Articles tagged with Risk Factors
A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis found a daily 1-hour increment in digital screen time was associated with a 21% higher odds of myopia. Researchers suggest that exposure to screens for less than 1 hour per day may be safe, but prolonged use increases the risk of nearsightedness.
A study of over 3,600 adolescents found that spending more than 3 hours a day engaged in sedentary behaviors increases the risk of psychological distress. In contrast, moderate screen exposure invested in educational activities was linked to less psychological distress.
A cohort study found that patients with obesity undergoing joint replacement who experienced significant weight loss after initiating anti-obesity medications had a lower risk of 5-year and 10-year revision. This suggests that safe and sustainable weight loss may improve implant survivorship in obese patients.
Kennesaw State researcher Chen Zhao has earned the 2025 American Heart Association Institutional Research Enhancement Award for his innovative study on non-invasive blood flow prediction in cardiovascular disease diagnosis. His technology uses coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scans to measure Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR...
A retrospective cohort study from the University of Ottawa and Manitoba found Canadians with hypertension whose preferred language was spoken by their doctor were 36% less likely to have a major adverse cardiovascular event. Patients with language-accessible care had a 28% lower risk of death compared to those without such access.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
Recent research suggests that select athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities can safely participate in competitive sports after shared decision-making with their clinicians. The new scientific statement reviews best clinical practices for athletes with certain cardiovascular conditions and provides an evidence-based path for safe re...
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found a modest increase in the risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy among individuals with type 2 diabetes associated with semaglutide use. The findings suggest that further investigation is needed into the clinical implications of this association.
A study of over 6,000 Brazilians found that consuming polyphenols from foods like fruits, coffee, chocolate, and wine can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome by up to 23%. The study also found that flavan-3-ols in red wine were associated with a lower risk of developing the condition.
Research found that community-dwelling older adults with advanced age, frailty, or multiple prescription medications had greater net benefits from intensive blood pressure lowering. However, this approach can increase treatment-related harms in these groups.
A nationwide Danish study found that newborns with seizures are at a higher risk of developing epilepsy. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million children and found that 20.4% of those with neonatal seizures developed epilepsy, compared to 1.15% of those without.
A new study finds that US hospital staffed beds have decreased by 16%, leading to a potential national bed shortage. The US could reach an 85% occupancy rate as early as 2032, with some states at higher risk than others.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients who can exercise during cardiac stress testing have a lower mortality rate than those who cannot. The researchers discovered that assessing a patient's ability to exercise during testing provides a stronger distinction between high- and low-risk patients.
Researchers found that squat toilets release higher concentrations of bacteria than bidet toilets, but ventilation fans significantly lower these levels. Installing efficient exhaust fans can effectively reduce bioaerosol concentrations and exposure risks for the public.
A new study highlights the importance of distinguishing between domains of physical activity. Researchers found that engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity during leisure time reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, while occupational physical activity has no similar benefits. The study's findings suggest that current WHO phys...
Researchers found urban sprawl and poor waste management led to an abundance of plastic waste. Burning plastic releases harmful chemicals, posing health risks to women and children. The issue affects millions in cities struggling with basic services.
A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that European life expectancy has slowed down since 2011 due to factors such as poor diets, lack of physical activity, and obesity. The research suggests that prioritizing healthier lifestyles in younger years is crucial for extending old age.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that lower concentrations of vitamin B12 in healthy, older adults led to signs of neurological and cognitive deficiency. These individuals showed slower processing speeds, brain lesions, and delayed responses to visual stimuli compared to those with higher B12 levels.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg have identified a critical mechanism to slow down Crohn's disease progression by repairing the protective barrier of the gut. By reinforcing the gut's natural defenses, new drug targets may be developed to treat the disease.
A study by University of Bath researchers found that stopping anticoagulants for patients aged 75 and over does not significantly affect the risk of major bleeding, but increases the risk of serious events like stroke and death. This highlights the need for clinicians to carefully consider the risks of stopping anticoagulation therapy ...
