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 found that 22.5% of Malaysian children with epilepsy have vitamin D deficiency, while 19.7% have insufficiency. Children taking multiple medications, having Indian ethnicity or being female are more susceptible to this issue.
Researchers found poor standing balance and 4-meter walk test performances strongly associated with late-age dementia. The study suggests that impaired physical performance may be an early sign of developing late-age dementia.
A conceptual model by Amanda L. Stone and Anna C. Wilson suggests that genetic factors, early neurobiological development, and social learning play a role in the transmission of chronic pain from parents to children. The researchers propose five plausible mechanisms for this risk, including genetics, early neurobiological development, ...
Researchers developed a nine-question tool to predict patients' risk of adverse events from fainting. The tool, based on eight factors, can discharge low-risk patients quickly and safely, reducing emergency room wait times.
A new Canadian Syncope Risk Score tool can predict the risk of patients experiencing a serious adverse event after a fainting episode. The eight-factor screening tool helps identify low-risk patients who can be quickly and safely discharged from hospital, reducing emergency room wait times.
Women who attended religious services had a lower risk of suicide compared to those who never attended. The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, found that regular attendance was associated with a five times lower risk of subsequent suicide.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that about one in every nine men will experience sudden cardiac death, most before age 70. The study also revealed that sudden cardiac death claims up to 450,000 American lives each year, with no prior symptoms of cardiovascular disease being a common cause.
A study published in Psychological Medicine identified risk factors that can predict post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression among emergency services workers. Early assessment can help offer targeted training to improve resilience, reducing episodes of mental illness and improving long-term health.
Research in Diabetologia found a link between genetically lowered birthweight and increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that restricted early life development can have long-term effects on metabolic disease risk.
A new model predicts complication risks in spinal cord compression surgery, identifying diabetes and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) as significant risk factors. The study analyzed data from 479 patients and found a rate of 16.25% for surgery-related complications.
Researchers found that cerebral microbleeds are associated with increased physical and cognitive disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The study suggests that monitoring MS patients with cerebral microbleeds could be crucial in preventing further decline.
A study found that general surgery patients with social fragility were at high risk for hospital readmission. Factors such as lack of social support, discharge to respite care, and Medicaid/Medicare status were identified as risk factors.
A new study found significant improvements in coronary heart disease rates among the US population, particularly among those without established risk factors. The prevalence of CHD decreased by 1.3% from 2001-2002 to 2011-2012, with notable declines seen among women, non-Hispanic white and black adults, and those with health insurance.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new method to accurately measure GDF11, a circulating factor associated with advanced biological age and chronic disease. Higher levels of GDF11 were found in older adults with frailty, diabetes, or prior cardiac conditions.
A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that young African-American adults are less susceptible to delirium in the ICU compared to Caucasians of the same age group. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,000 adults, also revealed differences in medication use and disease severity between racial groups.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that larger hematoma size and location are associated with an increased risk of dementia after intracerebral hemorrhage. The research also identified educational level, mood symptoms, and white matter disease as risk factors for delayed post-ICH dementia.
A prospective observational study of 19,815 adults found that those with higher fitness levels had a 37% lower risk of stroke after age 65. The study's findings support the independent role of exercise in preventing stroke and reinforce the benefits of being physically fit throughout life.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology reveals that air pollution is a major contributor to stroke worldwide, accounting for nearly a third of the global burden. Modifiable risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, and low physical activity are also significant causes of stroke.
Researchers found that larger wine glasses led to an almost 10% increase in wine sales, with consumers drinking more due to perceived volume changes. The study suggests that avoiding larger wine glasses could reduce consumption, but further research is needed to confirm this effect.
African-Americans are more likely to die of stroke at younger ages, with no disparity observed after age 85. Researchers emphasize the importance of preventing strokes through addressing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes in African-American communities.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Genetics found that black men with more genetic variants descended from West Africa tend to have a lower waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, indicating less central adiposity. This suggests that certain genes may provide partial protection against obesity.
