Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
Long-term hormone therapy in transgender individuals leads to significant changes in body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Transgender men experience increased muscle volume and abdominal fat, while women's muscle mass decreases, according to a new study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Knowing family health history is crucial for reducing heart attack and stroke risk. Experts recommend following Life's Essential 8 - five health behaviors and three health factors to lower genetic risks.
Researchers from Salk Institute found that specific dietary fats are incorporated into sphingolipids to drive the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The team discovered that trans fats are preferentially metabolized by an enzyme, leading to increased lipoprotein secretion and plaque formation.
Dr. Seth Baum, a renowned expert in preventive cardiology and lipidology, has been appointed Chairman of the Family Heart Foundation's Board of Directors. He will work to advance the organization's mission-driven initiatives, including increasing awareness for inherited lipid disorders and improving healthcare processes.
According to the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, primary care clinicians can help patients reduce their risk of heart disease by addressing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and treatment. Despite challenges, research shows that primary care professionals with a higher ratio have lower total costs of ca...
A new study found that significant year-to-year fluctuations in cholesterol levels without medication changes could indicate an increased risk of developing dementia or cognitive decline. Researchers suggest that reducing cholesterol variability could potentially be a promising therapeutic target for dementia prevention.
A study analyzed health checkup data and found that individuals with mild dyslipidemia were less likely to seek medical follow-up compared to those with severe abnormalities. Nearly 80% of respondents did not follow up with a physician, highlighting the need for improved follow-up attendance at medical consultations.
A new clinical guideline from the American Stroke Association outlines strategies to support brain health and prevent stroke throughout a person's lifespan. The guideline recommends regular health screenings, identifying risk factors, lifestyle interventions, and medications to reduce the risk of a first stroke.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that bile production is affected by blood flow in the portal vein, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and fatty liver disease. This breakthrough provides an opportunity for the development of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that HDL particle quality declines over time in women after menopause, increasing risk of episodic memory loss. Women with smaller, more functional HDL particles are less likely to experience cognitive decline.
Researchers have identified liver X receptor beta as a promising target for treating depression and anxiety, with key findings including LXRβ's role in regulating neurotransmission and neurogenesis. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for treatment-resistant depression and personalized medicine approaches in psychiatry.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to have claims for free preventive care denied by insurance plans, leading to unexpected bills or lack of access. Healthcare providers also charge disadvantaged groups a higher amount for preventive services.
A study published in JACC demonstrates that subclinical atherosclerosis burden and progression independently predict death from any cause. Asymptomatic individuals with high carotid plaque burden and coronary artery calcification are at increased risk of mortality.
A clinical trial found time-restricted eating improved blood sugar regulation and reduced markers of metabolic dysfunction in adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants who followed a customized eight-to-ten-hour eating window saw significant improvements compared to standard treatments.
Researchers developed a compact 'gene scissor' tool, TnpB, which shows a 4.4-fold increase in efficiency of modifying DNA, making it more effective as a gene editing tool. The tool can be used to treat patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, reducing cholesterol levels by nearly 80%.
Researchers at Rice University have uncovered new information about the structure of cholesterol molecules in cell membranes using Raman spectroscopy. The study sheds light on previously unknown structural variations and provides a simplified framework for analyzing membrane cholesterol chain structures.
A new study by University of Oklahoma researchers identifies key measurements of brain blood flow and ability to compensate as better predictors of mild cognitive impairment than traditional risk factors. The findings provide hope for preventing or treating memory problems early before they progress to dementia.
The new European Society of Cardiology Guidelines recommend regular screenings for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) to prevent complications. The guidelines also emphasize personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle changes, medication, and efficient blockage treatments.
The new diagnostic test system combines a field-effect transistor with a paper-based analytical cartridge, achieving over 97% accuracy in measuring cholesterol levels. This innovation has the potential to transform at-home testing and diagnostics with its high sensitivity, low cost, and machine learning capabilities.