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that everyday stress, loneliness, and childhood trauma are significant risk factors for dissociation in teenagers and young adults. The research identified four key risk factors, with everyday stress being the most significant.
Researchers found that intracranial hemorrhages double the risk of dementia in people. The study analyzed Medicare claims and observed a two-fold increase in dementia diagnoses within 5.6 years after a hemorrhage.
A study found that 77.9% of lung cancer patients had detectable atherosclerosis on CT scans, with smoking being the most prominent cardiac risk factor. The results suggest using concurrent coronary calcium scoring to aid in identification and earlier intervention for these patients.
A new medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes and kidney disease also significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes among these patients. Sotagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor, blocks proteins that help control blood sugar levels and has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events by 23%.
Researchers have identified changes in brain rhythms that indicate seizure activity in Alzheimer's patients. High-frequency oscillations (HFOs) occur at rates two to three times higher in Alzheimer's patients than in cognitively normal individuals.
A new study from the University at Buffalo measures neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and satellite-based air pollution data, finding that newborns exposed in the last month of pregnancy to higher levels of NO2 have a 30-35% higher risk of NICU admission and an 11-22% increased risk associated with PM2.5.
Researchers created a Spanish-language Android app called Impacto to support Hispanic smokers in quitting. The app's pilot test shows promising results, decreasing daily smoking rates and improving cessation rates among participants.
Researchers discovered a link between neuroactive steroids in pregnant women's blood and the risk of developing postpartum depression. Measuring these molecules via a blood test could enable doctors to provide treatment sooner. The study may lead to a preventive treatment using existing prescription drugs.
Research published in PLOS Medicine found that adults with depression accrue physical illnesses around 30% faster than those without. The study suggests integrated approaches to manage mental and physical health are needed to improve care and outcomes for individuals with both conditions.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Hypertension Journal highlights distinct blood pressure patterns among East and South Asian adults living in the UK. Researchers found that South Asian adults face high blood pressure-related heart risks earlier in life, while East Asian adults see risks rise in later years.
Researchers found that olpasiran significantly lowers lipoprotein(a) levels by over 95% and reduces oxidized phospholipids, which promote atherosclerosis. The study also showed no significant effects on inflammatory markers.
The percentage of rural patients traveling over 60 minutes to obtain surgical care significantly increased between 2010 and 2020. This disparity persists due to factors like rural hospital closures and workforce shortages, contributing to growing healthcare access issues for these patients.
A new study reveals a stark wealth divide in physical activity and diet among older adults, with those in lower-income groups experiencing higher rates of depression. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are linked to lower depression risk, highlighting the need for urgent action to address health disparities.
A study of 153 people between the ages of 60 and 89 suggests a modification to the well-established clinical test for assessing balance in the elderly to make it more efficient, accessible, and predictive. The assessment can predict the risk of falling over a six-month period with accuracy.
The American Heart Association and NFL Alumni Association collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles through Life's Essential 8, which includes four indicators of cardiovascular health and four behavioral/lifestyle factors. By following these steps, adults can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
A cohort study found ADHD symptoms among US youths increased risk of nicotine and tobacco use. Early ADHD diagnosis and effective treatment may help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of nicotine and tobacco use.
A study found that patients who received opioid prescriptions in the emergency department were more likely to receive additional opioid prescriptions or require hospital admissions in the following year. Patient characteristics, such as age and health conditions, played a significant role in determining risk.
Adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight face triple the risk of self-harm compared to those who do not, regardless of objective weight. The study also highlights the critical role of schools and communities in creating supportive environments.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the 2019 Medicare opioid safety policy reduced initial opioid prescriptions and high-dose prescriptions from multiple prescribers among Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities. However, these reductions diminished over time, highlighting the need for ongoing research to unders...
A new study found that exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy increases the risk of prolonged pregnancies. Prolonged pregnancy can lead to serious health implications for both mother and baby, including increased risk of stillbirth, birth complications, and emotional impacts on families.
