Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
Scientists at Ural Federal University have developed a sensor device that determines cholesterol levels without using enzymes. The system uses copper chloride, making the process cheaper, easier, and faster than traditional methods.
A large international clinical trial found that fenofibrate had no significant effect on COVID-19 outcomes, including disease severity and death. The study included 701 participants and was led by Penn Medicine scientists.
Regular use of cholesterol-lowering and diabetes-control drugs may lessen the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in European populations. The pooled data analysis involved 38,694 participants and showed a 15% lower prevalence of any type of AMD with these medications.
A study published in the American Heart Association found that six common dietary supplements did not lower LDL cholesterol levels when compared to a low-dose statin medication or placebo. The research suggests that these supplements are unlikely to offer meaningful impact on cholesterol levels, and a heart-healthy lifestyle is still t...
A new study by Intermountain Healthcare found that following up a cardiac event with a statin prescription and cholesterol measuring blood test prevents 94% of patients from having or dying from a second cardiovascular event. Patients without follow-up care were at a 60% risk, compared to just 6% for those who received treatment.
A new medication, pemafibrate, lowered triglyceride levels among adults with Type 2 diabetes, but did not decrease their cardiovascular risk. The study found that lowering triglyceride levels may not protect against cardiovascular disease in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that olpasiran, a small interfering RNA drug, significantly reduces lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with established cardiovascular disease. The treatment was associated with minimal serious side effects apart from injection site reactions.
Neighborhood walkability is associated with lower cardiovascular disease burden and risk, according to two preliminary studies. The analysis found that even after considering other factors, walkability alone was linked to a 0.1% decrease in cardiovascular disease for each one-point increase in walkability score.
A study of over 1.3 million young Asian American adults hospitalized for atrial fibrillation found a significant increase in obesity and other modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors. Young adults with at least one cardiovascular risk factor were almost three times more likely to be hospitalized for atrial fibrillation.
A study found that living in a food desert increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death for people with PAD. People with PAD living in food deserts were 17% more likely to experience a major cardiac event compared to those with better nutrition access.
A recent study published in Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport reveals that high aerobic fitness does not protect children from metabolic syndrome. In contrast, a lower risk was observed when considering body size and composition.
A genetic variant associated with low levels of HDL 'good' cholesterol and high triglycerides has been identified in Polynesian people. This discovery provides new insights into the genetic causes of high cholesterol and may lead to the development of more effective treatment options.
Children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia are diagnosed earlier and have higher untreated LDL-C levels than adults, while those not identified early miss out on decades of life-saving treatment. This study emphasizes the need for universal screening to identify children with HoFH or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
A clinical trial conducted by Salk Institute and UC San Diego Health found that time-restricted eating improved measures of health and wellbeing in firefighters. The study showed that a 10-hour eating window reduced VLDL cholesterol, improved mental health, and decreased alcohol intake.
The study found that the interaction between two organelles in the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, controls the transfer of cholesterol to the plasma membrane. This process is crucial for maintaining proper lipid composition at the cell surface.
Researchers explored how differences in skin composition affect susceptibility to diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The study found that body site determines skin structure and function, with specific lipids and proteins playing a crucial role in disease diagnosis.
A new study published in Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity suggests that statin therapy is not justified for healthy individuals with high cholesterol. The research found a very weak association between low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) and the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A lab study found that high cholesterol intake worsens fatty liver disease progression by driving inflammation and scarring. The researchers also discovered long-lasting dysfunction in immune cells responsible for fighting liver damage. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy diet, according to the study's findings.
Researchers found higher total and non-HDL cholesterol levels associated with GenX exposure in a new study. Legacy PFAS chemicals like PFOS and PFNA were most strongly linked to elevated cholesterol, particularly in older participants.
