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.
Researchers have uncovered a complex network of how one bad guy regulates another bad guy, finding a key peptide hormone called angiotensin controls the expression of an important part of PDGF. This discovery could lead to specific inhibitors of growth factor production to reduce the incidence of common vascular disorders.
A study found that inner city and rural patients who used a telemedicine system significantly reduced their cardiovascular disease risk factors over eight months. Participants showed significant reductions in blood pressure, body mass index, and overall heart disease risk.
Researchers found significant and long-lasting heart benefits for bariatric surgery, including improved body weight, lipid levels, blood pressure, and fasting glucose. The study estimated that the surgery could prevent 16 cardiovascular events and 4 overall deaths per 100 patients compared to the control group.
A new study suggests that aspirin is beneficial for preventing heart attacks and events in men at 5-10% coronary heart disease risk. The therapy also becomes cost-effective when combined with statins for high-risk patients.
Researchers found that low serotonergic function was associated with thicker carotid arteries, suggesting a link between the serotonin system and atherosclerosis. The study's findings could lead to new avenues for preventing heart disease and stroke through the regulation of brain chemistry.
A community-wide health program in Limburg, Netherlands, reduced the worsening of health status among residents aged 25-70, particularly for BMI and waist circumference. The study found significant differences in systolic blood pressure between the intervention group and a control group.
The US Surgeon General has launched a new, free, Web-based tool called My Family Health Portrait to help Spanish-speaking families organize their health histories. The tool provides a graphic printout that organizes information into a diagram or chart, which can be shared with healthcare professionals.
A recent study published in Diabetes reveals that diabetes rates in the US have increased dramatically over the past decade, leading to a sharp rise in hospitalizations and deaths from coronary heart disease. As a result, progress made in reducing illnesses and deaths from this condition may be put at risk.
Scientists have identified two blood clotting genes associated with an increased risk of coronary disease, finding that genetic variants of factor V and prothrombin increase thrombin production. The study suggests the need for bigger studies to identify other genetic causes of heart attacks.
Research suggests a connection between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis, which may be driven by bacteria from gum infections entering the bloodstream. This study emphasizes the importance of managing both oral health and cardiovascular risk factors to reduce overall disease risk.
A study by Yale University researchers found that caspase 3 and caspase 7 are crucial for apoptosis, a process essential for embryonic development and immune system function. Mice lacking these proteins died within the first day of life due to defective cardiac development.
Researchers found patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a three-fold increase in carotid artery atherosclerosis compared to those without RA. Statins and b-blockers may also affect coronary heart disease severity, while hospital volume doesn't correlate with pneumonia care quality.
A landmark study by Harvard Medical School found that spousal illness significantly elevates a partner's mortality risk, particularly within the first two years. The study also revealed specific illnesses have varying effects on partners' health, with dementia and heart disease being most detrimental.
A new study found that eating one grapefruit daily can lower blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia, reducing the risk of heart disease. Grapefruit's antioxidant action is believed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Frank LaFerla, a UCI neurobiologist, has made significant strides in understanding the molecular development of Alzheimer's disease. His work identified beta amyloid and its buildup as the trigger that marks the onset of memory decline, contradicting previous beliefs.
The NIH has launched two initiatives to identify the genetic and environmental underpinnings of common illnesses. The Genes and Environment Initiative will combine genetic analysis and environmental technology development, while a public-private partnership called GAIN will accelerate genome association studies with $5 million from Pfi...
A low-fat diet was associated with a 15% reduction in estradiol levels and a 30% risk reduction for a certain subtype of breast cancer. The study also found no significant impact on heart disease, but trends toward reduction were seen among women who made the greatest reduction in saturated fat and trans fat consumption.
A recent study found that reducing total dietary fat had no impact on the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, heart disease, or stroke. Researchers believe that focusing on the types of fats consumed, rather than just reducing total fat, is crucial for disease prevention.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that a low-fat diet did not significantly decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke. However, trends toward greater reductions in CHD risk were observed in those with lower intakes of saturated fat or trans fat, or higher intakes of vegetables and fruits.