Research found that maintaining good cardiovascular health during the first trimester of pregnancy can partially mitigate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study's results suggest that preconception and early pregnancy cardiovascular health counseling is crucial for preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Researchers discovered that high cholesterol levels at a young age can be a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis. Fluctuating levels of cholesterol were found to cause the most damage and may increase the risk of heart attack even in those taking statin medication.
Very intensive lipid-lowering therapy significantly regresses atheroma volume at the lesion level compared to statin therapy alone. This study found greater enlargement of the minimum lumen area and more frequent transition to stable plaque phenotypes with alirocumab treatment.
A blood test that measures three modifiable factors together can better predict cardiovascular risk than any marker used alone. The study found that inflammation is at least as important as cholesterol in predicting cardiovascular events.
Inflammation in RA leads to altered lipid and lipoprotein profiles, with elevated triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels. Proinflammatory HDL complexes contribute to the proatherogenic phenotype.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University have uncovered a significant genetic connection between Alzheimer's disease and several coronary artery disease-related disorders, offering opportunities to improve health outcomes. The study found that some of the same genes played a role in or are associated across these conditions.
A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that a ketogenic diet can reduce beneficial gut bacteria and increase unfavorable fats in the blood. The diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, may have long-term health implications such as increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
A randomized crossover clinical trial reveals that swapping refined corn flour for a blend of refined corn flour and corn bran lowers LDL cholesterol concentrations by 5-13.3%. The study found significant reductions in LDL cholesterol among 70% of participants who consumed the blend, while whole-grain corn meal had no impact.
A new study found that taking fish oil supplements can lower blood lipid levels in individuals with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol. The research used genetic data from over 441,000 participants and found that fish oil supplementation can counteract the genetic risk of developing high cholesterol.
The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention recommends addressing 14 modifiable risk factors to prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases. The report identifies two new risks: high LDL cholesterol and vision loss, which are associated with 9% of all dementia cases.
A study of non-statin cholesterol-lowering medications found that cholesterol absorption inhibitors were associated with a 31% lower odds of liver cancer risk. Statin use was also linked with a 35% lower risk. Fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin showed no association.
A new University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50-80 take one or more prescription medications, with 80% open to stopping certain drugs. However, researchers stress the importance of personalized guidance for deprescribing older adults, particularly those taking medication for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
A systematic review published in Nutrients highlights the positive health outcomes associated with pulse consumption. The study found that eating more pulses reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A cohort study of 10,634 participants reveals that childhood risk factors are associated with adult cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of intervening in childhood to reduce the incidence of adult CVD, particularly for body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Researchers have discovered a better way to identify those at high risk of potential heart attacks and strokes by adding genetic information to health checks. The study found that combining clinical risk scores with polygenic risk scores significantly improves identification rates, especially among younger people.
A clinical trial led by Mount Sinai researchers shows zodasiran, an RNA inhibitor targeting ANGPTL3, significantly reduces various types of cholesterol and triglycerides. The therapy also lowers apolipoprotein B, a lipid-transporting protein linked to heart disease.
Research finds insulin levels correlate with triglycerides, ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and free cholesterol in women with atherosclerotic coronary disease. The study suggests these laboratory-associated flags indicate early coronary atherosclerosis in both diabetic and non-diabetic women.
A recent analysis of WHI findings indicates that MetS and obesity each have different associations with breast cancer subtypes and mortality risk. Women with higher MetS scores are at a higher risk of poor-prognosis, estrogen receptor-positive, progesterone receptor-negative breast cancers.
Three FAU researchers have received $1M in FDOH grants to develop innovative approaches against Alzheimer's disease. Mare Cudic aims to explore the link between glycosylation and neuroinflammation, while Ruth Tappen develops an online screening tool for older drivers with cognitive decline.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that combining time-restricted eating with high-intensity functional training improves body composition and cardiometabolic health more than either alone. The research, conducted on inactive women with obesity, showed significant weight loss and favorable changes in lipid and glucose levels.