A new study found that young Swiss military personnel with confirmed Covid-19 infections experienced symptoms like fatigue, reduced sense of smell, and psychological problems for up to 180 days. Long-term effects included increased BMI, high cholesterol, and lower physical stamina, suggesting a higher risk of metabolic disorders and ca...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop a groundbreaking method to eradicate glioblastoma brain tumors by targeting astrocytes and starving them of energy. The study found that in the absence of these brain cells, tumor cells die and are eliminated, offering a promising basis for developing effective medications.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that low physical function after age 65 is associated with a greater risk of developing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. The study used the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test to assess physical function in 5,570 adults over 75 years old.
Researchers analyzed 306-million-year-old fossilized animal feces and found biomolecular information about long-extinct diets. The study revealed that an unidentifiable extinct animal was a meat-eater or on a predominantly carnivorous diet, with high proportions of cholesterol-derived molecules and a lack of plant-derived biomarkers.
African American adults with higher levels of religiosity and spirituality may be more likely to meet key cardiovascular health metrics. The study found associations between religious behavior, spirituality, and improved health outcomes in terms of diet, physical activity, and smoking.
Researchers found that statins, commonly prescribed lipid-lowering drugs, provide a protective immune function in females. Women taking statins were 75% less likely to be ANA+, suggesting a sex-specific difference in the relationship between lipid metabolism and immunity.
A recent study published in JAMA found that despite overall improvements in cholesterol levels since 2008, sex, racial, and ethnic disparities persist in lipid control. The research team analyzed data from over 33,000 US adults and discovered significant variations in trends by race and ethnicity.
A West Virginia University study explores the link between pregnancy, sedentary behavior, and cardiovascular disease risk in women. The research aims to investigate whether physical activity can reduce or eliminate this accelerated risk development in women.
Combining sauna and exercise for eight weeks improves cardiorespiratory fitness, lowers systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels compared to regular exercise alone. The study found the sauna-exercise combination to be superior in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Researchers found that daily consumption of small portions of Jarlsberg cheese increased osteocalcin, a hormone associated with strong bones and teeth, without boosting harmful cholesterol levels. The effects were specific to Jarlsberg and not seen in other cheeses.
Research suggests that chemicals produced by gut microbes after eating red meat may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study found a 22% higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with increased red meat consumption, which was partly attributed to elevated levels of TMAO and related metabolites in the blood.
A new analysis from the Family Heart Foundation shows that only 31.3% of individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in its database had been diagnosed as of June 2020. This represents a significant increase since 2016, but highlights the ongoing challenge of diagnosing and managing the condition.
A new study found that consuming green tea extract for four weeks can lower blood sugar levels, improve gut health, and decrease inflammation in healthy individuals and those with metabolic syndrome. Researchers observed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and decreased gut permeability.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that making small behavioral changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Participants who received a lifestyle intervention showed improvements in physical activity, diet, and sedentary time, leading to decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with high genetic risk for stroke can reduce their risk by 30-45% by adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle. The study followed 11,568 adults over 28 years and showed that modifying lifestyle risk factors can offset genetic risk.
Researchers found wearable activity trackers encourage users to walk up to 40 minutes more each day, resulting in a significant weight loss of 1kg over five months. The study, which reviewed almost 400 studies involving 164,000 people, also found benefits for blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Researchers developed a risk algorithm specific to the region, incorporating factors such as age, cholesterol level, and blood pressure. The new score aims to provide greater accuracy in identifying people at high risk of cardiovascular disease in clinical practice.
A world-first study has confirmed the link between Alzheimer's Disease and multiple gut disorders, revealing shared genetic architecture. The study suggests that abnormal cholesterol levels play a key role in both conditions, and may lead to new potential treatments for Alzheimer's and gut disorders.
A study of 6,335 American adults with a history of cardiovascular disease found that risk factor profiles have not improved over the last two decades. Despite advancements in therapies and guideline recommendations, blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and diet all showed worse...
Researchers have created a noninvasive method to identify tumors causing hypertension by reducing radiation exposure. The new fluorine-based agent replaces an iodine-based agent and may allow for screening of patients with hypertension-linked aldosterone adenomas.
A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.