A study of nearly 49,000 postmenopausal women found a modest reduction in breast cancer incidence among those with high fat intake, but this benefit was not seen in those who reduced their fat intake. Women should focus on reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing vegetable consumption, and maintaining regular exercise for overall ...
A new study has found that high blood pressure and kidney disease increase the risk for heart disease and stroke in older Americans. Patients with moderate chronic kidney disease had a 38% greater chance of developing heart disease than those with normal kidney function.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that nearly 10 million more adults have high LDL-C (
The Generation Scotland project is a multi-million pound initiative that will follow the health of 50,000 Scots family members over the next generation. The study aims to explore the causes of common diseases and identify those at high risk of developing genetic conditions.
Grande-Allen's team aims to identify specific drug therapies for patients with valve disease by recreating conditions such as neurohormone buildup and serotonin levels. The bioreactor will simulate mechanical stimulation and fluid movements found inside a living heart.
A recent study has found that a specific genetic variation, ALDH2*2, is responsible for the reduced effectiveness of nitroglycerin in Asian populations. This variation affects the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), which plays a crucial role in metabolizing nitroglycerin.
Studies found that erectile dysfunction is common among men and associated with various chronic diseases, including heart disease. The condition was also linked to increased risk of future cardiovascular events, diabetes, and hypertension.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a method to visualize the heartbeat of fruit flies, enabling them to identify genetic mutations associated with human heart disease. The team inserted a mutated gene into the fly genome and observed its effects, revealing similarities with human dilated cardiomyopathy.
The UK Biobank project and the American National Human Genome Research Institute project will gather information to study the interaction between genes and environment over time. The studies aim to identify new treatments for diseases such as cancer and heart disease, but critics raise concerns about privacy and data reliability.
A four-year study of designer rats with high blood pressure and healthy counterparts has identified candidate genes that may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The online database TREX is now available to researchers worldwide, offering an unprecedented amount of data to mine.
A Northwestern University study found that middle-aged individuals with higher body mass indexes had significantly higher risks of hospitalizations for and deaths from heart disease and diabetes in older age. Having a normal BMI in young adulthood and middle age confers significant health benefits.
Ferriprox has been shown to provide significantly better cardio-protection compared to deferoxamine, reducing heart iron concentrations and improving cardiac function in thalassemia patients. The study findings suggest that Ferriprox's small structure provides a greater potential to chelate intracellular iron in the heart.
Researchers found that mice fed a soy-based diet had significantly worse heart problems than those on a milk protein-based diet. This is the first study to show an environmental influence can affect the heart.
Researchers found that a soy-based diet caused significant growth in the hearts of male mice, whereas female mice showed no such effect. The study suggests that phytoestrogens may play a role in exacerbating heart disease, particularly in males.
Researchers found that treating severe gum disease can lower systemic inflammatory markers associated with cardiovascular risk, suggesting a potential link between gum disease and heart health. The study suggests improving periodontal health could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study by CU-Boulder researchers found that male mice with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy developed enlarged hearts and heart failure on a soy diet, but not female mice. The team hypothesized that plant-based estrogens in the soy diet triggered biochemical reactions leading to programmed cell death in the heart.
The new JBS 2 guidelines focus on cardiovascular disease as a whole, including those with hardened arteries and diabetes. Screening is recommended for adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease, with targets set for blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels.
A recent study found that African-Americans are more likely to develop arterial leg disease, a condition that can lead to amputation if left untreated. Cigarette smoking is the single most important risk factor for the disease, which is also associated with hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
Researchers analyzed data from over 41,000 adults and found a significant association between tooth loss and heart disease, even among those who had never smoked. The study highlights the importance of promoting good oral health to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A Swedish study found that patients diagnosed with depression were 1.5 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those without depression. Young adults between 25-39 years old had an even higher risk of developing CHD, with a ratio of 3.
A recent study found that traditional risk-factor scoring misses one-third of women vulnerable to coronary heart disease, highlighting the need for additional screening methods. Cardiac CT scans are recommended for certain groups of women based on their Framingham Risk Estimate and calcium scores.
