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 University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that gout is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction (heart attack) in men with no previous history of coronary artery disease. Gouty arthritis was associated with modest elevations in blood pressure, age, and body mass index.
A study examined prescribing patterns of COX-2 inhibitors and gastroprotective agents for arthritis patients with varying levels of GI risk. The majority (75.3%) of patients prescribed NSAIDs received a gastroprotective strategy, primarily using COX-2 inhibitors.
A study suggests that international exercise guidelines for young people should recommend higher levels of physical activity to lower their risk of cardiovascular disease. The current guidelines, which recommend one hour of moderate-intensity exercise per day, may be insufficient.
A genetic variation in the CFH gene is associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study found that individuals with the mutation had a 48% cumulative risk of developing late AMD by age 95, while those without it had a lower risk.
Women aged 45 years or older with migraines and aura have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, angina, and death due to ischemic cardiovascular disease. In contrast, migraine without aura was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Recent study finds that screening levels of C-reactive protein and other compounds do not improve prediction of coronary heart disease risk. Major traditional risk factors, such as age, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, remain the most accurate predictors of CHD.
A study of 42,847 U.S. men found that adopting multiple healthy lifestyle factors, such as not smoking and regular exercise, significantly lowers the risk of coronary heart disease. Men who adopted two or more low-risk factors during the study period had a 27% lower risk of CHD.
Data from a survey of 43,000 U.S. adults suggest that early alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of developing future alcohol problems, including dependence and relapse.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that middle-aged adults spend an average of 6.1 hours asleep per night, despite spending 7.5 hours in bed. The study also revealed significant racial and socioeconomic disparities in sleep duration, with African-American men sleeping only 5.1 hours a night.
A study found that acupuncture improved knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis, even when compared to sham acupuncture. Another study revealed that Mediterranean diets improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels in older adults at risk for heart disease.
A large cohort study found that chronic pesticide exposure is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, regardless of occupation or home use. The study suggested that exposure to specific pesticides may be the underlying cause of this increased risk.
Research found that novelty seeking personality trait amplifies risk associated with parental alcoholism, while low novelty seeking may diminish it. The study analyzed data from 1,111 adult siblings and established diagnoses of alcohol dependence and personality scores for parents.
According to a study published in The Lancet, heartburn is more common in Western populations compared to non-Western populations. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking contribute to the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which can lead to significant economic burdens.
Safe sleep practices, such as placing infants on their backs to sleep, can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The study emphasizes the importance of ensuring a safe sleep environment, including avoiding soft bedding and overheating.
The CHICAGO trial will examine ACTOS' effect on blood vessel health and atherosclerosis, beyond glycemic control. The 18-month study aims to gather further information about the management of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
Women with high-glycemic-index diets had greater risk of early AMD, regardless of total carbohydrate intake. Dietary quality, not quantity, may play a crucial role in AMD development.
A study found that obese teenagers have larger and heavier hearts, with impaired function, which cannot be explained by high blood pressure alone. The research suggests that childhood obesity can lead to long-term consequences on heart disease risk.
A study found that one fourth of older patients receive catheters for no medical reason, putting them at risk of urinary tract infections. The risk is higher among women, patients over 85, and those with chronic illness or disability.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Leicester found no evidence that low air pressure and low oxygen levels during long-haul flights increase the risk of blood clots. The study, which included 73 healthy volunteers, assessed the effects of hypobaric and hypoxia on markers of blood clotting.
A Europe-wide study aims to identify the key factors contributing to asthma development, with a long-term goal of prevention. The GABRIEL project will analyze genetic and environmental interactions, including the role of urbanization and industrial agents, to better understand this complex disease.
A Université de Montréal study found that boys identified as hyperactive, fearless, and not prosocial at age six are 6 times more likely to join a deviant peer group. Family adversity also increases the risk of early gang affiliation.
