Articles tagged with Risk Factors
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A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that premenopausal women with mild depression have lower bone mass than their nondepressed peers. Bone thinning was especially prevalent in hip bones, increasing the risk of fractures and other costly injuries as they age.
Discussing coronary risk profiles with physicians can improve cholesterol management and treatment adherence. Patients who receive their risk profile have smaller reductions in LDL levels and are more likely to reach lipid targets.
A new MUHC study found that informing patients about their cardiovascular risk and receiving ongoing feedback from their doctor leads to greater drops in lipid levels. Patients with higher risk profiles experienced a greater impact on their risk profile, highlighting the importance of communicating calculated cardiovascular risk.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that age, burden, divorce, and heavy tea consumption are significant risk factors for erosive esophagitis. Additionally, routine consumption of greasy food and constipation were identified as risk factors for non-erosive reflux disease.
Patients with venous thromboembolism face a substantially higher long-term risk of heart attack and stroke, with relative risks comparable to those for diabetes and smoking. The study found that the combined increased risk for arterial cardiovascular events was between 20% and 40% higher over 20 years.
Researchers have created a global consensus on the 20 foremost measures needed to curb humanity's most fatal diseases. The list of Grand Challenges includes prioritizing resource allocation within health systems and mitigating the impact of poverty and urbanization.
A survey of 740 Taiwanese men found a statistically significant positive association between smoking and moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia, a common type of hair loss in men. The study suggests that smoking may destroy hair follicles or damage the papilla that circulates blood and hormones to stimulate hair growth.
Researchers found that breastfed babies had a lower average body mass index (BMI) and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL or 'good' cholesterol) levels in adulthood. These protective factors against cardiovascular disease were observed even after accounting for personal and maternal demographic risk factors.
A study analyzing data from over 4,900 mothers found that children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy had increased conduct problems, attention and impulsivity issues. The association remained even after controlling for other variables, suggesting prenatal alcohol exposure may cause childhood conduct problems through environm...
A new study found that early BMI rebound age is associated with adverse cardiovascular risk factors and may signal potential heart disease risk as early as age 7. The study of 308 children showed that earlier BMI rebound age correlates with a greater likelihood to become obese adults, particularly girls.
Researchers found that PAD prevalence increased from 3.7% to 4.6% among asymptomatic adults aged 40-70 between 1999-2004. The study suggests a link between rising obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking rates, emphasizing the importance of screening for PAD in asymptomatic patients.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who followed a combination of five or more lifestyle factors experienced significantly lower rates of infertility due to ovulatory disorders. The key factors included dietary choices and physical activity, with higher scores associated with a lower risk of infertility.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that brothers are at a higher risk of developing heart disease than sisters, with a 20% increased risk within 10 years if any sibling has a heart attack. The younger the age of the sibling who develops heart disease, the greater the risk for other family members.
A study of 27,000 women found that regular physical activity can significantly lower cardiovascular risk by 40% over 11 years. The research highlights the importance of exercise in reducing inflammation and blood pressure as key contributors to cardioprotection.
A study found that high-risk individuals are less likely to follow through on HIV testing plans, despite planning to be tested. The study suggests that targeting interventions at these populations could increase testing rates and combat the HIV epidemic.
A team from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh is studying the effectiveness of a wrist-mounted instrument called eWatch in measuring psychosocial stress exposure. The study will collect data on participants' daily activities, stress levels, and environment to understand how stress affects daily life.
A study published in JAMA found that chronic job strain after a first heart attack significantly increases the risk of another coronary heart disease event. The study, which included 972 participants, revealed that job strain was associated with a two-fold increase in recurrent CHD events.
A standardized intervention incorporating risk assessment and telephone counselling improved cardiovascular risk factors among those at risk for coronary disease, but not among those with established coronary disease. The study found a positive impact on reducing cardiovascular risk factors in high-risk individuals.
Researchers aim to modify traditional risk tools to include socioeconomic factors and calculate the impact on prediction. The study, which will use a database of over 30,000 adult patient cases, hopes to identify those with lower economic positions who may be more appropriately treated using an updated risk model.
