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 recent study published in Pediatrics found that adolescents with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery showed significant improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors. The study, known as Teen-LABS, demonstrated a reduction in the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
A new study found that an individual's history of past falls can significantly increase their risk of a new fracture. Even after accounting for FRAX and bone mineral density tests, past falls were associated with a 63%-71% increased risk of a new fracture occurring.
A new Northwestern Medicine study finds that blacks have the same risk of developing diabetes as whites when all biological factors are considered over time. Obesity is identified as the primary cause of early onset diabetes in blacks, with black women developing diabetes at triple the rate of white women.
Individualized risk-based lung cancer screening using calculators that account for demographic and clinical characteristics may save more lives than current USPSTF recommendations. Researchers estimate that this approach could have prevented over 5,000 more deaths in 2015 compared to the current guidelines.
A multidisciplinary approach to identify and care for young women with ischemic stroke may lead to improved outcomes. The study proposes creating clinical decision rules, educational campaigns, and preventive strategies to address the unique challenges in this population.
A new scientific statement by the American Heart Association links childhood abuse and adversity to a greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. Adversity is defined as any threat to physical safety or family structure, including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
A new study reveals a significant association between erectile dysfunction and impaired endothelial function, as well as increased carotid intimal medial thickness, indicating an early manifestation of atherosclerosis. The findings support a more aggressive CV disease risk assessment and management for persons with erectile dysfunction.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that drinking hot tea at least once a day is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing glaucoma. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 US adults and found that hot tea-drinkers were 74% less likely to have glaucoma compared to non-tea drinkers.
Kids who regularly eat take-away meals may be boosting their risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. A diet rich in calories and poor in vitamins and minerals was found among regular consumers of take-aways.
Child welfare workers lack effective assessment tools for identifying chronic neglect, a critical predictor of child well-being. The study identifies hazardous housing, mismanaged finances, and domestic violence as key predictors of chronic neglect.
A recent study examined the skin cancer history and habits of active Florida firefighters. The research found that 4.5% of participants had skin cancer, with a significantly higher frequency of melanoma (0.7%) compared to the general U.S. population. Non-work-related sun exposure may be contributing to this increased risk.
A new study by CNIC researchers found that LDL-C is the main predictor of atherosclerotic plaques in individuals with no risk factors, such as hypertension or smoking. The study suggests that reducing LDL-C levels can help prevent the appearance of atherosclerosis.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that family members without an inherited CDKN2A mutation still have a higher risk of developing melanoma. This phenomenon, called phenocopy, is attributed to other risk-modifying genes or environmental factors within the families.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified nine genes that contribute to weight gain in individuals with a high body mass index. These genes can amplify weight gain by up to four times, making them a significant factor in the development of extreme forms of obesity.
A new genetics study from the University of Cambridge has found a strong association between higher educational attainment and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that education may help build cognitive reserve, allowing individuals to better compensate for age-related brain damage.
A team of researchers at Brigham Young University has identified a specific gene variant that protects people with high-risk genetic factors from developing Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals that this genetic function could be targeted with drugs to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that male-pattern baldness and premature greying are associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease in young men. Obesity was also linked to an increased risk, but not to the same extent as these two factors.
A synthesis of 15 studies found that married people had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to lifelong singletons and widowers. The researchers suggest that marriage may promote healthier lifestyles and social engagement among couples, which can contribute to a lower risk of dementia.
Low rates of routine HIV testing were reported in emergency departments and acute medical units in the UK and US, with operational and patient-specific factors hindering uptake. The study identifies providers' fears about offering HIV testing as a major barrier, stemming from perceived lack of knowledge about HIV.
A study of community-dwelling individuals aged 70-90 found that leaving the house daily lowered mortality risk, independent of social, functional, or medical factors. Daily outings facilitated exposure to beneficial experiences and allowed resilient individuals to remain engaged despite physical limitations.
A new study reveals barriers to routine HIV testing in emergency departments and acute medical units in the UK and US. The analysis found that operational and patient-specific factors hindered HIV testing coverage, while commitment from medical staff and local specialist providers facilitated its offer.
