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 study of 6,900 black and white adults found that a Southern diet was the top factor associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The diet, characterized by high consumption of fried foods, organ meats, and processed meats, was linked to higher blood pressure among black adults.
A new study finds that delayed pregnancy may increase cardiovascular disease risk in both women and their children, with boys at higher risk. Researchers also found sex-specific differences in health risks of the offspring, highlighting the importance of assessing cardiovascular health during pregnancy.
Researchers analyzed data from the TBI Model System National Data and Statistical Center to identify physical, cognitive, and psychosocial characteristics associated with mortality in chronic TBI survivors. Independence in mobility and community participation were found to be important factors for long-term survival in this population.
A nationwide study in Taiwan found that stroke incidence is rising, contrary to declines in Western countries. The study examined hospital records of patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke between 2001 and 2013, and found that the incidence of ischemic stroke increased by 12% over 13 years.
Researchers found a relationship between high FGF23 levels and structural compromise in the brain, particularly in the frontal lobes, which control learning and complex cognitive functions. Elevated FGF23 levels were also associated with increased disconnection in the brain, indicating problems with brain health in those areas.
A new study found that teenagers exposed to TV and film violence and high levels of household conflict are at risk of engaging in aggressive behaviors. Parental monitoring is a strong protective factor against aggression, even when combined with other risk factors.
A 16-year Danish cohort study found comparable risks of recurrence between patients with unprovoked and cancer-related venous thromboembolism. The cumulative incidence of recurrence after incident VTE was over 15% in all groups, highlighting the need for revised risk stratification approaches.
A Stanford-led study found a link between height and varicose veins, identifying 30 genes linked to the condition and suggesting that genetic markers of height may predict disease. The researchers used machine learning combined with epidemiological methods to examine genomic data on over 400,000 people.
A study published in Circulation Journal found that increased height increases the risk of developing varicose veins, as well as genes that determine height influencing the development of the condition. Researchers also discovered a strong genetic correlation between deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.
Fibromyalgia patients who regularly visit their physicians are much less likely to attempt suicide than those who do not. Regular care engagement is key in managing the disorder and reducing risk of suicide. The study suggests connecting patients at-risk with outpatient providers can improve care and reduce suicidal risk.
Hematologic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) survivors are at risk of bone loss and osteoporosis, increasing the likelihood of fragility fractures. The IOF expert Working Group on Cancer and Bone Disease provides clinical guidance for monitoring, evaluation, and treatment of bone loss in these patients.
The FRESH program has shown that young women in South Africa are more likely to be infected with HIV due to socioeconomic factors such as gender inequality and economic dependence. The program also identified biologic factors contributing to a higher risk of HIV infection, including hormonal levels and bacterial microbiome composition.
A recent study published in Open Heart reveals that UK heart failure patients are significantly more likely to die than their Japanese counterparts, with mortality rates being nearly twice as high. The disparity persists even after accounting for differences in patient severity and risk factors.
A new AI-powered tool, HEAL, analyzes genome sequences and electronic health records to predict individual risk for developing abdominal aortic aneurysm. The tool may one day help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases such as AAA, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
A new study published in Frontiers finds that short chromosome tips (telomeres) are an independent risk factor for age-related functional decline. Participants with the shortest telomeres were more likely to have reduced physical function, regardless of geographical location, age, sex, or weight.
A large prospective study of over 107,000 women found no association between physical activity and the risk of early natural menopause. The study, published in Human Reproduction, analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study II and found that exercise was not significantly linked to a lower or higher risk of menopause before age 45.
The prevalence of hypertension globally is high and continues to increase. Targeted and population-based strategies can lead to better prevention and control of hypertension.
New research highlights the risks of cardiovascular disease in even the fittest middle-aged athletes, who often don't exhibit symptoms. Regular health check-ups and moderate exercise are crucial for prevention, according to study findings published in BMJ Open.
A study published in The Lancet found that life expectancy in Russia increased by over 7 years between 1994 and 2016, while child mortality rates decreased nearly 60%. However, the nation still faces significant health challenges due to excessive alcohol and tobacco use.
