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Altered cholesterol uptake by neurons in Alzheimer’s disease linked to APOE4 variant

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.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2025

FAU researchers advise: prescribe high potency statins in treatment, prevention

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.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTrends in Cardiovascular Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 28, 2025

Sunny side up for eggs and cholesterol

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.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeCase study·DateJul 17, 2025

Tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes could be avoided each year if cholesterol-lowering drugs were used according to guidelines

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.

AI detects fatty liver disease with chest X-rays

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.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalRadiology Cardiothoracic Imaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 27, 2025

Adopting a healthy diet may have cardiometabolic benefits regardless of weight loss

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2025

Timely initiation of statin therapy for diabetes shown to dramatically reduce risk of heart attack and stroke

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.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2025

Family Heart Foundation announces results of real-world study in 273,770 individuals with cardiovascular disease demonstrating that risk of subsequent cardiovascular event increases with rising lipoprotein(a) levels

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.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2025

Simple test could better predict your risk of heart disease

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...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025

New research from The Lundquist Institute finds ketogenic diet-induced high cholesterol does not predict heart disease

A new study from The Lundquist Institute found no association between plaque progression and LDL-C levels, suggesting that high cholesterol is not a marker of cardiovascular risk. Metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet with elevated LDL-C levels have a unique metabolic profile that requires personalized risk assessment.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 7, 2025

Social factors help explain worse cardiovascular health among adults in rural vs. urban communities

A recent NIH-funded study found that rural adults experience higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors compared to urban counterparts. The study revealed that variables such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare do not explain these differences, with lifestyle risk factors like smoking also playing a lesser role.

Thousands of lives could be saved by combining two cholesterol-lowering drugs

A large study suggests that patients at high risk of heart attacks and strokes should be treated immediately with a combination of a statin and ezetimibe, rather than statins alone. This combination therapy significantly reduces the risk of death from any cause and major adverse cardiovascular events.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2025

Cholesterol-elevating substances in coffee from machines at work

A new study by Uppsala University found that coffee machines in workplaces frequently produce coffee with high levels of cholesterol-elevating substances, which can affect LDL cholesterol levels and future cardiovascular disease risk. Regular drip-filter coffee makers filter out most of these substances.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 21, 2025

Replacing other snacks with pecans may improve cholesterol, diet quality

A new study by Penn State researchers found that consuming pecans instead of usual snacks improved cholesterol levels and enhanced overall diet quality. Participants who ate pecans demonstrated reductions in cholesterol measurements linked to poorer heart health and higher adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 17, 2025

Statins, aspirin may impact muscle health in smokers

A new study suggests that statins can reduce chest muscle loss in smokers, while aspirin may contribute to increased muscle loss. The study examined data from 4,191 participants and found that statins protected pectoralis muscle area and density, whereas aspirin led to decreased muscle mass.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 13, 2025

Cholesterol metabolism byproduct linked to Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have discovered a critical link between a cholesterol byproduct and Parkinson's disease development in mice. The study highlights the role of 24-OHC in forming Lewy bodies and killing dopamine neurons, with potential therapeutic targets emerging as drugs that prevent its production.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Unique Danish study provides surprising new knowledge about the consequences of hereditary high cholesterol

Researchers discovered that people with hereditary high cholesterol (FH) in Denmark are now living as long as the general population, with average life expectancies increasing from 50 to 78 years. However, they are still diagnosed with cardiovascular disease seven years earlier than those without FH.

Expanded research on COPD and metabolic syndrome would advance patient-centered care

Additional research is required to explore the relationship between COPD and metabolic syndrome, focusing on outcomes, intervention trials, and health services research. This will help shift from a COPD-focused approach to an integrated care approach considering all comorbidities.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 9, 2025

Houston Methodist scientists make surprising discovery pinpointing when good cholesterol becomes harmful

A study led by Henry J. Pownall and Khurram Nasir found a strong link between the amount of free cholesterol in HDL and its accumulation in macrophages, which can contribute to heart disease. The researchers aim to develop new diagnostics and treatments for managing heart disease using HDL-free cholesterol as a biomarker.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2024

Having a good breakfast reduces cardiovascular risk

Consuming 20-30% of daily energy at breakfast is associated with lower body mass index, smaller waist circumference, significantly lower triglyceride levels, and higher HDL cholesterol. A high-quality breakfast with proper balance of proteins, fats, fiber, and nutrients also contributes to reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalThe journal of nutrition health & aging·DateDec 11, 2024

Genetic data from ‘biobanks’ may help improve prediction of effectiveness, side effects of common medications, study finds

A new framework developed by UCLA researchers suggests that genetic data from large libraries of sequenced human genomes can improve the predictive power of genetics in determining how well a patient will respond to commonly prescribed medications and the severity of any side effects. The study, which analyzed data from over 342,000 pe...