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 published in Neurology found that people with migraine are at an increased risk of heart attack and other risk factors for heart disease. The study involved 6,102 participants with migraine and 5,243 without, and found that those with migraines were nearly twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to those without.
A population-based study of over 10,000 participants found that women with gout were 39% more likely to have a heart attack and 41% more likely to experience a non-fatal heart attack. This risk was significantly higher than in men with gout.
Researchers at Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease discovered that DGAT1, an enzyme involved in fat storage, protects against diet-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Enhancing DGAT1's capacity in macrophages may hold therapeutic promise for preventing obesity-related diseases.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease, finding that it's not just one factor at play but rather a complex interplay of immune cells and proteins. The study highlights the importance of restoring the balance of this network to prevent vascular disease.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center found that rare genetic variants, rather than common ones, may be responsible for the genetic component of most common diseases. Simulation studies revealed 'synthetic' genome-wide signals of disease risk, suggesting a shift in research focus to detecting rare variants.
A study published in PNAS suggests that humans' unique genetic adaptation to meat-rich diets has increased lifespan but also made us more susceptible to diseases of aging such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia. ApoE4 carriers have higher rates of early onset coronary heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study suggests that reducing salt in the American diet by just one-half teaspoon per day could prevent nearly 100,000 heart attacks and 92,000 deaths annually. This reduction in salt intake could also save the US around $24 billion in healthcare costs.
A study published in PLoS ONE found a correlation between DNA methylation and heart failure, suggesting that environmental factors may play a key role in the development of the disease. The researchers compared DNA from diseased hearts with healthy hearts and found distinct 'marks' on the genome
New analysis of US population data confirms a link between Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and cardiovascular disease in adults. Higher BPA concentrations were associated with heart disease, as well as abnormal liver enzyme concentrations.
A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that excess protein in the urine is a strong indicator of heart disease risk in white populations, but not in black populations. The study suggests that biologic factors may be at play, with whites being more susceptible to heart disease and blacks showing protective effects.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that women who practiced yoga regularly had lower amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in their blood. This reduction in inflammation was also observed after stressful experiences, suggesting a potential long-term health benefit from yoga.
A new study by Ohio State University shows that the environment plays a significant role in the development of reading skills in children. The study found that while genetics influence initial reading skills, environmental factors such as instruction and parental care have a more pronounced impact on growth over time.
Researchers have found an antidepressant, clorgyline, can blunt and reverse muscle enlargement and weakened pumping function associated with heart failure. The drug blocks the action of enzyme monoamine oxidase-A and stops its breakdown of a key neurohormone, norepinephrine.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased cardiac deaths among blacks compared to whites. Researchers suggest that boosting vitamin D levels safely through supplements may be an effective way to intervene.
Researchers found that people who quit smoking have a 70% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first six years without cigarettes compared to non-smokers. Weight gain after quitting is suspected to be the cause of this increased risk, which returns to normal after 10 years.
Researchers found that CRP concentration is associated with future risk of a wide range of common diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and various cancers. Most of these associations were explained by known risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, and obesity.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries who attended more cardiac rehabilitation sessions had better outcomes, including a reduced risk of heart attack and death. Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 patients age 65 and older, finding that those who attended all 36 sessions had the lowest mortality rates.
A new study found an association between low plasma cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and increased risk of heart disease in the Framingham Heart Study population. Participants with low CETP activity were 18% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that strict glucose control reduces cardiovascular issues for diabetics with fewer health problems, but not those with long-term serious coexisting conditions. Firm glucose control may benefit patients with multiple health issues.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model of heart cells to understand the effects of oxidized CaM kinase on cardiac electrical activity. Oxidation activates the enzyme, leading to a vicious cycle that advances heart disease.
Humans uniquely susceptible to aging diseases due to genetic adaptations to inflammation and high cholesterol diets. The 'meat-adaptive gene' ApoE3 may contribute to human lifespan, while ApoE4 impairs neuronal development and shortens lifespan by four years.
