Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that elevated levels of two protein biomarkers associated with heart damage were linked to undetected or symptomless cardiovascular disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed health information and blood samples from over 10,300 adults and foun...
Increasing physical activity, particularly daily 20-minute walks, can improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities in heart health. Despite this, only one in four American adults meet the recommended physical activity levels, with certain groups facing additional barriers to accessibility.
Women with short or long menstrual cycles are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attack or AFib. The study analyzed data from over 58,000 women and found that irregular menstrual cycle length was associated with higher risks of CVD, independent of other factors.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that plant-based diets can play a significant role in reducing blocked arteries and lowering the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. The analysis of 30 randomised trials with over 2,300 participants showed a 14% reduction in artery-clogging lipoproteins.
Researchers found that genetic predisposition to lipids, Alzheimer's, and heart disease in the MLXIPL gene locus is shaped by exogenous exposures. Minor alleles of certain variants associated with high triglyceride levels and lower HDL-C levels, which may provide protective effects against Alzheimer's risk.
A new Northwestern University study finds that CT scans are more effective than genetics in predicting the risk of heart disease in middle-aged individuals. The study used data from over 3,200 adults and found that adding CT scan data to conventional risk factors improved the accuracy of risk prediction.
Researchers identified novel genetic associations between AD and modifiable risk factors, including high HDL cholesterol concentrations and systolic blood pressure. These findings may inspire new drug targets and improved prevention strategies for AD.
A new study found that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores compared to heterosexual women. In contrast, gay and bisexual men were more likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies among sexual minority adults in France.
Researchers found that high-fat diets increase levels of gut-derived bacterial toxins and systemic inflammation, promoting atherosclerosis. The study suggests targeting interventions for individuals at risk of developing heart disease.
Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.
Researchers discovered that a Mediterranean marine worm can produce phytosterols de novo, and other animals have the genes to make these plant sterols. This finding reveals that many animal species may benefit from phytosterols' ability to improve blood cholesterol levels.
A new study reveals delayed diagnosis of HoFH leads to premature cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for increased lipid screening and aggressive treatment. Despite available therapies, most patients require further lipid-lowering treatments.
Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 US adults, finding that those who lost at least 5% of their body weight showed higher diet quality and more moderate physical activity. However, the study also found that many individuals relied on unsustainable non-evidence-based approaches for weight loss, highlighting the need for a paradig...
The American Heart Association scientific statement rates how closely popular dietary patterns align with its guidance for heart-healthy eating. The statement evaluates 10 categories of diets, scoring them from 31 to 100 based on their alignment with the guidance, with some diets receiving high scores while others need improvement.
Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.
A new liposome-based method aims to kill periodontitis-causing leukotoxin while protecting immune cells, providing an alternative treatment for aggressive gum infections. The approach has potential applications against a range of bacteria and could help combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have found a new target and drug combination that appears to stop the destruction of vision in premature newborns. By blocking ACAT1, an enzyme that converts cholesterol into smaller pieces, scientists can prevent the formation of leaky blood vessels and inflammation in the retina.
Researchers found that statin users can engage in moderate-intensity exercise without exacerbating muscle injury or symptoms. The study's findings are reassuring for people experiencing muscle pain or fatigue from statins and provide important guidance for maintaining physical activity and heart health.
Research highlights that intensive behavioral weight loss programs significantly reduce cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes risk factors, which persist for at least five years. Participants who lost weight through such programs had lower risk factors compared to those in less intensive or no weight loss programs.
Researchers have developed a mouse model to study NPC1L1-mediated cholesterol absorption, revealing the formation of endocytic vesicles containing free cholesterol. This breakthrough provides a new tool for evaluating cholesterol absorption in vivo and has implications for treating hypercholesterolemia and related diseases.
A new study found that eating walnuts may alter the mix of gut microbes in a way that increases the body's production of amino acid L-homoarginine, which has been linked to lower cardiovascular risk. Researchers also discovered higher levels of certain bacteria in the gut of participants on the walnut diet.
A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that consuming small amounts of high-fat and high-sugar foods regularly rewires the brain, leading to a preference for these types of food.
A real-world analysis found that high-risk Americans who fail to reach guideline-recommended LDL-C levels experience a 44% higher rate of cardiovascular events. The study, presented at the AMCP Conference, used data from over 300 million Americans and compared those who met and maintained recommended targets with those who did not.
The VALOR-QI program will provide a blueprint for quality care improvement, focusing on high-risk patients and addressing health equity gaps. It will offer education, staff training, monitoring, and other steps to achieve better compliance with cholesterol management.
Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a way to reverse infertility in sterile mice by reducing high-circulating cholesterol with a bacterial protein. The study showed that this protein, called serum opacity factor, lowered HDL cholesterol levels by over 40% in three hours and restored fertility in the mice.
A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.
A phase 2 study found that ANGPTL3 inhibitor therapy reduced triglycerides by up to 70% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia who had previously experienced acute pancreatitis. The treatment, evicanumab-dgnb, also showed potential for cardiovascular prevention by reducing apolipoprotein B levels.
Researchers developed a simple purification method using surfactants to separate hydrophobic DNA nanostructures from aggregates, enabling the construction of artificial cells and complex functions in molecular robots. The purified structures retain their ability to bind lipid vesicle surfaces.
Testing for ApoB protein, which carries LDL cholesterol, may be a more accurate way to test for heart disease risk. Researchers found that ApoB levels positively correlated with LDL cholesterol but showed an increased risk in patients with normal or low LDL levels.
