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.
A recent study found that adolescent girls who consumed more calcium on average weighed less than those who consumed less calcium. The researchers discovered that an increase in one serving of dairy products or supplements resulted in a significant reduction in weight and body fat.
Researchers developed a low-dose statin and fenofibrate combination, which significantly reduced triglycerides, increased HDL, and lowered LDL in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. This treatment addresses multiple lipid abnormalities and may be key to preventing cardiovascular heart disease.
Researchers discovered 13 novel nucleotide variations in the coding region of the SCN5A gene, which is responsible for the initial upstroke of the heart's action potential. The study suggests that genetic variation may play a role in the ethnic difference in disease susceptibility among Japanese patients.
Researchers have found a potential genetic link between variations in the beta-2 receptor gene and a reduced risk of heart attack and death from coronary disease. The study, published by the American Heart Association, suggests that individuals with certain forms of the gene may be more resilient to cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that high levels of Lp-PLA2 and CRP are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, even in patients with 'normal' LDL cholesterol levels. The study used the PLAC test to measure Lp-PLA2 levels in participants and found significant associations between Lp-PLA2, hs-CRP, and CHD incidence.
Diabetic women who eat more fish have a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and mortality rates compared to those who rarely consume fish. The study found that higher fish consumption was associated with improved blood vessel functions, reduced blood clot formation, and decreased triglyceride levels.
A new study found that consuming cranberry juice daily can significantly increase levels of good cholesterol by an average of 10% and boost plasma antioxidant capacity by up to 121%. The effects are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.
A study by the American Heart Association suggests that women approaching menopause should take steps to lower their heart disease risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 perimenopausal women and found that many would become eligible for cholesterol-lowering therapy after age 55 if current risk factors are not modified.
Research suggests that employed African-American women have a 33% lower risk of coronary events compared to their homemaking counterparts. The study found no significant difference in heart disease rates among white women who worked outside the home and those who were homemakers.
Research finds that eating breakfast daily lowers rates of obesity and insulin resistance syndrome, a key factor in type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Whole-grain cereals also appear to have protective effects, with daily consumption associated with a 15% reduced risk of the syndrome.
A new study suggests that family history of heart disease and a genetic predisposition to stress may be key factors in the development of early heart disease. Men with a positive family history tend to develop heart disease 12 years earlier than those without, and experience higher stress levels
Researchers believe initiating hormone replacement therapy in younger women without advanced vessel disease can prevent heart vessel disease. However, delaying HRT may lead to ineffective or potentially harmful effects on older women with more advanced vessel disease.
Researchers found a mutant protein, phospholamban (PLN), that disrupts calcium signaling in heart muscle cells, leading to contractile dysfunction and heart failure. The study provides insight into the fundamental signals that tip a diseased heart into failure.
Mortality rates from cancer, stroke, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS declined significantly in Los Angeles County over the past decade. However, age-adjusted mortality from diabetes remained disproportionately high among African-American and Latino populations.
A long-term study of 54,412 women found that those who cared for loved ones for nine hours or more per week had a higher risk of coronary heart disease. The researchers suggest that mental distress, financial burdens, and limited social support may contribute to this increased risk.
Stanford is conducting an online self-management program for individuals with heart disease, lung disease, and type-II diabetes. The program aims to improve health outcomes by teaching participants how to manage their conditions effectively, including managing medications, exercise, and stress.
Researchers have identified a new gene, endothelial lipase (LIPG), that regulates HDL cholesterol levels and impacts the risk of developing heart disease. By altering LIPG expression in genetic models, scientists found an inverse relationship between HDL cholesterol and EL expression.
A new study found that men with moderate anger expression had nearly half the risk of nonfatal heart attacks and a significant reduction in stroke risk compared to those with low anger expression. Moderate anger may be protective against cardiovascular disease over a limited period, according to researchers.
Research reveals a strong link between poor amino acid breakdown and increased heart disease risk. Folic acid supplementation shows promise in reducing homocysteine levels and associated cardiovascular disease.
The Nutrigenomics Center will investigate how different foods interact with genes to increase the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The center aims to identify genes controlled by naturally occurring chemicals in food to improve health management for individuals based on their unique genetic makeup.
