Articles tagged with Risk Factors
Low-level lead poisoning is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults and cognitive deficits in children, even at levels previously thought to be safe. Exposure to lead can result in an annual loss of 765 million IQ points in children globally.
Researchers analyzed data from 1971 to 2019 and found that Mondays and New Year's Day were universally correlated with elevated suicide risk. In contrast, weekends and other public holidays varied by region, highlighting the importance of recognizing temporal fluctuations in risk for preventive actions.
A new survey by Ohio State University shows that most people believe pancreatic disease affects only the elderly and that there is nothing they can do to reduce their risk. However, obesity increases lifetime risk for pancreatic cancer by 20%.
Researchers propose a comprehensive biomarker-based approach to assess cardiovascular risk by combining markers of chronic inflammation with cardiac health indicators. This approach reveals the significant impact of aging-related inflammation, or 'inflammaging,' on heart health and opens new avenues for targeted interventions.
Researchers have identified 44 genetic regions associated with metabolite levels in the body, which can influence cardiovascular risk. The study found a potential molecular mechanism by which six genetic loci are linked to cardiovascular risk through the metabolites they regulate.
Research shows that animals, including humans, can become less sociable as they age to avoid diseases and parasites. This phenomenon, known as social ageing, may bring benefits, such as reduced competition and increased safety.
Researchers at UCLA Health found an association between childhood attention problems and increased psychosis risk, with genetic variants acting as a middleman. The study used data from over 10,000 children to explore the relationship between attention span variability and psychotic-like symptoms.
Research from Karolinska Institutet finds that abnormal BMI in children can lead to impaired lung function, but normalizing BMI before adulthood may offset this. The study, which followed over 4,000 children, also found a correlation between low BMI and reduced lung growth.
Elevated body mass index (BMI) was associated with a significantly increased post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. The study highlights the need for targeted care to prevent chronic conditions in at-risk children and young adults.
A study found that nearly one-third of individuals from Ghana and Nigeria carry APOL1 variants that significantly increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers also discovered that having a single copy of the APOL1 gene increases the risk by 18%, while two copies increase it by 25%.
The study found a significant decrease in the percentage of adolescents reporting current marijuana use, from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021. Marijuana use was most prevalent among 12th graders, with a notable decline in usage rates across all grades.
Researchers from NUS and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that breastfeeding significantly reduces cardiovascular disease risk among women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. A healthy Mediterranean diet with low persistent organic pollutant exposure also lowers the risk of GDM.
Research highlights social media's impact on youth mental health, including associations between excessive social media use and suicidal thoughts. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to address this growing concern among young people.
Medically induced weight loss with GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to substantial muscle loss, compromising physical strength and immune function. The authors emphasize the need for a multimodal approach combining medication with exercise and nutritional interventions to preserve muscle mass.
A new meta-analysis suggests that almost a third of asthma cases are attributable to long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), with significant health impacts on children and adults. The study highlights the urgent need for policymakers to combat air pollution through stringent legislation.
Researchers developed an algorithm that splits obesity into 5 separate diagnostic profiles with contrasting risk of developing obesity complications. This can help clinicians identify individuals who need early interventions, improving disease prediction and treatment.
A study by Dr. Hernan Bazan at Ochsner Health reveals that higher frailty scores are directly associated with increased rates of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction within 30 days of the carotid procedure. The Hospital Frailty Risk Index provides a systematic tool for assessing frailty risk across large populations.
A new study finds that prolonged exposure to arsenic in water contributes to the development of ischemic heart disease. Decade-long arsenic exposure up to the time of a cardiovascular disease event was associated with the greatest risk. The study suggests stronger regulations would provide significant benefits to the population.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that middle-aged people with uncontrolled risk factors and poor lifestyle habits are at a higher risk of stroke, dementia, or depression. The study's results highlight the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle choices to promote brain health.
Scientists found that sleep deprivation during early life can negatively impact key brain functions, leading to lasting effects on behavior and social skills. The study also suggests that genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder can interact with sleep disruption to cause long-lasting changes.
