Articles tagged with Cholesterol
A new randomized clinical trial shows that a low-fat vegan diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly three times more than a Mediterranean diet. The study also found significant improvements in key cardiometabolic outcomes, with the majority of environmental gains driven by eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs.
A Northwestern University study found that apolipoprotein B (apoB) testing is more effective and cost-efficient than standard cholesterol tests in guiding treatment and preventing heart attacks and strokes. The study suggests that apoB-guided care can improve population health and save lives at a lower cost.
A clinical trial found that intensive cholesterol-lowering therapy reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 31% in high-risk patients with diabetes. The treatment, evolocumab, lowered LDL-C levels by approximately 60%, and was well-tolerated.
The updated guideline consolidates evidence-based recommendations for managing dyslipidemias, offering a comprehensive approach to lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The guideline recommends earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes and considers the use of a new cardiovascular disease risk calculator, P...
Recent studies identify distinct gut microbial communities in people with dyslipidemia, suggesting a connection between the gut microbiome and heart disease precursor. The researchers found higher levels of Bacteroides caccae and lower levels of bacteria linked to metabolic stability. Future research aims to restore functional balance ...
A new study found that versions of both diet patterns emphasizing healthy foods are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.
A comprehensive scientific review highlights pecans' positive effects on cardiovascular health, including improved lipid metabolism and antioxidant defenses. While findings on blood sugar control are mixed, the review suggests pecans may support better diet quality and satiety.
The Family Heart Foundation, led by Matt Hasselbeck, aims to educate Americans about the risks of high LDL cholesterol and its connection to early heart disease. The campaign promotes free at-home screenings and offers support for individuals to protect themselves and their families from cardiovascular disease.
According to a recent study by FAIR Health, 57.5% of commercially insured patients in the US had at least one chronic condition in 2024. The average cost for a patient with no chronic conditions was nearly double that of a patient with one chronic condition.
A nationwide survey found that 61% of Americans are unaware of non-statin medications to lower cholesterol, while 73% have never heard of lipoprotein(a) or coronary artery calcium score testing. Non-statin options include Ezetimibe, PCSK9 Inhibitors, and Bempedoic Acid, which can help patients at risk for heart disease.
A recent review of bamboo consumption found promising health benefits, including improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and antioxidant activity. However, caution is advised due to potential risks associated with raw or improperly prepared bamboo.
A systematic review of 17 randomized trials found that reducing saturated fat intake lowered all-cause mortality and cardiovascular deaths among high-cardiovascular risk individuals. For people at low to intermediate risk, cutting or replacing saturated fat intake offered little benefit over 5 years. The study suggests that saturated f...
Researchers have discovered a small RNA molecule that plays a key role in controlling cholesterol production and the development of heart disease. The molecule, tsRNA-Glu-CTC, was found to boost SREBP2 activity, leading to higher cholesterol levels and increased risk of atherosclerosis.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has designed a new light-controlled cholesterol molecule that selectively targets two poorly understood sterol transport proteins, ORP1 and ORP2. This breakthrough enables precise spatiotemporal control over cholesterol's biological activity, paving the way for advanced therapeutics.
Neoliensinine, a tribenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, has potent anti-T-CM activity and induces TUBA1B-mediated STING degradation via the lysosomal pathway. This promotes lysosome-dependent cell death in T-CM cells.
A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.
The American College of Cardiology recommends a standardized front-of-packaging food labeling system to highlight key nutrients, helping consumers make informed dietary choices. The guidance also aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and promote overall health.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism behind statin-induced muscle damage, paving the way for new statins with reduced side effects. By understanding how statins interact with muscle proteins, scientists can design safer alternatives that preserve cholesterol-lowering benefits.
A new study by UC San Francisco combines genetic risk with cardiovascular disease risk factors to predict who is more likely to develop dementia. The expanded view may help those worried about dementia, as lifestyle changes and improved control of illnesses can reduce brain damage and potentially delay or prevent symptoms.
A new medication called DR10624 has shown promising results in reducing high triglyceride levels by over 60% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. The treatment also improved cholesterol and liver health, offering a potential alternative for managing this condition.