A large international collaboration identified 15 genetic variations linked to bone fracture risk, contradicting previous assumptions about clinical risk factors. The study highlights the importance of increasing bone strength in preventing fractures, rather than relying solely on calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found exposure to arsenic, lead, cadmium, and copper increases the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that even low doses of toxic chemicals pose a significant risk to cardiovascular health, highlighting the need for policymakers to take action to reduce p...
A study published in Royal Society Open Science found that Mongrel Mob members had low knowledge of viral hepatitis, leading to risky infection behaviors. The research also identified concerning liver health issues, including high rates of inflammation and damage.
Researchers found that genetic variation was the only factor associated with increased fracture risk, while vitamin D levels and calcium intake were not linked. Bone mineral density remained a key predictor of fracture risk.
Research suggests that people with deep forehead wrinkles, more than typical for their age, may have a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The study found that individuals with fewer wrinkles had lower risk compared to those with deeper wrinkles.
The Lancet study estimates that one in three people drink alcohol, with 2.2% of women and 6.8% of men dying from alcohol-related health problems each year. The risk of death increases rapidly with higher levels of consumption, offsetting any potential protective effects against cancer, injuries, and infectious diseases.
Researchers have pinpointed risk factors for noma, a rare disease causing facial gangrene, in northwest Nigeria. Children who were fed pap daily were at higher risk, while those breastfed colostrum and had varied diets were less likely to contract the disease.
Research reveals a significant rise in falls among middle-aged women, with prevalence increasing from 9% to 30% between ages 40-64. The study emphasizes the importance of early prevention strategies to reduce falls and their consequences.
A study of 300,000 type 2 diabetes patients found that those with controlled risk factors had a significantly low risk of premature death, heart attack, and stroke. Optimizing medication, not smoking, and managing other risk factors can greatly reduce the risk.
A new study reveals 6.5% of people over 40 experience phantom odors, unrelated to odor identification skills. Risk factors include age, sex, education level, and socio-economic status.
A new genome analysis method predicts risk for coronary artery disease, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes based on genetic variants. Up to 25 million people in the US may be at triple the normal risk for coronary artery disease, highlighting the potential for early interventions.
A study found that nearly 40% of women with asthma may develop COPD, but certain factors such as smoking, obesity, and socioeconomic status may lower this risk. The researchers identified individual risk factors playing a more significant role in the development of COPD overlap syndrome than exposure to air pollution.
A prospective study of over 3700 US juveniles found an independent association between conduct disorder and mortality hazard. Conduct disorder was linked to a 4.99 times higher risk of mortality compared to community controls.
A letter from a medical examiner to a physician about a recent fatal overdose can inspire safer prescribing habits, a new study suggests. The research found that physicians who received such letters prescribed 9.7% fewer opioids over three months.
Researchers found that a high-carb diet, particularly with high sugar and low fiber content, increased signs of joint inflammation and altered cartilage genes in laboratory mice. The study suggests that dietary carbohydrates may be a contributing factor to osteoarthritis risk, even in the absence of obesity.
Researchers used heart imaging technology to study hearts of pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, finding higher contraction pressures in right ventricles and abnormal relaxation rates. This led to overwork and poor pumping ability, increasing risk of heart failure, stroke, and heart attack.
The study found that individuals from underrepresented communities are more likely to have positive scans and diagnosed lung cancer cases, highlighting the need for more expansive, risk-based screening guidelines. The researchers suggest considering additional factors such as a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and socio...
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified depression, back pain, and previous drug use as significant risk factors for prolonged opioid use after surgery or trauma. Effective pain management strategies with a lower risk of prolonged opioid use can help physicians mitigate this issue.
A new study finds that long term abstinence from alcohol and heavy drinking are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers found that every 7 unit a week increase in consumption was associated with a 17% increase in dementia risk among those drinking above 14 units a week.
Researchers found reduced complexity of adult-born neurons in mice with ApoE4 compared to ApoE3-expressing mice. The study suggests that the Apolipoprotein E risk gene contributes to memory impairment by impairing new neuron development.