This study found that combined hormonal contraceptives carry the highest risk of venous thromboembolism, especially those containing third-generation progestins. Intrauterine devices and non-use had no significant difference in risk compared to these products.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs show reduced risk of moderate/severe COPD exacerbations compared to dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors. This finding may inform glucose-lowering medication prescribing for patients with type 2 diabetes and active COPD.
The American Heart Association reports that Black communities face disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension, leading to poorer survival outcomes. Hands-Only CPR training and heart health education are critical to addressing these disparities and advancing equitable health solutions.
Researchers found that clot-dissolving medication alteplase improved stroke patients' recovery by more than 50% when given up to 24 hours after the beginning of an ischemic stroke. This breakthrough may provide hope for stroke patients worldwide who may not have access to clot-dissolving medications within the approved time window.
A Michigan Medicine-led study suggests that living in disadvantaged communities may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by up to 37%. The study found that patients from more resourced areas tended to live longer, possibly due to better access to care and reduced caregiver burnout. T...
A new survey found that many Americans believe common symptoms like fatigue and nausea are normal during and after pregnancy, while ignoring signs of potential heart problems. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is calling for better awareness and care for pregnant women with pre-existing health issues.
A study by Keck Medicine of USC found that heavy drinkers with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a high waist circumference are more than twice as likely to develop advanced liver disease. The research highlights the importance of considering preexisting health issues when making decisions about alcohol consumption.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that young adults with Type 2 diabetes and low income have a significantly higher mortality risk compared to those with high income. The research team analyzed over 600,000 patients and found that patients under 40 with low income had a 2.88 times higher mortality risk.
Researchers developed a one-page medication handout that quantifies a drug's risk and benefits, improving patient understanding and decision-making. The study compared this handout with the FDA's version and found it to be more effective in conveying complex information.
Residents of Ontario with cannabis use disorder had a significantly higher risk of death compared to the general population. The findings highlight the importance of addressing cannabis use disorders, especially as global trends toward cannabis legalization continue.
Researchers at Tampere University developed a new method to detect congestive heart failure using inter-beat intervals measured by smartwatches and heart rate monitors. The accuracy of the method was found to be 90% in distinguishing patients with congestive heart failure from healthy control subjects.
Certain mouth bacteria may support better memory and attention, while others increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria can reduce nitric oxide production, crucial for brain communication.
Early-onset type 2 diabetes incidence and disability-adjusted life years increased sharply in China from 1990 to 2021, primarily driven by high body mass index and ambient pollution. Targeted interventions are needed for males and younger age groups.
The KeyScope is a low-cost, robust laparoscope priced at approximately $1,000, making it accessible in low- and middle-income countries. It offers high-resolution images, color accuracy, and low distortion, comparable to standard laparoscopes.
A cluster trial found salt substitution to be safe, with significant reductions in stroke recurrence and death rates among patients. The study supports large-scale implementation of this low-cost intervention as a major public health gain.
A study at Florida Atlantic University reveals a correlation between commuter students' mental health status and increased risk of being involved in a crash while driving. Researchers found that students with anxiety or depression may be more likely to be distracted or exhausted, impairing their ability to focus on the road.
A $10.8 million trial will enroll 600 patients aged 60+ to determine whether a hip replacement or internal fixation surgery is better for certain types of hip fractures. The study's patient-focused approach aims to inform clinical guidelines and help patients make informed decisions about their care.
A new University of Oklahoma study found that diabetes-linked amputations are rising in Oklahoma, with the statewide rate nearly doubling between 2008 and 2019. The study analyzed over 1.3 million anonymized discharge records and found that rates were highest among males, American Indians, and those with poor health insurance coverage.
The Off the Field National Football League Wives Association partnered with the American Heart Association and other organizations to promote water safety skills among children. The event, held in New Orleans, provided Hands-Only CPR and automated external defibrillator education.