Research by Texas A&M University scientists found that shift workers are more prone to severe ischemic strokes due to disrupted circadian rhythms. Estrogen levels may play a role in protecting women from stroke severity, but men face increased risks, especially after age 50.
Researchers developed a model to estimate absolute breast cancer risk, finding that up to 28.9% of breast cancers could be prevented by reducing modifiable risk factors in white US women. The study included 92 genetic susceptibility variants and various epidemiologic factors.
A population-based study of nearly 6,000 people aged 60 and over found that Indian women who cook with biomass fuels were nearly 50% more likely to have visually impairing nuclear cataracts compared to those using clean fuels. The association was stronger for women cooking with longer duration of biomass fuels.
A new US Army study found that soldiers who never deployed were at greatest risk for suicide attempts, with the highest risk occurring in the second month of service. The study also identified other factors contributing to increased risk, including deployment status, gender, and mental health diagnoses.
A study of nearly 35,000 women found that those developing new-onset atrial fibrillation had an increased risk of cancer over a 20-year period. The risk was highest for colon cancer and persisted even after adjusting for other factors.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that nearly 25,000 patients developed heart failure within four years of their first heart attack. The risk factors for this condition include older age, socioeconomic deprivation, and comorbidities such as diabetes.
Research found that both low- and high-birthweight babies are at increased risk for developing dangerous fat around major organs, leading to related problems such as insulin resistance and inflammation. The association between birthweight and future cardiovascular disease may not be easily modified by healthy eating and exercise.
A new study suggests that sharing risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) with bereaved parents does not increase self-blame and can help prevent future deaths. The research found that most parents who lost a child to SIDS did not blame themselves, but rather experienced overwhelming guilt.
Researchers found that treatment can reduce negative life outcomes for dropouts, such as getting arrested and needing government assistance. The study also identified factors that increase the risk of dropping out, including rejection by classmates in elementary school and becoming a parent at a young age.
A large proportion of US cancer deaths might be prevented through adopting healthy lifestyles, including quitting smoking and exercising regularly. The study found that individuals who met specific criteria for a healthy lifestyle pattern had a significantly lower risk of developing cancer.
A study at Mayo Clinic found that 19% of patients undergoing esophagectomy were readmitted to the hospital, with respiratory and gastrointestinal complications being the most common reasons. Longer operations, ICU admission, and perioperative blood transfusion were identified as risk factors for unplanned readmissions.
A study of over 1,100 patients who underwent mitral valve repair found that older age and preoperative atrial fibrillation significantly increased the risk of developing tricuspid regurgitation. The risk was further exacerbated by impaired heart function, with patients experiencing devastating effects from severe TR.
A study of 16,132 participants found that midlife loneliness is associated with low income, health restrictions, and limited social interaction. High income, professional status, and good job security are protective factors against loneliness in this age group.
A new study found that visiting consultant clinics (VCCs) with orthopaedic surgeons traveling to meet patients in rural areas significantly improved access to care. The average driving distance to the nearest orthopaedic surgeon was reduced by more than 50% for 450,000 to 670,000 Iowa residents.
A new report by The Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing reveals that unsafe sex has become the fastest-growing risk factor for ill health among young people aged 10-24 years. Guaranteeing access to free quality secondary education is identified as a single best investment to improve adolescent health.
A recent study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that smoking during pregnancy and being overweight before pregnancy are key factors contributing to the social divide in childhood obesity rates. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 children born in the UK between 2000-2002 and found a significant association be...
A major new Lancet Commission highlights the critical need for increased investment in adolescent health and wellbeing, citing alarming rates of preventable deaths and diseases among young people. The report emphasizes that behaviors established during adolescence can determine lifelong health outcomes.
Research suggests environmental pollutants may increase likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rapidly progressive motor neuron disease. The study found higher concentrations of pesticides and other toxic chemicals in individuals with ALS, but no strong correlation between occupation and risk.
A study by the University of Liverpool has identified early life factors that significantly influence childhood obesity rates. The research found that mothers who smoked during pregnancy and those with lower educational attainment were more likely to have children who became overweight at age 11. Socioeconomic circumstances, maternal s...
