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 found that people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol and are physically active have a lower risk of death from heart disease than those who don’t drink or exercise. Moderate drinkers and regular exercisers had significantly lower risks compared to non-drinkers and inactive individuals.
A study of 1,739 participants found that vitamin D levels below 15 ng/mL were associated with a twice higher risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers also observed an increase in cardiovascular risk with each level of vitamin D deficiency.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that educational programs can significantly lower cardiac symptoms, help with weight loss and physical activity in female heart patients over 60. The research suggests that group programs are more effective for weight loss and self-directed programs are better for symptom management.
People with restless legs syndrome are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease, according to a study published in Neurology. The risk is highest in those with RLS symptoms at least 16 times per month, where they are more than twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease.
Research-backed stress relief solutions, such as emWave and StressEraser, have proven benefits through double-blind clinical trials. The American Institute of Stress has recognized these programs for their innovation and effectiveness in reducing stress.
A new study found that expanding health coverage to people without it leads to demonstrable improvements in health, particularly for those with heart disease or diabetes. Uninsured adults who gained Medicare coverage had 10 fewer major cardiac complications by age 72 compared to expected.
University of Michigan scientists have identified a previously unknown link in the biochemical reactions implicated in some forms of heart disease. The discovery provides a new target for future drug therapies and could potentially treat cardiovascular disease.
The $9.7 million VIRGO study aims to understand premature heart disease in young women, with 2,000 participants aged 55 and younger, compared to 1,000 men. Researchers will investigate genetic, demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors contributing to this high-risk group.
A Kaiser Permanente-funded study will analyze the medical records of 175,000 adults to find ways to improve cardiovascular care nationwide. The two-year study aims to connect adherence to evidence-based care guidelines with risk of disease events.
Researchers found that a higher waist-to-hip ratio is associated with a greater risk of heart disease, even when adjusting for other factors. The study suggests that focusing on waist-hip ratio rather than weight alone can provide a more accurate prediction of heart disease risk.
A new study found that up to 37% of males and 44% of females will be obese when they turn 35 years old, leading to increased heart attacks, chronic chest pain, and deaths. The study projects over 100,000 extra cases of heart disease by 2035.
A new study in The Lancet Chronic Diseases Series concludes that various interventions, including tobacco control, salt reduction, and multidrug regimens, are cost-effective and should be scaled up globally. These measures have been shown to lead to substantial reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality.
The proposed global goal aims to reduce chronic disease mortality by 2% yearly, averting millions of deaths and saving billions of dollars. In 23 studied countries, this reduction could extend life expectancy by up to 18 years.
A multidrug regimen targeting high-risk individuals for cardiovascular disease could avert 17.9 million deaths globally, representing one-fifth of chronic disease-related deaths. The strategy would require an average yearly cost of $1.08 across 23 countries, with lower costs in low-income settings.
Research found a strong association between higher total blood cholesterol and increased ischaemic heart disease (IHD) mortality in middle and old age. However, the relationship between cholesterol and stroke mortality was not independently linked, with complex results depending on age and blood pressure levels.
Recent research suggests that decades of progress in reducing young adult coronary disease risk appears to be stalling. The worrisome plateau is likely caused by poor health habits such as smoking, lack of physical activity, and excessive weight gain.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a simple approach to predict heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients, finding 85% of those 60-69 year olds had a 1 in 5 chance of developing serious cardiovascular events. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment for all newly diagnosed patients.
Steve Sternberg, a medical correspondent for USA Today since 1997, has received the American Heart Association's Howard L. Lewis Achievement Award for his outstanding reporting on heart disease and stroke. He is recognized for his dedication to making a difference through his writing.
A study by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that nearly one in four children with heart disease are overweight or obese, highlighting the need for doctors to counsel families on safe exercise routines. The researchers also noted that discussions about weight control were relatively uncommon during cardiology clinic visits.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that brothers are at a higher risk of developing heart disease than sisters, with a 20% increased risk within 10 years if any sibling has a heart attack. The younger the age of the sibling who develops heart disease, the greater the risk for other family members.
