Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
A new study by the Cleveland Clinic has identified statin intolerance objectively, showing that evolocumab is a more effective option for lowering cholesterol in patients who are intolerant to multiple statins. The PCSK9 inhibitor reduced cholesterol levels by 52.8%, while ezetimibe had a smaller reduction of 16.7%.
A large clinical trial of evacetrapib, a CETP inhibitor, showed no reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, despite significant increases in HDL and decreases in LDL cholesterol levels. The study's findings challenge conventional thinking on the benefits of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
A phase 3 clinical trial showed evacetrapib reduced LDL cholesterol by 37% and HDL cholesterol by 130%, but failed to lower rates of major cardiovascular events. Researchers attribute the lack of benefits to the drug's inability to translate improved cholesterol levels into clinical outcomes.
A study found that only 2% of people with very high cholesterol have a familial hypercholesterolemia mutation, but those with the mutation face a six times higher risk of early-onset coronary artery disease. Genetic screening could help identify and ward off cardiovascular disease in affected individuals.
Researchers discover inhibiting cholesterol esterification enzyme ACAT1 boosts CD8+ T cells' antitumor activity. Avasimibe, a small molecule inhibitor of ACAT1, shows promising results in treating cancer and could be used as a complement to current immunotherapies.
A new study reveals genetically inherited high levels of cholesterol are more prevalent than previously believed, affecting an estimated 834,500 U.S. adults. Researchers found that familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) affects both men and women equally, with varying prevalence rates across racial groups.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that improved lifestyles led to a significant decrease in cholesterol levels, resulting in reduced cardiovascular disease and cardiac death. The study shows that changes in diet and lifestyle had a more pronounced effect on older individuals and those with high risk of cardiovascula...
Research suggests that moderate drinking poses an immediate higher cardiovascular risk, but this risk lessens and can become protective after 24 hours. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, heightens short- and long-term risks of heart attack and stroke.
A study of 5,566 older workers found that those in sales, office-support and service occupations had more risk factors for heart disease and stroke than management or professional jobs. Workers in these professions had higher rates of smoking, poor eating habits and lower levels of physical activity
A study of over 18,300 U.S. adults found that increasing plain water intake by 1% daily led to significant reductions in calorie intake, saturated fat, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol consumption. The study suggests universal nutrition interventions promoting plain water consumption may be effective across diverse population subgroups.
A recent study published in the journal SLEEP found that people with insomnia do not have higher levels of cholesterol than those without. However, insomniacs who take sleeping pills were found to have significantly higher levels of LDL cholesterol.
A rat study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that exposure to Beijing's polluted air increases weight and metabolic dysfunctions. The study also showed that pregnant rats exposed to polluted air had higher levels of insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
A new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that consuming 1-1.5 avocados per day significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides when replaced with solid fats. Avocado consumption did not impact HDL levels.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that a high-cholesterol diet and frequent egg consumption are not associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease. The study included over 1,000 men aged 42-60 years and found no link between dietary cholesterol or eggs and cardiovascular disease.
A walnut-rich, higher-fat diet resulted in significant weight loss and improved cholesterol levels compared to a lower-fat, higher-carbohydrate diet. The study found that participants on the walnut-rich diet showed comparable weight loss effects as those on the lower fat diet.
Researchers have identified a new drug target that can restore healthier lipid levels in people with type 1 diabetes. By blocking the growth hormone receptor, MIA-602 has been shown to reduce unhealthy lipids and improve vascular function.
Researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research found that cholesterol-rich domains on phagosome membranes facilitate the transport of pathogens to lysosomes for degradation. This process is disrupted by certain parasites, potentially allowing them to survive and spread infection.
A University of California, San Diego study found that weight loss programs emphasizing healthy fats lower both good and bad cholesterol. The walnut-rich diet had the most impact on cholesterol levels, decreasing low-density lipoprotein and increasing high-density lipoprotein.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that while a healthier diet can aid weight loss and improve metabolism, it may not fully reverse liver damage caused by the Western diet. Diets high in sugar significantly slow liver recovery, even if overall calorie intake is reduced.