A cohort study examines how traumatic and adverse childhood experiences influence developmental changes in psychiatric risk and cognitive ability. The findings suggest targeted early prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that people who took multiple courses of penicillin antibiotics had a modestly lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed medical records from over 93,000 people in the UK and found an inverse dose-response relationship between antibiotic use and Parkinson's risk.
A new study has found that rifaximin, an antibiotic commonly prescribed for liver disease patients, is driving the emergence of a deadly superbug. The antibiotic triggers specific changes in bacteria that make them resistant to last-resort antibiotics like daptomycin.
The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and SGLT2 inhibitors in people with type 1 diabetes has significantly increased between 2010 and 2023. This trend is driven by their benefits in weight management and cardiorenal protection, but caution is advised due to concerns about euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
A three-decade study found polar bears exposed to increased pathogens due to environmental changes, with females at higher risk. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the need for further disease screening in polar bear populations.
A new Concordia study reveals that bilingualism is associated with larger and healthier hippocampi in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The research found no evidence of hippocampal atrophy in bilinguals across the continuum of Alzheimer’s development.
A UK study found that menopausal hormone therapy may have moderate effects on brain health, but these depend on past surgical history, treatment duration, and age at last use. The research revealed no significant differences in brain health between women who used MHT and those who did not, but those on MHT had higher grey and white-mat...
A new remote tool has been developed to detect autism and developmental delay in children. The Kids’ Development Diagnosis methodology was adapted into a mobile app, allowing for swift and efficient diagnosis. This digital tool can help prevent lifelong impacts of early intervention.
Research finds that people with schizophrenia are at a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac death, with a lifetime risk 4+ times higher than the general population. The study also suggests that mental health disorders can lead to shortened lifespan and increased risk of other causes of death.
A new AI-powered model has been developed to predict kidney transplant outcomes with high accuracy, offering hope for more efficient organ allocation and improved patient outcomes. The tool, UK-DTOP, outperforms existing methods in predicting outcomes for deceased-donor kidney transplants.
A large cohort study found that mothers with eating disorders were more likely to have children with psychiatric disorders, while those with pre-pregnancy BMI outside the normal range also showed an increased risk. The findings suggest that clinicians should consider these factors when preventing offspring mental illness.
Researchers from Amsterdam UMC have developed a way to predict which patients are at risk of epilepsy after a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT), a rare type of stroke. The prediction model, known as the DIAS3 score, is based on six indicators and can be accessed online for healthcare providers worldwide.
A new clinical guideline from the American Stroke Association outlines strategies to support brain health and prevent stroke throughout a person's lifespan. The guideline recommends regular health screenings, identifying risk factors, lifestyle interventions, and medications to reduce the risk of a first stroke.
A new study found that initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors often include excessive doses, posing a risk of dependence, falls, and other harmful effects. Guidelines recommend avoiding benzodiazepine prescriptions if possible, but some cases may require limited use under close monitoring.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found a strong association between handheld cellphone use and risky driving behaviors among newly licensed teen drivers. The study identified potential safety risks and recommended strategies to avoid cellphone use while driving.
The study found that individuals receiving methadone had a lower risk of treatment discontinuation compared to those receiving buprenorphine/naloxone. Additionally, the risk of mortality while receiving treatment was similar between medications, with no significant differences observed.
Researchers have found that women are more likely to die from postoperative complications after high-risk cardiovascular surgery, with a failure to rescue rate of 10.7% compared to 8.6% for men. The quality of hospital where the procedure was performed did not affect this disparity.
Individuals with multiple long-term conditions are two and a half times more likely to die following COVID-19 infection compared to those without. Among children, the risk increases to nearly three times that of those without multiple long-term conditions.
A recent study analyzing data from the ANCORS-YW study found that overweight and obese women in this region are at a higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Researchers recommend tailored preventive strategies, including lifestyle modification programs and socioeconomic support, to address this public health challenge.
Miscarriage affects 15-20% of pregnancies, causing devastating effects. Outpatient early pregnancy assessment clinics can provide compassionate and tailored care, but services are lagging.
