Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease
Research highlights similar risk factors for women and men, yet varying impacts on heart health. Experts discuss the role of estrogen in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular disease prevention.
Risk Factors
Articles tagged with Risk Factors
Healthy diet now, saves on health care costs later
A recent study by the American Heart Association has linked high fruit and vegetable intake to lower healthcare costs in older age. The study found that middle-aged men who consumed more than 42 cups of fruits and vegetables per month had significantly lower Medicare charges compared to those who consumed less.
Association between increased risk of stillbirths and abnormalities with proximity to incinerators
A Cumbria study finds a 17% higher risk of neural tube defects and 12% higher heart defect risk near incinerators, but no increased risk for babies born before their operational period. The authors suggest further investigation due to limited emissions data.
Monogamous animals may be more likely to die out
A recent study found that monogamous mammals are more likely to die out due to factors such as population isolation and smaller harems, which can lead to lower male populations and reduced ability to detect approaching hunters. Conservation efforts may need to be targeted towards these species to save them from extinction.
NHLBI issues new high blood pressure clinical practice guidelines
The new guidelines introduce a 'prehypertension' category to alert individuals to their risk, recommend lifestyle changes, and streamline diagnosis and treatment. They also emphasize the importance of lowering blood pressure through medication and healthy habits.
Common gene variant increases risk of atherosclerosis
Researchers found that individuals with at least one copy of the klotho gene variant KL-VS are almost twice as likely to have undetected atherosclerosis. Lifestyle changes can modify this risk, suggesting genetic testing may be considered.
The elderly, alcohol dependence and risk factors for suicide
Elderly alcoholics with marital and partner relationship difficulties are at increased risk of suicide. Researchers also found that medically serious suicide attempters with alcoholism often have mood disorders and financial difficulties.
Sudden death not surprising in many women
A new study analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and found that 69% of sudden cardiac deaths in women were the first sign of heart disease. Women with smoking, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity had significantly increased risk of SCD, while high cholesterol was not associated with elevated risk.
Combination drug therapy drastically reduces multiple coronary heart disease risk factors
Researchers developed a low-dose statin and fenofibrate combination, which significantly reduced triglycerides, increased HDL, and lowered LDL in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. This treatment addresses multiple lipid abnormalities and may be key to preventing cardiovascular heart disease.
Diabetes among siblings, obesity: Risk factors for heart disease
Researchers studied nondiabetic adults with a family history of diabetes and found they were 1.4 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease. Obese individuals were also at higher risk, defined by a body-mass index greater than 30, with a 2.2 times increased risk compared to normal weight individuals.
Stroke risk increases with metabolic syndrome
A study found that people with metabolic syndrome are 1.5 times more likely to develop a stroke than those without it, with women being 2.1 times more at risk. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and vascular-related deaths.
Fetal heart diagnosis doesn't always predict survival
Research from the University of Michigan found that even with prenatal diagnosis, infants with one or more risk factors have a significantly lower chance of survival. However, in utero diagnosis has led to more pregnant women receiving specialty care, resulting in a higher-risk group of patients.
Social support may not be key influence for patients to participate in cardiac rehab
Researchers examined 945 patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and found that social support levels had little impact on rehab participation. Patients who participated in rehab were younger, better educated, more often worked, and less financially strained, but these factors alone could explain the difference.
Dietary fat intake affects hidden stomach flab
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that consuming more saturated fats can lead to higher amounts of visceral fat, which is linked to a stronger risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A diet low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat, such as the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce visceral fat.
Mild infant undernutrition could be linked to cardiovascular health benefits later in life
A study of premature infants found that mild undernutrition in early infancy may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. The findings suggest that slower growth and relative undernutrition associated with colostrum and breastfeeding may have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.
New study reveals that only men are at greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by smoking
A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in men. However, female smokers do not face a higher risk, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests pre-menopausal women may block the link between smoking and RA development.
Researchers identify differing risk factors contributing to Parkinson's Disease in men and women
The study found that complex interactions between common gene variants contribute to Parkinson's disease risk in women. Environmental exposures are thought to play a greater role in men, with estrogen reducing the risk of developing the disease in women.
Diagnosing dementia in the developing world
A new field-tested algorithm for dementia diagnosis can predict 94% of cases in less-developed countries. The algorithm is culturally and educationally sensitive, using measures translated into most languages used in the developing world.
Researchers study women's risk of rape in military
A study involving over 500 female veterans found that workplace factors, such as superior behavior, were highly associated with the risk of sexual assault during military service. The research highlights the need for interventions and policies to increase the safety of women in the workplace.
Calcification in heart valve increases risk of heart attack or death
A new study found that calcification in heart valves is independently associated with an increased risk of heart attack and death. After adjusting for known risk factors, the researchers found that individuals with MAC were 50% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 60% more likely to die from cardiovascular causes.
Women urged to reduce heart disease risk before menopause
A study by the American Heart Association suggests that women approaching menopause should take steps to lower their heart disease risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 perimenopausal women and found that many would become eligible for cholesterol-lowering therapy after age 55 if current risk factors are not modified.
