Research on what raises a person's risk of disease and injury. Covers cardiovascular and aneurysm risk, medication in pregnancy, youth behavior, and suicide risk.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...
High blood pressure in children is a significant health concern, potentially leading to cardiovascular problems in adulthood. The American Heart Association recommends monitoring blood pressure levels and implementing lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management.
A recent study found that genetic risk scores are more predictive of Alzheimer's disease in adults over 65 than age. The study used machine learning models to rank risk factors, including household income, which emerged as an important risk factor. The findings suggest considering genetic information when working on Alzheimer's disease.
A study of 7,500 Irish children found that harsh discipline increases the risk of developing lasting mental health problems. Children exposed to 'hostile' parenting at age three were 1.5 times likelier to have high-risk mental health symptoms by age nine.
A large-scale study found that diagnostic errors in neuroradiology were associated with longer interpretation times and higher shift volumes. The study also revealed a significant increase in diagnostic errors during weekend work, highlighting the need for targeted quality improvement interventions.
Research highlights that intensive behavioral weight loss programs significantly reduce cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes risk factors, which persist for at least five years. Participants who lost weight through such programs had lower risk factors compared to those in less intensive or no weight loss programs.
Patients who experienced severe illness and instability within two months of their clinical encounters were 45% more likely to be hospitalized. The study found this association remained consistent across a range of diagnoses and demographics.
A study of 3,101 adults found that taking 8,000 steps or more per day, even just a couple days a week, can have meaningful health benefits and lower mortality risk. The findings suggest that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on overall health.
Researchers examine how chronological and biological age impact vaccine effectiveness, finding that both factors influence immune system capacity to mount responses. The study highlights the need for further research into 'immune aging' risk and departures from healthy aging.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement provides guidance on interpreting incidental genetic variants associated with cardiovascular disease risk. The statement aims to determine whether a variant truly carries a health risk and suggests next steps for individuals and healthcare professionals.
A cohort study of over 9,000 persons found that asymptomatic middle-aged individuals with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis are at an 8-fold increased risk for myocardial infarction. The study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing obstructive coronary artery disease in patients without known cardiovascular disease.
The Lp(a) Discovery Project will develop clinical standards for optimal patient care through a new screening measure and quality improvement interventions. The three-year project aims to fill knowledge gaps around Lp(a) and encourage better treatments to reduce cardiovascular risk.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and severe COVID-19 increase the risk of long COVID. Vaccination is protective against developing long COVID sequelae.
A cohort study found that nirmatrelvir treatment within five days of a positive COVID-19 test result was associated with reduced post-COVID-19 condition risk, regardless of vaccination status and prior infection history. The study suggests that nirmatrelvir may reduce the risk of long COVID across the risk spectrum.
The study found that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of long COVID, while factors such as being overweight, female, smoker, or over 40 increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Vaccination halves people's risk of developing long Covid
The study found that statin use for primary prevention was low among all racial and ethnic groups, despite varying levels of 10-year ASCVD risk. Improving access to care may help increase equitable use of primary prevention statins in Black and Hispanic adults.
Research from the University of Minnesota Medical School found weight stigmatizing experiences are common among adolescents and associated with higher prevalence of disordered eating behaviors. Positive family and parenting factors can help alleviate this stressor but cannot completely protect young people from negative effects.
Researchers found that federal-local immigration enforcement policies significantly increase violent victimization risk among Latinos, contradicting their purpose of enhancing public safety. The study analyzed NCVS data from 2005-2014 and confirmed individual-level factors as major sources of variation in violent victimizations.
A study found that increased availability of fruit and vegetables results in lower levels of raised blood pressure nationwide. Many countries, particularly low-income nations, face limited access to fruits and vegetables, increasing the risk of higher blood pressure.
A recent review article highlights the significant impact of cancer on Hispanic patients and their caregivers, citing communication barriers, financial difficulties, and sociocultural issues. The study estimates 126,000 new cancer cases diagnosed yearly in Hispanics, placing a substantial burden on family members and friends.
A new study from British Columbia found that an increase in gestational diabetes rates can be largely attributed to changes in screening practices. After adjusting for screen completion and population factors, diagnoses of gestational diabetes increased by less than one-quarter over a 15-year period.
