Articles tagged with Cholesterol
Researchers identified a novel gene target, SREBP-1c, which controls the expression of lipogenic enzymes. Synthetic compounds binding to LXRa were also discovered, offering potential therapeutic targets for treating disorders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A new non-invasive skin test can measure cholesterol levels in just three minutes, potentially offering a simple way to assess risk of heart disease. The test found that those with the highest skin cholesterol levels also had the greatest number of diseased arteries.
A University of Maryland study found that high cholesterol hinders the effectiveness of aspirin in reducing platelet aggregation and preventing heart attacks. The study showed that 60% of patients with high cholesterol levels above 220mg/dL remained at increased risk despite taking daily aspirin doses.
A study found that a combination of statin and niacin can reduce the risk of hospitalization for chest pain or heart attacks by 70% among patients at high risk. The treatment also showed promise in reversing arterial buildup in these patients, with angiograms revealing decreased plaque buildup in most participants.
A recent study suggests that trans fatty acids, commonly found in baked goods and fried foods, may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. The researchers found that diets high in trans fats led to higher triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol.
Women who repeatedly gain and lose weight, especially if obese, have lower HDL or
Adults exposed to Dutch famine in utero exhibit abnormal lipid profiles, with significantly higher total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Maternal malnutrition in the first trimester permanently alters offspring lipid profiles later in life.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine are investigating the potential cholesterol-lowering properties of gugulipid, an extract from the mukul myrrh bush. The study, led by Dr. Philippe Szapary, aims to determine whether gugulipid is safe and effective in reducing mild-to-moderately elevated cholesterol levels.
Researchers have discovered two targets for a new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs that should allow greater precision in managing cholesterol levels. A key compound, LG268, has been shown to completely block the absorption of cholesterol in mice, while also enhancing the production of reverse cholesterol transporters.
A major study found that hormone replacement therapy did not slow the progression of heart disease in older women, despite improvements in cholesterol levels. The Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis (ERA) trial used cardiac catheterization to measure narrowing in the heart's arteries caused by a buildup of cholesterol.
Younger men with high cholesterol levels face a greater risk of death from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease later in life. Lower serum cholesterol levels translated into an estimated greater life expectancy of 6.1 years for men.
The Phase III study data demonstrated a median decrease of 38 percent in LDL-C and a mean increase of up to 18.7 percent in HDL-C with Lescol XL. This reduction is clinically meaningful for coronary heart disease patients, who carry an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
A multicenter study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that adding Benecol spread to a patient's diet can lower LDL-C and total cholesterol levels by 17% and 12%, respectively. The study also showed that the cholesterol-lowering effect of Benecol was evident as early as the second week of treatment.
A UB study found that obese children are more likely to have high levels of triglycerides and low levels of protective cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease later in life. The research, which analyzed data from over 4,000 children, suggests that monitoring body mass index is crucial for early detection of dyslipidemia.
UC Irvine molecular biologists have discovered a key protein interaction that regulates cholesterol levels in cells, which may provide insights into heart disease and stroke prevention. The study found that a regulatory protein called Sp1 recruits a co-regulating protein to activate genes that balance cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that men who ate two servings of high-fiber cereal per day made spontaneous changes to their diets, reducing fat intake and increasing fiber consumption. The study suggests that high-fiber cereal can be an easy way for Americans to improve their diet and reduce their risk of heart disease.
A study found that fiber supplements containing psyllium can lower harmful cholesterol by up to 5%, reducing the risk of heart attack by 10-15%. The treatment is considered a viable alternative to cholesterol-lowering medications, especially for those who have difficulty tolerating statins.
A new study reveals that the LDL receptor plays a key role in reducing the production of LDL cholesterol and removing it from the blood, providing insights into familial hypercholesterolemia. The research also explains how statins lower blood cholesterol levels by increasing LDL receptor activity.
A study of 840 men found 32.3% suffered from urinary incontinence, affecting social relationships and physical activity. Whole walnuts were shown to further reduce bad cholesterol in a dietary study. Medical ethicists recommend including spiritual care in treatment plans.
