Articles tagged with Heart Disease
Research highlights that body mass index is just one aspect of ischemic heart disease risk, with insulin resistance syndrome playing a significant role. Metabolically healthy obese men and metabolically unhealthy lean men have been found to have different heart disease risks.
A new study suggests that eliminating the enzyme ACAT2 could dramatically reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Research in animals shows that cholesterol altered by ACAT2 is more likely to build up in blood vessel walls and cause atherosclerosis.
A study of over 800 participants found that each gender tends to think risks are higher for their own sex than for the other. Men were more likely to believe men are at risk of accidents, while women believed women are more likely to experience cancer and mental illness.
A new study published in JAMA found that low-birthweight infants have elevated levels of apolipoprotein C-1, a biomarker associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Infants born at 28 weeks or earlier and weighing less than 3.4 pounds were more likely to have high apo C-1 levels.
A new study found that traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes are strongly associated with cardiovascular death in kidney patients. Emerging risk factors like elevated C-reactive protein levels were not as strongly linked to increased risk of cardiovascular death.
Scientists have found nanobacteria in terrestrial environments and four continents, suggesting they may play a role in global disease dispersal. The microbes are also thought to contribute to cloud formation and nucleation.
A new pump device, partnered with stem cell technology, aims to address heart failure and improve heart function. Research on ventricular assist devices (VADs) and pediatric devices is also ongoing, with a focus on developing smaller devices for children and improving outcomes.
The ALLHAT study found that diuretics are superior to calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors in lowering blood pressure and preventing heart failure. Diuretics were also more effective in reducing high blood pressure and stroke in black patients, supporting the use of diuretics as first-line therapy for high blood pressure
Scientists have identified a potential new treatment for structural heart disease by blocking the activity of a protein called CaM kinase. The findings suggest that inhibiting this protein may prevent or reduce symptoms associated with structural heart disease, including electrical instability and mechanical dysfunction.
Researchers found that inflammatory proteins produced by fat tissue are linked to increased risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The study suggests that modifying these proteins through medication could lower heart disease risk.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that uric acid levels are unlikely to be a major determinant of coronary heart disease. The research analyzed data from over 9,400 cases of CHD and 155,000 controls, concluding that improving diet, losing weight, and controlling blood pressure may help reduce the risk of CHD.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new initiative called Women at Heart to improve the handling of women with cardiovascular disease. The initiative aims to highlight the growing burden and under-appreciation of women's heart disease, and promote better understanding and treatment among medical professionals.
A study found that women with left-sided breast cancer had a higher risk of death from ischemic heart disease after radiation therapy, but this increased risk declined over time. Advances in radiation techniques have reduced the dose to the heart, resulting in lower mortality rates among women diagnosed with right-sided breast cancer.
A recent study found that advancements in radiation techniques have greatly reduced the risk of cardiac death after radiation therapy for breast cancer. Women with left-sided breast cancer had a higher mortality rate from ischemic heart disease compared to those with right-sided breast cancer, but this difference decreased over time.
A 15-year study in rural Greece found that living in a mountainous area was associated with lower death rates and healthier heart profiles compared to lowland areas. Higher blood lipids and blood pressure were linked to increased risk, but other protective factors may be at play.
A new study has found a direct association between periodontal bacteria and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The research, presented at the International Association for Dental Research, measured carotid artery thickness in subjects with high levels of periodontal-disease-causing bacteria.
Children with Progeria have lower levels of HDL cholesterol and adiponectin, contributing to accelerated plaque formation. The study aims to better understand atherosclerosis in the aging population and find treatments for this rare genetic disorder.
Dr. Robert Duster cautions against FDA approval of BiDil due to its potential for racial bias and inadequate genetic markers. He argues that a more nuanced approach is needed to ensure effective treatment for diverse populations.
A 12-week Tai Chi exercise program showed high completion rates and health benefits among 27 Chinese women with cardiovascular risk factors. The program's success was attributed to cultural relevance, accessibility, and the Yang Style of Tai Chi.
Researchers found that women with diabetes had over two and a half times the risk of heart disease compared to women without diabetes. Men with diabetes had about a 90% higher risk of dying from CHD as men without diabetes.
