Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
A new study found that halving red and processed meat consumption reduces LDL 'bad' cholesterol levels and heart disease risk by an average of 10%. Researchers discovered that even small changes to RPM intake can induce significant changes in LDL cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of developing heart disease.
A new study finds that increasing levels of 'good' cholesterol reversed disease in the blood vessels of mice with diabetes, reversing atherosclerosis. The study also shows that raising functional HDL levels stopped inflammation and improved cardiovascular disease processes.
The study reveals how cholesterol is incorporated into cells through a previously unknown pathway, providing new understanding of cellular function. The discovery has significant implications for the regulation of cholesterol uptake and potential applications in treating diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
Babies born weighing under 3.6kg are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes by 50.0 years vs 51.3 years, with lower BMI and higher HDL cholesterol at diagnosis. Low birthweight affects risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the same way irrespective of BMI and HDL cholesterol.
A single pill containing low doses of three medications reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a US study, translating to a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The study enrolled mostly low-income, primarily black adults from Mobile, Alabama, and showed high adherence rates.
Researchers found that a daily polypill with four medications lowered systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol by an average of 9 mm Hg and 15 mg per deciliter, respectively. Medication adherence was high in the polypill group, with 86% sticking to their regimen over 12 months.
Researchers identified early metabolic features that can predict susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in children, including low HDL cholesterol and chronic inflammation. These findings may help prevent young people from developing the disease.
A new study found that leisure-time physical activity is associated with a healthier blood lipid profile in postmenopausal women. However, it did not completely offset the unfavorable changes seen during the menopausal transition.
A UK study found that vegetarians and pescetarians have a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) than meat eaters, but a higher risk of stroke. This may be due to low blood levels of total cholesterol or certain vitamins. The study included 48,188 participants over 18 years.
A study of 1,075 patients under 50 found that healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing cholesterol levels can significantly reduce the risk of premature heart disease. In contrast, genetics played a less significant role in those with multiple modifiable risk factors.
Researchers found that modest decreases in cholesterol and blood pressure can reduce the lifetime risk of developing fatal heart and circulatory diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. A long-term reduction of 1 mmol/L LDL cholesterol and a 10 mmHg decrease in blood pressure led to an 80% lower lifetime risk.
Research presented at ESC Congress 2019 found that genetic high cholesterol is underdiagnosed and undertreated, with a prevalence of 3.6-4.5 million individuals in Europe. Screening for the condition could identify patients and family members affected by heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, allowing for lifestyle changes and tr...
The European Society of Cardiology and European Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines recommend lowering LDL cholesterol levels to prevent cardiovascular disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol reduces risk regardless of the baseline concentration, making it effective even in people at very high risk of heart attack or stroke.
A single cholesterol-derived molecule, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), has been found to increase body fat even without a high-fat diet. The molecule affects white adipose tissue and expands the capacity of existing fat cells.
A University at Buffalo-led study found that a vegetable-rich diet can improve fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients by increasing good cholesterol levels. The results suggest that lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in fatigue and may provide new treatment options for this debilitating symptom.
Researchers discover that sticky meshworks of DNA and proteins extruded by neutrophils act as the glue that binds together calcium and cholesterol crystals during gallstone formation. Inhibiting NETs reduces gallstone growth in mice, offering new strategies for treating gallstone disease.
Research from the University of Copenhagen found that remnant particle cholesterol in the blood is constantly increasing and often remains at a high level for life. Maintaining a normal body weight is key to reducing remnant cholesterol and triglycerides, according to experts.
Research found that extracellular vesicles derived from kids' fat can disrupt cholesterol disposal in various tissues, regardless of weight. The study suggests that fat tissue plays a pivotal role in triggering cardiovascular disease, even before symptoms appear.
Researchers found that high-risk patients who have prescriptions for PCSK9 inhibitors rejected by insurance or not filled by patients are more likely to experience cardiovascular events. The study also identified disparities in prescription rejection rates among different demographics, including women and minorities.
Research found that young adulthood is a critical period for cardiovascular disease prevention. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels in this age group are associated with an increased risk of heart disease later in life. Maintaining optimal levels of these risk factors could yield substantial lifetime benefits.
