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.
Researchers found an association between physical fitness and lower metabolic risk factors, such as triglycerides and blood glucose levels, in college students. Even those with higher than desirable body fat percentages can benefit from exercise to reduce chronic disease risk.
A recent study found that women taking tamoxifen for early-stage breast cancer are more likely to carry a gene mutation for clotting if they develop blood clots. The Factor V Leiden genetic mutation is associated with increased thrombosis risk in these patients.
A recent study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers links deforestation in the Amazon to a significant increase in malaria cases, with a 48% rise reported in areas with a 4% loss of forest cover. The findings suggest that clearing tropical forests creates ideal habitat for mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
A new study by UNC researchers found that post-deployment anger and hostility are associated with PTSD hyperarousal symptoms, such as sleep problems and irritability. Veterans who experienced traumatic brain injury or childhood abuse were also at higher risk for aggressive behavior.
Researchers found that risk assessment analysis can identify patients without PE, allowing for reduced radiation exposure and cost savings. The study's results suggest that thromboembolic risk factor assessment can be an effective method to determine when to perform CT angiography for PE.
Patients with cystic fibrosis who test positive for MRSA in their respiratory tract have a higher risk of death. The study found that MRSA was associated with a 27.7 deaths per 1000 patient-years, compared to 18.3 for those without the bacteria.
A study found that genetic mutations and pesticide exposure interact to increase men's risk for Parkinson's disease. Individuals with two variant alleles of the ABCB1 gene who were exposed to organochlorine insecticides had a stronger association with Parkinson's disease.
Early-stage age-related macular degeneration is associated with modifiable risk factors like smoking and low HDL cholesterol. The study found that the condition becomes more common with age, especially in those over 65, while lower HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk.
A study of 39,765 men and 157,463 women found that consuming five or more servings of white rice per week increases diabetes risk by 17%, whereas eating two or more servings of brown rice per week reduces the risk by 11%. Replacing white rice with brown rice daily could lower diabetes risk by 16%.
The study found that nearly 97.5% of Scotland's adults are at risk for multiple health problems, with low education and socio-economic circumstances being key drivers. The prevalence of these risk factors is particularly high in the most deprived communities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new study found a strong association between smoking and the presence of flat adenomas (precancerous polyps) in the colon. The study suggests that smoking may explain why smokers often present with colorectal cancer at a younger age and at a more advanced stage than nonsmokers.
A genome-wide association study found three genetic variants significantly associated with vitamin D concentrations and risk of insufficiency. Participants with certain genotypes were at two-and-a-half times increased risk of having low vitamin D levels, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in regulating vitamin D status.
A new Indiana University study reveals that the inside of a person's home has a significant impact on their physical activity levels. Researchers found that home conditions, such as dusting and cleaning, were more strongly linked to physical activity than external factors like sidewalks and lighting.
A Swedish study found strong links between ADHD medication and limited maternal education, single parent families, and welfare benefits among 1.16 million school children. The study showed that socioeconomic factors accounted for almost half of the cases, highlighting their potent predictive power.
Experts now advise against low-dose aspirin therapy for men under 50 and women under 60 with diabetes, citing risks of stomach bleeding and other side effects. Generic medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol control may be more effective in preventing heart attacks.
A large UK study found that genetic variations associated with an increased risk of breast cancer do not interact with environmental factors such as hormone replacement therapy, age at first birth, or obesity. The study's authors conclude that genetic and environmental risks for breast cancer are independent.
Researchers discovered that the key signaling molecule nitric oxide is crucial for maintaining the number of collateral vessels and their growth into natural bypass vessels. The study found that a lack of nitric oxide impairs collateral remodeling, which can lead to reduced blood flow and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that genome-wide association studies (GWA) have identified several genetic risk factors for common cancers, but their predictive power is limited by small effect sizes. The study suggests that performing GWA studies using larger sample sizes would yield more genetic loci with smaller or very small effects.
A long-term surveillance study found that blood-clot related strokes decreased by 11.6% among whites in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area between 1999 and 2005. In contrast, stroke rates remained stable for blacks during the same period. The study's lead author notes that racial disparities in stroke rates worsened over time.
