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 Canadian adolescents found that poor sleep patterns, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diets are increasing cardiovascular risk factors. Experts recommend implementing healthy habits at schools to reduce the alarming trend in poor sleep among teens.
A new study by Margie E. Lachman and Stefan Agrigoroaei found that specific psychological, social, and physical protective factors can delay declines in health by up to a decade. Positive traits such as control beliefs, social support, and physical exercise are associated with better health in later life.
Research published in Heart found that men with low testosterone levels were more likely to die prematurely from heart disease and all causes. The study of 930 men with coronary artery heart disease showed that those with low testosterone had nearly twice the risk of death compared to those with normal levels.
Researchers studied genetic risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and found that patients carrying specific genes were more likely to respond to anti-VEGF therapy. Genetic screening may improve glaucoma care by identifying markers for congenital and primary open angle glaucoma.
Two studies found that African-American patients and those with Medicaid are at higher risk of first hospital readmission. Additionally, poor nutrition and depression increase the likelihood of further rehospitalizations. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reduce preventable readmissions.
Researchers argue that genomic risk prediction for population-level preventive healthcare is not yet supported by evidence. A cost-effective approach would require interventions for those at risk, but such an approach has yet to be demonstrated. The authors caution against widescale implementation of genetic screening for disease risk.
Research suggests that women who develop cardio-metabolic risk factors before pregnancy are more likely to have a subsequent pregnancy with gestational diabetes. The study recommends pre-conception screening for metabolic abnormalities to prevent this condition and its lasting health effects on children.
A study of 1,509 non-diabetic participants found that insulin resistance was associated with a 45% greater risk of any type of vascular event. Insulin resistance was also linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in men.
A Commonwealth Fund study found that US life expectancy has declined relative to other developed nations, despite higher healthcare spending. The researchers attribute the decline to flaws in the US healthcare system, including unregulated fee-for-service payments and reliance on specialty care.
A new US study links larger waist sizes to significantly higher diabetes rates among American adults compared to their English peers. The research suggests that waist circumference, rather than traditional risk factors like obesity, poses a substantial health risk for Americans, particularly women.
A study found that Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations for suspected child maltreatment are associated with increased household risk factors, including poverty and maternal depressive symptoms. However, CPS investigations were not linked to improvements in social support, family functioning, or common modifiable risk factors.
Recent studies have found that saturated fat has a limited impact on cardiovascular disease risk and that replacing it with other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and whole grains, may be more beneficial for heart health. The 'saturated fat is bad' paradigm is being reexamined by leading scientists.
Characteristics such as patient engagement, physician communication, and staff coordination contribute to higher dialysis center survival rates. Top-performing centers also report stronger interpersonal relationships and more resourceful dietitians.
A recent study found that South Asian kidney transplant recipients experience a significantly higher risk of heart problems post-transplant. The research identified ethnicity as a key risk factor for cardiovascular events in this population, highlighting the need for tailored care and registry categories.
A team of researchers led by Ellen Velie aims to identify risk factors for breast cancer in young women, particularly black women younger than 50. The five-year study will investigate the impact of early life growth patterns, physical activity, diet, and body size on tumor characteristics.
A lifestyle intervention has been shown to provide long-term benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes, leading to significant weight loss and improvements in fitness, hemoglobin A1c levels, and cholesterol profiles. The study suggests that this approach can help prevent long-term complications of the disease.
A 12-week randomized clinical trial found that pine bark extract did not improve risk factors for heart disease, despite its potential biological benefits. The study included 130 participants at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, who took either pine bark extract or a placebo once daily.
Research by sociologists Ellen Idler and Julie Phillips found significant increases in middle-aged suicide rates, particularly among unmarried individuals and those without a college degree. The study suggests that chronic diseases and substance abuse may be contributing factors to the rising trend.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that resistance training during weight regain can maintain health gains, including reduced risks for diabetes and heart disease. Participants who performed supervised resistance training three times a week maintained improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and strength.