A new study found that increased walking and cycling in cities like London and Delhi can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve public health more effectively than using lower-emission motor vehicles. The study suggests prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure to create safe urban environments for mass active travel.
A 30% reduction in livestock production in high-producing countries could lead to a substantial decrease in saturated fat consumption, resulting in positive effects on health. This reduction would also contribute to slowing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The European Society of Cardiology will hold a Joint Scientific Forum on optimal diabetes management in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Experts will explore the link between diabetes and heart disease, and discuss treatment strategies for Asian patients.
Beta-blockers targeting both alpha- and beta-receptors offer the most benefit to cardiac patients, while those targeting only beta-receptors can harm the heart's structure and function.
A new NIH study led by Stanford University School of Medicine researcher Mark Hlatky found that drug therapy is more cost-effective than angioplasty for diabetic patients with mild-to-moderate heart disease. The study showed an average savings of $11,000 per patient over four years.
Hardening of the arteries has been detected in ancient Egyptian mummies, dating back to 3,500 years ago. Atherosclerosis, a build-up of fat and cholesterol in blood vessels, was found in four out of 20 mummies.
A motivationally-enhanced cardiac rehabilitation program for women with coronary heart disease significantly improves depressive symptoms and adherence rates compared to traditional programs. The intervention, tailored to the needs of women and their stage of readiness, led to sustained improvements at a 6-month follow-up period.
Researchers found that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The study also showed reduced episodes of chest pain in daily life.
Researchers found that boiling or baking fish with low-sodium soy sauce and tofu is beneficial for heart health, while eating fried, salted, or dried fish increases risk. Omega-3 intake varied by gender and ethnicity, with men who consumed more omega-3s having lower cardiac death rates.
A new study found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death in African American patients with coronary heart disease by nearly 50%. The nine-year trial also showed a clinically significant reduction in blood pressure and psychological stress.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a substance in the blood that may predict an individual's risk for heart disease. High levels of cystine, an oxidized form of the amino acid cysteine, were found to be twice as likely to result in a heart attack or death over a few years.
A study of 2,234 initially healthy men and women found no adverse effects from brief episodes of exercise-induced ventricular tachycardia. Regular exercise is still recommended for overall heart health without restrictions.
Researchers have identified desmin protein changes in heart muscle cells that strengthen the link between Alzheimer's disease and chronic heart failure. The study found that misshaped desmin proteins and amyloid-like debris are present in both heart tissue and brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a common underlying cause.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has published a new cookbook featuring 75 heart-healthy recipes from various cuisines. The recipes are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and are limited in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
Declining kidney function increases the risk of heart failure and premature death. Treatments that slow kidney function decline may safeguard heart health by stabilizing it in the normal range before kidney disease develops.
A team of Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute researchers, led by Eduardo Marbán, received a $5.5 million grant to develop cardiac stem cell therapies for strengthening and healing damaged heart muscle caused by cardiac arrest. The goal is to create new treatments for heart attack patients in four years or less.
A recent study by Dr. Ravi Bajaj found that over half of heart patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) do not receive counselling on their ability to drive after angioplasty, putting lives at risk. The study also revealed inconsistent driving restrictions among doctors, highlighting a need for improved education and patient safety.
Researchers recommend screening people over 40 for PAD due to its association with heart disease and stroke. The study found 17 cases of PAD among 362 volunteers, highlighting the importance of aggressive treatment and prevention strategies.
Middle-aged women have experienced an increase in heart attack prevalence over the past two decades. However, their chances of survival following a heart event have also improved, with women under 55 experiencing the largest reduction in mortality rates compared to men.
A Dutch study found that only 8.2% of fatigue patients received a diagnosis of severe illness, with musculoskeletal problems and psychological issues being the most common diagnoses. The study highlights the complexity of fatigue as a symptom of underlying specific disease.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that employees with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated chronic disease can incur healthcare costs up to $5,867 annually. Employers can prevent these conditions by implementing health risk appraisals and prevention programs, which cost as little as $150 per year.