Researchers at Stanford University present an environment-wide association study (EWAS) to examine the contributions of hundreds of environmental factors in Type 2 diabetes. They found strong associations with pesticide derivatives and certain nutrients, suggesting a potential protective role.
Older adults living in residential communities are at increased risk of suicidal behavior due to social factors such as widowhood, divorce, substance abuse, and family discord. The study suggests that public health systems and residential communities can counter this risk by assessing resident populations and setting priorities for sui...
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that consuming processed meat, such as bacon or sausages, increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by 42% and 19%, respectively. In contrast, unprocessed red meat is not associated with these health risks.
A long-running study of over 10,000 civil servants in London found that working overtime was associated with a 60% higher risk of heart-related problems. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, controlled for various risk factors and suggested that chronic stress may be a key mechanism behind this association.
A study found that a 35 percent decrease in CHD mortality was largely attributed to reductions in traditional risk factors. The decline in deaths was associated with significant declines in the use of treatments for conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure.
A study found that individuals with fluctuating blood pressure, in addition to high blood pressure, are at a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease. Fluctuations in blood pressure were associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, even among those with normal blood pressure.
A large study of female nurses found that high-pressure jobs boost young women's risk of ischemic heart disease. Nurses who experienced work pressures were 25-60% more likely to develop heart disease, depending on the level of pressure.
Researchers predict a significant increase in cardiovascular disease events and deaths in China between 2010 and 2030, driven by demographic changes and rising risk factors. Dramatically reducing smoking and controlling elevated blood pressure could prevent up to 5.7 million deaths by 2030.
Research found that short sleep (less than 6 hours) increases mortality risk by 12%, while long sleep (over 9 hours) can be a marker of serious illness. The study of over 1.3 million participants suggests that consistent sleep duration is an additional behavioral risk factor.
A new study by the University of East Anglia found that regular aspirin use increases the risk of developing Crohn's disease by five times. The research, which followed 200,000 volunteers, suggests that aspirin may be a contributing factor to the development of this debilitating condition.
A study by scientists at Stanford and Harvard Universities analyzed a patient's full genome to identify disease risks and unusual drug responses. The analysis revealed variants associated with diseases in the patient's family and conditions not inherited, highlighting the potential of whole-genome sequencing for personalized medicine.
An independent panel by the NIH determined that mental stimulation, exercise, and dietary supplements have insufficient evidence to delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease. The panel emphasized the need for research on objective measures of cognitive function and collaboration between clinicians and researchers.
A review of available breast cancer risk assessment tools reveals their limitations, particularly in assessing individual risks. The models rely heavily on known risk factors, with up to 60% of breast cancers arising without them.
A new study confirms tart cherries' anti-inflammatory properties, reducing body and specific sites of inflammation, such as belly fat and the heart. This research also supports the potential health benefits of cherries in managing inflammation and lowering disease risk.
A study found that at-risk children who can self-regulate behavior have higher test scores than their peers. Self-regulation skills, such as listening and paying attention, are crucial for academic success.
A new Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine study found that combining coronary artery calcium score (CACS) with traditional risk factors for heart disease is a better method than using traditional predictors alone to predict future heart attacks. The CACS was key in classifying people in the most extreme categories, iden...
A study found that adding calcium in coronary arteries to traditional risk factors improves classification of risk for predicting coronary heart disease events. The researchers used computed tomography to measure the buildup of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries, and found significant improvements in risk prediction.
A coronary artery calcium score provides a better estimate of future heart disease events when added to traditional risk factors, especially for those at intermediate risk. The study found that the score accurately placed 77% of participants into high or low risk categories.
A new study found that breast cancer risk factors differ significantly among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. In Hispanic women, known breast cancer risk factors were associated with only 7-36% of cases, compared to 62-75% in non-Hispanic whites.
A study published in JAMA analyzed US government data and found that consuming more added sugar increases cardiovascular disease risk factors. The study suggests reducing daily added sugar intake could be beneficial for long-term health.
Researchers identified age greater than 70 years as a significant risk factor for peptic ulcer in female patients taking low-dose aspirin. The study suggests a future strategy for prevention of LDA-associated gastroduodenal mucosal injury. A history of peptic ulcer was also found to be the risk factor common to both sexes.
