Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
Research found that cold weather slightly increases blood pressure and decreases blood pressure control rates during winter months. Participants' systolic blood pressure increased by up to 1.7 mm Hg in the winter months compared to summer, while blood pressure control rates decreased by up to 5%.
A recent study from Mayo Clinic found that exercise test abnormalities, such as low functional aerobic capacity, predicted non-cardiovascular causes of death like cancer, alongside cardiovascular-related deaths. The study's findings suggest that clinicians should focus on data beyond ECG results to identify patients at risk.
A recent study found a three-fold increase in obesity-related heart disease deaths in the US between 1999 and 2020. The study highlights racial disparities, particularly among Black women, who faced the highest rates of obesity-related cardiovascular mortality.
A large-scale study of 633,000 children found that increased pediatric readiness in emergency departments decreased overall mortality, but had little effect on racial disparities. Black children were more likely to die from acute medical emergencies compared to white children.
A study by the University of Leeds found that South American forests lost their ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere during an extreme El Niño event in 2015-2016. This suggests that tropical forests may no longer be able to mitigate climate change, but conservation efforts can still protect them.
A Swedish study found that precarious employment conditions increase the risk of early death, with workers who shifted to standard employment experiencing a 20% lower risk of mortality. The study used registry data from over 250,000 workers and found that job security is crucial in reducing premature deaths.
A new study by Yale researchers found that despite reductions in fine particulate air pollution, racial and ethnic minorities still experience disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease-related deaths. The study found that Black people face the highest burden, with a mortality rate 4.59 times higher than white people in 2001.
Patients with cancer had disparate COVID-19 mortality rates during the winter Omicron wave compared to the general US population. The study suggests that immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants pose a significant threat, requiring prioritized efforts to prevent transmission.
A Michigan Medicine study found that pulmonary embolism death rates remained unchanged over the past decade, with higher mortality rates among men, Black patients, and those from rural areas. The study analyzed over 100,000 deaths related to pulmonary embolism between 2006 and 2019.
A study of 11.7 million adults in Ontario, Canada, reveals that COVID-19 infection is associated with significantly higher mortality rates among cancer patients who do not receive prioritized critical care treatment.
A recent clinical trial led by Professor Holger Thiele found that ECLS does not reduce 30-day mortality after cardiogenic shock, but is associated with more complications. The study involved 420 patients and compared ECLS therapy with standard intensive care unit treatment.
Women who maintained a stable weight were 1.2 to 2 times more likely to achieve exceptional longevity compared to those who lost 5% or more, with a 51% lower survival rate at age 90. Stable weight is associated with increased longevity in older women.
A new study reveals geographically distinct areas of high death rates in the US related to cigarettes and firearms, including both assault and suicide. The Southeastern US shows significantly higher rates compared to the rest of the country.
Researchers found that optimized statin therapy can significantly reduce mortality and cardiovascular events in US military veterans with coronary artery disease. Widespread use of ezetimibe alongside statins may lead to additional reductions in cardiovascular risk.
A recent study found that patients over 90 have higher complication and mortality rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the risks can be minimized through careful patient selection and adequate preparation. Comorbidity has a major impact on THA risks, with certain conditions increasing the risk of complications and mortality.
Atrial fibrillation patients in the UK are now 50% less likely to die from heart attacks and strokes than at the start of the millennium. The study revealed significant health inequalities, with socioeconomically deprived patients facing a higher risk of mortality.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.
Researchers found that urine levels of adenine are predictive and causative biomarkers of looming progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes. An oral therapeutic drug showed promise in mice by reducing kidney adenine levels and protecting against diabetic kidney disease.
A study found that China suffered an estimated 1.87 million excess deaths among individuals 30 years and older during the first two months after ending its zero COVID policy. The lifted policy led to a significant increase in mortality rates, highlighting the need for continued public health measures.
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that biofiltration increased coho salmon hatchling survival by up to 87%, reducing mortality from stormwater runoff exposure. The method effectively removes contaminants, but implementation faces hurdles due to land requirements.
Climate impacts like dry summers causing tree growth reduction and increased mortality in the Black Forest. The study found a peak in tree mortality in 2019, with mortality rates exceeding 40% of sustainable annual growth.
The new Southern Center for Maternal Health Equity will develop innovative approaches to reduce pregnancy-related complications and deaths in the Gulf South. The center aims to promote maternal health equity and address disparities in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black pregnant and postpartum people.
A new study reveals that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a leading cause of death in African countries, resulting in estimated 44,320 excess deaths per year. The practice remains legal in five countries and requires cultural change to be effective.
A large US study found that social determinants of health are a major factor contributing to higher cardiovascular disease mortality rates in Black individuals compared to Whites. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 adults and found significant associations between social factors such as unemployment and food insecurity with CVD m...