A whole-genome study at Johns Hopkins reveals a new gene, NOS1AP, associated with abnormal heart rhythm and increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Approximately 60% of European descent individuals carry a variant of this gene linked to QT interval length.
Data from the National Health Interview Survey show a significant link between obesity and increasing diabetes incidence. Lifestyle interventions, including moderate weight loss and exercise, can prevent or delay diabetes onset in high-risk adults.
The study found that patients' lung volumes are lower following surgery and general anesthesia, increasing the risk of developing pneumonia, respiratory failure, or worsening existing lung disease. The guidelines provide patient-related risk factors and surgery-related risk factors to assess pulmonary complications.
A study found that nearly half of elderly Beijing residents have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of five risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in China is on par with Western populations, posing a significant burden on the healthcare system.
A study has found that taller people are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, with the risk increasing by 32% for those in the tallest quartile compared to the shortest. The researchers suggest that tall individuals may need more aggressive risk factor attenuation strategies.
A study of 37,692 DCIS and 4,490 LCIS patients found LCIS patients were at greater risk for invasive lobular carcinoma ILC and ipsilateral invasive breast cancer. The research suggests LCIS may be a precursor lesion to ILC and warrants localized treatment.
Women who consumed up to two drinks per day scored higher on the Mini Mental State Exam compared to non-drinkers or occasional drinkers. The study suggests moderate drinking is protective for women's cognition, contradicting previous research on large vessel atherosclerosis as a mediating factor.
Research identifies three estrogen-related gene variants associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease in women. The study found that these genetic variations affect 10-20% of the female population and could be used to predict disease risk using a simple blood test.
This study compares pregnancy risks and outcomes among babies born to foreign-born Asian-Indian, U.S.-born Asian-Indian, foreign-born Mexican, and U.S.-born Mexican mothers. Foreign-born Asian-Indian women face higher rates of low birth weight and small for gestational age babies despite a low-risk socio-demographic profile.
A new study published in Obesity Research suggests that visceral fat is strongly correlated with waist circumference and independently predicts mortality risk. The researchers recommend measuring waist circumference as a routine measure in clinical practice to predict the risk of future disease and mortality.
A study of 186 cognitively normal adults aged 70+ found that performance on cognitive tests of executive control and memory predicted walking speed without interference. Gait velocity with interference was also affected by executive control and memory, highlighting the importance of these functions in navigating busy environments.
Children born preterm show cognitive and motor deficits, while early social environment plays a significant role in development. fMRI scans reveal distinct brain activation patterns related to medical and environmental risks.
The Fairbanks Institute will conduct a long-term predictive health study using biologics and medical informatics to identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Researchers will monitor participants over years to understand biological compensation and gene-environment interactions.
A study found that owning alcohol-branded items increased the likelihood of initiating alcohol use in teens. Students who owned these items were 1.5 times more likely to start drinking than those who didn't, according to researchers.
A new study is recruiting over 3,500 rugby union players aged 16-35 to gather data on head injuries and recovery. The research will inform the development of evidence-based guidelines to manage player return to sport after concussion.
A new analysis by Duke Clinical Research Institute researchers reveals that Lumbees have a significantly higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors. The study found that Lumbees who came to the hospital for heart treatment had higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and prior history of coronary artery disease.
Researchers found increased clotting marker concentrations during flights compared to sitting and daily activities, suggesting additional mechanisms underlying air travel-related thrombosis. The study included 71 healthy volunteers with varying risk factors for thrombosis, including genetic mutations and oral contraceptives.
Women's heart health is underestimated due to differing risk factors compared to men. The European Society of Cardiology recommends considering age as a significant factor in diagnosis and treatment planning for women.
Researchers have identified two genes, Factor H and Factor B, that explain nearly three out of four AMD cases. The study suggests a specific immune response pathway plays a central role in the disease's development.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that men with low-grade prostate cancer who receive active surveillance may not be at increased risk of noncurable prostate cancer. The study compared outcomes in men who delayed surgery for two years to those who underwent immediate treatment, finding no significant difference in risk.