A large retrospective study found that statins are significantly underutilized in patients with and at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Despite known benefits, only two-thirds of these patients were receiving moderate/high-intensity statins.
A UTSA professor is designing a novel protein blocker to inhibit the activity of P450 8B1, a human enzyme linked to bad cholesterol and obesity. The breakthrough aims to fight rising obesity rates and related health issues like high blood pressure and strokes.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a combination of high levels of dietary cholesterol with specific saturated fats exacerbates retinal damage in a preclinical model of diabetes. The research used an experimental rat model to examine the effects of different dietary fats on early molecular signs of inflammation and damage.
A study by Penn State researchers found that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels below 70mg/dL increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Participants with LDL levels between 70-99mg/dL had a similar risk, but those below 50mg/dL faced a significantly higher risk of 169%.
Researchers found that patients taking an additional injection of alirocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, had significantly reduced cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart attack. For patients with diabetes, the treatment was found to reduce cardiovascular risk by an average of 2.3%.
Researchers found a consistent cholesterol-lowering effect for soy protein across all 46 trials, contradicting the FDA's proposed revocation of its health claim. The study's findings support the original FDA claim and highlight the benefits of incorporating soy into a plant-based diet.
A recent study by Jae Hee Kang et al., published in JAMA Ophthalmology, initially reported a significant association between long-term statin use and reduced primary open-angle glaucoma risk. However, due to serious coding errors, the findings were later retracted.
Research found associations between serum antibodies against P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans with altered metabolite levels, including lipoprotein particles and fatty acids. These findings suggest exposure to periodontal pathogens may contribute to a proatherogenic state.
Researchers have demonstrated a new imaging modality that accurately evaluates plaque-based cholesterol, allowing for more timely treatment of atherosclerosis. The technology combines laser photoacoustics and frequency-domain signal processing to detect cholesterol in arterial plaque.
A recent study found that lowering cholesterol with statins does not decrease the activation of immune cells in patients with high cholesterol levels. This 'trained immunity' allows immune cells to 'remember' previous exposures and maintain hyperactivity despite cholesterol reduction.
A new study found that irregular sleep patterns are associated with a higher risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity and high cholesterol. The research suggests that maintaining a regular sleep schedule has beneficial effects on metabolism.
Drinking unsalted tomato juice lowered blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in Japanese adults at risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found significant drops in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels over a year.
Researchers discover that cell cannibalism contributes to the concentration of harmful substances, leading to a 'double-whammy' for cell health. This process can perpetuate disease transmission and exacerbate conditions like atherosclerosis.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified a new regulatory mechanism in zebrafish models that leads to high levels of LDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests targeting this protein using its antagonist could reduce white blood cell counts and bring down the risk of heart disease.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that red and white meats raise low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) by the same amount, regardless of meat type. Plant proteins show the best cholesterol benefit and should be prioritized for heart health.
A large-scale study found that consuming high amounts of cholesterol from eggs is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The researchers also noted that even healthy diets can have negative effects when eggs are consumed excessively, emphasizing the importance of moderation and balance in daily eating habits.
Researchers found a link between high LDL cholesterol levels and early-onset Alzheimer's, suggesting LDL may play a causal role in the development of the disease. APOE E4 and other gene variants also explain some cases, but the study suggests cholesterol could be an independent risk factor.
Researchers analyzed data from 1.2 million donors to determine if blood donation programs could detect familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol and premature coronary artery disease. The study found that about 1 in every 339 donors met the criteria for the condition.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that blood donation programs can be used to screen for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic cholesterol condition. Researchers identified over 3,000 people with FH in the blood donation records of nearly 1.2 million donors.
Cholesterol levels in US children and adolescents decreased over two decades, with favorable changes observed in total cholesterol and triglycerides. However, only half of participants achieved ideal levels for all measures, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address childhood obesity.
According to a study published in JAMA, only half of children and adolescents in the US have ideal cholesterol levels, with 25% having clinically high levels. High cholesterol in childhood is a key risk factor for developing heart disease later in life.
