A new study reveals that genetic variants associated with hypertension can increase the risk of high blood pressure from as early as three years old. By analyzing health data from large population studies, researchers found that these genetic factors can significantly affect blood pressure levels throughout life and even beyond adulthood.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement offers the latest knowledge on neurodevelopmental outcomes in people of all ages with congenital heart disease. The statement highlights that neurodevelopmental difficulties are common complications faced by individuals with congenital heart disease, affecting their ability to funct...
A large-scale review published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe provides an update on the recent advances in understanding and managing risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). AF affects around 1.4 million people in the UK, causing irregular heart rates and impairing quality of life. Researchers found that a more individualized ...
A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.
A new study found that severe maternal grief, particularly the loss of a partner or child, is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in children up to middle age. The research suggests that prenatal stress may lead to adverse changes in mental and physical health, impacting fetal heart development.
A fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reduce signs of immune system aging, insulin resistance, and liver fat in humans, resulting in a lower biological age. The study found that patients who followed the diet had lower disease risk factors and improved immune function.
Prescription opioids linked to increased risk of serious falls among adults, with older individuals most vulnerable. Targeted prevention efforts may be most effective within the first month after opioid initiation.
Recent research suggests that problems with sleep and internal body clock can trigger or worsen psychiatric disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health, which could lead to new preventative measures and therapies.
A study has identified 1,289 genetic markers associated with Type 2 diabetes, including 145 newly discovered markers. The research provides risk scores for diabetes complications and suggests potential genetic targets for new treatments.
A study of over 1.9 million US veterans found moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries associated with later brain cancer diagnoses, while mild TBI showed no link. The research highlights the need for further investigation into long-term health effects of TBI on war veterans.
A new EWG study has found chlormequat, a little-known pesticide, in 77% of urine samples from people tested between 2017 and 2023. The chemical is linked to reproductive and developmental problems in animal studies, suggesting potential harm to humans. EWG calls for increased research and regulation on chlormequat.
A positive association was found between total prescription opioid dose dispensed and the odds of spontaneous preterm birth in a study of 251,000 pregnant patients. Minimizing opioid exposure during pregnancy is crucial to prevent spontaneous preterm delivery.
A new study from Uppsala University found that people who have had herpes virus are twice as likely to develop dementia as those who have never been infected. The researchers studied 1,000 70-year-olds over 15 years and confirmed previous research on the potential link between herpes and dementia.
A new study found that women with migraines and long-term hot flashes or night sweats are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the research suggests that focusing on prevention and correcting unhealthy habits can help most women mitigate this risk. Women who have experienced both migraines and vasomotor symptoms for ...
Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities face higher risk for foster care involvement, particularly among Black and female populations. The study highlights the urgent need for system-level interventions to address these disparities.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the need for increased awareness of heart disease as a major health risk for women, particularly those with pregnancy complications. Early detection and treatment of risk factors may help prevent future heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a tool that uses standard blood test results to identify individuals at increased risk of having a heart attack within six months. The study analyzed data from 169,053 individuals and identified 90 molecules linked to a first heart attack.
A comprehensive report on pediatric long COVID symptoms has been published, revealing clues to risk factors and common symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain. The study found that older age, more severe initial infection, and underlying medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of long COVID.
Researchers found that APOE4 accumulates on fat droplets in astrocytes, damaging brain cells and preventing them from cleaning up toxic lipids. This mechanism could explain why APOE4 increases Alzheimer's disease risk.
A recent study published in Hepatology has investigated the connection between platelet function and complications in patients with cirrhosis. The researchers found that decreased platelet activation predicts hepatic decompensation and mortality, highlighting the importance of personalized therapeutic approaches.
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found associations between high age, low education, and poor lifestyle habits with increased allostatic load. The study suggests that effective depression prevention strategies at a population level could help reduce allostatic load.