Researchers found the portfolio diet reduces LDL cholesterol by 30%, as well as blood pressure, triglycerides, and inflammation, with a combined effect of 13% lower risk for coronary heart disease. The diet's four main components include nuts, plant protein, viscous soluble fibre, and plant sterols.
A study published in Spine Journal found that patients taking opioids for at least three months before spinal fusion surgery were more likely to continue taking opioids one year after surgery, with rates of 42% vs. 9% in the opioid-taking group compared to those who didn't take opioids before surgery.
Older, overweight scuba divers are at increased risk of dying due to cardiac issues. The study found that one-third of scuba divers are aged 50 years or older, with a significantly greater proportion having smoked cigarettes and high blood pressure.
A study by researchers from the University of Bristol identified key risk factors for hip replacement infections, including patient age and health conditions. The research found that certain surgical approaches and implant materials reduced the risk of infection, while others increased it.
A new study developed equations to predict lifetime risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the Chinese population. The models incorporated various risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and geographic region, providing personalized estimates.
Late-onset epilepsy is associated with midlife lifestyle and vascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Conversely, moderate physical activity and alcohol intake may lower the risk of developing epilepsy.
The Cardiovascular Disease Population Risk Tool (CVDPoRT) uses a 'big data' approach to accurately predict an individual's risk of hospitalization or death from cardiovascular disease within the next five years. The calculator also provides heart age, an easy-to-understand measure of heart health.
Researchers found that hotter weather increases both suicide rates and depressive language on social media, with effects differing little by population wealth. Temperature increases by 2050 could lead to a 1.4% increase in US suicide rates and a 2.3% increase in Mexico.
The study found significant rates of depression, hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular disease among sexual minority older adults, contributing to the level of dementia. The prevalence of dementia increases with age, even in 'oldest old', and survival time for people with dementia is six years regardless of age.
A study in São Paulo City found that falling temperatures correlate with rising numbers of deaths from stroke, particularly among over-65s. Lower temperatures are a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke, especially among women.
The risk of having a heart attack during pregnancy has increased by 25% among American women between 2002 and 2014, according to a new study. The study found that the death rate from heart attacks remains high despite advances in treating these conditions.
A University of Montana researcher found that species diversity can have both a dilution effect and an amplification effect on disease transmission. In areas with more diverse rodent communities, hantavirus prevalence among deer mice decreases, but as rodent species diversity increases, infection spreads faster
A new machine-learning model has shown promising signs of being able to predict undiagnosed dementia in primary care, with an accuracy of 84%. This could significantly reduce the number of those living with undiagnosed dementia in the UK from around 50% to 8%.
Researchers found a significant association between cured meat consumption and mania, suggesting nitrates may contribute to the abnormal mood state. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 1,000 individuals with and without psychiatric disorders.
A new study published in the Journal of Substance Use found that approximately 40% of adult drinkers in the US exceed safe consumption levels. The research identifies factors associated with starting or stopping excessive drinking, including younger age, social status, and health conditions.
A new study from Washington State University finds that PTSD rates among prison employees are on par with those of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote resilience in corrections professionals.
A nationwide investigation utilizing citizen science highlights the value of public participation in tick-borne disease research. The study found ticks capable of carrying Lyme and other diseases in 83 counties where they had not been previously recorded.
A systematic review analyzing the effects of walnut consumption on cardiovascular risk factors reveals significantly greater reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B compared to control diets. Walnut-enriched diets resulted in no adverse effects on body weight or blood pressure.
A new population study in Sweden has found that genetic heritage is the dominant factor when it comes to heart failure in families. The study, led by Magnus Lindgren, found a 45% higher risk of heart failure in adoptees with at least one biological parent suffering from the condition.
A study found that high opioid doses and concurrent sedative use are key risk factors for fatal opioid overdose among Medicaid patients. The research identified chronic pain, medical diagnoses associated with addiction, and mental health disorders as additional risk factors.
A recent study published in Clinical Obesity found that individuals with metabolic healthy obesity, but no other risk factors, do not have an increased rate of mortality. The study followed over 54,000 participants and contradicts current weight management guidelines.