A study on breast cancer treatment found that many women do not receive adjuvant chemotherapy as recommended, with age being a significant factor. In contrast, women with known heart disease are at high risk of future heart events but often lack preventive treatments, highlighting the need for better care coordination.
A new UC Davis study reveals that C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a key role in the formation of blood clots and plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. High CRP levels can be reduced by losing weight, exercising regularly, or taking statin drugs.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that frequent light-to-moderate drinking reduces heart disease risk in men. Men who consumed alcohol three or four days a week had approximately 2/3 the risk of heart attack compared to those who drank less than once a week.
A study found that near-daily intake of alcohol is associated with the lowest risk of heart attacks in men. Regular consumption at least three to four days per week was linked to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends intensive diet counseling for at-risk adult patients to reduce fat and increase fruits and vegetables. Effective counseling involves multiple sessions and interactive materials, with studies showing significant changes in eating habits and some health benefits.
A new study suggests that high levels of inflammatory protein CRP are strongly associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease. The research found that patients taking beta blockers and statins had less inflammation, indicating that treating inflammation may play a crucial role in preventing heart disease.
A new study by the American Heart Association has found a significant link between tooth loss and an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Men with fewer than 25 teeth had a 57% higher risk of ischemic stroke compared to those with 25 or more teeth, suggesting that infection plays a role in stroke and heart disease.
Researchers describe three patients with valvular heart disease linked to long-term pergolide therapy, highlighting the need for further studies to determine the association. The Mayo Clinic team recommends discontinuing pergolide if valvular disease is detected, emphasizing the importance of monitoring patients
A study of Puerto Rican men found that small amounts of physical activity significantly protected against mortality, while moderate or intense exercise provided little additional benefit. Physical inactivity was a stronger predictor of death than being overweight or obese.
A new genetic test can identify patients with diabetes at high risk for heart disease, potentially saving lives through early intervention. Researchers analyzed the haptoglobin gene in a population-based study and found that individuals with one form of the gene were five times more likely to develop heart disease.
A large clinical trial found that hormone replacement therapy did not reduce the progression of coronary disease in postmenopausal women, while high-dose antioxidant vitamins may even increase mortality risk. The study used angiography to assess the effects of hormone therapy and antioxidants on cardiovascular health.
A study found that children of centenarians had a lower prevalence of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes compared to controls. They also tended to weigh less and have higher education levels and daily function-activity levels.
Researchers found that high levels of C-reactive protein and low albumin are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients. The study, which followed over 1,000 patients for four months, found that these proteins can identify patients at high risk before heart events occur.
A study of 774 older men found that high hostility was associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, independent of other risk factors like high cholesterol. The study suggests that mental health interventions may be effective in reducing the risk of CHD for individuals with high hostility levels.
Researchers found a fourfold increase in cerebral infarct deaths compared to hemorrhage between the 1930s and 1990s. This trend closely matched that of coronary heart disease, suggesting a common cause for these diseases, but differing from cerebral hemorrhage which showed a steady decline
Honey-baked meats contain antioxidants that may protect against heart disease, while bread crusts are rich in cancer-fighting compounds. Cranberries top the antioxidant chart, followed by canned corn, herbs like oregano, and sweet potato-based desserts.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that exercise, regardless of intensity or fitness level, can improve cholesterol levels by increasing the size of particles carrying good and bad cholesterol. The study also showed that standard lipid panels may not accurately measure risk of heart disease.
A new study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine has confirmed the existence of diastolic heart failure, a condition that affects older adults' quality of life and exercise capacity. People with this condition experience severely reduced physical ability and increased neuroendocrine activity.
A study found that White Americans' fruit and vegetable consumption rose by 11 percent when a supermarket was nearby, whereas black Americans showed a smaller increase. The research highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits.
The NHLBI has funded new heart health education projects in high-risk communities across the US, with a focus on reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke deaths. The projects will employ creative approaches to engage communities, including training peer health educators and conducting awareness-raising town-hall meetings.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nurse case management significantly improves risk factor management in patients with coronary heart disease. The program led to healthier diet and exercise patterns, as well as higher achievement of recommended cholesterol levels, compared to minimal intervention.
