Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
A randomized, double-blind trial found colesevelam significantly lowered mean LDL levels by up to 18% without serious adverse events. This effect was independent of sex or age, making colesevelam a useful therapeutic alternative for patients with mild to moderate primary hypercholesterolemia.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that a combination of Vitamin E and aspirin can significantly delay the development of atherosclerosis in mice with high cholesterol levels. The study found that the production of plaque in blood vessels was lowered by over 80%.
A study found that African Americans with diabetes often lack adequate blood sugar and cholesterol control, leading to increased risk of complications. Poor prevention and management habits are prevalent, with many participants failing to receive recommended exams or monitoring their glucose levels regularly.
A UCSF study found that significant reductions in heart disease risk factors have saved over 430,000 deaths annually, with population-wide dietary changes and widespread use of medications being cost-effective.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women with good diets tend to eat more fruits and a greater variety of foods. The researchers also discovered a strong association between healthy eating indexes and socioeconomic status, suggesting that access to resources can influence dietary choices.
Researchers reexamine the process of reverse cholesterol transport, a critical mechanism for removing excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues. The study reveals that this process may have both protective and detrimental effects on cardiovascular health.
A new study on identical twins found that genetics plays a predominant role in differences in cholesterol levels, but diet also significantly contributes to variations in cholesterol levels. The researchers controlled for genetic factors and found an environmental association between diet and cholesterol levels.
A new international survey reveals that people are largely unaware of their cholesterol risk, with 13% believing they're at high risk for heart disease. Despite having multiple risk factors, many individuals incorrectly assess their level of risk, highlighting the need for education and awareness campaigns.
The International Lipid Information Bureau (ILIB) emphasizes the importance of statins in lowering cholesterol and preventing coronary heart disease. Landmark clinical trials have shown that statins prevent CHD, heart attacks, revascularization, and strokes.
A study of 72,904 French women found that those who consumed alcohol had a 29.5% higher calorie intake compared to non-drinkers, with protein and cholesterol intake also increased. Heavy drinkers were more likely to be smokers and experienced negative health effects.
A study of 183 Norwegian participants found that abstaining from filtered coffee reduced total cholesterol and tHcy levels, while increasing folate levels. This reduction in risk factors may be attributed to the presence of terpenoids in coffee that are only partially removed during filtering.
Researchers used NMR technology to analyze lipoprotein size and concentration in 262 patients with high-risk heart disease. The study found that a commonly prescribed statin, pravastatin, was equally effective in lowering bad cholesterol levels regardless of LDL particle size.
A large-scale population study found that low cholesterol concentrations were associated with higher death rates among elderly people. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,500 men aged 71-93, suggested that long-term persistence of low cholesterol concentration increases the risk of death.
Researchers found that consuming pork with a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fats led to significant reductions in serum total cholesterol (10%) and LDL cholesterol (24%) in young women. The modified pork diet also showed no adverse effects on glucose, insulin, or triacylglycerol levels.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that removing cholesterol from a cell's membrane can completely block HIV transmission. Researchers used microbicides containing a starchy substance that drains cholesterol, allowing for reduced or stopped HIV transmission.
Researchers found that a specific Apo-E gene variant increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in current smokers, with men carrying the E4 version facing a three times higher risk. The study suggests that quitting smoking can reduce this risk and highlights the importance of reducing smoking to avoid CHD.
A study by UB researchers found that more than half of survivors diagnosed with uncontrolled high blood pressure still had hypertension, and 46% of those with dangerously high cholesterol continued to have high levels. This highlights the need for improved secondary prevention strategies in the US population.
The study found associations between increased consumption of animal-based foods and higher risks of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and liver cancer. Plant-based diets were inversely associated with these health problems.
Children with high blood cholesterol can benefit from a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet without adverse effects on growth or development. The Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) found that reducing saturated fat and cholesterol intake lowered LDL cholesterol levels for up to three years.
A study found that the cholesterol-lowering drug pravastatin reduced stroke risk by 20% in patients with heart disease or high cholesterol. The medication also showed benefit when combined with aspirin and blood-pressure-lowering drugs, providing a new approach to preventing strokes.
Research at Ohio State University found that having a same-sex friend present during a stressful event can increase cholesterol levels in women, countering previous studies on the benefits of social support. The study involved 40 healthy college-aged women who gave a speech with and without a friend.
A new UCLA study suggests that a high-fat diet may contribute to the development of osteoporosis by reducing bone density and mineral content. The research, published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, could lead to new treatment options for osteoporosis, a disease affecting over one million people annually.
A recent UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that substituting regular margarine for butter can lower LDL cholesterol levels by up to 11% in adults and 9% in children. The study also confirmed that a margarine-based diet is healthier than a butter-based diet, reducing heart-disease risk.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.