Eating one avocado a day for six months improved overall diet quality by eight points and slightly decreased LDL cholesterol levels. However, avocados had no effect on belly fat or weight gain in participants with overweight or obesity.
The American Heart Association has revised its cardiovascular health checklist to include sleep duration as a key factor in ideal heart and brain health. The new Life's Essential 8 score replaces the previous Life's Simple 7 and assesses factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and blood pressure.
Researchers found that 67.7% of stroke patients with previously undiagnosed major risk factors had one underlying condition, with dyslipidaemia being the most common detected vascular risk factor. The study suggests that identifying and treating these conditions can help prevent future strokes.
Research found a link between genetic variants that mimic statin medication effects and increased risk of developing cataracts. Genetic analysis revealed carriers of rare mutations in the HMGCR gene have almost complete protein inhibition, similar to taking statins.
A randomized controlled trial found that spinal anesthesia was associated with worse pain immediately after surgery, but differences diminished over time. Researchers also found higher rates of pain reliever prescriptions at 60 days in the spinal anesthesia group.
A genetic variant in nearly 30% of Greenlanders is linked to high cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The variant, p.G137S, has a marked population-level impact, increasing the risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease for up to 30% of the Greenlandic population.
Researchers found that the effectiveness of exercise depends on the time of day, with morning exercise reducing belly fat and blood pressure in women, while evening exercise increasing muscular performance. For men, evening exercise lowers blood pressure, burns more fat, and improves heart disease risk.
Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease and PTSD, using animal models to investigate how stressful events affect brain cells. They aim to understand the role of estrogen and high-cholesterol diet in developing the disease.
A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research reveals that rare T cells targeting apolipoprotein B can contribute to inflammation and atherosclerosis progression. Researchers discovered these cells resemble regulatory T cells but develop a new identity as heart disease develops.
A study found that colchicine significantly improved survival rates for patients hospitalized with worsening heart failure. Colchicine may also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with a buildup of cholesterol in their arteries.
A randomized controlled trial found that consuming cranberries for 12 weeks improved participants' memory of everyday events and neural functioning. The study also showed a significant decrease in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels, contributing to improved vascular health and brain perfusion.
Researchers linked dietary cholesterol to exacerbation of viral infections in mice, showing that high levels of cholesterol made mice sicker when infected with influenza. The study found that dietary cholesterol increased the number of cytokine-producing immune cells in the lungs, contributing to excessive inflammation.
A study estimates that more than 1 million U.S. adults carry a gene for familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol and potentially leading to premature heart attack or death. Genetic testing may help identify those at risk, but its affordability is a concern.
Women's metabolism alters during menopause due to changes in sex hormone levels. Metabolite profiles show increased lipid and cholesterol levels, especially triglycerides and LDL particles, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
Adding pickled cucumbers to sour cream significantly increases antioxidant activity and reduces cholesterol oxidation products. The addition also improves the bioaccessibility of antioxidants, making it a promising strategy for enhancing the health-promoting activities of sour cream.
A study by researchers from the University of Chicago reveals that maternal octopuses undergo a massive shift in cholesterol metabolism, resulting in dramatic changes in steroid hormones produced. This phenomenon is linked to a life cycle process and has serious consequences on longevity and behavior across different animals.
A study published in Med found that the human microbiome's variation explains different patient responses to statins. The researchers discovered a Bacteroides enriched microbiome with lower diversity was associated with stronger LDL-lowering effects but greater disruption of blood glucose levels.
A study of 21,083 adults found that coffee consumption is associated with raised cholesterol levels, with brewing methods such as espresso showing the widest gender difference. Drinking 3-5 daily cups of espresso was linked to increased serum total cholesterol, particularly among men.
The BMJ recommends offering additional cholesterol-lowering drugs to adults at high heart disease risk, particularly those with 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels above 70 mg/dl. Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors are recommended for the high and very high risk group, but not for those in the low risk category.
A new study found that adults who experienced childhood abuse were more likely to develop high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, healthy childhood experiences may increase the likelihood of heart-healthy behaviors that decrease cardiovascular disease risks.