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 controlled study found that bariatric surgery is associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy (PN), a condition causing pain and weakness. The study highlights the importance of nutritional counseling and follow-up care to prevent PN complications, which are largely preventable.
A recent study examining obese postmenopausal women found that visceral fat storage was the main determinant of metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular disease risk. High-intensity exercise and general weight reduction were identified as potential strategies to reduce this risk.
Research by FSU scientist Cathy Levenson reveals that dietary iron imbalances trigger a chain of cellular events increasing the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Excessive iron levels precipitate symptoms in healthy mice, while low levels delay onset and slow disease progression in those already infected.
A pilot study dubbed STAND UP! aims to monitor food intake and physical activity in schools to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes among sixth-graders. The program's results will be used to improve the intervention before expanding it to middle schools nationwide.
A study found that diet counseling was provided in less than 45% of visits and exercise counseling in under 30% with patients at risk of heart disease. The lack of counseling is attributed to physicians' perceived lack of training and tools, as well as reimbursement constraints.
A Swedish study reveals that smoking substantially raises the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in individuals with the shared epitope gene. The research, published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, found a significant interaction between smoking and the SE gene, increasing the disease risk to 7.5 times.
A large population-based study found that current smokers have a 2.8-7.5 times increased risk of rheumatoid factor positive RA, while those with the SE gene have a 15.7 times higher risk. The study suggests a strong interaction between smoking and the shared epitope gene in increasing disease risk.
A team of researchers from MIT has identified three new carcinogens found in cigarette smoke as risk factors for bladder cancer in nonsmokers. The study, led by Professor Steven R. Tannenbaum, aimed to identify sources of exposure for non-smokers and highlights the importance of preventing cancer rather than treating it.
Researchers found that six days of moderate-intensity exercise improved insulin action in sedentary, overweight individuals by 40%, while traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors showed positive trends. In contrast, those who consumed sports drinks and additional food during exercise showed no significant changes or even negat...
A case-control study of 300 bladder cancer patients and 300 control subjects found higher levels of arylamine-hemoglobin adducts in cancer patients than in control subjects. The findings suggest exposure to arylamines is a causal factor for most cases of bladder cancer in humans, with potential non-smoking-related sources identified.
A study found that young women with favorable levels of cardiovascular risk factors have lower age-specific risks for cardiovascular disease and death. Among those at low risk, CHD and CVD cease to occur at epidemic rates.
A recent study published in JAMA found that young adult women with low cardiovascular risk factors experience significantly lower mortality rates compared to those with high risk factors. The researchers analyzed data from the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project, which screened over 40,000 people between 1967 and 1973.
Two studies strengthen the connection between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease, showing that reduced kidney function increases the risk of death, heart disease, and hospitalization. Early detection and treatment are crucial to slow CKD progression and prevent these complications.
A significant social gradient in the incidence of type 2 diabetes was observed among civil servants, with men and women in lower employment grades having a higher risk of developing the disease. Effort-reward imbalance was also found to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in men.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found a significant association between elevated CRP levels and negative psychological attributes. Respondents with anger, hostility, and mild to moderate depression had significantly higher CRP levels, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
A Mediterranean diet rich in plant foods and fish, combined with physical activity, moderate alcohol use, and nonsmoking, was found to lower all-cause death risk by 23%, coronary heart disease risk by 37%, and cancer risk by 22%. Having all four low-risk factors resulted in a 65% reduced death rate.
A study published in JAMA found that walking less than 0.25 miles per day was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of dementia compared to those who walked more than 2 miles per day. Regular walking was also linked to a reduced risk of dementia, with men who walked the most experiencing significantly lower risk.
A recent study by a U.Va researcher found that walking regularly is associated with benefits for cognitive function later in life. Men who walked over two miles per day had significantly lower dementia risk compared to those who walked less than a quarter mile per day.
Research suggests a combination of sweet liking and novelty seeking can predict alcoholism in individuals, particularly children of alcoholic fathers. Sweet likers with high novelty seeking are more likely to develop alcoholism due to related brain function and sensitivity to rewarding effects.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is associated with the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, even if symptoms are absent. Elevated hs-CRP levels may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks.
