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Study shows increased cardiorespiratory fitness may delay onset of high cholesterol

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...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 11, 2015

Enriched broccoli reduces cholesterol

A new variety of broccoli, enriched with glucoraphanin, has been shown to reduce blood LDL-cholesterol levels by an average of 6%. The compound is converted into sulphuraphane in the body, which activates genes that help balance metabolism and reduce cholesterol production.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateApr 8, 2015

New views of enzyme structures offer insights into metabolism of cholesterol, other lipids

The study provides high-resolution pictures of two closely related enzymes, lysosomal phospholipase A2 (LPLA2) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), which play crucial roles in metabolizing cholesterol and other lipids. The findings offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying these disorders and suggest potential thera...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2015

Statins may not lower Parkinson's risk

A recent study suggests that statins may not protect against Parkinson's disease, despite previous reports of a potential link. The research found no evidence that statin use lowered the risk of PD, and may even increase it over time.

SourcePenn State·JournalMovement Disorders·DateFeb 19, 2015

Optimistic people have healthier hearts, study finds

A study found that optimistic individuals have significantly better blood sugar and total cholesterol levels, are more physically active, and have healthier body mass indexes. They were also less likely to smoke and had a stronger association with cardiovascular health when socio-demographic characteristics were factored in.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Behavior and Policy Review·DateJan 9, 2015

New research explores effects of moderate fat diets that include avocados

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a moderate fat diet incorporating one fresh avocado daily improved certain blood lipid markers, including total cholesterol to HDL and LDL-cholesterol ratios. The avocado diet achieved greater reductions in bad cholesterol levels compared to low-fat diets.

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 8, 2015

An avocado a day may help keep bad cholesterol at bay

Researchers found that eating one avocado a day as part of a moderate-fat diet can improve bad cholesterol levels in overweight and obese individuals. The study also showed favorable results for total cholesterol, triglycerides, small dense LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and other cardio-metabolic risk factors.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 7, 2015

An avocado a day keeps the cardiologist away

A recent study found that incorporating one avocado per day into a moderate-fat, cholesterol-lowering diet significantly lowers LDL and total cholesterol levels. The researchers tested three diets, including one with an added avocado, and found the avocado diet to be more effective in reducing bad cholesterol.

Colorful nano-guides to the liver

Researchers create dye-functionalized nanoparticles that selectively deliver siRNA to liver cells, reducing cholesterol production and offering new hope for personalized therapy approaches. The method uses near-infrared fluorescent dyes as address labels and tracking numbers, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of the transport process.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2014

Study finds most older adults qualify for statin therapy under new cholesterol guidelines

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines now recommend statin therapy for individuals with an elevated estimated risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. A study found that 97% of adults aged 66-75 qualify for statin therapy, with 100% of men in this age group being eligible.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 24, 2014

UTMB scientist finds marker that predicts cholesterol level changes as people grow older

Researchers found a link between the APOE e4 allele and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as lower HDL cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol in older adults may be associated with longevity, challenging current cholesterol-lowering medication practices.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 19, 2014

Novel basic science tip sheet

Researchers found that a diet rich in plant-based flavonoids can help regulate the body's immune system response to fine particles in polluted air, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a low-cost vaccine targeting PCSK9 has been shown to safely lower bad cholesterol levels in animal studies.

Guidelines say nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should take statins

Two cholesterol management guidelines agree that nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should receive statins, but 50% of those recommended are not taking them. The study found the Pooled Cohort risk equations to be accurate among people with CKD, indicating a valid tool for estimating heart disease risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 13, 2014

Errors in single gene may protect against heart disease

Researchers found that people with one inactive copy of the NPC1L1 gene had lower LDL cholesterol levels and a 50% reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that targeting this gene may provide protection against heart attack, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 12, 2014

Trans fats still weighing Americans down

A study found that American consumers consume more than 1% of their daily calories from trans fats, exceeding the American Heart Association's recommendation. Omega-3 fatty acids have not changed significantly over the past thirty years and may help improve cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 22, 2014

Atomic map reveals clues to how cholesterol is made

Researchers have gained new insight into the complex molecular process of cholesterol production by mapping the structure of a key enzyme involved in the process. The study revealed two pockets within the enzyme's architecture that help spark the synthesis of cholesterol, with potential implications for the treatment of high cholesterol.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2014

Report urges individualized, cholesterol-targeted approach to heart disease and stroke

The report emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to treating cardiovascular disease, focusing on reducing cholesterol levels to specific targets based on a patient's unique health profile. This approach includes lifestyle changes, non-lipid risk factor management, and medication tailored to the patient's needs.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·DateSep 15, 2014

Study: Oxidized LDL might actually be 'good guy'

A University of Kentucky research team has made a surprising discovery about oxidized LDL's role in cholesterol transport. The findings indicate that mildly oxidized LDL may actually prevent increases in cholesterol accumulation in arterial walls, potentially leading to new treatments for heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 4, 2014

New statin guidelines an improvement, Yale study shows

A Yale University study found that new national guidelines can accurately prescribe statins to patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. The research shows the new guidelines produce a modest increase in patient treatment, with only 92% of those with heavy plaque being assigned to statin therapy under the new method.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 2014