Researchers at Aarhus University have identified a way to regulate cholesterol levels to improve immunotherapies for cancer and other illnesses. By manipulating STING protein activity, they aim to bolster the body's natural defences against disease.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered the detailed protein structure of the TAS2R14 bitter taste receptor, revealing how it identifies and activates bitter tastants. The discovery has potential applications in drug development for metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
A study published in PNAS reveals the structure of a protein linked to neurodegenerative disease Niemann-Pick type C, which accumulates cholesterol within cellular compartments. The research sheds light on the complex mechanism of cholesterol distribution and its role in maintaining optimal levels.
A new study suggests that most essential care for cardiovascular health happens in general primary care clinics, but many at high risk don't receive it. The study found that large percentages of people with major cardiovascular risk factors didn't see a primary care provider or cardiologist in the past year.
Studies at the University of Gothenburg found a clear shift in arterial disease risks in diabetes, with decreases in central organ diseases like heart attack and stroke, but increases in peripheral vessel complications. Closer monitoring of long-term blood sugar levels can reduce peripheral arterial disease risk by 30-50%.
A new study suggests that anxiety and depression in younger women may accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk factors, putting them at nearly par with men of the same age. The researchers found that these mental health conditions were associated with a much higher relative risk among young women than seen in other groups.
A recent study found that eating fortified eggs had no adverse effect on blood cholesterol levels and may even have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Subgroup analyses revealed potential benefits among older adults and those with diabetes.
A recent study examined cholesteryl esters and found that prolonged inactivity may affect people of different ages differently. The researchers observed changes in middle-aged subjects but not in older adults when comparing pre- and post-bed-rest levels.
A free, weekly home delivery program of fresh fruits and vegetables improved participants' nutrition levels, physical activity levels, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The 16-week program resulted in significant improvements in food insecurity, diet quality, and indicators of cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that Kupffer cells in liver respond to high cholesterol by removing excess, revealing the liver's role in regulating cholesterol levels. This discovery suggests atherosclerosis is a systemic disease affecting multiple organs.
A new study found that more than half of American Indian teens had high levels of cholesterol, with nearly two-thirds of young adults experiencing the same issue. The study suggests a need for early screening and treatment to prevent premature heart disease.
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that more than 70% of American Indian young adults aged 20-39 and 50% of teens have abnormal or high cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol was linked to plaque buildup and cardiovascular events, emphasizing the need for early screenings and culturally relevant education.
A study by the University of Exeter found that substituting meat for Quorn lowers bad cholesterol by 10-percent. This reduction is comparable to switching to a Mediterranean or vegan diet and has significant implications for heart health.
Researchers found that physical pressure on cells reduces pain signals, but excess cholesterol can interfere with this process. The study shows how cell membrane lipids help send electrical pulses into cells after experiencing pressure and force.
Researchers at UCSF used clinical data and a precision medicine approach to identify early risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, predicting its onset with 72% accuracy. High cholesterol, osteoporosis, and erectile dysfunction were found to be predictive factors in both men and women.
Researchers have discovered a new way to target chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells by depriving them of cholesterol, leading to significant tumor growth reduction. The nanoparticles starve the cells of cholesterol, triggering cell death through oxidation of lipids in the cell membrane.
A new study suggests that finasteride, a common hair loss and prostate drug, may also lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in men. In mice, the researchers found significant correlations between finasteride use and lower cholesterol levels, as well as reduced inflammation and atherosclerosis progression.
A new study reveals that utilization of PCSK9 inhibitors is low among high-risk patients, despite extensive evidence documenting their role in LDL-C reduction and the prevention of heart attacks. The study found that insurance coverage rejection or abandonment leads to significantly more cardiovascular events within 12 months.
Lung adenocarcinoma cells manipulate macrophage lipid metabolism to drive tumor progression. This exploitation of immune cells' metabolic pathways may be targeted with statins, improving lung cancer treatments.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment that enhances the body's natural defences against atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Treating arthritic mice with RvT4 reduces blood vessel inflammation by re-programming macrophages to release stored lipids.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered a novel enzyme, FAXDC2, that plays a pivotal role in cholesterol synthesis and cancer progression. The study highlights the potential vulnerability of cancer cells to targeted therapeutic intervention. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting FAXDC2 i...