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Incidence of stroke decreases over last 50 years

The study found a significant decline in stroke incidence over the past 50 years, with lifetime risk decreasing from 19.5% to 14.5%. However, age-adjusted stroke severity remained unchanged, and mortality rates only decreased in men, highlighting the need for greater primary prevention efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 26, 2006

Newer biomarkers add small improvement in cardiovascular risk prediction to established risk factors

Scientists found that persons with high multimarker scores had a risk of death four times as great and a risk of major cardiovascular events almost two times as great as those with low scores. The study used 3209 participants for 10 years, measuring 10 novel biomarkers in addition to established risk factors.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 20, 2006

Stroke rates falling in the West

Research finds stroke incidence decreasing in Perth by 43%, largely due to prevention strategies and reduced risk factors like hypertension and smoking. The study suggests successful implementation of healthy lifestyles is contributing to the decline.

Psoriasis associated with increased risk for heart attack

A study published in JAMA Network found that adults with psoriasis, particularly those with severe forms of the condition, are at a higher risk for heart attacks. The research also revealed that younger patients with severe psoriasis have a significantly increased relative risk compared to other major cardiac risk factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 10, 2006

One-third of US youth not physically fit

According to a report in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, approximately one-third of boys and girls aged 12-19 in the US do not meet physical fitness standards. The study found that regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, as low-fit youth are at increased risk of chronic diseases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 2, 2006

Rheumatoid arthritis and sex differences

The study found that male sex influences RA mechanisms, with higher production of anti-CCP antibodies in families with affected male members. Female patients also exhibit differences in disease expression and response to treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 28, 2006

Mexican Americans have higher risk of stroke recurrence

A study examining stroke recurrence in Mexican Americans found they have a higher risk of recurrent strokes compared to non-Hispanic whites. This increased risk is associated with a higher mortality rate, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 22, 2006

Venous thrombosis after travel

A large study found that traveling for more than 4 hours increases the risk of venous thrombosis by 2-fold. High-risk groups, including those with factor V Leiden and oral contraceptives, have a significantly increased risk of thrombosis after air travel.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 21, 2006

Major genetic risk factor found for prostate cancer

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a DNA segment on chromosome 8 that is a major risk factor for prostate cancer, especially in younger African American men. The study found that this region increases the likelihood of prostate cancer by about doubling it in younger African Americans.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2006

Socially isolated children may become unhealthy adults

Research suggests that social isolation in childhood is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and poorer adult health outcomes. Even after adjusting for established risk factors, socially isolated children were more likely to be unhealthy adults with increased cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 7, 2006

Researchers develop risk predictor for dementia

A team of researchers has developed a simple technique to predict the late risk of dementia based on midlife risk factors, including systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels. The risk score predicts dementia well, particularly in individuals with high age, low education, and obesity.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateAug 2, 2006