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.
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.
Using guinea pigs, researchers increased production of G-protein Gem, which decreased calcium current densities by 30-90% and helped steady irregular heartbeats. Gene therapy shows promise as an alternative to calcium channel blockers with fewer side effects.
Researchers found a significant link between deep periodontal pockets and ECG abnormalities, with those having pockets over 2mm at greater risk. Periodontitis may contribute to cardiovascular disease by causing inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions.
Regular cardiac monitoring and prompt treatment can prevent and reverse severe heart dysfunction in thalassemia major patients. The study found that intensive deferoxamine mesylate treatment significantly improved survival rates among those who complied with therapy.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered a link between heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that toxic protein clusters called beta-amyloids, associated with Alzheimer's disease, are also present in the hearts of patients with heart failure.
Removing abdominal fat by liposuction did not improve insulin sensitivity or reduce risk factors for heart disease. However, the procedure was found to be safe for large-volume fat removal.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects 1 in 500 adults and is the commonest cause of sudden death in otherwise fit young people. Treatment options include medication, surgery, or implantable defibrillators to relieve symptoms and prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
A Duke University study found that former smokers who quit for 15 years or more have no significant difference in healthy life remaining compared to non-smokers. Heavy smoking reduces years of healthy life by approximately two years for men and 1.66 years for women, highlighting the importance of quitting now.
Chronic diseases are the largest cause of death worldwide, with a projected increase in global prevalence over the next two decades. Key risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthful diets, and lack of physical activity, with most cases occurring in developing countries.
The UK government has rejected proposals to sell simvastatin over-the-counter for the primary prevention of heart disease due to financial reasons. This decision may increase inequalities as many people cannot afford the medication, which is currently prescribed to around 1.8 million people in the UK.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in US women over 45, with inadequate screening contributing to high mortality rates. Women often fail to receive aggressive risk factor management, exacerbating poor outcomes compared to men.
Researchers linked mid-life heart disease risk factors to increased dementia risk later in life. The study of over 11,000 participants found that those with four key risk factors had nearly three times the chance of developing dementia compared to those with none. Presence of each risk factor added a 20-40% greater risk for developing ...
A recent study by American Academy of Neurology found that patients taking pergolide for Parkinson's disease have a higher risk of developing valvular heart disease. Eighty-nine percent of pergolide-treated patients showed some degree of valvular insufficiency, with increased risks in the mitral and aortic valves.
A newly discovered gene, Pcsk9, has been found to regulate the uptake of bad cholesterol from the blood by affecting liver cells' LDL receptors. This study provides a potential therapeutic approach to treating high blood cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for heart disease.
A Temple University study found that patients with diseased aortic valves before receiving an LVAD have significantly lower survival to transplant rates. Conversely, those with normal aortic valves have higher survival rates, suggesting the importance of valve repair or upgrade in heart transplant optimization.
Researchers found that patients with autoimmune disease have higher levels of fatty deposits in blood vessels, which cause heart disease. Additionally, atherosclerosis worsens autoimmune symptoms, implying that low-fat diets may benefit patients with autoimmune disease.
Researchers developed a new method to speed up the search for genes involved in complex medical conditions. By substituting one chromosome at a time, they can detect gene locations with greater accuracy and efficiency. This breakthrough has the potential to accelerate the discovery of disease-causing genes and lead to new treatments.
A new study reveals that torcetrapib significantly increases levels of HDL cholesterol in patients with low levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. The drug works by inhibiting the transfer of cholesterol from HDL to LDL, and its effectiveness is maintained when given in combination with a statin.