A key enzyme called CEH has been identified as a potential target for reducing heart disease by increasing the removal of cholesterol from plaques. The findings suggest that increasing CEH activity may reduce existing plaques in addition to preventing their formation.
Researchers identified a 41-gene signature in blood cells that distinguishes TAA patients from those without the disease with accuracy rates of 78-85%, paving the way for new detection and treatment methods.
A study of postmenopausal women found that healthy dietary patterns, moderate alcohol consumption, physical activity, a healthy weight, and not smoking were linked to a significantly reduced risk of heart attack. These behaviors, present in 5% of the population, may prevent 77% of myocardial infarctions.
The International HapMap Project has completed its second phase, tripled the amount of genetic variation assessed and describes up to 95% of common single-letter variations in the human genetic code. This increased density of identified SNPs allows researchers to better understand disease-associated genes and detect rare disease variants.
Research by Washington University School of Medicine found that obese children exhibit early heart disease symptoms, similar to those seen in obese adults. The study analyzed 168 children aged 10-18 and used a new imaging technique to track changes in the heart's muscular wall.
Bariatric surgery significantly increases the risk of death from heart disease and suicide, with nearly 6% of patients dying within five years. The study found that age and comorbidities play a significant role in these outcomes.
Researchers have found a link between decreased blood levels of ethanolamine plasmalogen and the severity of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential treatment target. Additionally, apolipoprotein B has been identified as a better predictor of coronary heart disease risk in Chinese populations than traditional markers.
A study published in JAMA found that chronic job strain after a first heart attack significantly increases the risk of another coronary heart disease event. The study, which included 972 participants, revealed that job strain was associated with a two-fold increase in recurrent CHD events.
A study of 9,011 British civil servants found those with negative close relationships had a 1.34 times increased risk of coronary heart disease. Negative emotions may partially mediate this association.
Researchers aim to modify traditional risk tools to include socioeconomic factors and calculate the impact on prediction. The study, which will use a database of over 30,000 adult patient cases, hopes to identify those with lower economic positions who may be more appropriately treated using an updated risk model.
Research suggests that disengaging from impossible goals can lower bodily inflammation levels, a potential risk factor for diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Setting new goals after giving up on an important one can also improve mental health by increasing purpose and mastery.
Patients seeking urgent health care have highest satisfaction with their own family physicians; new models of care can inform improved access and continuity. Treating anger and psychological stress may slow progression from prehypertension to hypertension and coronary heart disease, research suggests.
Only 29% of women surveyed knew about the landmark hormone therapy study two years after its announcement, highlighting a flawed mechanism for communicating crucial health information to patients. The study found that discussions with physicians were key to retaining this knowledge, but many women reported never having such conversations.
The NIH grant will support research on biological mechanisms of healthy aging, aiming to identify genes contributing to exceptional longevity and prevent age-related diseases. Dr. Nir Barzilai's team will collaborate with experts in gerontology, neurology, genetics, epidemiology, and statistical genetics.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers at Columbia University Medical Center will investigate the link between type 2 diabetes and heart disease using a $10.8 million NIH grant. They aim to understand how insulin resistance contributes to accelerated atherosclerotic lesion progression in diabetics.
A study found that inhaling diesel exhaust causes changes in the heart's electrical activity, reducing oxygen availability during exercise. Exposure to diesel exhaust also reduced the body's ability to release a 'guardian' protein, increasing the risk of blood clots.
The US continues to have the highest level of health spending among OECD countries, driven by higher prices and per capita incomes. The country has fewer healthcare resources and lower utilization rates compared to other developed nations.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies found that being moderately overweight increases heart disease risk by 32%, while obesity raises it by 81%. Excess weight is linked to increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, accounting for 45% of the increased risk.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that women with a family history of heart disease are less likely to quit smoking and engage in physical activity, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Women with this history also tend to have higher rates of unhealthy eating habits.