Middle-aged men with low serum cholesterol levels are more likely to experience severe depression, according to a new study. The research also found that recent weight loss and lower caloric intake were associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms.
A CSIRO trial found that plant sterol-enriched margarine can reduce LDL cholesterol by an average of 9.6%. The study showed that including the spread in the diet for three weeks resulted in a 10% reduction in cholesterol levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease.
The NHLBI halted a study on high blood pressure treatments after an independent review found that an alpha-adrenergic blocker, doxazosin, was less effective than the diuretic chlorthalidone in reducing cardiovascular disease. The study compared newer drug treatments with conventional and less costly treatment options.
Researchers found that high cholesterol levels did not indicate serious blockage of coronary arteries in patients who underwent bypass surgery. Elevated oxysterol levels were present in those with blocked arteries, highlighting the need for further heart disease screenings.
NMSU researchers found that eating three-quarters of a cup of pecans daily lowered LDL cholesterol by 10% after four weeks and by 6% after eight weeks. Pecans also provide monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, and fiber, making them a part of a balanced diet.
A study found that genetic variations can cause individuals to be more resistant to a cholesterol-lowering diet or at greater cardiovascular risk from a high-fat diet. Apolipoprotein B gene polymorphisms were associated with increased plasma total cholesterol concentrations in certain genotypes.
A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that treatment rates for patients with a history of heart disease were low, but women were disproportionately under-treated. Only 12% of women with high LDL levels achieved an acceptable level, compared to 31% of men.
A study found that nearly 18% of people screened had significant blockages in their carotid arteries, which can lead to a stroke. Those with two or more risk factors, such as age over 65 or high cholesterol, are significantly more likely to have a blockage.
Multiple studies show that psyllium can effectively lower total and LDL cholesterol levels in adults with hypercholesterolemia. Psyllium husks, a non-soluble fiber, may increase bile acid excretion and secondarily reduce cholesterol from the liver.
A new study found that consuming three servings of a margarine-like spread containing stanol can lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by up to 10%. The study, which involved over 300 participants with mildly elevated cholesterol levels, showed no adverse effects from using the fortified margarine.
Researchers found that lower total cholesterol levels require only dietary changes, while higher levels necessitate medication. The combined strategies are effective in reducing cholesterol across all surveyed individuals, regardless of their initial cholesterol levels.
A cholesterol-lowering drug, pravastatin, has been shown to reduce stroke risk by 20% in patients with heart disease or high cholesterol. The study pooled data from three clinical trials involving over 19,700 participants and found a significant reduction in stroke rate, particularly among those with coronary heart disease.
Research suggests that men with high HDL cholesterol levels after coronary bypass surgery live longer and experience fewer cardiac events. High levels of HDL cholesterol may be more significant than LDL in predicting long-term outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.
A new low-fat sterol ester spread can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 5-10% and may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that consuming 1-2 grams of the substance per day had similar cholesterol-lowering effects, making it a promising non-drug option for heart disease prevention.
Researchers found that men with low HDL levels had nearly twice the mortality rate as those with higher levels after coronary bypass surgery. High HDL levels also helped clear bad cholesterol from the blood and protected against heart disease.
A new study reveals that a specific gene variant, apoE-4, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, even in individuals with normal cholesterol levels. The research, conducted on 731 healthy adults, found that those carrying the apoE-4 gene had a higher incidence of coronary events compared to non-carriers.
Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can lead to seizures, liver or kidney failure, and premature delivery. Women with high cholesterol before pregnancy are more likely to develop the condition, which affects thousands of women each year.
A Wake Forest University study found that soy high in isoflavones can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol levels by up to 10% and total cholesterol by up to 9%. The study also showed a dose-response relationship between isoflavone content and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Researchers found that people with heart disease can expect greater benefits from lowering cholesterol levels than those without, with a 60% decrease in heart attacks and 80% decrease in deaths. Emphasizing secondary prevention is now considered more cost-effective due to these significant benefits.
A new report from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) states that cholesterol lowering in elderly Americans can significantly reduce heart disease and stroke risk. The NCEP recommends lowering cholesterol through a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management.