Scientists will create biomarkers for environmental risk factors in human disease, including cigarette smoke and obesity. The research aims to understand the interaction between genes and environment, using wearable sensors and advanced technologies.
Conscientious individuals have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and experiencing cognitive decline. A study of over 997 older adults found that those with high levels of conscientiousness had an 89% lower risk of developing the disease.
Researchers suggest expanding kidney acceptance criteria and identify key factors improving transplant success. Matching donor and recipient ages and reducing waiting times may optimize results, while understanding risk factors like delayed graft function and acute rejection can aid preventive measures.
Researchers at Tufts University found that glycemic index values can vary significantly among individuals and even within the same person, with individual values ranging from 44 to 132. The study's findings highlight the need for more precise understanding of how glycemic index relates to chronic disease risk in diverse populations.
A Review in The Lancet emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle in reducing stress to manage risk factors associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Studies have shown that both acute and chronic stressors can increase the risk of cardiac events, with major life changes and emotional stressors being key contributors.
The updated GOLD report provides new standards for diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and assessment. The report also highlights the need to understand co-morbidities and implement effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and management.
A new study found that chronically lonely individuals have altered gene-expression patterns, including increased inflammatory signalling. This molecular signature may provide a framework for understanding the link between social isolation and diseases like heart disease, infection, and cancer.
A global survey found that fewer people in less developed countries with mental disorders sought services compared to those in high-income countries. The U.S. population used services the most at 18%, while Nigeria had the lowest rate at 1.6%.
COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with smoking being a primary risk factor. The International Burden of Lung Disease (BOLD) Study found that eastern Kentucky had one of the highest rates of COPD in the world.
A study of 9,425 people in 12 countries found a higher prevalence of stage II or higher COPD than previously estimated. The disease is expected to increase as the global population ages due to risk factors such as tobacco use and occupational exposures.
A recent heart attack increases the risk of developing new-onset diabetes and pre-diabetes by up to four-and-a-half times. Lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation, weight loss, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet can substantially lower this risk.
A large cohort study found that heavy drinking was associated with a higher risk of stroke in Chinese men. Drinking more than 21 drinks per week increased the risk by 22%, while heavier drinking correlated to higher mortality rates.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that apolipoprotein B:apo A-I ratio is not a better predictor of coronary heart disease risk than traditional lipid ratios. The study evaluated 3,322 middle-aged participants and found that the differences between the two measures were small and statistically nonsignificant.
Current and past smokers are at increased risk of developing late-age related macular degeneration, with current smokers four times more likely than non-smokers. Smoking's link to AMD is thought to share other risk factors with cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol levels and hypertension.
Researchers found that sub-standard housing more than doubled diabetes risk among study participants. Despite ruling out other factors, housing conditions remain a significant contributor to the development of diabetes in this population.
Researchers found that mobility is a key factor impacting quality of life for older adults. Interventions targeting mobility limitations may improve HRQOL and overall well-being among seniors at risk for disability. The study highlighted the need to develop effective interventions to preserve or improve mobility in this population.
A literature review found a strong relationship between stress and periodontal diseases, with 57% of studies showing a positive link. Patients can reduce their risk by minimizing stress through healthy habits such as exercise, balanced eating, and positive mental attitude.
A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that few older women with significant risk factors for lifetime exposure to HIV showed interest in being tested. The study, which analyzed data from 514 women aged 50-95, found that only 22% of participants expressed interest in HIV testing.
Two genes influencing MS risk have been conclusively linked to the disease, shedding new light on its causes and potential treatments. The findings may provide hope for at least 350,000 Americans affected by MS.
A nationwide survey found that nearly seven in ten Americans believe the risk of dying from cancer is increasing, despite clear evidence to the contrary. The study also revealed associations between sociodemographic variables, such as gender and education level, and the likelihood of believing false statements about cancer risks.