A study found that combining PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab with statin rosuvastatin reduced LDL cholesterol levels by more than 50% among patients after a heart transplant. The treatment was safe and showed significant cholesterol-lowering impact, but further studies are needed for confirmation.
A daily oral medication has been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels in people with a previous heart attack or stroke, or those at high risk for one. The study found that participants taking the medication had significant reductions in LDL-C levels and achieved guideline-recommended targets.
A quality improvement program helped reduce 'bad cholesterol' levels among military veterans, according to a preliminary presentation at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025. The study found improvements in patient adherence and LDL-cholesterol goal attainment among participating veterans.
In a Phase 1 clinical trial, CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapy CTX310 reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by nearly 50% on average, achieving large reductions in both for the first time. The treatment has shown promise as a one-and-done approach to transform care for patients with lifelong lipid disorders.
A new modeling study suggests that universal screening programs could make intensive monitoring and lifestyle changes in all children and young adults with high cholesterol cost-effective. Early recognition and management of high cholesterol can prevent or delay heart attacks, strokes, and dementia later in life.
Researchers found olezarsen significantly reduced acute pancreatitis incidence by 85% in patients with severely elevated triglyceride levels. The drug also lowered triglyceride levels below 500mg/dL in over 85% of participants.
A new study from Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that low-dose THC significantly reduced side effects and inflammation caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy. The treatment also increased serotonin levels, lowered cholesterol and toxic bile acids, and improved cardiovascular health.
A recent study found that fewer than half of young adults with severely high cholesterol levels start taking a statin within five years of first high LDL-C measurement. The study highlights significant care gaps in lipid management among adults aged 18-39, particularly those at high risk for premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular dis...
The Family Heart Foundation has launched the Lp(a) AW(a)RE initiative to educate primary care clinicians, healthcare insurance providers, and policymakers about high lipoprotein(a). The program aims to increase awareness, screening, and diagnosis of this genetic risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease.
A recent study at the University of Gothenburg discovered that two medications, cholestyramine and colesevelam, can rapidly eliminate perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the body. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic application for these medicines in reducing PFAS levels.
Researchers found that combining three biomarkers – lipoprotein(a), remnant cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein – can reveal a nearly three-fold increase in heart attack risk. This combination approach may aid health care professionals in identifying individuals with high-risk profiles earlier.
A new resource identifies genetic variants associated with elevated 'bad' cholesterol, a major contributor to heart disease. Clinicians can now predict patient risk for heart attacks and strokes, allowing for prevention and early treatment.
A study found that preexisting hyperlipidemia in pregnancy is associated with heightened risks of obstetric complications and early cardiovascular events postpartum. Women with high cholesterol are at increased risk of arrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome, gestational diabetes, and labor delivery complications.
The American College of Cardiology has released a scientific statement on inflammation and its connection to various cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. The statement confirms years of research confirming the importance of inflammation as an underlying contributor to CVDs.
A recent study found that testing for lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor for heart disease, is still uncommon in the US despite modest increases over the past decade. The study analyzed 300 million patient records and found that only 0.2% of the population has been tested, with significant regional and racial disparities
A multidisciplinary panel published in the Journal of Pediatrics advocates for accelerated diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia, a life-threatening genetic condition. Universal lipid screening is recommended to identify affected children at high risk of heart disease decades earlier than those without the condition.
A recent study analyzing data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys (2016-2023) found that cardiovascular disease risk increased in Mexico between 2016 and 2023. The average 10-year CVD risk was estimated at 9.5% using region-specific tools, highlighting the need for accurate models to predict local disease burden.
A new study from the University of Oklahoma has identified CD82 as a contributing factor to blood vessel leakage, which can initiate inflammation. The researchers found that lowering cholesterol levels with statins can strengthen vessel walls and reduce leakage.
Dr. Peter Tontonoz, a distinguished UCLA professor, will receive the American Heart Association's Basic Research Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to understanding lipid metabolism and its role in cardiometabolic disease. His work has transformed the scientific understanding of this critical heart health factor.
