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 Review highlights the urgent need for high-income countries to fund interventions addressing unmet mental health needs of displaced children. Exposure to violence is a major risk factor, while support from family and peers can be protective.
A new risk assessment model predicts development of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in individuals with early symptoms. The model identifies phenotypic, demographic, environmental, and genetic risk factors, accurately predicting progression and helping determine follow-up examinations and preventive measures.
Researchers found a small but significant association between early life family psychosocial environment and later coronary heart disease. For every extra point on the risky family score, CHD risk rose by 1 percent.
A strong link between family history and COPD was found in a study of over 1,600 participants. Family history of COPD was identified as a significant risk factor for the disease, even when other factors such as smoking exposure were accounted for.
The study found that risk factors for PTSD among OEF/OIF male veterans were similar to those observed in Vietnam veterans, but identified novel mechanisms of risk for OEF/OIF female veterans. Family relationships during deployment played a more prominent role in explaining PTSD in female veterans than in male veterans.
A recent study suggests that seven potentially modifiable risk factors, including smoking and physical inactivity, contribute to an estimated half of all Alzheimer's disease cases worldwide. By reducing these risk factors by 25%, up to 3 million cases of AD could be prevented globally.
A study by Deborah Barnes found that low education, smoking, physical inactivity, depression, mid-life hypertension, diabetes, and mid-life obesity are associated with up to 51% of Alzheimer's cases worldwide. Lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and quitting smoking could potentially prevent some cases.
Two studies found that engaging in regular physical activity is linked to less decline in cognitive function in older adults. The studies used objective measures of energy expenditure to analyze data and found a significant association between physical activity and lower rates of cognitive impairment.
A new study confirms that a low level of response (LR) to alcohol increases risk for heavy drinking and problems among adolescents. LR is related to more adverse outcomes through partial mediation by peer substance use, positive expectancies, and using alcohol to cope with stress.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers has discovered a genetic risk factor for sudden cardiac death, specifically a DNA sequence called the BAZ2B locus. Having one copy of this variant increases the risk of SCD by double that of someone without it, while having two copies nearly quadruples the risk.
A collection of articles in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine explores the health consequences of prolonged sitting time, independent of physical activity levels. Key findings suggest that sedentary behavior is a distinct health risk, with implications for workplace environments and children's health.
A history of psychiatric illness before TBI is strongly predictive of post-TBI psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric symptoms during the acute post-injury period and concurrent limb injuries also increase the risk of psychiatric illnesses.
A new study reveals that several unhealthy lifestyle factors, including weight problems, physical inactivity, and hard drug use, are associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunctions in both men and women. The study found that up to 91% of women and 78% of men without a partner-related sex life had unhealthy lifestyles.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that cardiac valve procedure patients' outcomes are influenced by their primary insurance type. Uninsured and Medicaid patients experienced higher risks of mortality, longer hospital stays, and increased total costs compared to those with private insurance.
A literature review published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that many fall prevention initiatives used in healthcare facilities are ineffective in preventing hospital falls. The study suggests that hospitals may not be able to prevent most falls due to various risk factors beyond their control.
Research highlights the importance of controlling seizures through effective drug treatment and good compliance in protecting against SUDEP. The study also recommends modifying risk factors such as polytherapy and non-adherence to prescribed medications.
A recent study published in JAMA found that adhering to a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet, can significantly lower the risk of sudden cardiac death in women. The study analyzed data from over 81,000 women and found that those who met four key lifestyle criteria had a 92% lower ...
The California Autism Twins Study suggests that both genetic and shared environmental factors significantly increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in twins. Environmental influences such as parental age, low birth weight, multiple births, and maternal infections during pregnancy may greatly increase the risk for ASD.
A study of over 8000 British civil servants found that higher levels of overall life satisfaction were linked to a reduced risk of total coronary heart disease. Satisfaction in specific domains, such as job and family, also showed protective effects against heart disease.
A recent study explores how improved design and user behavior can reduce stepladder accidents. Potential solutions include sturdier platforms, closed tubular sections, and warnings for users to avoid overreaching.