A new study found that both alcohol consumption and metabolic factors contribute to the risk of severe liver disease in the general population. The research, published in Hepatology, suggests that considering both factors together can improve risk assessment and detection of individuals at high risk of progressive liver disease.
A new American Cancer Society study calculates the contribution of several modifiable risk factors to cancer occurrence. The study found that more than 42% of all cancer cases and deaths in the US are associated with these major modifiable risk factors, many of which can be mitigated with prevention strategies.
The number of new heart failure cases in the UK has increased by 12% between 2002 and 2014, reaching numbers similar to those of breast, prostate, lung, and bowel cancer. The study found that people from deprived backgrounds are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age with multiple chronic conditions.
A large-scale study has identified 136 genetic loci that increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis, hay fever, and asthma. These variants are associated with genes involved in regulating the immune system, suggesting a shared genetic origin for the three diseases.
Emergency department visits for nonfatal self-inflicted injuries increased significantly among young US females between 2001 and 2015. The rates of these visits rose by 18.8% annually among girls aged 10-14 from 2009 to 2015.
Researchers found that heart disease risk factors are associated with slower walking speeds in people under 78. Cognitive function did not play a role in this link, and balance problems were only seen in those over 78.
Research findings emphasize the importance of measuring and maintaining aerobic fitness to reduce CHD risk. Moderate to high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness provide significant protection against CHD death, regardless of blood TG:HDL ratio.
A study by Brigham Young University researchers found that lower speed limits were linked to higher rates of accidents, contrary to expectations. Increasing shoulder width and using concrete barriers were also associated with a decrease in crash risk.
Researchers developed a predictive tool to accurately estimate cardiac risks for older patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The 'Geriatric-Sensitive Perioperative Cardiac Risk Index' considers age-specific risk factors and significantly outperforms traditional tools.
A QUT study has identified social factors such as overseas arrivals, rainwater tanks, and economic status as potential dengue risk factors. The study suggests increasing surveillance and monitoring of travellers arriving in Australia to control the importation and transmission of dengue virus.
The study reveals wide inequalities in life expectancy between states, with some experiencing significant improvements while others lag behind. Non-communicable diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim a disproportionate number of lives across many states.
Researchers found a strong connection between psoriasis severity and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Patients with more severe psoriasis are 64% more likely to develop diabetes than those without the condition.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2017 found that traumatic lifetime events and recent negative life experiences increase a woman's likelihood of being obese. Women who experienced four or more negative events in the past five years had a 36% higher risk of obesity compared to those with no such...
A new analysis of 10.5 million patients found that mothers' exposure to sunlight, air pollution, and carbon monoxide during pregnancy may increase their child's lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, depression, and anxiety. The study also found that relative age at school enrollment is a stronger predictor of ADHD.
A new study finds that non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of death in India, surpassing infectious diseases. The study reveals significant state-level variations in health outcomes, with some states experiencing much higher rates of deaths and illnesses due to conditions like diabetes and ischemic heart disease.
A pilot project tests a community-level assessment tool from Cuba on reproductive-age women and their families in Englewood, aiming to enhance provider awareness of home life and environments. The goal is to address maternal health and infant mortality outcomes, such as low birth rate and pre-term births.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland supports earlier findings that omega-6 fatty acids do not increase inflammatory responses. The research found that a high serum linoleic acid level is associated with lower CRP levels, suggesting that linoleic acid may actually alleviate inflammation.
Researchers found that girls struggle more than boys with anxiety, depression, negative body image, and low self-esteem due to non-physical sexual harassment. The study included almost 3,000 high school students in two studies and showed consistent findings across studies.
A recent study found that poor academic performance at age 16 significantly increases the risk of suicide attempt, with those in the lowest GPA quartile facing a near five-fold higher risk. Researchers followed 26,315 Swedish individuals from age 16 to 46 and controlled for potential confounding factors.
A large Canadian study links e-cigarette use among high school students to later cigarette smoking. The study found that youth who used e-cigarettes were more likely to start and continue smoking cigarettes. However, the association may be due to common factors rather than a causal effect.
