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.
Research reveals that Americans are increasingly seeking support through self-help groups, with those affected by embarrassing conditions showing higher participation rates. The study found that cities like Chicago had the highest levels of support groups, while rare and debilitating conditions were more likely to utilize online forums.
A new study from Yale University reveals that interferon-gamma protein causes hardening of arteries, rather than prevents it. The research used an animal model to show that the protein leads to muscle cell growth and lesions in artery walls.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that people with mild heart valve disease who took fenfluramine and phentermine may experience improved heart health after stopping the diet drugs. The research, led by Dr. Donald Hensrud, found that heart valve damage in individuals with mild disease may not be permanent.
Researchers Hu et al. found little distinction among saturated fatty acids on cardiovascular risk, and combining with less harmful ones in food sources reduced risk significantly when replaced by monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
A University of Michigan study found that older Americans with depressive symptoms are at a higher risk of developing new diseases within two years, comparable to those who smoke. Physical limitations and multiple symptoms of depression also significantly increase the likelihood of developing new disease.
Researchers found that lower total cholesterol levels require only dietary changes, while higher levels necessitate medication. The combined strategies are effective in reducing cholesterol across all surveyed individuals, regardless of their initial cholesterol levels.
A traditional Chinese diet high in vegetables and green tea may be protective against heart disease. Researchers found that westernized Chinese individuals consumed more animal fats and dairy products than those who followed a traditional diet.
Researchers found that 40% of men with erectile dysfunction had significant blockages in heart arteries, which is associated with chest pain and an increased risk of heart attack. The study suggests that erectile dysfunction may be an early warning sign of potential heart problems due to atherosclerosis.
A recent study of 4,462 male U.S. Army veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found a higher rate of heart disorders, including past heart attacks, compared to other veteran subjects. The study's results suggest that long-term severe psychological distress may cause coronary heart disease.
A new household activities scale appears to be a better measure of quality of life scores for older women with heart disease. The scale assesses daily tasks such as cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping, providing a more accurate reflection of physical activity limitations.
A large study of over 9,000 heart patients found that obesity is associated with a younger onset of heart disease, longer illness duration, and reduced life expectancy. The researchers also discovered that obese patients tend to have more severe health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
A new household activities scale appears to be a better measure of quality of life scores for older women with heart disease. The scale assesses daily tasks such as housekeeping, cooking, and laundry that are relevant to their lives.
Researchers found striking variations in heart disease rates across the US, with states with high cigarette smoking rates and lower educational levels having higher mortality rates. Lifestyle factors are believed to contribute significantly to early death from heart disease, particularly in male baby boomers.
A new study reveals that a specific gene variant, apoE-4, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, even in individuals with normal cholesterol levels. The research, conducted on 731 healthy adults, found that those carrying the apoE-4 gene had a higher incidence of coronary events compared to non-carriers.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that smokers have lower success rates with periodontal treatment, requiring further treatment nearly 43% of the time. Quitting smoking can improve oral health and reduce risks associated with heart disease and cancer.
Researchers have developed an assay that identifies specific combinations of gene variations linked to heart disease. The assay allows quick access to individuals' genetic profiles, enabling precise diagnostic tests for heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that severe psoriasis is debilitating, both physically and mentally, affecting quality of life for patients
Researchers found that people with heart disease can expect greater benefits from lowering cholesterol levels than those without, with a 60% decrease in heart attacks and 80% decrease in deaths. Emphasizing secondary prevention is now considered more cost-effective due to these significant benefits.
Researchers are focusing on two isoflavones in soy: genistein and daidzein. Preliminary evidence suggests that predominantly daidzein may be of greater cardiovascular benefit.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that heart patients experiencing wide emotional swings are more at risk for cardiac abnormalities, including myocardial ischemia. Doctors have tools like biofeedback and stress management to help patients control emotional swings.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that high financial stress and poor coping abilities significantly increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Those who effectively manage their finances and cope with stress have no more risk than those without money problems.