New research suggests that augmenting antidepressant therapy with omega-3 fatty acid supplements does not provide benefit for patients with coronary heart disease and depression. The study found no difference in improvement between groups on the Beck Depression Inventory-II scores.
A genome-wide association study identified 22 regions of the human genome associated with eight blood measurements, including haemoglobin concentration and platelet counts. These genetic variants are linked to increased risk of heart disease, coeliac disease, and type 1 diabetes in European populations.
A recent Cochrane Systematic Review found no evidence that B-vitamin supplements can prevent heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. The review of 24,210 people showed that these supplements have no effect on the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
The new study aims to identify more accurate HDL biomarkers that can predict cardiovascular disease risk. The research team will examine blood samples from individuals to uncover the key role of 'good cholesterol' (HDL) in preventing heart disease.
A national survey reveals that most Americans are at risk of heart disease due to lifestyle factors like obesity, with fewer than half correctly believing they should adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle from childhood. The Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association has launched an education campaign called 'Family at Heart' to empower pa...
A pioneering model of heart disease has been recognized with a $2.5 million NIH Pioneer Award, proposing that an antioxidant molecule may lead to disease when overproduced due to a gene mutation. Researcher Ivor J. Benjamin aims to investigate this theory and develop new treatments for reductive stress-related heart disease.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered matrix metalloproteinase-8 plays a crucial role in clogged arteries and heart disease. The study found that MMP8 enhances the effects of existing ACE inhibitor drugs, potentially reducing deaths from heart disease.
A new study found that hormone therapy for prostate cancer increases the risk of developing heart problems, including coronary heart disease and heart attacks. The study suggests that doctors should consider heart-related side effects when prescribing endocrine therapy and refer patients to a cardiologist before starting treatment.
Two Australian research studies reveal that 50% of people over 30 do not have sufficient risk factor information recorded, and only 20% with high risk receive all recommended treatments. Indigenous healthcare sites show better patient management, with 44% prescribed appropriate medicines.
A nonagenarian researcher, Fred Kummerow, has filed a petition with the FDA to ban trans fats from the American diet. His research suggests that trans fats contribute to the two main causes of heart disease: blood clots and atherosclerosis. The FDA has 180 days to respond to his petition.
The guidelines focus on non-cardiac surgery, with an emphasis on assessing clinical risk factors and testing for ischaemic heart disease. Recommended medications include beta-blockers, statins, aspirin, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.
A study of 559 healthy women found a link between hopelessness and increased thickness of neck arteries, which can be a precursor to stroke. The researchers discovered that hopelessness was independently associated with cardiovascular disease risk in women without clinical symptoms of heart disease.
A new study found that hopelessness is associated with increased thickening of neck arteries in healthy women, even before they develop clinically relevant cardiovascular disease. Apathy among stroke survivors also impeded recovery and was linked to poor cognitive status and functional decline.
The number of people aged 60 or over in South Africa is projected to triple by 2025, leading to a doubling of cardiovascular deaths. The burden of non-communicable diseases is expected to increase as antiretroviral therapy reduces mortality from HIV/AIDS.
Heat waves pose a significant threat to older adults and individuals with chronic diseases, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to impaired thermoregulation. Air conditioning and working fans can reduce the risk of mortality by up to 80% and 30%, respectively.
Whole grain cereals contain surprisingly large amounts of healthful antioxidant substances called polyphenols, comparable to fruits and vegetables. Raisin bran has the highest amount of antioxidants per serving due to raisins.
A preclinical study suggests that ancient Chinese herbal formulas have profound nitric oxide bioactivity, which can signal blood vessel relaxation and eliminate clots. The findings offer new hope for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.
A landmark study found that moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a 46% increased risk of death in middle-aged adults, particularly men. The study also showed that men between 40 and 70 with severe sleep apnea were twice as likely to die during the study period.