The seasonal flu vaccine has been shown to lower the risk of first heart attack in adults, with a 19% reduction found in the study. Early vaccination for influenza between September and mid-November was associated with an even higher 21% reduction.
High blood glucose levels after surgery may be a significant risk factor for surgical site infections in general surgery patients, according to a recent study. The authors found that postoperative hyperglycemia was the most important risk factor for surgical site infections in both general and colorectal cancer surgery patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that approximately 1% of patients who underwent total hip replacement surgery still developed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism within 90 days. The researchers identified several co-morbidity factors that increased a patient's likelihood, including previou...
Research published in Heart found that the combination of depression and coronary heart disease triples the risk of death from all causes and quadruples the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. Depression alone increases mortality by twice as much as having neither condition.
A study of 71,243 Chinese women aged 40-70 found that those with higher cumulative scores for healthy lifestyle factors had a 43% lower risk of all-cause mortality. The strongest association was with cardiovascular disease deaths.
The study found that indoor falls are associated with an inactive lifestyle, disability, and poor health, while outdoor falls are linked to higher activity levels and better-than-average health. Outdoor falls also occur more frequently among younger, healthier individuals.
A longitudinal study of over 4000 subjects found that occupational exposure to substances like flour or disinfectants is a significant risk factor for adolescents developing persistent neurodermatitis. The study also highlights the importance of considering career choices in patient care and counseling.
A meta-analysis found that changing how people perceive and think about others is the most effective way to combat loneliness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy-based interventions were particularly effective in reducing loneliness by addressing negative thoughts about self-worth and social perceptions.
Patients over 50 and obese recipients are at higher risk of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). Elevated triglyceride levels, CMV infection, and delayed graft function also significantly increase the risk. Researchers found that age and obesity increased TRAS by 190% and 697%, respectively.
A risk assessment questionnaire identified risk factors for respiratory adverse events in children undergoing general anesthesia, including family history of asthma and eczema. The findings suggest that tailored anesthesia management can benefit high-risk children, improving outcomes.
The incidence of acute myocardial infarction sharply increased among young Italian women between 2001 and 2005, with a total of over 118,000 reported cases in 2005. The study also found that the increase was higher in younger women aged 45-64 years.
A study of 45,227 patients with atherothrombosis found that hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes increased the risk of future cardiovascular events. Polyvascular disease was also identified as a strong risk factor for ischemic events.
Brothers of men with prostate cancer are at a higher risk of diagnosis due to increased diagnostic activities, not genetic mutations. Incidence is highest among men with two brothers diagnosed, and detection bias contributes significantly.
Research suggests that early life influences can lead to a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Maternal stress and exposure to famine during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of these conditions in offspring.
A study of 216 patients with open-angle glaucoma found that older patients and those with abnormal anticardiolin antibodies experienced faster visual field decline. Reducing intraocular pressure modestly slowed this decline, particularly in younger patients.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that larger waist circumferences are associated with a greater risk of dying from any cause. The research, which included over 48,000 men and women, found that very large waists were linked to approximately twice the risk of death, even among those at normal weight.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that nearly 75% of stroke patients remained on their prescribed medications after hospital discharge. Factors associated with persistent medication use included cardiovascular disease, insurance coverage, and understanding the purpose of the medications.
Dr. Nadeau's research focuses on the impact of ancestral generations on an individual's health status, challenging traditional studies that rely solely on inherited genes and environmental exposures. The NIH Director's Pioneer Award supports his five-year investigation into transgenerational genetic effects.
The US Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works convened a special hearing on potential environmental health factors associated with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Speaks emphasizes the importance of research on environmental risk factors, noting a dramatic increase in autism prevalence over the last decade.
Research from University of Cincinnati finds that sales turnover is the only uniform corporate indicator predicting a firm's bankruptcy in three major economies. The study also reveals that different financial factors are correlated with bankruptcy in each country, mainly due to varying financial and business structures.
Research suggests that both short and long sleep durations are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adults who sleep less than seven hours per day or more than nine hours per night have a higher risk of heart problems compared to those who get average sleep duration.