Researchers found that Tsimané and Mosetén adults experienced less brain atrophy and improved cardiovascular health compared to industrialized populations. These findings suggest an optimal lifestyle balance between daily exertion and food abundance may be key to healthy brain aging.
Millions of people living in river deltas face risk due to human activities such as damming and levee construction. Climate change is just one part of the story; local resource management can have a greater impact on delta sustainability.
A study published in Nature Immunology found that female mouse and human NK cells have more of a specific epigenetic regulator called UTX, which boosts anti-viral function while repressing NK cell numbers. This suggests that therapies need to be tailored to individual differences, including sex.
Researchers from Linköping University found that estrogen impairs the function of a specific ion channel, Kv7.1/KCNE1, which is associated with long QT syndrome and arrhythmia. This suggests that estrogen may be a risk factor for certain types of heart rhythm disturbances in women with hereditary mutations.
Children from low-income neighborhoods are more likely to develop preventable heart disease due to high blood pressure, according to a new study. The research highlights the importance of considering neighborhood-related factors when diagnosing hypertension in youth.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 800,000 children aged 3-17 found that youth with higher BMI were at a 26% increased risk of developing hypertension. The study highlights the importance of preventing hypertension in young people to avoid irreversible organ damage.
A study from George Mason University found elevated insulin and hemoglobin A1C levels in early elementary-aged Latino youth with obesity, a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases. The research aims to identify at-risk children and implement interventions earlier to mitigate the effects of childhood obesity.
A remote hypertension program, operated by Mass General Brigham, successfully supported patients through the COVID-19 pandemic in achieving their blood pressure goals. Participants who enrolled during the pandemic reached and maintained their goal blood pressures an average of two months earlier than in the pre-pandemic period.
A traditional Mediterranean-type diet rich in seafood, fruit, and nuts is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Individuals with higher adherence had up to 23% lower risk compared to those with lower adherence. The study, published in BMC Medicine, analyzed data from 60,298 individuals from the UK Biobank.
Recent studies have identified key psychological processes, such as repetitive negative thinking and self-reflection, that may impact cognitive aging and dementia prevention. Researchers propose incorporating psychological elements to reduce dementia risk through cognitive-behavioral interventions.
A study found that prenatal exposure to the anti-nausea drug Bendectin, containing dicyclomine, increased the risk of colorectal cancer in adult offspring. Incidence rates were three times higher among exposed children compared to those not exposed.
A new study suggests that pregnant women who have dimmed lights and screens for three hours before sleep are less likely to develop gestational diabetes. Dim light exposure before bedtime may help regulate glucose levels, reducing the risk of this common pregnancy complication.
A Cochrane review found that eliminating hazards around the home, such as clutter and poor lighting, can reduce the risk of falls for older people by around a quarter. Decluttering and reducing hazards had the most benefit for those at high risk of falls.
A phase 2 study found that ANGPTL3 inhibitor therapy reduced triglycerides by up to 70% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia who had previously experienced acute pancreatitis. The treatment, evicanumab-dgnb, also showed potential for cardiovascular prevention by reducing apolipoprotein B levels.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with symptoms of depression may be at increased risk of having a stroke. The study also discovered that individuals with depressive symptoms were more likely to experience worse recovery outcomes after a stroke.
Researchers found that COVID-19 survivors with persistent symptoms were more likely to be sedentary, especially those experiencing breathlessness and fatigue. The study, supported by FAPESP, included 614 participants who were analyzed for physical activity and lifestyle habits.
A new analysis shows that places of worship in Washington, D.C. are associated with higher rates of violent and property crime. The study controlled for sociodemographic factors and other crime-risk indicators, suggesting that high foot traffic at these sites may inadvertently fuel crime.
Researchers at Brigham and Boston Medical Center found associations between kidney damage and increased risk of heart disease and death. The study analyzed kidney tissue from 597 adults with chronic kidney disease, linking specific lesions to cardiovascular events.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that dementia is the dominant risk factor for COVID-19 infection and mortality among residents of Swedish nursing homes. Early-onset dementia was found to be the strongest association with increased mortality rates, particularly in the 65–75 age group.