A recent study by the University of California, Irvine found that three-fourths of ER stroke cases had some degree of preventability, highlighting the need for improved stroke prevention strategies. The study's results suggest that resources for acute stroke treatment may be misdirected towards patients whose strokes are more preventable.
Children with common allergies like asthma and hay fever have a higher rate of hypertension and high cholesterol, setting them up for heart disease early on. Inflammation from these conditions may contribute to cardiovascular risks.
Eating a daily handful of walnuts improves blood vessel cell wall function and lowers total and LDL cholesterol in adults at risk of diabetes. The walnut diet also enhances endothelial cell function, regardless of calorie intake.
Researchers used urine-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model hypercholesterolemia and predict patient responses to cholesterol-lowering drugs. The study shows that these models can be used to test the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors, potentially paving the way for personalized treatment.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming tree nuts lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and ApoB, key factors used to evaluate a person's risk of cardiovascular disease. Consuming at least two servings of walnuts per day has stronger effects on total cholesterol and LDL.
A liver pathway controlled by BAF60a stimulates the production of bile, leading to increased cholesterol absorption. Mice with disabled BAF60a had lower cholesterol levels, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for reducing atherosclerosis.
A new vaccine has shown promise in reducing 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels in mice and macaques, suggesting potential as an alternative to statins. The vaccine targets the PCSK9 protein, which regulates cholesterol levels in the blood, offering a more powerful treatment with fewer side effects.
According to a study of 16,415 U.S. Hispanic/Latino adults, only one-third to one-half are eligible for and receiving statin therapy, highlighting a significant undertreatment gap.
Disclosing genetic risk information for coronary heart disease results in lower low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol levels. Participants who received genetic risk information showed nearly 10 milligrams per deciliter of blood lower LDL levels six months after risk disclosure.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that paying both physicians and patients financial incentives leads to a greater reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The study enrolled 340 primary care physicians and over 1500 of their patients, dividing them into four groups: physician-only in...
The portfolio diet, which includes mixed nuts, soy protein, and viscous fiber, was found to reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure by an average of 2% compared to the DASH diet. This study adds to the existing evidence connecting diet with health outcomes.
A study in New England Journal of Medicine found that suPAR, a circulating protein, can reliably predict chronic kidney disease up to five years before symptoms appear. High suPAR levels are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease, which affects over 15% of people in the US.
Researchers have identified four microRNAs that play critical roles in controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels, including miR-128-1 and miR-148a. These microRNAs regulate genes involved in lipid metabolism and may hold promise for treating cardiovascular disease.
A new study shows that increasing caveolin-1 levels in nerve cells improves learning and memory in aged mice. The researchers believe this could be a path toward treating age-related memory loss and other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
A pooled analysis of available evidence suggests that high levels of total cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of tendon abnormalities and pain. Chronic low-level inflammation, prompted by cholesterol build-up in immune cells, may be a key factor contributing to this link.
A two-year randomized controlled trial found that moderate wine consumption, especially red wine, can modestly decrease cardio-metabolic risk and improve sugar control. The study also found that slow alcohol-metabolizers who drank red wine achieved an improvement in blood sugar control.
A new study reveals that menopause diminishes the impact of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in preventing plaque buildup and artery hardening. The research found a positive association between increases in HDL levels and greater plaque buildup among women transitioning through menopause.
A new study reveals a direct relationship between Alzheimer's disease and brain cholesterol levels. Increasing the enzyme CYP46A1 may help eliminate excess cholesterol from the brain, correcting amyloid plaques and degenerated tau protein. This discovery opens up a new line of research for Alzheimer's treatment.
Research found that gut bacteria contribute to differences in body fat (BMI), blood lipids such as triglycerides and HDL, but have little relationship with bad cholesterol. The study used deep sequencing technology to identify 34 types of bacteria associated with these changes.
Two studies published in Age and the British Journal of Nutrition show that consuming cocoa flavanols improves cardiovascular function, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Flavanol intake is particularly beneficial for maintaining healthy blood vessels and reducing arterial stiffness.
A new study found that people with health insurance are more likely to have their chronic conditions correctly diagnosed and under control. If half of nonelderly uninsured Americans gain health insurance, an estimated 1.5 million newly insured individuals will be diagnosed with one or more conditions.