The Family Heart Foundation has partnered with seven leading healthcare systems to accelerate screening in people with cardiovascular disease who have been identified by the find Lp(a) initiative. Individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels are at increased risk of another heart attack or stroke, and early detection can help reduce this risk.
Researchers found that patients with Alzheimer's disease have reduced ability to absorb cholesterol from the cerebrospinal fluid, and this impairment is linked to the presence of the APOE4 variant. The study suggests that efficient delivery of cholesterol to neurons is essential for their function and maintenance.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze 3,430 drugs and identified 29 new lipid-lowering candidates. The predictions were validated using clinical data, mouse experiments, and molecular docking, offering a potential solution for patients with hyperlipidemia.
Researchers from FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine recommend using high-potency statins as the primary pharmacologic approach in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a healthy diet, are also crucial in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Elevated lipoprotein(a) is an independent genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Community health centers participating in the Lp(a) Discovery Project and Community Health Centers Discovery Project have successfully added new screening processes, increasing testing at sites.
A new study from the University of South Australia confirms that eggs are not high in cholesterol and do not contribute to cardiovascular disease. In contrast, saturated fat intake was found to increase LDL levels, highlighting the importance of dietary balance for heart health.
A new study found significant gaps between recommended and actual use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, with nearly half of eligible patients not taking them. Closing these gaps could prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks, strokes, and bypass surgeries annually, saving up to $30.6 billion in medical costs.
A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has developed an AI model that can detect fatty liver disease from chest X-ray images with an accuracy rate of 0.82-0.83. This breakthrough has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of the disease, which affects one in four people worldwide.
Scientists at The University of Texas at Arlington identified a new enzyme, IDO1, that plays a crucial role in inflammation and cholesterol regulation. By blocking this enzyme, macrophages regain their ability to absorb cholesterol, offering a potential new way to prevent heart disease.
A new study found that increasing apolipoprotein M levels can slow or block progression of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in people over 50. The researchers also found that ApoM triggers a signaling pathway that breaks down cholesterol deposits.
A new study found that nearly one-third of individuals adopting healthy diets didn't lose weight but still experienced significant improvements in cardiometabolic markers, including increased HDL cholesterol and reduced visceral fat. The research suggests a healthy diet can have benefits beyond weight loss.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 6 adults with hypertension and 3 in 10 with diabetes were unaware of their condition by 2021-2023. Young adults and women are disproportionately affected by a lack of awareness.
Scientists at UC San Francisco discovered how pancreatic cancer cells metastasize to the lungs or liver using the PCSK9 protein. PCSK9 controls cholesterol acquisition, with low levels favoring the liver and high levels supporting lung adaptation.
A new study found that eating two servings of mangos daily for two weeks significantly reduced blood pressure and cholesterol in healthy postmenopausal women. The study also showed measurable improvements in key heart health markers, including a reduction in total cholesterol by nearly 13 points.
A new study from Mass General Brigham found that patients with diabetes who started statin therapy immediately reduced the rate of heart attacks and strokes by one-third compared to those who delayed treatment. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 patients and used artificial intelligence to gather information.
A study of 273,770 individuals with cardiovascular disease found that increasing lipoprotein(a) levels significantly increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Treatment with high-impact LDL-C lowering therapies may help reduce this risk.
Researchers analyzed metabolites in blood plasma to evaluate dietary patterns, revealing promising data on the foods we eat. The study found that specific metabolites changed significantly with the portfolio diet, providing potential biomarkers for assessing adherence to similar dietary patterns.
Researchers found that measuring lipoprotein markers in a simple blood test can identify individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease more effectively. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 people and showed that the total number of 'bad cholesterol' particles is the most important factor to consider when testing for future h...
A new analysis found that oral hormone therapy can lower levels of lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor associated with higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Hormone therapy also improved biomarkers of cardiovascular health, including cholesterol levels.
Common prescription medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis, potentially causing developmental disorders. The editorial highlights the need for mandatory sterol biosynthesis screening in clinical practice.
Researchers at UCL developed a new scoring system, CAR, to identify patients with narrowed carotid arteries who can be effectively treated with optimised medical therapy. The study found low rates of recurrent strokes and heart attacks among patients treated with medication alone.