Articles tagged with Risk Factors
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.
A large observational study found that high levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol are associated with a heightened risk of glaucoma, particularly among those older than 55. In contrast, higher levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides are linked to a lower risk of the condition.
The AI-powered tool, ReCOGnAIze, uses neuroscientific games to identify early signs of cognitive impairment in just 15 minutes, achieving nearly 90% accuracy. This scalable and cost-effective solution aims to improve quality of life for individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Women who experience late-onset menopause have significantly better vascular health and are less likely to develop heart disease than those who experience it earlier. The study found that preserved mitochondrial function and certain lipid levels in their blood may contribute to this protection.
A new study found that COVID-19 infection is associated with faster growth of plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The study also revealed a higher incidence of high-risk plaques and coronary inflammation among infected patients.
A recent study introduces an innovative method for analyzing body composition, providing accurate assessments of body fat and muscle distribution. The approach utilizes deep, nonlinear methods to enhance estimation accuracy, surpassing previous linear models.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University discovered a potential connection between dietary patterns, depressive symptoms, and Alzheimer's disease. The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, may attenuate the negative impact of depressive symptoms on AD-related biomarkers.
A new clinical study by the BfR found that tattoo ink contains smaller amounts of liquid components than previously thought. The researchers were able to detect metabolites in blood samples shortly after tattooing began and showed that metabolism functions differently when substances are taken up through the skin.
A global study published in JACC found that secondary prevention medications for cardiovascular diseases are underused worldwide, with little improvement over time. Medication use varied by country income level, with lower rates in low-income countries.
A six-week stress management program, O'stress, has been shown to improve the emotional health of seniors by increasing problem-solving strategies and reducing anxiety. The program also addresses emotional contagion, a significant factor in psychological distress among seniors.
A new study by UCL researchers reveals that one in four children in England receive social care services before their 18th birthday, far exceeding previous estimates of 3.4%. This suggests a significant increase in the number of children needing support and intervention from social care services.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that nearly half of US adults incorrectly think taking a daily low-dose aspirin reduces heart attack and stroke risk. The survey reveals significant gaps in understanding about aspirin use among older adults, with younger respondents more likely to correctly assess the risks.
A study by Rutgers Health researchers found that brain immune cells from people with a high genetic risk for alcohol use disorder behave differently than cells from low-risk individuals when exposed to alcohol. This discovery could help explain why some people are more susceptible to developing drinking problems.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 601 trials revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors were more cardioprotective in older adults, while GLP-1 receptor agonists offered greater benefits to younger patients. These findings suggest personalized treatment approaches for type 2 diabetes based on age and sex.
A new UT Knoxville study reveals that over 37 million people in the US are at high risk from compounded effects of environmental hazards such as water shortages, air pollution, and wildfires. Socially vulnerable populations, including low-income households and those with limited access to healthcare, face disproportionate burdens.
Researchers identified inequities related to race and rurality in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and adverse outcomes. Structural racism and disinvestment in rural communities may be linked to individual HAI risk and post-HAI outcomes.
A cohort study reveals a robust association between headache diagnoses and suicidal behavior, highlighting the importance of behavioral health evaluation and treatment for these patients. The findings suggest that patients with headache diagnoses should be screened for suicidal ideation and provided with appropriate support.
A new study found that mothers whose firstborn children experienced adverse childhood experiences had a significantly higher risk of having children with mental health problems. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, analyzed data from over 333,000 families and found a 71% increased risk.
Researchers found that women who had used the oral contraceptive pill had a lower risk of ovarian cancer, with a 39% reduced risk for those who had given birth to two or more children. The study also identified certain biomarkers and lifestyle factors associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer, including lower body weight and short...
Research found that mothers of twins are twice as likely to be hospitalised with cardiovascular disease compared to singleton births. Those with twins and high blood pressure during pregnancy are at highest risk. However, deaths from heart disease decrease in mothers of twins compared to singletons over time.
The study reveals that battery production depends on over 35 materials and critical minerals, posing significant human health and environmental risks. Sustainable solutions like green energy systems, tailings backfilling, and circular economy strategies are proposed to mitigate these impacts.
A study by Tokyo Metropolitan University found that nurses have a faster response when presented with words showing high or low risk ailments, but individual directional biases vary. The researchers' findings may inform better ways to present clinical information, potentially leading to improved medical care and lives saved.
Researchers identified a potential mechanism linking sugary beverage consumption to diabetes risk through alterations in the gut microbiome and blood metabolites. High sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with changes in bacterial species that produce short-chain fatty acids, negatively impacting glucose metabolism.
The Red Dress Collection Concert marked the start of American Heart Month with a powerful celebration in New York City. The event, hosted by Sharon Stone, featured musical performances by Sara Bareilles and Suki Waterhouse and showcased red ensembles created by fashion's brightest talents.
A large study on preterm birth found that a maternal biomarker test can reduce neonatal morbidities by 20% and NICU admissions by 20%. The test identified high-risk pregnant individuals, who received targeted treatment and showed significant improvements in neonatal outcomes.
Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital analyzed an AI system to detect heart defects on fetal ultrasound exams, finding it significantly improved detection rates. The study aimed to improve prenatal detection of congenital heart defects, a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality.
The American Heart Association teamed up with 20 influential creators to launch American Heart Month and raise awareness about heart health. The event empowered audiences with knowledge about prevention while encouraging donations to support the Association's lifesaving mission.
A Mediterranean-style diet was associated with improved brain health in Hispanic/Latino adults, showing enhanced communication between brain regions and reduced white matter atrophy. The study used specialized imaging techniques to investigate the effects of diet on brain integrity.
A recent study found that Streptococcus anginosis, a common mouth bacteria, is abundant in the guts of people with acute stroke and linked to a worse prognosis. The researchers also discovered that levels of this bacteria were associated with increased mortality rates two years after stroke.
A preliminary study found that regular dental flossing may lower the risk of stroke caused by blood clots and irregular heartbeats. The study, which followed over 6,000 participants for 25 years, found a significant reduction in irregular heartbeats among those who flossed regularly.
A new study found that propranolol, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and prevent migraines, can reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraines. The medication was particularly effective in reducing stroke risk for women without aura, but not men.
A preliminary study found that shorter protective caps at the end of chromosomes (telomeres) may be more likely to develop age-related brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Adopting healthier lifestyles could lower the negative effects of shorter telomeres.
A preliminary study presents a link between stroke and mental health challenges in children, highlighting the need for early intervention and screening. The analysis found that kids who have a stroke are at higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and related physical symptoms.
Researchers developed a breakthrough technology using Mirvie's RNA platform to identify unique molecular signals in unborn babies. This innovation enables prediction of severe fetal growth restriction, a leading cause of stillbirth.