The risk of medical leave in Spain on days of extreme heat decreased from 19% to 13% between 1989 and 2019, according to a study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. Workers in agriculture and hospitality sectors remain most vulnerable to heat-related injuries.
Researchers found that certain factors increased the risk of death after sepsis, including advanced age, dementia, heart disease, cancer, and previous hospitalizations. A total of 50.6% of patients with sepsis died within two years, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and follow-up care.
A new clinical model developed by researchers at Uppsala University accurately predicts the risk of hip fractures in the elderly. The model identifies patients at high risk without requiring bone density measurements, allowing for earlier preventive treatment.
A new study found that people with severe mental illness are more likely to experience fragility fractures than the general population. The researchers analyzed GP records of over 440,000 people between 2000 and 2018 and found a significant association between severe mental illness and fragility fractures.
Researchers identified three key trauma features - boggy swelling to the head, abdominal bruising, and thigh swelling or deformity - that prompt immediate review and prioritized treatment. The study found children brought in by carers were seen within an average time of 58.5 minutes, highlighting the need for improved triage alerts.
International experts warn that climate change will have a significant impact on emergency medical services globally, with 62% of respondents saying no assessment or action has been taken. The need for mitigation actions, education, and research is considered crucial in all regions.
A new study found that HDL particle quality declines over time in women after menopause, increasing risk of episodic memory loss. Women with smaller, more functional HDL particles are less likely to experience cognitive decline.
Research identifies no elevated risk of suicide among professional athletes overall, but retirement from athletic careers can be a stressful experience. Athletes may develop effective coping skills and social connections through sports that foster resilience and mastery.
A new study found that cognitive psychological factors, such as how children remember and perceive traumatic events, are the strongest predictors of poor mental health outcomes. The research team developed four predictive models of risk factors for PTSD, Complex PTSD, depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
The American Heart Association has committed $4.7 million to strengthen stroke care in Minnesota and $5.05 million in South Dakota through the Mission: Lifeline initiative. This will improve access to timely and effective treatments for stroke patients, especially those in rural areas.
Researchers identified three genetic regions strongly associated with increased prostate incidence in a diverse group of African men. The study, the largest of its kind in Africa, may lead to new treatment possibilities and refined screening methods.
US women between 20-44 years old have experienced declining vitamin A, C, and iron intake over the last two decades. This trend may have significant implications for maternal and fetal health. The study aims to identify these nutrient gaps and inform recommendations to improve intake.
Cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and atrial fibrillation are linked to cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and identifying vascular risk factors early may help preserve brain function and reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease.
A new citizen science study has found that a person's subjective impression of their own memory problems is strongly linked to modifiable risk factors for dementia. The research used a smartphone app to gather data from 3,327 people and found a stronger association between subjective memory impairment and risk factors such as depressio...
A history of COVID-19 can double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death for up to three years after diagnosis. Genetic analysis revealed individuals with non-O blood types were twice as likely to experience cardiovascular events.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that weight-loss surgery reduces pancreatic cancer risk among individuals with obesity by 44%, and among those with both obesity and type 2 diabetes by 79%. The study suggests that metabolic-bariatric surgery may play a crucial role in reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.
The conference will feature comprehensive coverage of various topics in cardiovascular medicine, including can't-miss sessions. ACC Middle East chapter teams will also compete in the ACC FIT Jeopardy competition.
A new supplement celebrating the 100th volume of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease presents insights into the state of art in AD research. Recent advancements in geroscience have led to the development of preventive medical strategies targeting aging, holding promise for reducing disease risk.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences from 25,000 pregnant Chinese women and identified genetic variants associated with maternal diseases such as gestational diabetes and obesity. The study also found links between maternal genetics and childhood diseases like gastroenteritis and acute tonsillitis.
A recent study found that smokers report higher rates of chronic pain, poor mental health, and severe work limitations due to pain. Quitting smoking can reduce prescription opioid use and associated health problems, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment programs.