Researchers found that marital strain can increase a woman's risk of death from any cause, with self-silencing during conflict being a significant factor. Married men also had a lower risk of developing heart disease compared to unmarried men.
Tamoxifen has been shown to reduce breast cancer recurrence by up to 50% and lower heart disease risk in women with breast cancer. The study found that current use of tamoxifen was associated with a significantly reduced risk of heart disease, particularly in women who had completed less than two years of therapy.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are three times more likely to have been hospitalized for an acute heart attack during the two years before diagnosis. They were also twice as likely to experience unrecognized heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths after diagnosis.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for heart failure soon after the onset of symptoms and throughout their disease course. The elevated risk is not attributed to traditional cardiovascular factors like diabetes or high cholesterol.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are twice as likely to develop congestive heart failure, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors. This association remained consistent across all ages and sexes, and was particularly pronounced among those with rheumatoid factor-positive RA.
A study found that doctors underestimate women's heart risk, leading to less preventive care. Despite having the same calculated risk as men, women are more likely to be classified as having lower risk and receive less preventive care.
Researchers found that nicotine caused a significant increase in atrial interstitial fibrosis and electrical remodeling in hearts with myocardial infarction, leading to atrial flutter. The study suggests a causal link between nicotine and atrial flutter, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies.
A survey found that nearly half of US adults aged 40 and over who are at increased risk of heart disease do not take aspirin to reduce their risk. The study suggests a need for improved communication between doctors and patients about the importance of aspirin therapy.
A recent study found that Vioxx increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 34%, with a higher risk associated with standard and high doses. The study estimated that 88,000-140,000 excess cases of serious coronary heart disease occurred in the US due to Vioxx use.
A new coronavirus has been found in children with symptoms of Kawasaki disease, a condition that also affects the lungs. The virus was detected in 73% of Kawasaki patients but only 5% of healthy children.
Researchers found that depressed patients are twice as likely to die within two years after their first heart disease episode compared to non-depressed patients. The study also discovered a stronger link between depression and higher risk of death in studies published before 1992.
A study by Dr. Kathryn M. Rose found that individuals with migraines or other severe headaches were three times more likely to report chest pain compared to those without such conditions. However, the study did not find a significant association between headaches and coronary heart disease.
Researchers at Boston University analyzed heartbeat data from five healthy volunteers to understand the impact of circadian cycles on cardiac rhythms. The study found that the internal body clock influences cardiac fluctuations, with values showing a strong correlation when considering the entire 28-hour cycle.
Researchers discovered a genetic set of keys that unlocks the mystery of why some people can eat fatty foods without suffering from heart disease. The study found significant variations in genes associated with sugar and fat metabolism, which explain much of the variation in cardiac metabolism.
A new minimally invasive procedure using angioplasty and stenting is shown to be as effective as surgery in preventing strokes. The treatment involves widening the carotid artery to improve blood flow, with comparable rates of complications and a low rate of re-narrowing.
Researchers discovered that Thymosin beta-4 prevents cell death after a heart attack and limits scar tissue formation in mice. The protein promotes survival and migration of heart muscle cells, which could lead to new treatments for heart disease in humans.
A recent review of health journals found limited evidence on reducing health disparities, but identified a significant association between high-dose steroid use and increased cardiovascular risk. The review also provided new guidelines for blood thinner dosing in older patients with atrial fibrillation.
A University of Edinburgh health study found that people with previously undiagnosed diabetes are at a similar increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease as those with known diabetes. The researchers suggest using simple fasting blood sugar tests to identify individuals at high risk of heart disease and stroke.
A study by Saint Louis University researcher Amanda Harrod found that 73% of young families in Missouri's bootheel don't consume enough fruits and vegetables. Parents who eat out frequently also tend to have less produce at home, often due to a lack of taste preference.
African-American Heart Failure Trial (A-HeFT) reveals a 43% decrease in one-year mortality rates among patients taking the combined treatment, and significant improvements in overall survival and quality of life. The study suggests that BiDil can slow heart failure progression and reduce death rates in this population.