Researchers found a stable general factor of risk preference that affects decisions across different areas of life. This trait shares the psychometric structure of major psychological characteristics and can be measured using self-reports and frequency measures of actual risky activities.
A study found low public awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF), with only 48% globally aware, but 82% correctly identifying palpitations as an AF symptom. The estimated 33.5 million people worldwide live with AF, highlighting the need for increased public health initiatives.
A new study confirms outpatient antibiotic use is a primary risk factor for acquiring C. difficile infection in the community, and recent emergency department visits may also pose a risk. The study found that patients with community-associated C. difficile infections were more likely to have prior health care visits and taken antibiotics.
African-American men report an average of eight depressive symptoms per month, with family support, mastery, self-esteem, chronic stressors, and discrimination as significant factors. The study found that public health policies should account for neighborhood conditions to address poor mental health among African-Americans.
A new study found that patients undergoing urological surgery are at risk of opioid dependence or overdose, with younger age, depression, and tobacco use being key risk factors. Urologists urge a balanced approach to prescribing opioids to minimize risks and maximize patient safety.
A new study published in PLOS ONE has found that women are at a significantly higher risk of dying in the first year after a heart attack compared to men. The researchers analyzed data from over 4,100 patients and found that women were 1.5 times more likely to die within this timeframe.
The average lifespan of African Americans is significantly shorter than white Americans, largely attributable to a higher rate of heart attacks, sudden cardiac arrest, heart failure, and strokes. Socio-economic factors such as education, income, and access to healthcare contribute to these disparities.
Scientists from the University of Geneva explore links between diseases and gene activity to build a model identifying specific sequences in the non-coding genome. The study reveals surprising results, including brain tissues being key contributors to schizophrenia risk and the small intestine playing a role in disease development.
A study from the University of Illinois shows that a post-weaning low-fat diet can reverse epigenetic changes caused by a maternal high-fat diet, reducing the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This suggests that dietary changes later in life can affect gene expression and metabolic pathways.
Researchers found a significant association between elevated systolic blood pressure and the development of mitral regurgitation, a condition where the heart valve leaks. The study suggests that controlling blood pressure may be crucial in preventing this common heart valve disorder.
A study published in JAMA found a strong association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome in Puerto Rico. The study identified acute Zika virus infection as a significant risk factor for GBS, highlighting the need for further investigation into the pathophysiology of Zika virus infection.
A new study found that men develop atrial fibrillation about a decade earlier than women and that being overweight is a significant risk factor. Researchers analyzed data from 79,793 people in Europe and found that men had higher diagnosis rates, especially after age 50, while women's rates increased after age 60.
A study of African-American and Latino adults in a high-risk urban community found that despite numerous risk factors, the rate of substance use problems is low for a substantial proportion of participants. Protective 'resilience' factors, such as support, education, and employment, also play a crucial role in preventing substance misuse.
A study published in Neurology found a significant increase over 10 years in the percentage of people with stroke who have high blood pressure, diabetes, and other risk factors. The prevalence of these risk factors increased from 88% to 93%, with high cholesterol and drug abuse rates doubling.
A study found that changes in marital relationship quality over time are associated with variations in cardiovascular risk factors for men. Improving relationships were linked to lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and relatively lower weight, while deteriorating relationships were associated with worsening diastolic blood pressure.
A study by researchers at the University of Seville found that individuals with lower levels of education are 10.32 times more likely to commit violent crimes than those with high educational levels. Additionally, prisoners diagnosed with functional mental illness were 3.5 times more likely to commit or attempt murder.
Researchers aim to develop a new model incorporating environmental and neighborhood-level characteristics to better predict major cardiovascular disease. The project will include over 200,000 patients' electronic health records and neighborhood-level information.
Skipping breakfast increases the risk of atherosclerosis by up to 2.5 times, according to Spanish research. A high-energy breakfast reduces this risk, suggesting that eating habits play a crucial role in cardiovascular health.
Men who batted in saunas 4-7 times a week had lower blood pressure levels than those who only batted once a week. This was attributed to vasodilation, improved endothelial function, and relaxation of the body and mind. Regular sauna bathing also reduced the risk of pulmonary diseases.