A study by Rutgers University Professor Beverly Tepper examines the link between tasting a bitter compound and obesity risk in women. Non-tasters tend to consume more added fats, suggesting a potential connection between genetic traits and dietary habits.
A recent international study on osteoporosis in women has found that most postmenopausal women are not aware of their actual risk of debilitating bone breaks. The study, which involved over 60,000 women aged 55 and older in 10 countries, highlights the need for public education about osteoporosis risk factors and treatment.
A landmark study found that obstructive sleep apnea more than doubles the risk of stroke in men, with moderate to severe sleep apnea nearly tripling this risk. The study also reports a significant link between sleep apnea and increased stroke risk in women, particularly those with severe levels of sleep apnea.
A new study found that smoking increases MS risk in individuals with high levels of Epstein-Barr virus antibody, but not those without it. The research suggests a link between smoking, immune response to the virus, and MS development.
A landmark international study found that many postmenopausal women at high risk of fractures fail to recognize their risk factors. The study highlights the need for improved education about osteoporosis risk factors and treatment to prevent debilitating fractures.
A recent study found that nearly one in five adults aged 40+ with known COPD risk factors are undiagnosed, highlighting the need for early screening and intervention. The study's authors recommend targeting high-risk patients in primary care settings to reduce mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs.
A landmark international study of over 60,000 women found that many are unaware of their risk factors for debilitating fractures, which can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and increased mortality. The study emphasizes the need for improved education on osteoporosis risk factors and treatment options.
A new study reveals that the utilization of minimally invasive aneurysm repair varies by region due to patient risk factors and physician experience. The study found a strong correlation between higher-risk patient populations and physicians more experienced in treating aneurysms.
A 52-year follow-up study found that higher serum uric acid levels increase gout risk in women, with the risk being 46 times higher among those above 8mg/dl. Other factors such as age, obesity, and hypertension also contribute to the risk of developing gout.
A new study has found that people in their 20s and 30s have significant balance issues, increasing their risk for falling. The test, developed by University of Missouri researcher Carmen Abbott, is a combination of a health questionnaire and physical performance tests.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that four risk factors - smoking, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity - contribute to a significant reduction in life expectancy among US populations, with disparities worsening among certain groups
A new study estimates that smoking, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and overweight/obesity reduce life expectancy in the US by 4.9 years for men and 4.1 years for women. The four risk factors account for significant disparities in life expectancy across different racial and socioeconomic groups.
Researchers found that abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) test results are prevalent among individuals not considered high risk for coronary heart disease by Framingham risk score. This simple test can help identify those who may be at risk for future heart attacks, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Researchers at McMaster University found that interval training can be an effective and time-efficient way to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study involved eight to 12 one-minute bouts of exercise with rest intervals, resulting in a total of 20-25 minutes per session.
A study suggests that variability in blood pressure can be a strong predictor of stroke and other cardiovascular events, independent of mean blood pressure. The researchers found that patients with the most variation in systolic blood pressure were six times more likely to have a stroke.
A recent NIH panel has questioned 'VBAC bans' and advocated for expanded delivery options for women. The panel suggests that a trial of labor is a reasonable option for many women with a prior cesarean delivery, citing success rates of nearly 75 percent.
Early treatment reduces glaucoma risk in high-risk individuals, but delaying treatment may not offer significant benefits for those at low risk. An individualized assessment can aid patients and clinicians in making informed treatment decisions.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with ocular shingles are four-and-a-half times more likely to experience a stroke compared to those without the infection. The research also discovered that individuals with ocular shingles were more likely to have ischemic strokes and less likely to have hemorrhagic strokes.
Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive measure called Respiratory Modulation Response (RMR) to quickly and accurately detect the presence of significant coronary artery disease. Patients with sCAD had a lower RMR compared to patients without, regardless of their risk factors or clinical history.
Researchers at University of Missouri found that exercising during weight regain maintains improvements in metabolic health and disease risk. The study, led by Tom R. Thomas, indicates that exercise can counter negative effects of weight regain on conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.