Maintaining a stable weight has been shown to lower risk factors for heart disease in young adults. Over a 15-year period, those who maintained their weight showed no significant increase in cardiovascular disease risk factors, compared to those who gained weight.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a genetic test that accurately distinguishes between ischemic and nonischemic heart failure. The test uses gene expression profiling to identify 90 genes that differentiate the two forms of the disease, improving accuracy and potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered that Netrin-1 stimulates cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, promoting angiogenesis. This finding has implications for treating diseases such as cancer and ischemic heart disease by either inhibiting or inducing blood vessel growth.
A new study suggests that the DASH diet's numerous fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contribute significantly to its health benefits. The diet's high intake of phytochemicals may help protect against various chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and other health conditions.
A new study by the American Medical Association links ephedrine to unheralded sudden cardiac death in individuals with asymptomatic heart disease. The study found that ephedrine can cause a potentially lethal arrhythmia when combined with a heart blockage, increasing the risk of fatal outcomes.
A study found that diet counseling was provided in less than 45% of visits and exercise counseling in under 30% with patients at risk of heart disease. The lack of counseling is attributed to physicians' perceived lack of training and tools, as well as reimbursement constraints.
A new study, ORCADES, will investigate the roles of inheritance and environment in causing three major killer diseases. The study aims to identify genes that predispose individuals to illness and understand the impact of lifestyle factors on disease development.
A study suggests exercise testing may benefit intermediate to high-risk asymptomatic men by identifying those with increased coronary risk, but also finds that greater exercise capacity predicts lower CHD risk. The results support using the Framingham Risk Score to inform exercise test ordering in these patients.
Researchers are investigating whether neglecting oral hygiene increases the risk of heart disease by allowing plaque to accumulate on teeth. The new study will examine white blood cell counts and other inflammatory markers in African American volunteers.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found a significant association between elevated CRP levels and negative psychological attributes. Respondents with anger, hostility, and mild to moderate depression had significantly higher CRP levels, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Researchers found that a frozen preparation of smallpox vaccine remained effective even at 10-fold diluted doses. The study involved 340 healthy volunteers and showed a high vaccination success rate, suggesting the vaccine can be safely expanded for use in emergency situations or during public health crises.
A genetic variant associated with increased heart disease risk emerged rapidly in the ancient European population around 24,000 years ago. The high-expression variant is linked to a mutation hotspot in MMP-3's regulatory DNA.
A study of 2,400 British middle-aged men found that the positive selection for a gene variant in the MMP3 gene resulted in a 43% lower incidence of coronary artery heart disease. The researchers suggest that this variation is not just harmless mutation, but rather a process contributing to population health.
A global study found that nine easily measurable factors predict the majority of heart attack risk, regardless of region or ethnic group. These factors include cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which collectively predict over 90% of heart attack risk.
Researchers identified rare genetic mutations that significantly increase heart disease risk by focusing on individuals at the extreme ends of HDL levels. These findings provide direct evidence that rare variations in DNA can affect HDL levels, opening up new avenues for treatment and diagnostic targets.
Researchers found genetic changes in mice fed a low-calorie diet that suppressed diseases and protected against chemical exposure. Compounds mimicking these changes target key receptors, including PPARalpha, with potential for developing life-extending drugs.
The study aims to understand the health effects of air pollution and cardiovascular disease, recruiting 8,700 participants in nine communities across the US. It will examine subclinical measures of atherosclerosis and clinical cardiovascular events, incorporating factors like diet and exposure to second-hand tobacco.
A new study shows that transitioning to a plant-based diet allows individuals to eat to satiety while losing weight. The study found that patients on a low-fat vegetarian diet experienced significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular health, with 89% feeling mostly or completely used to the diet after 14 weeks.
Researchers propose a new approach to understanding epigenetics in common diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The framework aims to analyze epigenetic marks across the entire genome, revealing their role in disease variability and progression.
A new screening test for heart disease has been developed by cardiologists that measures blood volume in the leg to gauge artery stiffness. The study found that this non-invasive test was strongly predictive of aortic atherosclerosis, a key indicator of coronary heart disease.