A recent study by the University of Warwick found that doctors' genders can impact the early detection of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women. The researchers discovered that female doctors were more likely to consider psychological explanations for women's health problems and paid attention to presentation style, potentially diverti...
Researchers found a moderate increase in risk of coronary heart disease associated with very low estimated glomerular filtration rate, according to a new prospective study and systematic review published in PLOS Medicine. The study suggests that renal function may be an important factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Mental disorders contribute significantly to the global disease burden, with a chronically disabling nature that complicates treatment and worsens outcomes. Research highlights the need for integrated mental health awareness into healthcare policy and delivery.
A study found that morbidly obese mice can gain protection against diabetes by consuming excess calories without developing insulin resistance. The key hormone adiponectin plays a crucial role in this process, and its abundance helps store excess fat in the right places.
Severely obese patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery show significant reductions in mortality rates from coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The study found a 56% lower mortality rate from coronary heart disease, a 60% lower death rate from cancer, and a 92% lower death rate from diabetes.
Researchers have discovered that 'good' cholesterol can undergo detrimental changes in protein composition, making it 'bad' for the heart. The study identifies previously unrecognized proteins that play an important role in maintaining heart health.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory University developed a nanoparticle that can detect and image trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide in animals. This innovation could lead to the creation of a simple diagnostic tool for detecting early stages of various diseases.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that a case-management approach helped lower heart disease risks by approximately 10 percent among a diverse group of patients, making it a cost-effective way to improve patient outcomes. The study also showed significant benefits for patients with chronic conditions.
Researchers at OHSU demonstrate a new technique using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and targeted microbubbles to detect inflammatory processes leading to atherosclerosis. This could enable early detection and prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke, two of the nation's most lethal diseases.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that apolipoprotein B:apo A-I ratio is not a better predictor of coronary heart disease risk than traditional lipid ratios. The study evaluated 3,322 middle-aged participants and found that the differences between the two measures were small and statistically nonsignificant.
Research reveals abnormal fat metabolism as a key factor in the development of heart disease among diabetics. Brief caloric restriction can lead to dramatic accumulation of triglycerides and cardiac hemodynamic dysfunction in transgenic myocardium expressing human calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ.
Reduced glutathione levels contribute to heart disease due to alpha B-Crystallin mutation; new class of drugs targets genetic pathway.
A systematic review of 46 randomized trials found that shorter, family-based heart health programs are just as effective as longer, specialist-led alternatives. These programs can improve life expectancy and reduce hospitalizations, making them a more efficient option for patients with less complex heart disease.
Research shows a slowdown in heart disease deaths among younger Britons, with death rates levelling off in some age groups. This trend is concerning as it may indicate that the gains made in reducing heart disease mortality are being reversed due to rising obesity and diabetes rates.
A study suggests that taxing high-fat foods in the UK could prevent up to 3,000 heart attack and stroke deaths annually. This approach would increase salt intake instead of reducing it, leading to potential health issues.
A daily dose of pistachios may improve risk factors for heart disease without weight gain, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. The pistachio diet led to statistically significant reductions in certain blood lipids and an increase in HDL-C.
Recent falls in US coronary heart disease deaths can be attributed to a combination of lifestyle changes and medical therapies. Despite decreases in risk factors such as smoking and high cholesterol, increases in obesity and diabetes offset the progress.
A £9 million study of 17,000 people has identified over 10 genes that predispose to common diseases, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as Crohn's disease. The findings have significant implications for understanding the genetic basis of disease and developing personalized treatments.
A new experimental drug blocks a protein linked to metabolic diseases, preventing and treating type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis in genetically predisposed mice. The compound's effectiveness suggests it may be protective against other metabolic disorders, including asthma.
A study found that metabolic syndrome is associated with compromised heart structure and function, including symptomatic heart failure. The association was independent of coronary heart disease risk as predicted by the Framingham risk score for diastolic dysfunction, but not systolic dysfunction.
A new study by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has linked low testosterone levels to an increased risk of death in older men. The research followed nearly 800 men aged 50-91 for an average of 18 years and found that those with low testosterone had a 33% greater risk of death.