A new study finds that early aortic valve disease significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, angina, and even death in older adults. The condition, known as aortic sclerosis, is associated with a 50% increase in risk of heart-related causes, even after adjusting for other factors.
A new study found that women have limited knowledge of their mortality risks, particularly regarding heart disease and lung cancer. Women aged 55-74 were unaware of the deadliest cancer in this age group, while older women knew less about what kills them than other age groups.
Dr. Aliza A. Lifshitz, an internist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, won a media award from the American Heart Association Western States Affiliate for her two-part series on heart disease and its risks to Hispanic women.
A University of Toronto study found that soy foods reduced levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and lowered total cholesterol, potentially explaining why heart disease is rare in East Asian countries with high soy consumption. The research suggests broadening dietary strategies to include more soluble fibre and soy protein foods.
Eating a diet high in cereal fiber can help reduce a woman's risk of heart attack, with the highest fiber consumers having a 23% reduced risk of heart disease. The study also found that smoking less, exercising more and eating foods high in vitamins and minerals were associated with higher fiber intake.
New guidelines published by three major national medical organizations emphasize a simple treatment mnemonic -- ABCDE -- that outlines the ten most important treatment elements of stable angina management. Lipid-lowering therapies clearly improve patient outcomes, while Vitamin E and Vitamin C therapy have not yet been proven.
Researchers found progeria cells have low catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity, making it hard to remove toxic peroxides. Reintroducing these enzymes could halt or reverse the problem using adenovirus gene transfers.
The number of deaths from coronary heart disease has declined, with a reduction in heart attacks accounting for two-thirds of the decline. The study attributes the remaining third to increased survival rates among those who have had heart attacks.
Undergraduates at Johns Hopkins University engage in important research projects alongside top scientists, creating innovative solutions such as a robotic submarine and testing treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Students also develop digital models of the heart and conduct gene-therapy experiments with polymer nanospheres.
A study found that thickening of the aorta at its attachment to the heart increases the risk of stroke and death. Researchers identified moderate and severe atherosclerosis as major risk factors, with higher mortality rates among patients with more advanced disease.
Researchers found that a one-nanometer decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size is associated with a significant increase in heart disease risk, ranging from 30 to 230 percent, depending on the population studied. The study analyzed data from three different groups and controlled for various factors.
A recent study suggests that heart attack severity is decreasing in the US, with possible reasons including increased preventive measures and better treatment for heart attacks. The analysis of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study found a decline in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital coronary heart disease mortality.
A new study published by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) does not significantly elevate the risk of breast cancer in women with histories of benign breast disease. Women already face a higher risk, but ERT does provide benefits for heart and bone health.
Researchers found a direct dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and gum disease severity. Low antioxidant vitamins like selenium increased the risk of gum disease by 13-fold.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found an association between new hormone use and the occurrence of a second cardiac event in women with previous heart disease. The study suggests that hormone therapy may not be beneficial for women who already have heart disease, but may still be helpful for those without it.
Researchers found that Chlamydia proteins can trigger an autoimmune response in the host, leading to inflammation of the heart. The link between Chlamydia and heart disease appears to involve an autoimmune disorder, with similar proteins on the pathogen's surface matching those found in human heart muscle.
A study of 300 healthy women found that social isolation and suppressed anger are associated with decreased heart rate variability, a sign of physiological rigidity. This increased vulnerability to stress can lead to various diseases, including coronary heart disease and mortality.
A study by Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research found that small lifestyle changes can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure. After 2 years, both groups had significantly increased their physical activity and maintained improvements.
University of Florida researchers have successfully developed a gene therapy approach that replaces a crucial protein protecting the lungs from an often-fatal lung-liver disease. The method uses an adeno-associated virus to incorporate the missing protein, achieving high levels in the bloodstream for therapeutic effect.
Research shows that caregivers with Alzheimer's disease are more likely to develop a high metabolic syndrome level, which increases the risk of heart attack and other health complications. Interventions such as exercise, psychological uplifts, and improved diet may help reduce stress and mitigate this risk.