A 'keto-like' diet, characterized by low carbohydrates and high fat intake, has been linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol and a twofold increased risk of cardiovascular events. Regular consumption of this diet was associated with an average increase in blood LDL cholesterol levels over 11.8 years.
A new study found that walking an additional 500 steps per day was associated with a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. This benefit is significant for older adults, as most studies have focused on early-to-midlife adults.
Researchers have identified a new marker that indicates when skin cancer cells are preparing to metastasise. The study shows that tumour cells alter their metabolism to feed on bad cholesterol molecules, allowing them to survive migration and proliferation in other organs.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that over 20% of patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease refused statin medications. Women were more likely than men to refuse statin therapy, with a 50% higher rate of never accepting the recommendation.
Research suggests that oleic acid in olive oil has antioxidant properties, inhibiting the expression of proteins associated with cholesterol transport, and reducing atherosclerosis. Additionally, oleic acid is recognized as an anti-cancer molecule, which also displays hypocholesterolaemic effects and may influence epigenetic mechanisms.
A large-scale observational study from China demonstrates a strong link between ideal cardiovascular health and lower mortality rates. Individuals with higher scores on behavioral and medical factors had approximately a 50% lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and respiratory mortality compared to those with lower scores.
Adults living in neighborhoods with dense fast food and unhealthy food environments, known as
A recent study found that consuming soy flour rich in B-conglycinin can reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower the risk of metabolic diseases. The protein inhibits HMGCR, a liver enzyme involved in triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein metabolism.
A Canadian-led research team has discovered how the protein PCSK9 degrades LDL receptors, leading to increased cholesterol levels. HLA-C plays a critical role in this process, which could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
A new study found that teenagers who reported feeling optimistic, happy, and loved had better cardiometabolic health outcomes in adulthood. Despite this, racial disparities remained apparent, with Black teens facing increased health risks due to structural racism.
A school-based gardening, nutrition, and cooking intervention improved glucose control and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in high-risk youth. Elementary schools can incorporate garden-based interventions to improve metabolic parameters in children.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that Texas Sprouts, a gardening, nutrition, and cooking intervention, improved glucose control and reduced bad cholesterol in high-risk youth. The results showed a 0.02% reduction in mean blood sugar levels and a 6.4 mg/dL reduction in bad cholesterol.
A UMass Amherst study reveals that 61% of wellness visits for reproductive-age women (15-49) were with OB-GYNs, while chronic condition patients also relied heavily on these specialists. Key preventive services like pap tests and pelvic exams were more common in OB-GYN settings, whereas lipid testing was rare.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a vital role of two proteins, ABCA1 and Aster-A, in maintaining the asymmetric distribution of cholesterol within cells. This process allows for selective control over substances entering and leaving cells.
A recent study discovered a link between soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and the development of atherosclerosis, a hardening of arteries that affects over a billion people worldwide. SuPAR was found to cause inflammation in blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular events and increasing risk of heart disease.
A new study published in Hypertension suggests that lipoprotein(a) cholesterol may affect the relationship between hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that people with high levels of lipoprotein(a) and hypertension had a 24% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those without hypertension.
A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.
Researchers found that dietary saturated/trans fats, but not cholesterol, can trigger hepatic angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in mice, leading to the promotion of hepatic tumors. This process is driven by the JNK-HIF1α-VEGF-C axis.
A study of over 1000 Australian adults found that people with trouble sleeping were more likely to have indicators of poor cardiometabolic health, including inflammatory markers, cholesterol, and body weight. Prioritizing a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining good health, according to researcher Dr Lisa Matricciani.
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia discover a new target to intervene in coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. The target is ATIC, a gene essential for purine production, which increases in response to arterial disease.
A new study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 10%. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables, showed additional benefits for women and black adults compare...
A new study from Northwestern University found that vitamin D supplements do not significantly reduce statin-associated muscle symptoms, contradicting previous non-randomized studies. The trial involved 2,083 participants and was the first placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to examine this effect.
A study found that lower levels of HDL cholesterol increased the risk of heart attacks in white but not Black adults. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol did not provide protective benefits for either group. The research tested long-held assumptions about the role of HDL in cardiovascular health.
A new study from Mount Sinai Hospital finds a strong association between age-related macular degeneration and severe forms of heart disease, including heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of increased screening for eye disorders to diagnose undetected heart disease.
Researchers at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University have discovered a small-molecule oral drug that reduces PCSK9 levels and lowers cholesterol by 70% in animal models. This breakthrough could also improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
The APOE4 gene variant increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease by disrupting the insulation of brain wiring. Research found that oligodendrocytes mismanage cholesterol, failing to transport fat molecules to myelinate axons. This deficiency may contribute to the pathology and symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that raw honey from single floral sources lowers fasting blood glucose, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation. Honey's health benefits depend on processing, floral source, and quantity.
A study of 1779 adolescents found that early-life elevated lipids and dyslipidemia are linked to worsening subclinical atherosclerosis. Conversely, treatment at age 17 effectively halted progression and even reversed it. This critical evidence emphasizes the need for early-life screening and prevention.
Researchers found two Korean native plants' saponins inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells by blocking membrane fusion. These compounds show promise in treating COVID-19, especially for asymptomatic cases.
The Mass General Brigham remote healthcare delivery program lowered blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol significantly in a study of over 10,000 participants. The program provided convenient care from home using digital solutions, improving health outcomes for traditionally underserved populations.
A remote hypertension, lipid program across a diverse health care network found that it may help optimize guideline-directed therapy at scale. The study results indicate a potential reduction in cardiovascular risk among patients with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.