. The study aims to clarify whether BPA is linked to heart disease, which could impact public health by leading to controls on its use.
A study has identified genes that contribute to heart function and disease, shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of heart disease. The researchers found nearly 500 genes associated with heart problems in flies, including a protein complex called CCR4-Not.
A study of 70,709 American nurses found that consuming long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of endometriosis by 22%, while eating trans fats increases the risk by 48%. Dietary changes, such as reducing trans fats and increasing Omega-3 oils, may be a useful strategy for preventing or alleviating endometriosis symptoms.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly reduces the risk of coronary heart disease events. The researchers reviewed 8 trials involving over 13,000 participants and found a 19% reduced risk of CHD risk compared to control groups.
A study found that walnuts reduced the size and growth rate of prostate cancer in test animals by 50% and 30% respectively. The scientists attributed this effect to walnuts' ability to lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and endothelin, a substance linked to inflammation.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 19%. Increasing polyunsaturated fat consumption as a replacement for saturated fats may significantly reduce the rate of heart attacks and cardiac deaths in the population.
A new therapy has been found to prevent severe cardiac injury and ventricular dilatation in dogs with muscular dystrophy. The treatment, which involves chronic infusion of a membrane-sealing agent, restores the compliance of heart muscles from dystrophic dogs to normal.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that supplementing vitamin D may have different effects on atherosclerosis based on patient race, with black patients at higher risk of increased calcium deposition in arteries.
New transcatheter valve replacements reduce surgical risks for elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis. The procedure benefits 3% of the population over 75 years old and may treat lower-risk patients in the future.
Researchers have identified genetic differences in an immune enzyme as a key factor in TB disease susceptibility and resistance. A medium level of this enzyme's activity is associated with protection against both TB and leprosy, offering new leads for TB treatment and vaccine development.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association rapid access journal report found that frequent exposure to secondhand smoke among 13-year-olds is associated with increased blood vessel wall thickness and functioning problems. This increases the risk of future blood vessel hardening and other heart disease factors.
A new study has identified four key aspects of immune system disturbance that contribute to the development of coeliac disease, including how T cells react to toxic wheat proteins and the body's response to viral infections. The research also suggests a shared risk between coeliac disease and other chronic immune-mediated diseases.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have created a new way to measure the activity of a molecule involved in ischemic preconditioning, which strengthens cardiac tissues after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to the development of a new medication or treatment to help patients better resist heart damage.
A UCLA study sheds light on why gene variants can only partly explain common disorders, and how environmental factors contribute to disease risk. The research highlights the importance of considering interactions between genes and their environment in genetic research.
A major new study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who are usually happy and content have a lower risk of heart disease than those who tend to be unhappy. The study suggests that increasing positive emotions may help prevent heart disease, but more clinical trials are needed.
UCSF researchers identified a protein called B1N1 that helps the heart contract. This discovery sheds light on how individual heart cells organize to pump blood through the body.
New analyses confirm that combination hormone therapy increases the risk of heart disease in healthy postmenopausal women, particularly those who begin therapy within 10 years of menopause. The risk is more pronounced among women who start therapy 10 years or more after menopause.