Nearly one in 10 young adults who had a heart attack met the clinical definition for familial hypercholesterolemia. Many patients continued having elevated cholesterol levels a year after their heart attack, highlighting opportunities for more aggressive treatment.
A new Finnish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that dietary cholesterol and moderate egg consumption are not associated with an increased risk of stroke. The study, which followed 1,950 men for 21 years, also found no association between these factors and stroke risk in carriers of the APOE4 phenotype.
Researchers found that mirabegron increases cholesterol synthesis in mouse models of atherosclerosis, leading to accelerated plaque growth and increased cardiovascular risk. The changes were linked to thermogenic fat breakdown induced by mirabegron treatment, raising concerns for patients with LDL receptor mutations.
Researchers found simvastatin helped delay disability worsening and slow brain atrophy in people with secondary progressive MS. The study suggests statins may have independent effects on the disease, beyond cholesterol lowering.
A new study finds that a third of people taking statin medications in Indiana do not reach a safe level of LDL-C, putting them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease events. Reducing their bad cholesterol levels could save $1,455 per person and avoid 1,173 cardiovascular disease events.
A meta-analysis of 46 trials found soy protein reduces LDL cholesterol, supporting its inclusion as a heart-healthy food option. Researchers hope their findings inform the FDA's evaluation of soy protein.
A recent study of over 136,000 adults found that high cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk for primary open-angle glaucoma. In contrast, longer use of statins was linked to a lower risk of POAG, particularly among those 65 and older.
Researchers found that half of patients prescribed statins failed to achieve 'healthy' cholesterol levels within two years, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Patients who did not respond well had a 22% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who reached the target.
A new algorithm developed by Stanford researchers can accurately identify individuals at risk of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a cholesterol-raising genetic disease that increases the risk of early and fatal heart problems. The algorithm, trained on data from over 200 FH patients, correctly flagged 88% of cases in testing runs.
A new study has found that women with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL may be at a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The study also found that women with the lowest triglyceride levels had an increased risk of bleeding strokes compared to those with the highest triglyceride levels.
A team of scientists has unraveled the three-dimensional structure and molecular mechanism of ATP citrate lyase, a key enzyme in fatty acid and cholesterol production. The findings offer new insights into the origins of cellular respiration and have potential therapeutic implications for metabolic diseases and cancer.
Researchers have unraveled the three-dimensional structure of ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), a central metabolic enzyme crucial for fatty acid and cholesterol production. The study's findings provide new insights into ACLY's role in metabolism, evolution, and potential therapeutic targeting of cancer and metabolic diseases.
Researchers discovered a novel molecular pathway for PAI-1 inhibition that reversed diet-induced obesity and its related health problems in mice. The investigational drug TM5614 showed significantly improved fasting levels of blood sugar, insulin, and LDL cholesterol, as well as a reduction in fatty liver disease.
A 64-year-old woman developed acute liver injury after taking red yeast rice supplement for six weeks. The supplement contains monacolin K, a chemical found in lovastatin, which carries the same risk of liver damage as statin medication. Doctors warn that more regulation is needed to prevent harmful side effects.
A study found that bempedoic acid significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease who are already taking statins. The treatment was durable and had no increase in adverse effects compared to a placebo at one year, suggesting it may be a viable alternative for these patients.
A large study of nearly 30,000 adults found that consuming 300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 17% and death by 18%. The study also linked eating three to four eggs per week to a 6% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and an 8% higher risk of any cause of death.
A large observational study of over 29,000 people found no significant association between dietary cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease or death. Conversely, egg consumption was linked to a higher risk of CVD, suggesting that other factors may contribute to this association.
A new class of oral cholesterol-lowering drug bempedoic acid has shown effectiveness in reducing LDL cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. The treatment is well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, making it a potential option for patients unable to take statins.
A study reveals that eight out of ten women of childbearing age have never had their cholesterol levels checked, highlighting gaps in lipid screening. Research suggests that high cholesterol during pregnancy can lead to early birth and low birth weight babies, as well as increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.