A recent study by UC Irvine researchers suggests that dwelling on emotionally charged events, such as arguments, can lead to higher blood pressure and increased risk of later health problems. The study found that ruminating over past stresses can cause longer recovery times in the body than non-emotional yet stressful events like running.
The study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer, pulmonary embolism, and stroke in women, while reducing the risk of colorectal cancer and hip fractures. HRT may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease among older women.
Researchers developed a computer model of blood flow in the aorta, identifying areas prone to disturbed flows that could lead to atherosclerosis. The model uses CAT scan images and predicts where oscillating flows may cause damage, allowing doctors to assess heart disease risk.
A clinical trial found that consuming almonds daily significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic subjects. The study also showed that eating more almonds increased the reduction of 'bad' cholesterol even further, without resulting in weight gain.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that c-reactive protein inhibits protective enzyme eNOS, leading to increased plaque formation and heart disease risk. This finding supports the need for new screening guidelines and highlights the importance of measuring c-reactive protein levels in high-risk groups.
A study of 536 patients found that women reported poorer physical and psychological functioning after hospital treatment, with lower quality of life associated with feelings of loneliness. The absence of social support was a key factor in this difference, highlighting the importance of friendship and companionship for women's well-being
The primer series provides a historical background of genetics and the sequencing of the human genome, as well as principles and methods in molecular biology. The authors highlight the potential benefits of the genomic revolution in understanding diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
Research at Cornell University found that cooking sweet corn increases its antioxidant activity by up to 53% and ferulic acid content by 900%. This boost is due to the release of bound ferulic acid during high-temperature cooking.
Researchers found that humming increased nitric oxide levels in the sinuses, boosting ventilation. Smoking by family members was linked to an increased likelihood of children being diagnosed with asthma before age 6. Obstructive sleep apnea was also associated with a significant increase in heart disease.
A 7-week dietary intervention found that omega-3 supplements increased systemic arterial compliance by 36% with EPA and 27% with DHA. Both groups also showed significant declines in plasma total triacylglycerol concentrations, suggesting a potential benefit for heart health.
A school program called CATCH significantly increased moderate to vigorous physical activity, decreased fat in meals, and reduced sodium content. The program's effects were more pronounced than expected, with substantial increases in physical activity levels.
A long-term study of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women with heart disease found no reduction in heart attack risk and increased blood clot risk. The therapy also showed a higher risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery.
A study of 2000 non-smoking patients found that even brief exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of acute heart disorders by 26%. The researchers conclude that eliminating cigarette smoke from public places is crucial to protecting non-smokers.
Research by Wake Forest University professor suggests that hormone replacement therapy can help prevent heart vessel disease when started at the right time. Studies on postmenopausal monkeys and younger women have found a strong link between estrogen therapy and reduced fatty build-up in the heart's arteries.
Research found that adults consuming at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables daily had a 27% lower stroke incidence and 42% lower stroke mortality rate compared to those with low or moderate intake. Regular exercise, no smoking, and low dietary cholesterol also contributed to cardiovascular disease prevention.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in men. The research, led by Peter P. Vitaliano, identified a general pattern connecting chronic stress to heart disease, including poor health habits and changes in body composition and metabolism.
Lonely college students exhibited increased blood pressure from mentally stressful tasks, with higher vascular resistance and lower cardiac output compared to non-lonely peers. In older subjects, systolic blood pressure rose with age in lonely individuals, suggesting a pervasive cardiovascular risk associated with loneliness.
A new study found that women hospitalized for a heart attack or unstable angina are less likely to be referred to cardiac rehabilitation programs despite being good candidates. Women with lower family income and less confidence in their ability to improve their heart health face significant barriers to participation.
A new study challenges the Hispanic paradox, finding that U.S.-born Mexican Americans have higher rates of heart disease deaths than non-Hispanic whites. Researchers also found that Mexico-born Hispanics were not significantly different in mortality risk.