Stressed-out men may have inherited risk for early heart disease
A new study suggests that family history of heart disease and a genetic predisposition to stress may be key factors in the development of early heart disease. Men with a positive family history tend to develop heart disease 12 years earlier than those without, and experience higher stress levels
Gene variant discovery could save blood in surgery
Researchers found that cardiac surgery patients with the factor V Leiden gene variant lost less blood and required fewer transfusions than those without the mutation. The study suggests a new approach to personalized medicine, tailoring therapies based on individual genetic risk factors.
Findings reported in February Archives of Neurology provide new insights on Alzheimer’s disease
Research suggests that high intake of unsaturated fats may be protective against AD, while saturated and trans-unsaturated fats increase risk. Additionally, studies found no association between antioxidant vitamin intake and reduced AD risk.
Keeping blood pressure in check
A study found that mice deficient in RGS2, a regulatory protein, exhibited persistent vessel constriction and strongly hypertensive effects. This suggests that abnormally prolonged GPCR signaling may contribute to the onset of hypertension.
Residents of disadvantaged areas have higher stroke risk
A study analyzing data from a large ongoing stroke study found that living in an area with high poverty levels and unemployment is an independent risk factor for stroke. The finding holds true across racial groups, highlighting the need to rethink stroke-prevention programs and prioritize disadvantaged communities.
Endothelial progenitor cells could serve as biological marker for cardiovascular disease
Researchers found a significant inverse correlation between circulating endothelial progenitor cells and cardiovascular risk factors. They also discovered that individuals with higher cardiovascular risk factors experience premature aging of these cells.
New genetic 'fishing net' harvests elusive autism gene
Duke University researchers used a new statistical method called ordered subset analysis to identify a strong link between the GABRB3 gene and autism. By grouping patients with similar traits together statistically, they discovered a genetic risk factor that was missed by looking at the larger group.
Forest fragmentation may increase lyme disease risk
Research finds that forest fragmentation leads to increased blacklegged tick populations, particularly in areas with small forest fragments. This could lead to a higher risk of Lyme disease for people living nearby, as these ticks are the primary carriers of the bacteria.
Oxygen deprivation at or immediately after birth may place premature babies at risk for problems
A study found that premature babies with mild to moderate oxygen deprivation during or immediately after birth had significantly lower cognitive and language skills compared to those with no such risk. The researchers suggest that even minor risk of hypoxia may be associated with damage to the brain's periventricular white matter.
Lack of awareness and control of risk factors still contributing to preventable...
Despite being enrolled in a clinical trial comparing anti-clotting agents, African American stroke patients show poor rates of awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These findings are concerning, as heart disease and stroke can be prevented with vigilant risk factor management.
Tooth loss linked to increased stroke risk
A new study by the American Heart Association has found a significant link between tooth loss and an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Men with fewer than 25 teeth had a 57% higher risk of ischemic stroke compared to those with 25 or more teeth, suggesting that infection plays a role in stroke and heart disease.
Suicide in China – Underlying risk factors similar to western countries
Research in China identifies eight significant risk factors for suicide, including depression, previous attempts, and chronic stress. The study suggests that focusing on individual risk factors may not be effective in reducing suicide rates, emphasizing the importance of a multi-factor approach to prevention.
Lifestyle risks for cardiovascular disease differ between men and women
A French study found that men have higher tHcy levels than women overall, while coffee consumption in women has a significant impact on tHcy concentrations. Conversely, caloric intake and physical activity levels in men play a crucial role in determining tHcy levels and CVD risk.
High iron stores in women of reproductive age may increase cardiovascular risk
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high iron stores in women of reproductive age may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research analyzed serum ferritin concentrations and their impact on cardiovascular risk factors, revealing a significant association between iron levels and...
High iron stores and possible increased health risks in the elderly
A study found that approximately 13% of elderly individuals had high iron stores, while those consuming more fruit and whole grains had lower risks. The study suggests that a typical Western diet and unsupervised iron supplements may increase the risk of developing chronic disease.
Healthy diet index study discloses dramatic reductions in chronic disease risk
Researchers analyzed data from two large studies and found that individuals with the highest adherence to dietary guidelines had significantly lower risks of chronic diseases. Men in the highest-scoring quintile of the AHEI had a 20% reduced risk of developing major chronic disease, while women had an 11% reduced risk.
Genetic clash doubles schizophrenia risk
A new study by UCLA researchers found that Rh-incompatible mothers are more than twice as likely to have children with schizophrenia. The study mapped genetic data from 181 Finnish families and discovered a significant link between the RHD gene and schizophrenia risk.
High hostility may predict heart disease more than other risk factors such as cholesterol
A study of 774 older men found that high hostility was associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, independent of other risk factors like high cholesterol. The study suggests that mental health interventions may be effective in reducing the risk of CHD for individuals with high hostility levels.
In prison, any sentence can be a death sentence
A study examining causes of death among people in custody in Ontario between 1990-1999 revealed that violent deaths were significantly higher in federal and provincial inmate populations compared to the general male population. Natural causes, such as cardiovascular disease, accounted for a majority of the deaths.