Research found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a risk factor for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) recurrence. The study, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, identified age, low serum albumin levels, and PPI use as risk factors for CDAD recurrence.
A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased arterial stiffness in black teens. Researchers discovered that higher doses of vitamin D supplementation (2,000 IU) improved cardiovascular health and reduced central arterial stiffness.
Researchers found that nearly one in five patients with early stages of CKD had evidence of AF, a rate similar to those with end-stage CKD. The study emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring health conditions of this population due to increasing risk of developing AF as people live longer and get older.
A meta-analysis of social relationships and mortality risk found that individuals with adequate social connections have a 50% greater likelihood of survival. The study's results suggest that reducing mortality through enhancing social relationship factors may be a major opportunity to improve both survival and quality of life.
The American Academy of Family Physicians accepted a large donation from Coca-Cola to fund obesity prevention materials, raising concerns about conflict of interest and loyalty to public health. In contrast, the organization's actions were seen as an effort to serve physicians and patients by addressing unmet public health needs.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that individuals with psoriasis who were obese at age 18 had an increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. The study also identified other predictors, including younger age at psoriasis onset and larger body surface areas affected by the condition.
A new study offers a low-cost, in-office tool to identify athletes at high-risk for ACL injuries. The simplified method combines measuring the tibia and knee motions with standard equipment, strongly correlating with expensive laboratory methods.
Researchers found that depressive symptoms in men with erectile dysfunction increase cardiovascular problems independently from other known risk factors. The use of antidepressant medications did not alter this relationship.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is leading a nationwide NIH-funded investigation to identify risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, with a focus on vascular risk factors and ethnic differences. The $26 million study will examine thousands of patients using detailed neurocognitive testing and brain imaging.
Researchers have identified a functional DNA element associated with prostate cancer risk, revealing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the disease. The study found that variants in this region can alter the expression of critical genes, increasing disease risk.
A new study by LSUHSC researchers found that fat in the liver, abdominal fat, and fat oxidation are early markers for metabolic syndrome in children. The study suggests that factors such as pregnancy weight, birth weight, and physical activity may contribute to poor metabolic function in young children.
Researchers have identified associations with the HLA-B51 region of the MHC and variants on chromosome 1, including a known variant of the IL10 gene. These findings suggest that low levels of IL-10 protein may be a risk factor for Behcet's disease.
A randomized controlled trial found that long-term antioxidant supplementation improved glucose and lipid metabolism, increased large and small artery elasticity, and decreased blood pressure in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The study suggests that antioxidants may have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health.
A new study found nearly half of the elderly Dutch population had vitamin D deficiency, which may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. The condition is characterized by high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, abnormal cholesterol profile, and high blood sugar.
An international consortium of scientists has identified 12 new gene variants linked to type 2 diabetes, with 11 influencing insulin production and one associated with the X chromosome. This discovery sheds light on the complex pathogenesis of the disease, which affects millions worldwide.
A mathematical model suggests that aggressively treating low blood pressure and cholesterol levels may harm some patients with diabetes. The study found that only a small proportion of patients at average risk received significant benefits from intensive treatment.
A new study of 1,960 White-Americans and 368 Black-Americans with VTE found that Blacks had a significantly higher proportion with pulmonary embolism and idiopathic PE, as well as a higher incidence of VTE. The study suggests that true causes for these racial differences remain unknown and warrant further investigation.
Women who experience early menopause are more than twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease event later in life. The study also found that early menopause remained a risk factor even after controlling for hormone replacement therapy and major cardiovascular risk factors.
A new study found that living kidney donors with metabolic syndrome experience a decline in renal function more than twice as fast as those without the condition, highlighting the need for corrective measures before donation.
The INTERSTROKE study found that high blood pressure, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio, diet, physical activity, lipids, diabetes mellitus, alcohol intake, stress, and depression are significantly associated with stroke. Collectively, these risk factors accounted for 90% of the global risk of stroke.