A review highlights the impact of paternal diet, nutrition, and lifestyle on future generations, with strong evidence suggesting a western diet leads to imbalances in nutrient intake. Advanced paternal age is linked to genetic, psychiatric, and metabolic disorders in offspring, emphasizing the need for men's healthcare.
Researchers found that patients receiving salvage radiation therapy (sRT) with PSA levels above 0.25 ng/mL had a 50% higher risk of death compared to those with lower PSA levels. The study suggests delaying sRT until PSA levels exceed 0.30 ng/mL may increase mortality risk.
Women have a roughly 30-40% higher risk of dying following coronary artery bypass surgery, with female patients having a 2.8% rate of death during or soon after surgery compared to 1.7% for male patients.
A study of nearly 13,000 young US adults found rising diabetes and obesity rates, while hypertension remained stable. The data reveal a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors among this demographic, with Black, Hispanic, and Mexican American individuals disproportionately affected.
A University of Gothenburg study of over 37,000 men found that being overweight in childhood and young adulthood significantly increases the risk of venous blood clots later in life. The study also suggests that overweight in puberty has a marked impact on future risks of venous thrombi.
A recent study found that resistance training significantly improved muscle strength and reduced inflammation in older adults with sarcopenia. The research, conducted by Brazilian researchers, also showed that physical exercise can improve sleep quality and reduce chronic inflammation.
A new study from McGill University found that individuals with lower education levels are more likely to contract HIV. Researchers also discovered that people living in unstable housing conditions or those who did not complete post-secondary studies were at a higher risk of infection.
A new screening tool developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can effectively detect mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer's disease, and other related dementias in older adults. The tool has been shown to identify 90% of patients with mild cognitive impairment, offering a potential solution for early detection and prevention.
A Chinese Medical Journal study found that smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of work-related injury insurance are significant risk factors for developing pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis. The study also identified rural birth, household exposure to patients with PTB, and hospitalization history as relevant ri...
A new review paper from Mayo Clinic outlines how obesity impacts common tests used to diagnose heart disease, such as ECG, CT scan, MRI, and echocardiogram. The study highlights the need for alternative approaches to prevent weight gain in patients with heart disease.
A recent study found that bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 patients significantly increased the risk of death, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation. The study reviewed 13,781 COVID-19 inpatient encounters and identified laboratory trends associated with COVID-19 bacterial co-infection.
A new study found that Black women of childbearing age are twice as likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure as their white peers, increasing their risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy. Food insecurity was also a significant issue among Black and Hispanic women, with one in four experiencing food insecurity.
A new study found that adhering to seven cardiovascular and brain health factors, known as Life's Simple 7, can decrease dementia risk. Participants who scored higher on these factors had a lower risk of dementia, with each point increase resulting in a 6% decreased risk.
A new study from Imperial College London finds that earlier first birth, higher number of live births, and starting periods at a younger age increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in women. The researchers hope their findings will help doctors better understand and monitor women's risk factors.
Researchers from UCL Cancer Institute found that head injuries may contribute to the development of gliomas, a type of aggressive brain tumour. Studies in mice and human populations suggest that genetic mutations acting with inflammation can change cell behavior, increasing cancer risk.
A study found that demographic factors like low income, race, and rural residence are linked to low telemedicine literacy. The Technology Literacy Index showed that counties with low TLI had lower median incomes and college degrees.
A CAMH-led study examines national suicide rates in 33 countries over 20 years, identifying eight population-level factors associated with suicide rates. The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences when developing suicide risk reduction initiatives.
A new study found that preoperative surgeon intuition is an independent predictor of 30-day postoperative complications, but its predictive power is not as strong as a standardized risk calculator. The study suggests that the information gathered by the calculator is better at predicting outcomes than surgeons' gut feelings.
Researchers found 21 Alzheimer's disease-related genes associated with obesity, including those linked to neuro-inflammation and amyloid-beta protein deposition. Obesity in midlife and women is more closely linked to dementia risk than late life or men.
Research published in General Psychiatry found that satisfying mid-life relationships are linked to a lower risk of accumulating multiple long-term conditions in older age. The study, which included 13,714 Australian women, suggests that stronger social connections and higher relationship satisfaction are associated with a lower risk o...