A new study finds that non-white victims of violence and suicide in the US lose more potential years of life due to lethal violence, with socioeconomic factors and access to firearms playing a role. The study suggests addressing these disparities through community resources and improving access to healthcare.
A Chinese Medical Journal study examined the spatiotemporal features of disease burden due to air pollution across China between 2005 and 2017. The findings revealed a downward trend in premature mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution, but an increasing financial burden due to economic growth.
A Brazilian study found that prior zika infection significantly increases the risk of developing severe dengue and being hospitalized. The study analyzed samples from over 1,000 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients and identified a higher viral load and inflammatory cytokine levels in those with prior zika infections.
Black adults in the US suffer from short and very short sleep after exposure to news about police killings of unarmed Black individuals. The study's findings suggest that poor sleep health is another tragic byproduct of exposure to these events.
A five-year study shows that bariatric surgery maintains normal blood pressure levels without medications, while reducing BMI compared to medical therapy alone. Participants who underwent bariatric surgery had fewer medications and lower blood pressure rates than those on medication alone.
A global study has identified evidence-based approaches to prevent breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema (BCRAL) by addressing risk factors and implementing surveillance programs. The research provides a clinical guide for healthcare teams worldwide to adopt a proactive approach in preventing this irreversible complication.
A recent study found that a stroke or combined with a neck artery tear significantly increases the risk of heart attack within a year. The researchers analyzed health data from over 800,000 adults and discovered that carotid or vertebral artery dissections without a stroke do not raise heart attack risk.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Knoo Lee found that school nurses are well-positioned to identify students at-risk for chronic school absenteeism. Students who have many partial-day absences often proactively seek out school nurses as a source of comfort and support, presenting an opportunity for intervention before...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the need for increased awareness of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) to facilitate prompt medical treatment. The statement updates guidelines for diagnosing and managing CVT, focusing on advancements in treatment approaches.
A new review of international research highlights the dangers of forced separation from pets in crisis situations like domestic violence, homelessness, or natural disasters. The study found a lack of support services puts people and animals at risk of distress and harm.
A new review suggests that female reproductive characteristics, such as early menstruation and polycystic ovary syndrome, may contribute to later metabolic dysfunction. The study highlights the importance of screening for reproductive risk factors to aid in prevention or treatment of chronic metabolic diseases.
A study of Medicare patients in 2022 revealed disparities in COVID-19 therapy access based on patient age, race and ethnicity, Medicaid eligibility, and nursing home residence. Higher-risk individuals received COVID-19 therapy less often than those with lower risk factors.
Persistent withdrawn and somatic symptoms in adolescence increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in mid-adolescence. The study found that these symptoms persist or increase over time to be particularly concerning for suicidal risk.
A survey study found a lower rate of overall fractures among living kidney donors, yet an increased incidence of vertebral fractures after 25 years following donation. Treatment with dietary supplements may help alleviate these issues and patient morbidity.
A recent survey found that 51% of Americans are unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. This lack of knowledge can be deadly, with nearly half of adults having some form of cardiovascular disease.
A global study found that every additional year of education lowers the risk of death by 2%, with significant benefits even for older adults. The research, published in The Lancet Public Health, highlights the importance of increased access to education in reducing mortality rates worldwide.
A study of 87,000 women found a higher level of maternal autistic traits associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including very preterm birth. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored and timely antenatal care support for women with high levels of autistic traits.
The study found that APOE4 carriers have elevated LDL cholesterol levels, increasing their risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. In contrast, APOE2 carriers have lower cholesterol and reduced atherosclerosis prevalence.
This study explores how better communication with care teams can improve the birthing experience for Black people. Researchers found that addressing urgent procedures and fostering a welcoming environment to share birth experiences mitigated negative consequences of preterm births.