Researchers discovered that healthy young men with a family history of heart disease react to stress with elevated blood levels of cholesterol and other lipids. These findings suggest that lipid reactivity to stress may have implications for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.
A University of Toronto study found that soy foods reduced levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and lowered total cholesterol, potentially explaining why heart disease is rare in East Asian countries with high soy consumption. The research suggests broadening dietary strategies to include more soluble fibre and soy protein foods.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a moderate-fat diet rich in plant oils reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 25% in hyperlipidemic men. The specific type of plant oil used in the study was found to have a significant impact on improving cholesterol profiles.
Eating a diet high in cereal fiber can help reduce a woman's risk of heart attack, with the highest fiber consumers having a 23% reduced risk of heart disease. The study also found that smoking less, exercising more and eating foods high in vitamins and minerals were associated with higher fiber intake.
A study of 121 healthy young women found that those with low cholesterol levels were more likely to score high on measures of depression and anxiety. Researchers suggest that brain cells with low cholesterol have fewer serotonin receptors, which can lead to mood disturbances.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that 39% of women with naturally low cholesterol levels scored high on a depression scale, while 35% scored similarly high on an anxiety scale. The study also linked low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations to depression and anxiety.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a nuclear receptor, FXR, that controls bile acids and cholesterol production. The finding has important implications for developing drugs to control dietary cholesterol in humans.
A meta-analysis of 37 diet intervention studies found that reducing dietary calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol has a positive effect on serum lipids and cardiovascular risk. The study suggests that adopting healthier eating habits can be an effective way to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that measuring LDLc levels before menopause is a more reliable indicator of heart disease risk than tracking changes after menopause. Effective therapies include diet, exercise, and medication can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes among women.
The American Heart Association reports that higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced inflammation. Additionally, researchers found that smaller LDL particles are an independent risk factor for heart disease.
The American Heart Association recommends statin drugs as a second step after lifestyle modifications for cholesterol-lowering. Red yeast rice, found in Cholestin, may be less safe and effective than prescription medications.
A Chinese condiment extract, Cholestin, has been shown to reduce total blood cholesterol by nearly 26% in elderly patients and 'bad' cholesterol by 32.8%. The supplement contains HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that inhibit liver-produced cholesterol production.
Researchers have confirmed that blue-green algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) significantly lowers cholesterol levels in animals. Additionally, the algae's benefits appear to be independent of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), suggesting a potential dual mechanism of action.
A study published in Preventive Medicine reveals a significant decline in total cholesterol levels among U.S. adolescents, from 167 mg/dL in 1970 to 160 mg/dL in 1994. This decrease is similar to the drop in cholesterol levels among adults during the same period.
A CSIRO study found that margarines high in polyunsaturated fats and low in trans fatty acids reduce LDL cholesterol by 11-15%, corresponding to a 20-30% fall in heart disease risk. The study also showed that these margarines can produce a greater fall in blood LDL-cholesterol than other types of margarine.
Researchers have developed a system to detect the formation of gallstones by monitoring the interactions between cholesterol and lecithin in artificial bile. The technique may help identify key enzymes that speed up or slow down gallstone growth, leading to new treatments for cardiovascular ailments and genetic disorders.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered specific compounds in garlic that lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting liver cell production. The study found three water-soluble sulfur-containing compounds that decreased cholesterol production in cultured rat liver cells by 40 to 60 percent, with potential implications for heart health.
Researchers found that polyunsaturated fat in vegetable oil may lead to less hardening of arteries than monounsaturated fat in olive oil. The grant renewal supports studies on the effects of dietary fat type on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and coronary artery disease.
A study found that a gene called apolipoprotein E (apo)E influences blood cholesterol levels and predicts how much those levels are affected by weight gain, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. People with the apoE-2 variant have a beneficial cholesterol profile, but risk factors like smoking and obesity can negate this benefit.
A new study reveals that more than half of children consume excessive amounts of fat, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that most children exceeded the recommended levels of total fat intake and also had inadequate consumption of desirable monounsaturated fats.
A 12-year study of doctors found that men who ate a diet rich in nuts had a decreased risk of dying from heart disease. In another study, people eating an oat-rich diet had lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol levels.