High-risk patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy show reduced risk of sudden cardiac death with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The study analyzed data from 506 patients and found that ICD interventions were effective in preventing life-threatening arrhythmias.
Cancer incidence is higher among people with HIV/AIDS and organ transplant recipients due to immune system dysfunction. The study found a broad range of cancers at increased incidence across various sites.
The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators is increasing in Canada but remains lower than in the US. In adults who survived a cardiac arrest, the rate increased from 5.4% to 26.7% between 1995 and 2003. The devices are considered safe and effective for people at risk of life-threatening rhythm disturbances.
A large Canadian family study found that both fathers and mothers with multiple sclerosis equally transmitted the genetic risk of the disease to their children. The study contradicts previous findings suggesting men may be more likely to pass on the risk, contradicting the Carter effect.
A large-scale study found that high levels of urate in the blood are strongly associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Urate, a normal component of blood, may have beneficial effects due to its antioxidant properties.
Two studies identify smoking, low formal education, and glucose tolerance as independent predictors of rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking is associated with a higher risk, while better glucose tolerance is linked to a lower risk, suggesting alternative mechanisms may be at play.
A new study of over 7,800 high school sophomores found that boys are exposed to more risk factors and less protection for serious delinquency than girls. Boys were twice as likely to engage in seven serious delinquent behaviors, including being arrested or carrying a handgun.
Researchers found that patients who tackled all three behaviors simultaneously had better success rates in changing their habits compared to those who addressed them separately. The study suggests a simultaneous approach may be superior for long-term multiple behavior change.
Two studies identify interactions between heart disease and kidney disease, revealing that anemia, microalbuminuria, and declining eGFR are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The findings highlight the importance of screening and intervention for patients at high risk of kidney disease.
A study has identified a new genetic risk factor for coeliac disease, which lacks a protective DNA sequence in the interleukin-2 and interleukin-21 gene region. This discovery could pave the way towards improved diagnostics and treatments for the condition.
A simple test combines medical history, cognitive testing, and physical examination to predict dementia risk within six years. The 14-point index is accurate in predicting dementia with 87 percent accuracy.
Recent falls in US coronary heart disease deaths can be attributed to a combination of lifestyle changes and medical therapies. Despite decreases in risk factors such as smoking and high cholesterol, increases in obesity and diabetes offset the progress.
Child maltreatment is a worldwide problem with far more prevalence than recognized. Medical responses typically occur after the event, but prevention is advocated through measures like parental education and home visits. Diagnosis involves detecting injuries that cannot be explained by medical history or other circumstances.
A study found that only 32% of adults possess minimal medical knowledge of serious health conditions, despite higher education or personal experience not providing significant improvement. This lack of awareness poses a risk to early detection and treatment outcomes, as well as public health costs and behavior.
Research shows that treating subclinical hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone improves symptoms, cholesterol levels, and reduces heart disease risk. Patients experience increased energy, weight loss, and improved quality of life.
A study found that men with a high rate of increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels before treatment have a higher risk of death from prostate cancer. Elevated PSA velocity was a stronger predictor of poor prognosis than other single indicators, such as biopsy Gleason scores or advanced disease categories.
A new study found that both heavy drinking and neighborhood characteristics can contribute to mutual intimate partner violence among married/cohabiting adults. Women who are the heaviest drinkers are at elevated risk for mutual IPV regardless of their neighborhood context.
A new study by Research Australia found that carrying passengers increases the likelihood of a crash by 60% compared to using a mobile phone while driving. The risk is lower than mobile phone use but higher due to the prevalence of passenger transport.
Despite progress in research, malaria persists as a major public health challenge due to limited vaccine development and drug resistance. The disease causes an estimated 1 million deaths annually and affects 3 billion individuals worldwide.
Research finds patients with sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing diabetes, independent of other factors. The severity of sleep apnea is also associated with the risk, highlighting the need for further investigation into treatment options.
A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a 50% lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study tracked the health of over 43,000 US men, finding that those who followed a Western diet were more than four times as likely to develop COPD.