A study assessing H-pylori status in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma found that positive individuals had improved survival rates compared to those negative for the bacteria. The results suggest that H-pylori status can be a useful tool in clinical practice to distinguish between high and low risk patients.
Scientists have identified two blood clotting genes associated with an increased risk of coronary disease, finding that genetic variants of factor V and prothrombin increase thrombin production. The study suggests the need for bigger studies to identify other genetic causes of heart attacks.
Research suggests a connection between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis, which may be driven by bacteria from gum infections entering the bloodstream. This study emphasizes the importance of managing both oral health and cardiovascular risk factors to reduce overall disease risk.
The incidence of breast cancer in Korea is increasing, with a significant rise in the proportion of asymptomatic patients detected by mammography. This trend reflects the country's westernization and lower breastfeeding rates, leading to higher risk factors such as early menarche and obesity.
Current support systems for men with breast cancer are rudimentary, highlighting the need for national protocols that provide information and emotional support. Risk factors include occupational exposure to high temperatures, genetic abnormalities, and excess alcohol, which increase the risk of the disease.
Researchers developed an index to predict mortality risk in older adults, based on demographics, illnesses, and ability to perform daily activities. The 12-question form can be completed quickly by patients or medical office staff, providing valuable prognostic information for healthcare providers.
A midriff bulge roughly doubles a woman's chances of needing gallstone surgery, according to a comprehensive study. The study, which monitored over 42,000 women for two years, found that women with larger waist sizes were more likely to develop gallstones.
A worldwide study is screening 220,800 healthy babies for genes that increase risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The researchers aim to identify environmental triggers that determine the risks for the disease.
A large twin study found that genetic factors are highly influential in Alzheimer's disease development, with identical twins showing similar age at onset. The study suggests genes play a key role in disease timing, with concordance rates higher in women due to their greater longevity.
Research finds that women's heart disease has distinct characteristics, including cellular and microvascular dysfunction. The study highlights the importance of considering gender-specific risk factors and diagnostic tools to improve detection and treatment.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong correlation between height and the risk of amputation among patients with diabetes mellitus. The research showed that every 10-cm increase in height was associated with a 16% higher risk of amputation, even among those with well-controlled diabetes.
A new prediction rule identifies patients with pulmonary embolism who are at low risk of short-term mortality and other adverse medical outcomes, making them eligible for outpatient treatment. The model accurately predicted low-risk patients in two studies, resulting in very low mortality rates within 30 days.
Studies found that erectile dysfunction is common among men and associated with various chronic diseases, including heart disease. The condition was also linked to increased risk of future cardiovascular events, diabetes, and hypertension.
Fecal incontinence affects 7.2% of US women aged 30-90, often accompanied by urinary incontinence and other medical conditions like diabetes or major depression. Treatment options include diet changes, medications, surgery, and biofeedback exercises.
Researchers analyzed data from the REACH Registry to determine the prevalence and treatment of atherosclerosis risk factors in 67,888 patients from 44 countries. The study found that high proportions of patients had hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a genetic region on chromosome 10 strongly associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The researchers scanned over 1,400 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and found six genes within this region that may be involved in the development of the disease.
A study of over 6,600 children found that those raised in Steiner schools had lower rates of allergic symptoms and diagnoses compared to non-Steiner peers. Early antibiotic use and vaccinations were linked to increased allergy risks.
Researchers found that obese individuals had significantly higher risks of hospitalization and mortality from cardiovascular disease and diabetes in older age compared to those with normal weight. The study's findings support the importance of primary prevention of overweight and obesity to combat the worsening epidemic.
A study by Washington University researchers found a single base variation in the TAS2R16 receptor gene that increases the risk of alcohol dependence, with higher incidence in African Americans and lower sensitivity to bitter tastes among those with this variant.