World Health Report: addressing main risk factors
The World Health Report 2002 reveals that childhood and maternal underweight, unsafe sex, high blood pressure, and tobacco consumption are the leading causes of global burden of disease. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption can be a simple step towards reducing certain risk factors.
Visceral fat loss after dieting is not necessarily responsible for disease risk improvements
A study of African American and white women found that weight loss improved metabolic profiles regardless of visceral fat loss. Visceral fat loss was greater in white women, but the benefits on major disease risk factors were similar across racial groups.
Southern 'stroke belt' study initiates nationwide study
The REGARDS study aims to identify known and unknown risk factors for stroke among African Americans, who face a higher mortality rate compared to whites. UVM's laboratory will analyze blood samples from 30,000 participants, providing a biological specimen bank for future research.
Antibody may be risk factor for stroke in young women
Researchers found that antiphospholipid antibodies were 1.87 times more likely to cause a stroke in young women. The presence of these antibodies was also associated with recurrent miscarriage and low platelet counts.
Duke and federal government partner to create innovative health care model
A new healthcare model is being launched at Duke University Medical Center, focusing on personalized health planning, coaching, and disease prevention. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes by empowering patients to make lifestyle changes.
Waist circumference as a predictor of cardiovascular risk
A study of 9019 participants found that waist circumference correlates better than BMI with most CVD risk factors. The authors propose WC
Three risk factors cited in violent behavior among people with severe mental illness
Researchers found that a combination of these risk factors can increase violent behavior more than tenfold. Without any of these factors, those with severe mental illness were no more likely to engage in violent behaviors.
Further evidence of increase in allergic disease in western countries
A study in Greenland found that atopy increased by nearly 100% between 1987 and 1998, affecting all age groups. The rise in allergies is linked to a transition from traditional to modern society in Greenland.
Cardiac disease significantly more debilitating for women than for men, new study finds
A recent study found that women with cardiac disease experience lower quality of life scores than men, regardless of diagnosis or treatment. Social support plays a crucial role in mitigating this disparity, particularly for physical health composite scores among men.
Risk from breast cancer susceptibility gene may be exaggerated in most studies
A recent study suggests that breast cancer susceptibility gene may be associated with lower penetrance than previously estimated. Genetic counselors must consider multiple risk factors when predicting an individual's risk for breast cancer, as the presence of a BRCA mutation does not define her overall risk.
Having dry eye before LASIK surgery is a risk factor for severe dry eye after surgery
Researchers found that patients with pre-existing dry eye were more likely to experience severe dry eye after LASIK surgery. The study suggests that proper ocular surface management can help mitigate this risk, but patients with dry eye should be warned about potential persistent symptoms.
Dietary change may prevent the most serious form of prostate cancer
A new study found that men with early-stage prostate cancer who follow a low-fat diet have half the risk of late-stage disease compared to those who consume more fat. Low-fat diets also reduced blood levels of testosterone, which fuels prostate growth and may contribute to cancer development.
Dementia – before or after stroke – increases risk of death
Patients with post-stroke dementia are at an increased risk of death within two years, with a relative risk of mortality six-fold compared to those without dementia after stroke. Dementia is also associated with poorer survival rates and reduced treatment adherence due to medication non-compliance.
When mistreated children act out later in life: Brain gene may play a role, study says
Researchers identified a significant link between a specific gene variant and increased risk of antisocial behavior in maltreated children. The study found that individuals with a certain variation of the MAOA gene were more likely to develop behavioral problems, comparable to major risk factors for heart disease.
Framingham heart study finds strong link between overweight/obesity & risk for heart failure
The study of over 5,000 participants found a significant association between excess weight and increased risk of heart failure in both men and women. Obesity was independently linked to an increased risk of heart failure, even after accounting for other risk factors.
Some sports linked to unhealthy eating behaviors in girls
Research reveals that participation in weight-dependent sports increases the risk of disordered eating behaviors in girls. Risk factors include depression, history of sexual abuse, or substance abuse, but low body weight is not a reliable indicator.
Dietary whole grains may benefit in prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes
A study found that high whole-grain consumption was associated with lower rates of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Participants who consumed more whole grains had healthier lifestyle habits, including a lower waist-to-hip ratio, less saturated fat, and more fruits and vegetables.
High cholesterol elevates women's risk of stroke death
A new study confirms high cholesterol as a significant risk factor for stroke death in women, particularly those under 55. Cholesterol levels were found to be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke death across all age groups.
First longitudinal study on lesbian health
A new longitudinal study examines the drinking habits of 450 lesbians in Chicago, comparing them to a larger sample of heterosexual women. The research aims to identify factors that increase or buffer lesbians' risk for alcohol-related problems.
Women with rare twin-pregnancy complication have 40% chance of delivering one baby
A study on twin pregnancies with a hydatidiform mole found that women who continue the pregnancy have a 40% chance of a successful outcome. The risk of serious obstetric complications is relatively small, and malignant disease does not appear to increase in this group