A subgroup analysis of the IMPROVE-IT trial found that ezetimibe significantly reduced the chances of future major cardiac or vascular events in patients with diabetes by 14% compared to placebo. Ezetimibe added to a statin lowered LDL cholesterol at 1 year, resulting in lower risks of cardiovascular events.
Johns Hopkins and Mayo experts suggest upgrades to current heart disease prevention guideline, focusing on improved risk prediction and personalized treatment. The new guidelines aim to clarify key points of confusion related to risk prediction and treatment of heart attacks and strokes, promoting more precise and tailored care.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found that Metformin decreases LDL cholesterol levels in Type 2 diabetes patients by regulating genes and metabolites involved in the AMPK pathway. The study suggests a potential additional beneficial effect of Metformin on cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers found that coadministering statins with ezetimibe significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels and plaque buildup in heart disease patients. The study showed a 40% lower cholesterol level and greater plaque regression compared to single-drug therapies.
Replacing time spent sitting with standing can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, according to a new study. Standing for two hours a day was associated with improved waist circumference and reduced risk of metabolic disorders.
Researchers found that many older Americans with diabetes are not meeting clinical targets for blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Despite using less stringent guidelines, the study revealed significant racial disparities in diabetes control, particularly among women.
Research found that enhanced cholesterol metabolism in certain immune cells may help explain why some HIV-infected people naturally control disease progression. The study analyzed gene expression data from immune cells and found higher levels of cholesterol-related genes associated with defective viral transmission.
Researchers found a statistically significant association between higher vitamin D levels and lower non-HDL cholesterol in children aged one to five years. The study suggests that factors leading to cardiovascular disease may start in early childhood, providing an opportunity for early life interventions to reduce risk.
A study examines the cost-effectiveness of new cholesterol guidelines, finding that a more lenient threshold may be cost-effective. The analysis suggests that shifting from a 7.5% ASCVD risk threshold to 3-4% thresholds could avert up to 160,000 cardiovascular events.
A new scoring method, the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI), evaluates overall beverage intake quality and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors. Higher HBI scores are linked to more favorable lipid profiles, decreased hypertension risk, and improved C-reactive protein levels.
A review of 160 clinical trials found exercise improves health outcomes, but effects vary by age, gender, and health status. Intermediate biomarkers like insulin resistance and inflammation may mediate cardioprotective effects.
A study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that eating at restaurants consumes more calories, fat, and sodium than eating at home. African-Americans who dine out take in more total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar.
Researchers found that hantaviruses are highly dependent on cholesterol in cell membranes to gain access into cells. Disrupting the S1P pathway reduced their ability to infect cells, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the viruses' dependence on cholesterol.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine report a breakthrough in treating atherosclerosis by loading nanoparticles with a chemical that restores normal fat metabolism in rodents. The nanoparticle 'wrapper' improves the drug's potency and ability to stop fatty buildup, offering new hope for treating cardiovascular disease.
A Swedish study found that interventions among healthy people were the key to saving lives, with changes in risk factors such as smoking cessation, diet, and blood pressure levels contributing significantly. The greatest impact was seen in people over 55, highlighting the need for a broader approach to health promotion.
A new study published in Radiology found that non-calcified arterial plaque is associated with diabetes, high systolic blood pressure, and elevated 'bad' cholesterol levels. CT angiography can quantify plaque burden and assess progression or regression of coronary artery disease in low-to-moderate risk individuals.
A new study found that a low protein, high carbohydrate diet can provide similar benefits to calorie restriction in mice. The researchers compared three diets varying in protein-to-carbohydrate ratio and found that the low protein, high carbohydrate diet delivered better metabolic outcomes.
A large prospective study found that individuals with higher HDL function have a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed data from over 25,000 participants and discovered a strong correlation between HDL function and reduced heart disease events.
A study found that a common mutation in the SCARB1 gene is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, especially among men and African Americans. The mutation was linked to a 49% higher risk of heart disease in African American males compared to white males.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness can delay the onset of high cholesterol by up to 15 years. Men with lower fitness levels were more likely to develop high cholesterol in their early 30s, while those with higher fitness did not experience this un...