A recent conference presented findings that a healthy diet may play a key role in preventing childhood leukemia. Turmeric and its active compound curcumin have been shown to reduce the risk of leukemia by mitigating environmental toxins and promoting cellular health.
Researchers found that physical fitness was a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease risk factors and events, even after adjusting for obesity measures. Women with lower levels of physical fitness were more likely to have CAD risk factors and obstructive CAD.
Research on hepatitis C patients after liver transplantation found that 10-year outcomes are similar to those for other indications, but risk of recurrence and failure increases over time. Factors such as donor and recipient age, viral load, and CMV antibodies can predict transplant success.
A large-scale study found that nine easily measured risk factors are associated with over 90% of heart attacks worldwide. The study identified smoking and raised lipid concentrations as the two main risk factors.
A study found that about 21% of middle-aged Americans have both high blood pressure and high LDL-cholesterol, significantly increasing heart attack risk. The combined effect was 51 cases per 10,000 person-years, much higher than expected.
A global study found that nine easily measurable factors predict the majority of heart attack risk, regardless of region or ethnic group. These factors include cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which collectively predict over 90% of heart attack risk.
A large-scale study validates the benefits of low-GI diets in rats, showing significant reductions in body fat, blood glucose and insulin levels. The study suggests that glycemic index is an independent factor contributing to major chronic diseases.
Researchers identified rare genetic mutations that significantly increase heart disease risk by focusing on individuals at the extreme ends of HDL levels. These findings provide direct evidence that rare variations in DNA can affect HDL levels, opening up new avenues for treatment and diagnostic targets.
A recent study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that red wine has a greater effect in lowering levels of anti-inflammatory substances in the blood compared to gin. The study's results suggest that moderate consumption of red wine may offer some protection against heart disease and stroke.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine reveals that Mexican-Americans are twice as likely to experience a stroke or near-stroke compared to non-Hispanic whites. The disparity holds true across various age groups, including younger populations, with unique genetic predispositions and potential factors contributing to the increased risk.
A new study by Stanford Medicine found that children with obese parents are at the highest risk of becoming overweight. The researchers identified several key risk factors, including parental obesity, low sleep time, and sensitive temperament, which can be addressed through early intervention programs.
A recent study found that nearly half of adults with hypertension also have high cholesterol, which can be treated with existing medications. However, many individuals are not receiving adequate treatment for their cholesterol problems, highlighting the need for aggressive management of both conditions to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found a moderate association between the APOE-2 gene and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with a 20% higher chance. In contrast, the APOE-4 gene was not linked to Parkinson's disease, contrary to its established role in Alzheimer's risk.
A study published in Child Abuse & Neglect found that home visiting programs failed to identify risk factors and connect families with necessary resources, despite showing some positive outcomes. The researchers recommend better training for home visitors and improved coordination with community organizations.
Elderly individuals with chronic illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, and severe pain are at increased risk of suicide. Researchers found that treatment for multiple illnesses also strongly correlates with an increased risk of suicide in this population.
A recent study by Ohio State University reveals the link between body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in women. Constant body monitoring and certain personality traits are found to be significant predictors of disordered eating behaviors among women with body dissatisfaction.
A UK study has shown a substantial reduction in stroke incidence over the past 20 years, with age-adjusted occurrence of first stroke decreased by around 30%. The decrease is associated with increased use of blood-pressure lowering and cholesterol-lowering drugs, leading to significant reductions in related risk factors.
Researchers found four distinct risk groups and seven independent risk factors for prostate cancer detection, including abnormal exam findings, age, family history, and PSA density. Men with high-risk features remain at risk despite multiple negative biopsies, emphasizing the need for vigilant follow-up.
The study found that 7.5% of hospital patients experienced adverse events, with 37% being preventable. Implementing gains in patient safety can be achieved through encouraging reporting, new technologies, and improved communication among caregivers.
A study by Northwestern University and the Framingham Heart Study found that parents with early-onset cardiovascular disease double the risk of heart attack or stroke in their children. Children with intermediate levels of risk factors are most affected, making parental cardiovascular disease a strong predictor of risk.
The study identified older age, female sex, presence of symptoms before the rash appeared, severe acute pain, and extent of rash as significant risk factors for PHN. These risk factors reflect different mechanisms contributing to the development of PHN.
