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.
The HapMap project provides detailed information on genetic variations common in human populations, shedding light on the relationship between gene changes and diseases. Researchers have identified key sites of DNA recombination that may hold clues to understanding various conditions.
A large-scale study found a significant inverse association between time spent walking and risk of ischemic stroke, as well as an inverse relationship between sports participation and coronary heart disease risk in Asian countries. Regular physical activity was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.
The Human HapMap project provides a powerful tool for exploring the root causes of common diseases. By mapping genetic variation across the entire genome, researchers can identify genetic contributions to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease more efficiently.
A study found that employees who perceived a high level of justice at work had a 30% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. The association was independent of other risk factors, including job strain and effort-reward imbalance.
Researchers found elevated C-reactive protein levels frequently accompanied traditional heart disease risk factors like smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. High CRP levels were more common among those with at least one risk factor for heart disease.
Steroid treatment has been shown to reduce inflammation of the heart blood vessels by half in children with Kawasaki's disease. The use of steroids combined with aspirin and IVGB significantly decreases the risk of developing serious complications. Most children recover fully from Kawasaki's disease, which is treatable.
Researchers found that smokers had a significantly higher incidence of developing diabetes compared to non-smokers, even after adjusting for other risk factors. The study suggests another poor health outcome associated with cigarette smoking, supporting current surgeon general's warnings.
A study by John Scott found that the mAKAP signaling system is perturbed in cases of heart disease, leading to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for treating this condition by suppressing the enzyme phosphodiesterase with drugs such as growth hormone.
A large cohort study found a significant association between panic disorder and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 40,000 patients, suggests that cardiologists and internists should monitor patients with panic disorder to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers highlight the importance of raising HDL cholesterol levels, citing a link between higher levels and lower risk of fatal heart attacks. They recommend lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, weight control, and dietary changes to boost HDL levels, and discuss the benefits and potential risks of drug therapy.
A University of Southern California-led study found that air pollution poses a greater danger to health than previously thought, with a two- to three-fold increase in chronic health effects compared to earlier estimates. The study revealed a significant link between fine particle levels and increased risk of death from heart disease, l...
A survey of 40 hospitals found that high-fat foods contribute to the risk of heart disease among staff and visitors. In contrast, healthier options featuring vegetables, beans, and whole grains are shown to support overall health and well-being.
According to American College of Cardiology guidelines, several factors increase cardiovascular risk, including obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes. World Heart Day promotes awareness of these risks and encourages individuals to adopt healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced diet, and q...
A study analyzing 13,000 Scottish individuals found that excluding deprivation from heart disease risk scoring can exacerbate social gradients in disease. The researchers call for guidelines to be adjusted to take account of deprivation, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Cardiac stress testing reveals a significant association between exercise capacity and heart rate recovery with CHD mortality rates. The study found that asymptomatic individuals with below-average test scores were two to four times more likely to die from CHD within 10-20 years.
A study of over 16,000 participants found a graded association between high blood glucose levels and increasing coronary heart disease risk. Non-diabetic individuals with elevated HbA1c levels were at significantly increased risk of heart disease.
A review by Devereaux and colleagues highlights the risks of non-cardiac surgery, with 500,000 to 900,000 patients experiencing cardiac events each year. The authors discuss methods for estimating risk pre-operatively and communicating these findings to clinicians.
The study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of continuous telemonitoring of multiple disease-relevant parameters in patients with chronic heart failure. The results show that treatment can be adjusted before deterioration, leading to a gain in feeling of security and reduced hospital re-admissions.
A study monitored 2640 competitive athletes with arrhythmias, finding that 62 reported cardiac arrests and 38 were resuscitated. Illicit drugs, particularly anabolic steroids, increase the risk of lethal arrhythmias in athletes. Monitoring and treatment are crucial for young athletes and elite competitors.
A telemonitoring system tracks patients' vital parameters at home, enabling early detection of hemodynamic imbalance and prompt intervention. The study found improved health outcomes and reduced hospital re-admissions in patients with chronic heart failure.
A study of 3779 patients found women were 20% less likely to undergo an exercise test or angiography due to suspected coronary obstruction. Despite proven coronary disease, women received less aggressive treatment and were twice as likely to die or suffer a heart attack compared to men.
Researchers found that physical fitness reduces cardiovascular disease death risk by over 50% across all cholesterol levels. The study analyzed data from 19,125 men aged 20-79 and confirmed the effectiveness of revised guidelines for lowering bad cholesterol.