A new report identifies several synergistic steps to improve AF management, including detecting risk factors, using new antithrombotic therapies, early arrhythmia detection, and timely rhythm control treatment. The report highlights the need for more research into genetic biomarkers to assess AF risk.
A new study found that intensive multifactoral treatment for type 2 diabetes patients detected by screening leads to small improvements in risk factors, but no significant reductions in mortality and cardiovascular events. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 patients and suggested that earlier detection and treatment may be uncerta...
A new breast cancer risk model quantifies the impact of modifiable lifestyle factors on absolute breast cancer risk. The study predicts a 1.6% to 4.1% reduction in absolute risk among women aged 65, with higher reductions seen among those with positive family history or more non-modifiable risk factors.
Returnee migrants are exposed to health risks due to cumulative factors of the migration process. Policies should facilitate access to healthcare services and continuity of care across borders to improve their health outcomes.
Patients undergoing open colorectal surgery may be at nearly twice the risk of developing venous thromboembolism compared to those undergoing laparoscopic procedures. A recent study analyzed data from over 149,000 patients and found a significant difference in VTE rates between the two methods.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that urinary incontinence after giving birth doubles a woman's risk of developing postpartum depression. The study, which evaluated nearly 1,900 new mothers, identified five key predictors of postpartum depression, including urinary incontinence.
Researchers at UTHealth are exploring the link between Adenovirus-36 and obesity, with a focus on firefighters who are more likely to be overweight or obese. The study aims to design health and wellness strategies for this high-risk population.
A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation finds that most US counties are falling behind the world's healthiest nations in terms of life expectancy. The study found significant disparities in life expectancy across the US, with women living longer than men in some areas but facing worse outcomes in others.
Patients with elevated FGF-23 levels had a higher risk of end-stage renal disease and death, even at early stages of chronic kidney disease. The association was found across different estimated glomerular filtration rates (GFR) categories.
A study found that perceived racism is associated with an elevated risk of self-reported sleep disturbance, increased by 61% after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. This link may contribute to negative impacts on mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of addressing social environmental stressors.
A new study found a significant decline in heart attack rates among London civil servants over 20 years, primarily due to improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and reduced smoking. However, the rise in body mass index (BMI) may reverse this trend in the future.
A comprehensive global study found that neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia, account for 45% of the disease burden among young people aged 10-24 years. The study highlights the need to focus on prevention programs and health promotion against non-communicable and non-fatal causes of disease in adolescence.
A large population study found that gestational diabetes does not increase cardiovascular risk in all women, but may pose a higher risk to Hispanic women, with a 70% increased likelihood of developing heart disease compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.
A large study found that carrying the FVL gene variant substantially increases the risk of colorectal cancer, with a six-fold increase in risk compared to those without the variant. Another gene variant of clotting factor XIII was also associated with a 15% lower risk of bowel cancer.
Young female athletes who stop menstruating may experience weakened bone structure and increased risk of fractures despite regular exercise. A new study found that amenorrhea in athletes can lead to abnormal bone microarchitecture, a significant public health concern.
Men with prostate cancer treated with hormone deprivation therapy may be at increased risk of developing diabetes or metabolic syndrome. According to the study, men in the ADT group had a twofold increased probability of having diabetes compared to those who did not receive hormonal therapy.
A long-term study found that children with ADHD are 1.5 times more likely to develop substance abuse than control participants. Conduct disorder was the only additional diagnosis to triple the risk when combined with ADHD.
A recent study by Rachel Kalf found that DTC genetic tests have moderate predictive ability but often assign increased risk to individuals without substantially higher disease rates. The researchers concluded that these tests are inaccurate and do not provide significant benefits to individuals.
Researchers mapped hereditary factors for venous thromboembolism in the Swedish population, finding higher risks in children of parents with VTE. Hereditary factors are significant at younger ages and occur equally in men and women, making a parental history an important risk factor to include in medical histories.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women's risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be identified up to seven years before pregnancy based on routine measures of blood sugar and body weight. The study revealed a strong correlation between adverse cardio-metabolic risk factors, including high blood sugar, hypertension, and bein...