Research highlights disparities in stroke risk among Mexican-Americans and findings on treatment advancements for conditions like sickle cell disease and epilepsy. Studies also explore dementia prevalence in HIV-infected populations and the impact of diabetes and military service on neurological diseases.
Two studies show that women with PCOS are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease due to elevated CRP levels and metabolic abnormalities. Obese women with PCOS symptoms are particularly at risk, highlighting the need for close monitoring of CVD risk factors in this population.
Researchers linked mid-life heart disease risk factors to increased dementia risk later in life. The study of over 11,000 participants found that those with four key risk factors had nearly three times the chance of developing dementia compared to those with none. Presence of each risk factor added a 20-40% greater risk for developing ...
A 1999 outbreak of furunculosis in rural Alaska identified individuals with MRSA who received more antibiotics, highlighting a link between antibiotic use and increased risk of skin infections. The study found that Panton-Valentine leukocidin virulence factor was present in nearly all methicillin-resistant isolates.
A 12-year study found that drinking alcohol increases the risk of gout, with daily consumption between 30-50g increasing risk by 2.5 times. Beer consumption was linked to the strongest association, while wine showed no increased risk.
A new analysis of 4,657 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery found that discontinuing beta blockers and ACE inhibitors can lead to abnormal accelerations in heart pumping known as atrial fibrillation. However, these medications also appear to offer protection against the condition. The study identified a risk index that c...
Children in poorer families face greater family turmoil, violence, instability and smaller social networks, living in more polluted and crowded environments with inadequate services. They attend underfunded schools and spend less time reading, watching fewer books at home.
Individuals with first-time epileptic seizures after 60 years are three times more likely to experience a subsequent stroke. This increased risk justifies screening for vascular risk factors and treatment to prevent stroke in elderly patients with epilepsy.
A study published in Circulation found that HIV infection is an independent predictor of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Aggressive treatment of high cholesterol, blood pressure, and other risk factors is crucial for HIV patients.
A study clarifies the impact of diet on the risk of gout, revealing that meat and seafood consumption significantly increases risk, while dairy products may be protective. The study's findings suggest a potential benefit to reducing red meat consumption and increasing low-fat dairy intake.
Rimonabant demonstrated significant weight loss and improvement in metabolic profile in patients with obesity and untreated dyslipidemia. The drug also improved cardiovascular risk factors, including HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, by reducing inflammation and increasing adiponectin levels.
A 12-week lifestyle intervention program helped 64% of patients achieve their blood pressure goal and 67% reach their diastolic blood pressure goal. The program also showed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and fasting glucose levels.
A study of 5,924 participants aged 43 to 84 found that dry eye developed in 13.3% over a five-year period, with significant associations with age, allergy or diabetes, and poorer health. Certain medications and lifestyle factors also showed protective effects.
Research highlights the link between clinical depression and primary cardiac arrest, as well as low awareness of stroke risk among women in ethnic minorities. Meanwhile, studies reveal the role of adiponectin in regulating cholesterol levels and the importance of targeted educational programs to improve public health.
A new computer-based program, HCCRACT-R, provides personalized colon cancer risk data and helps individuals make informed decisions. The tool, developed by Dr. Weinstein, takes into account both modifiable and unchangeable risk factors, and has been shown to correct misconceptions about risk perception in over 75% of participants.
The study found that protective factors such as high academic achievement and strong community ties can foster pro-social behaviors and prevent antisocial behavior. Additionally, good family management practices were shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of violence among aggressive youth.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that women with coronary artery disease are twice as likely to die if they exhibit symptoms of depression. The study analyzed the Beck Depression Inventory scores of 265 women admitted for a diagnostic cardiac catheterization and followed them for up to 3.5 years.
A study found that cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension, predict the development of new-onset kidney disease in unselected participants. Patients with mildly reduced GFR should be monitored for progression to kidney disease.
A study of 93,676 healthy older women found that depressive symptoms are significantly related to cardiovascular disease risk and increased mortality rates. Women with depression were more likely to develop hypertension, have a history of stroke or angina, die from cardiovascular disease, and experience all-cause mortality.