Researchers found that exercising regularly, eating a high-quality diet and maintaining a normal weight can reduce the risk of periodontitis by up to 40%. These healthy behaviors also contribute to lowering diabetes risk factors. Regular monitoring and promotion of these habits by oral health professionals can help prevent gum disease.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered that measuring C-reactive protein levels can help identify patients with stiffened arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study suggests that suppressing low-grade inflammation may be a potential target for improving arterial health.
A new study finds that ethnic minorities in Scotland experience a 60-70% higher incidence of heart attacks compared to non-South Asians. Poorer socio-economic status, environmental factors, barriers to healthcare, and genetic factors contribute to these disparities.
Researchers aim to investigate whether starting hormone therapy early can prevent atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The KEEPS trial, led by Yale University, seeks healthy women aged 42-58 for a double-blind study exploring the effects of early menopausal hormone therapy.
Researchers have discovered a novel probucol-analog that effectively protects against atherosclerosis without the same side effects as its predecessor. This breakthrough compound induces an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory pathway in blood vessel walls, offering new hope for treating people with or at risk of heart disease.
Research shows that cocoa's flavinoids can inhibit platelet function, potentially preventing coronary heart disease. In contrast, people with non-O blood types are at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly those carrying the Factor V Leiden variant protein.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers found significant differences in C-reactive protein levels among men and women, as well as between black and white patients. Women typically had higher CRP levels than men, while blacks had higher levels than whites, with a notable disparity in cardiovascular disease rates.
Researchers found that estrogen triggers molecular activity blocking cardiac hypertrophy, a common cause of heart enlargement and heart failure. The study suggests that estrogen supplements may prevent cardiac hypertrophy in postmenopausal women, continuing a debate on the hormone's role in limiting cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that all relatives with aortic valve disease had mutations in the NOTCH1 gene, leading to early developmental defects. The study suggests that targeting these mutations could prevent calcification and slow disease progression, offering potential therapeutic avenues for patients at risk.
Researchers used a new microarray technology to analyze the genes of healthy and diseased dogs, identifying 167 genes that may play a role in canine dilated cardiomyopathy. The study sheds light on the heart's response to disease and offers hope for future treatments.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that gastric bypass surgery significantly improves cardiovascular risk factors, including triglycerides and C-reactive protein levels. The procedure lowers these risks by up to 50%, even beyond what would be expected from weight loss alone.
Researchers found that Scots are more likely to have poorer economic situations, drink problems, and smoke more than English people. Despite controlling for these factors, the study revealed a 50% higher heart disease rate in Scotland compared to England.
Researchers used SPECT imaging to evaluate the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in patients with coronary heart disease. The study found that stem cells improved damaged heart function, surpassing improvements from increased blood flow to the affected area.
Researchers found that variations in four genes controlling inflammation are associated with insulin resistance in Mexican Americans. These findings may enable physicians to identify patients at high risk for developing diabetes and design therapies targeting these genes.
Research by Dr Amy Ferketich and Dr Philip Binkley found that men and women with heart disease in the US experience high levels of psychological distress, with only a third seeking mental health support. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 individuals with different forms of heart disease, highlighting the need for clinicians to c...
A study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that improved disease knowledge alone does not translate into improved blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, weight management, or mortality rates among diabetics. Despite this, education is still an important aspect of diabetes care.
Researchers found a significant gap in statin use among patients with high and moderate risk of heart disease. Statin therapy was underused in these groups, with fewer than half of patient visits associated with use, despite being recommended for them.
Researchers found that COX-2 inhibitors can lead to increased cardiovascular risk through vascular remodeling and blood pressure changes. The study suggests that shutting down prostacyclin, a protective fat produced by COX-2, may accelerate atherosclerosis and hardening of the arteries.
Research finds bacteria in subgingival plaques of periodontally diseased individuals are also present in their heart arteries, potentially causing inflammation and increasing heart attack risk. Maintaining good periodontal health is advised to prevent this potential effect.
Researchers found that speaking Spanish, offering health benefits, and addressing community needs are key factors in recruiting Hispanic participants for studies. The study, presented at the American Geriatrics Society meeting, aimed to understand how diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease affect Hispanics.
A review of studies suggests that a high-energy diet during pregnancy can 'program' an individual's appetite and increase their risk of developing heart disease and diabetes later in life. Rats fed a high-fat diet during pregnancy show abnormalities in their large arteries and kidney function in offspring.
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.