A retrospective study found that young women undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndrome experience higher rates of adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding risks compared to men. The study highlights the importance of objectively assessing all risk factors when prescribing antiplatelet therapy.
A UBC study found that nearly one-third of British Columbia women aged 65 and older received inappropriate prescriptions, compared to one-fourth of men. The study highlights the importance of addressing gender-based disparities in healthcare prescribing practices.
A new study suggests that removing the ovaries may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in women. Among 195,973 Swedish women who underwent ovary removal between 1965 and 2011, a 30% higher rate of colorectal cancer was found compared to the general population. The risk was even higher for women who had both ovaries removed.
A new study published in CMAJ found that the UK Health Check program had a modest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, with limited success in meeting national and international targets. The program resulted in increased diagnoses of vascular diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes among participants.
A study in Mexico reveals that noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, are a growing threat to maternal survival. The reclassification of 1214 deaths identified 13% more maternal deaths than previously thought, with indirect causes accounting for 12.2 deaths per 100,000 live births.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that frail older women with six or more chronic health conditions are twice as likely to have a lower quality of life. Managing chronic health problems well may help these women enjoy a better quality of life.
Research reviewing 434 patients with metal on metal total hip replacements found a revision rate of 16.4%, significantly higher than expected. The study suggests that manufacturing issues, particularly with the taper surface and liner thickness, may be to blame for early failure.
A unique study of 60,000 refugee immigrants in Sweden found that living in high-deprivation neighborhoods significantly increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time. The study suggests a direct link between neighborhood deprivation and health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
A new study from Oregon State University found that healthy adults who retired one year past age 65 had an 11 percent lower risk of death from all causes, even when taking into account demographic and lifestyle factors. Working a year longer also had a positive impact on the mortality rate for unhealthy retirees.
A large study validates TBS as a standalone predictor of fracture risk, independent of FRAX, with robust results across diverse populations. The combination of TBS and clinical risk factors shows enhanced risk gradients for hip and non-hip fractures.
A study of over 189,000 initially healthy women found that working rotating night shifts for 5 years or more was associated with a small increase in coronary heart disease risk. The researchers also discovered waning risk after cessation of shift work and decreased risk among those who quit earlier.
Researchers found that women who worked rotating night shifts for five or more years had a 15-18% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Changing shift schedules may help offset this risk, which is modifiable and important to note.
A large retrospective study found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) independently contributes to increased atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality. Patients with fatty liver were more likely to develop carotid plaques over time, highlighting the need for thorough cardiovascular and metabolic work-ups in NAFLD patients.
Researchers found that sleep loss reduces gene expression involved in cholesterol transport, leading to lower levels of good cholesterol. The study also discovered that sleep-deprived individuals have fewer high-density HDL lipoproteins, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have identified nine new genetic risk factors contributing to myopia, with education levels playing a crucial role. The study suggests that environmental and hereditary factors interact to produce the condition, offering insights into its development and potential treatments.
Non-inflammatory destructive periodontal disease (NIDPD) is a severe destructive periodontal disease marked by generalized gingival recession and periodontal pocket development. The disease's etiology is linked to endogenous opportunistic bacteria, anatomical factors, occlusion pattern, emotional stress, and mouth breathing condition.
A new study identifies several risk factors for pre-eclampsia, including having had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy or chronic hypertension prior to the current pregnancy. The researchers developed a tool using routinely collected clinical information to distinguish women who are unlikely to benefit from aspirin therapy.
A study found that unmet nursing care varies widely across US hospitals and is associated with a higher risk of repeat hospital admission for black patients after a heart attack. The strongest factor was not receiving medications in a timely manner, increasing the odds of readmission by 26 percent.
Researchers found that depression combined with metabolic risk factors significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests a vicious cycle where depression and metabolic symptoms exacerbate each other, making integrated treatment crucial for prevention.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has identified six promising practices to improve healthcare for individuals with social risk factors. These practices include commitment to health equity, data and measurement, comprehensive needs assessment, collaborative partnerships, care continuity, and engaging patient...