A study comparing the genomes of boxers and poodles identified significant genetic variations that could be used to study diseases, development, and behaviors in dogs. The research also sheds light on evolutionary influences shaping mammalian genomes.
The new guidelines provide a concise diagnostic and treatment guide for patients with PAD. They emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment, recommending specific questions, clinical clues, and therapeutic choices to maintain functional independence and decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
Research in monkeys shows that stress in younger years can lead to reduced estrogen levels and increased risk of heart disease later in life. Perimenopause is a critical time for cardiovascular health, and starting hormone therapy earlier may be more effective than waiting until menopause.
Researchers found that patients with severe periodontitis have elevated levels of small-dense LDL in their blood, which increases the risk of heart disease. The study also suggests that platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase may play a role in this increased risk.
A team of scientists has identified the responsible gene, MMACHC, for a rare and devastating genetic disease. The discovery enables the development of early diagnosis and carrier assessment tests, improving the lives of those afflicted with the disease.
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that women with similar levels of heart disease as men reported milder symptoms and perceived their disease as severe less often. Researchers suggest this may contribute to differences in heart care delivery between genders.
Studies found that depressed heart patients are more likely to miss medication doses, with 14% of depressed patients not taking their meds as prescribed. Elevated stress hormones also linked to depression in heart disease patients.
A German study of 37 men and 18 women found that some riders experienced increased heart rates that could lead to arrhythmias, especially in those with high blood pressure or previous heart attacks. Researchers suggest operators have external defibrillators on hand for safety.
Researchers found that replacing carbohydrates with protein and unsaturated fat can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. The OmniHeart study suggests that these modifications can be effective in reducing some risk factors and estimated risk for heart disease.
The IDEAL study found that intensive LDL-C lowering therapy in patients with previous myocardial infarction did not significantly reduce primary end points but showed reduced risk of secondary composite endpoints and nonfatal acute MI. No differences were observed in cardiovascular or all-cause mortality.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that replacing carbohydrates with protein-rich foods or monounsaturated fats reduces the risk of heart disease. The study, which lasted three years, involved 164 healthy adults who followed one of three diets: high in carbohydrate, high in protein, or high in monounsaturated fat.
The Oxford Vascular Study found that cerebrovascular events occurred at similar ages to coronary vascular events, but stroke was more likely to cause major disability. Stroke has a greater clinical burden than heart disease in the UK due to higher rates of acute events and major disability.
Dr. Shiriki Kumanyika has won the first-ever American Heart Association Population Research Prize and the 2005 Dr. Herbert W. Nickens Epidemiology Award from the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc., for her tireless efforts in preventing heart disease, stroke, and related disorders.
A population study of over 3,000 adults found that hostility does not affect long-term heart health in women, unlike men. Men with high hostility scores were twice as likely to experience recurrent heart disease events.
A Stanford study found that only 33% of high-risk patients received aspirin therapy in 2003, despite conclusive evidence of its benefits. Meanwhile, physicians are increasingly prioritizing pricey statins over aspirin due to heavy marketing.
Dr. Robbins' research focuses on understanding the cellular functions of the heart and identifying genes associated with heart disease. He has developed genetically modified laboratory models to study the connection between protein mutations and heart disease.
The red kiwi has been found to have a promising nutritional profile, making it a potential addition to the diet for its high antioxidant content and low calorie count. The fruit's vibrant red color is also attributed to the presence of anthocyanins, which have been linked to several health benefits.
A recent study published in JAMA found that children with neurological and neuromuscular diseases are at a higher risk of developing respiratory failure from the flu. The study recommends annual influenza vaccination for these children to prevent serious complications.
A study by the University of Bristol found that socio-economically deprived individuals are less likely to receive cholesterol and blood pressure-lowering treatment. The Framingham score, used to identify high-risk patients, was shown to underestimate risk in these groups, resulting in inadequate preventive treatments.
Researchers analyzed human genome variation in various populations to understand disease susceptibility, reproductive success and genetic disorders. Gene conversion played a critical role in shaping the genetic diversity of the Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotropin Beta cluster, which is associated with pregnancy success.