Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A new approach to detecting Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to detect Alzheimer's disease by analyzing changes in brain oxygenation dynamics and neuronal function. The study found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease exhibit altered respiratory frequency, which may be an early indicator of the condition.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2025

Survey: While most Americans use a device to monitor their heart, few share that data with their doctor

A national survey of 1,008 Americans found that nearly two-thirds use a device to monitor their heart health, but only one in four shares the data with their doctor. This lack of sharing can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Fatty muscles raise the risk of serious heart disease regardless of overall body weight

Research published in the European Heart Journal found that people with high amounts of intermuscular fat are more likely to develop coronary microvascular dysfunction and future serious heart disease. The study's lead author suggests that existing measures of obesity may not be accurate for all individuals, particularly women.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2025

Higher costs limit attendance for life changing cardiac rehab

A Michigan Medicine study suggests that higher out-of-pocket costs for initial cardiac rehabilitation sessions are a major barrier to participation. Patients who shared the cost of their first session attended more sessions than those who paid nothing, but still had lower odds of completing over 24 sessions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2025

MMRI scientist publishes breakthrough study detailing how ketones improves blood flow to the heart

A recent study published by Dr. Matthew Nystoriak of Masonic Medical Research Institute has uncovered groundbreaking insights into heart health. Elevated levels of β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body produced by the liver, have been shown to improve cardiac blood flow and reduce ischemic heart disease.

SourceMasonic Medical Research Institute·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

Houston Methodist scientists make surprising discovery pinpointing when good cholesterol becomes harmful

A study led by Henry J. Pownall and Khurram Nasir found a strong link between the amount of free cholesterol in HDL and its accumulation in macrophages, which can contribute to heart disease. The researchers aim to develop new diagnostics and treatments for managing heart disease using HDL-free cholesterol as a biomarker.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2024

Considering social and genetic factors in addition to clinical factors improves prediction of heart disease risk

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that incorporating social and genetic factors into clinical risk calculators for coronary heart disease (CHD) improves prediction accuracy. The researchers developed a polygenic risk score (PRS) and polysocial score (PSS), which included social determinants of health and lifestyle-...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 9, 2024

The heart has its own ‘brain’

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University identified a mini-brain within the heart with its own nervous system that controls the heartbeat. This discovery challenges current views on how the heartbeat is controlled and may lead to new insights into heart diseases and treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

New study finds prognostic value of coronary calcium scores effective in predicting risk of heart attack and overall mortality in both women and men

A new study by Intermountain Health found that coronary artery calcium scores are highly effective in identifying those at risk for future heart attacks and death, with similar predictive power in women as in men. The study revealed that individuals with a CAC score of zero were three times less likely to die from any cause.

Proactively screening diabetics for heart disease does not improve long-term mortality rates or reduce future cardiac events, new study finds

Proactive screening of diabetic patients with coronary heart disease does not improve long-term survival rates or lower future cardiac events, according to a new study. The study found that focusing on proven interventions like medication management and lifestyle changes can help patients with diabetes lead healthier lives.

Innovative risk score accurately calculates which kidney transplant candidates are also at risk for heart attack or stroke, new study finds

Researchers used Intermountain Risk Score to predict major cardiac events in patients being evaluated for kidney transplant, with a five-year follow-up period showing 171 patients experiencing cardiac events. The study's findings suggest the potential use of calculating such a score in people undergoing kidney transplant evaluation.