A recent study found that controllable risk factors for dementia vary by race and ethnicity. For example, the percentage of cases attributed to these risk factors was higher among Black people (24%) and Native Hawaiians (14%) compared to white people (22%). The most prevalent risk factors also differed across racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers found that people with OSA were more likely to use multiple strategies to stay alert while driving, which can indicate excessive sleepiness. This study suggests that asking about these coping strategies in the clinic could help doctors identify patients at risk of driving incidents and advise them appropriately.
The Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR) will continue for five years to investigate behaviors, lifestyle, and brain health in Black adults. Researchers hope to identify risk factors and protective measures to reduce disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis among Black Americans.
A nationwide study found that men with enlarged breast tissue (gynaecomastia) are at a 37% higher risk of early death. Those with pre-existing risk factors, such as cancer or circulatory diseases, are most vulnerable. The condition is often linked to hormone imbalances and weight gain.
Researchers have shown that combining poverty with chronic inflammation worsens health outcomes, increasing heart disease and cancer mortality rates. The study analyzed data from nearly 95 million adults and found a synergistic effect of poverty and inflammation on mortality.
A new study by University of Florida researcher Arch Mainous III found that people with chronic inflammation living in poverty have a significantly increased risk of dying from heart disease (127% increase) and cancer (196% increase) within 15 years. The study analyzed data from over 95 million Americans ages 40 and over, highlighting ...
A new study found that stress drives up inflammation in the body, which is linked to metabolic syndrome. Stress management techniques may be a way to improve biological health outcomes. The research suggests that reducing inflammation can help mitigate the connection between stress and metabolic syndrome.
Women with perinatal depression are at a heightened risk of suicidal behavior, particularly in the first year after diagnosis, with persistent elevations throughout 18 years of follow-up. The study emphasizes the need for vigilant clinical monitoring to support this vulnerable group.
A study of 1,471 children found that early-life digital media exposure is associated with atypical sensory processing in multiple domains. The findings suggest that excessive screen time may be a potential risk factor for the development of atypical sensory profiles.
A study of over 2 million individuals found a strong association between sibling death in childhood and early adulthood with an increased risk of early-onset cardiovascular diseases. The findings highlight the need for extra support to bereaved siblings to reduce this risk later in life.
New research found significant differences in heat tolerance among mosquito populations, with some more resilient to heat waves than others. Climate factors such as precipitation and humidity play a crucial role in determining their thermal limits, which may impact disease transmission.
A study of 620,000 children found that maternal type 1 diabetes was associated with increased risk for most types of congenital heart defects in offspring. Obesity and overweight were linked to increased risk for complex defects, such as outflow tract obstruction, while decreasing the risk for ventricular septal defects.
A large study published in Psychiatry Research reveals that individuals with bipolar disorder are 4-6 times more likely to die prematurely than the general population. In contrast, smokers are only twice as likely to die, highlighting the need for targeted preventive efforts to address mental health risks.
Researchers found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood plasma were associated with better lung function and longer survival without needing a lung transplant. This was consistent regardless of smoking history or cardiovascular disease.
A nationwide case-time-control study found an association between benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The results suggest that healthcare professionals should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of using benzodiazepines to treat psychiatric and sleep disorders in pregnant women.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology identified 15 risk factors for young-onset dementia, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and health issues. By targeting these modifiable risk factors, it may be possible to reduce the risk of young-onset dementia.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that night owls are more likely to develop artery calcification than early risers. The research, which examined data from over 771 middle-aged participants, suggests that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease.
Researchers identified Benidipine as a compound promoting the death of cigarette smoke-induced senescent lung cells, improving lung emphysema. The dihydropyridine family of calcium channel blockers constitutes a new class of senolytics that could improve lung diseases.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has updated its guidelines to no longer recommend routine daily aspirin use for primary prevention of heart attacks or death. However, daily aspirin may be considered for people with high risk factors for heart attack, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. The new guidelines emphasize the ...
Research suggests that timing food intake earlier in the day can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Eating breakfast within an hour of waking and finishing dinner before 8 pm may help reduce this risk, with longer night-time fasting periods also associated with lower cerebrovascular disease rates.