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that residents of the Stroke Belt, a southern region of the US, have a higher incidence of cognitive decline than other regions. The research team believes shared risk factors are to blame and suggests investigating regional patterns contributing to modifiable risk factors.
The prevalence of gambling disorders varies greatly across countries, with high rates in Asia and the US. Research suggests a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and psychological factors contributing to the development of problem gambling.
A new study by University of Calgary researcher Dr. David Hodgins highlights the growing issue of problem gambling as access to online gambling increases. Problem gamblers often co-occur with other mental health and substance-abuse disorders, and treatment effectiveness is variable.
A study found that hospital emergency departments in nonrural areas of the US declined by 27% between 1990 and 2009. EDs at for-profit hospitals, smaller facilities, and those in highly competitive markets were more likely to close.
A study of 1,078 doctors found that younger doctors prescribed more cardiovascular drugs but did not significantly improve patients' major CV risk factors. Older doctors were more likely to recommend lifestyle changes and provide accurate clinical data.
A study published in Acta Paediatrica found that physically inactive children as young as 9 years old are at a higher risk of future heart problems. The research showed that moderate to vigorous physical activity accounted for 8% of the variance in cardiac risk scores, while general physical activity accounted for 11% in boys.
A new study from the University of Utah found that mothers of twins tend to be healthier and live longer than singleton mothers, with stronger women being more likely to naturally conceive twins. The research analyzed data from over 58,000 Utah women born between 1807 and 1899, revealing a link between twin birth and longevity.
A new study found that systemic sclerosis is an independent determinant for moderate to severe coronary calcification or atherosclerosis in patients. The research team discovered that 57% of patients with systemic sclerosis had high coronary calcification scores, compared to 29% of healthy controls.
A recent report from the National Institutes of Health found insufficient evidence linking modifiable factors to Alzheimer's disease risk. The panel concluded that large-scale studies and clinical trials are needed to answer these questions. Researchers urge individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite current uncertainty.
Research at Digestive Disease Week 2011 explores bariatric surgery benefits and risks, including increased hospitalization times and mortality rates in the elderly. Adolescents also show marked improvement in biochemical cardiac risk factors after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Using age alone to identify those at risk of heart disease or stroke is a viable alternative to current screening methods. According to the study, this approach has an 84% detection rate and false-positive rate of 24%, comparable to existing methods with slightly lower rates.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that ancestral genetic heritage is not fixed at the individual level for African-American and Hispanic patients, but rather varies widely within each group. This research challenges traditional ethnic labels and highlights the importance of considering individual genotypes in personalized medi...
A study found that family factors continue to protect adolescents from smoking, with parental connectedness and monitoring being key protective measures. The levels of these protective factors decreased over time, but remained important in reducing the risk of smoking initiation, particularly among minority groups.
A recent study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found no clinically significant difference in the risk of gallbladder disease among women using different formulations of oral contraceptives. The study, which followed over 2.7 million women, suggested that reporting bias may contribute to perceived increased risk associ...
Researchers found that treating vascular risk factors can help slow memory decline and reduce the risk of developing dementia. Those receiving full treatment were 39% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease compared to those receiving no treatment.
A multicenter study found that older adults at risk for stroke have increased risk of verbal fluency decline and difficulty ignoring irrelevant information. The research suggests treating stroke risk factors may decrease executive function decline in otherwise healthy patients.
A review paper by IOF examines global hip fracture incidence trends, finding changes in age-specific rates in different regions. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the socio-economic burden of fragility fractures worldwide.
A growing proportion of young people are using hookah water pipes despite misconceptions about its safety. Family habits, such as father or sibling smoking, significantly increase the likelihood of hookah use.
Research shows that brief, high-intensity exercise is more beneficial than traditional endurance training for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young people. The study found significant improvements in CVD risk factors after only 15% of the total exercise time.
A study of twins found that genetic factors play a significant role in urinary incontinence, accounting for around 50% of the variation. Various forms of urinary incontinence, including stress and urge incontinence, have also been linked to genetic explanations.