The study found that obesity significantly increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease, with risks rising from 35% for non-obese men to 46% for severely obese individuals. The expected lifetime costs of heart disease are also higher for obese individuals, ranging from $6,000 for mildly obese men to $16,400 for severely obes...
A new study by Merrill F. Elias and colleagues found that individuals with one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, obesity, and smoking, are more likely to experience cognitive decline, including memory and learning impairments.
A new study suggests that even moderate physical exertions can lead to dangerous shortages in blood supply to the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack. The research found that routine daily activities such as driving, housework, and yard work can trigger ischemia, a condition characterized by a sudden stoppage of blood flow.
Researchers find that a protein called Rb can keep heart cells 'dormant', preventing them from dividing and causing damage. By activating a related protein MRP1, scientists hope to induce heart cells to multiply and replace damaged ones, offering new gene therapy possibilities for treating heart disease.
A new study reports a significant increase in rheumatic fever cases in the Utah area, with over two-thirds of patients showing no history of sore throat. The disease, which can lead to permanent heart valve damage, is on the rise again, sparking concerns among medical professionals.
A survey of 1,469 women between 40-69 years old found that many are not getting enough counseling about estrogen-replacement therapy. Only 53% felt they made an informed decision about taking hormone replacement, highlighting the need for better education and guidance.
The Women's Health Initiative has reached its recruitment goal for a 15-year study examining the causes of death, disability and frailty in post-menopausal women. The clinical trial involves 68,000 women studying estrogen and progestin effects on heart disease and breast cancer.
The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women provides women with a personal action plan to reduce major risk factors and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Key statistics reveal that many women are at risk due to smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity, highlighting the importance of making lifestyle changes.
A study linked three specific genes to the progress of Long QT syndrome, a heart-rhythm disorder that affects 25,000 Americans annually. Patients with defective genes can now expect their disease course, allowing for targeted treatments and improved outcomes.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have found that cyclosporin can prevent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in rats and mice. This is an inherited form of heart disease affecting one in 500 individuals, characterized by cardiac hypertrophy.
The HERS study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and death in postmenopausal women with established heart disease. In the three-year follow-up, more deaths from heart disease occurred in the HRT group than in the untreated group.
A 10-year analysis of ischemic heart disease deaths among 34,492 postmenopausal women showed that those who consumed the most whole-grain had the lowest risk. The positive effect was attributed to increased intake of phenols, vitamins, and phytoestrogens.
Researchers found signs of C. pneumoniae in 17 Alzheimer's sufferers, but stress it may not cause the disease. The bacterium infects microglia and astroglia, producing inflammatory cytokines that trigger inflammation in Alzheimer's brains.
A University of Rochester team has developed a technology that provides the most thorough information yet on cells from the brains of deceased Alzheimer's patients, enabling comparison with healthy and sick cells. The study identified five genes whose expression differed significantly between healthy and Alzheimer's brains.
Researchers at Brown University found two independent cardiovascular disease risk factors in women taking HIV treatment cocktails: disfiguring extra fat around the torso and serum lipid levels. The study also documented another side effect: body fat changes, including prominent bellies and buffalo hump fat pads.
New research reveals that women living in low-income areas with single-parent households are more likely to die from heart disease, possibly due to increased social and physical stress. The study also found that African American women face higher mortality rates due to neighborhood environments that exacerbate health disparities.
A study found that family coordinators significantly improved asthma management in Latino and African-American families. The coordinators guided the families through four phases of self-regulation, increasing their knowledge and compliance with prescribed therapy.
Researchers have found that paraoxonase, an enzyme present in the blood, can prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reduce atherosclerosis. The discovery opens a possible new route to prevention of heart diseases.
A study of 228 diseased heart valves found organized, hard-bone tissue in 30 valves, suggesting an active process of calcification. The discovery could lead to the development of treatments to prevent or treat heart-valve disease and provide insights into rare disorders like fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.