A new study from Tulane University found that Black adults are 54% more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than White Americans, largely due to social factors. The study's lead author suggests that addressing unemployment, low income, and lack of a partner can help reduce this disparity.
A new study reveals that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher in-hospital mortality and persisted at 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days after discharge. The risk of death was nearly twice that observed in those who were discharged alive from an influenza-related hospital admission.
Moderate and vigorous aerobic physical activity combined with muscle-strengthening activity may lower mortality risk. Higher levels of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity are associated with lower cancer and all-cause mortality rates.
A high level of cardiac troponin is associated with a 76% increased risk of death, including non-cardiovascular causes, over medium-term survival. Researchers suggest that troponin may serve as a general indicator of health issues, including undiagnosed conditions.
Researchers analyzed data from 230,000 individuals with second primary cancers, revealing higher mortality rates among Black and Hispanic populations compared to whites. The study highlights the need for targeted research on survival disparities in multiple primary cancer survivors.
A new Lancet study reveals persistent disparities in mortality rates among five racial-ethnic groups and 3,110 US counties from 2000 to 2019. Cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms were the leading causes of death, with significant gaps between racial-ethnic groups.
A study of over 20,000 patients with a hepatitis C cure found that they have a substantially greater risk of death compared to the general population. Drug and liver-related causes were the main drivers of excess deaths, highlighting the importance of continued support to fully realise the benefits of a hepatitis C cure.
A recent study found a significantly higher rate of increase in deaths among female individuals due to alcohol-related causes. The findings underscore the importance of investigating specific factors contributing to this trend.
Researchers will survey residents of two Louisville neighborhoods to identify features that promote health and well-being. The project aims to create a 'universal basic neighborhood' that has all necessary community assets to help residents thrive.
This study highlights significant disparities in preoperative hemodialysis timing among patients with end-stage kidney disease, impacting surgical outcomes. The findings suggest a need to address equity in surgical care for these patients, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A new study reveals that illicit drug use is involved in nearly one in three sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) among young adults in Victoria, Australia. The analysis of data from a statewide registry found higher levels of illicit drugs and multiple substance use among SCD patients.
A significant fall in Covid-related hospitalisations and mortality among UK cancer patients was found following the vaccine rollout. The study, published in Scientific Reports, revealed that age was a greater predictor of mortality rates than the type of cancer.
A study of 538,000 deaths in Florida and Ohio between March 2020 and December 2021 found significant excess mortality among Republican voters compared to Democratic voters. The disparity suggests differences in vaccination attitudes and uptake may have influenced pandemic severity and trajectory.
A large US veterans' study found that men and women who adopt eight healthy habits, such as regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and positive social relationships, can expect to live up to 21 additional years. The study's findings support the role of lifestyle factors in preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging.
A study finds that additional recommended cervical cancer screenings before birth are associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. The findings suggest that cervical cancer screening guidelines should consider the downstream implications for preterm delivery risk when weighing population-level costs against benefits.
Researchers identified racial and ethnic disparities in receipt of complex lifesaving procedures for decompensated cirrhosis. These disparities persisted over time, contributing to unequal mortality rates among different patient groups.
A new study found that a dedicated older people's emergency department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital reduced wait times by 20% compared to the main emergency department. Patients treated under this initiative received earlier frailty assessments within 34 minutes of arrival, leading to fewer hospital admissions.
A Michigan Medicine study finds that patients who participate in cardiac rehabilitation have a decreased risk of death years after surgery. The greatest reduction in mortality was found in patients who completed 36 or more sessions, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to improve participation and adherence.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for lipid disorders in children and adolescents under 20 years old, citing insufficient evidence. This recommendation is consistent with its 2016 guidelines for preventive care services.
Researchers from Osaka University identified ten blood proteins associated with mortality in severe burns, including HBA1, TTR, and SERPINF2. These proteins may serve as targets for developing new treatment methods for burns, offering a promising direction for future research.
A new study found that rural areas experienced higher excess deaths during the second year of the pandemic, despite vaccines being widely available in urban areas. The study highlights the role of healthcare inequities, vaccine skepticism, and partisanship in exacerbating mortality rates in rural communities.
A new study found that more than one million US deaths per year could be avoided if the US had mortality rates similar to its peer nations. Excess deaths among working-age adults are particularly stark, with nearly 50% dying before age 65 in 2020 and 2021.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced dementia-related deaths in long-term care and nursing homes, with a 77% decrease in the second year. However, deaths among those living at home did not decline as much, with only a 16% reduction.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased mortality rates among people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Notably, excess deaths in nursing home/long-term care settings declined in pandemic year 2.
Researchers developed a deconvolution method for epidemiology using neural networks, inferring daily infection rates from mortality data. The approach can assess the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions like lockdowns and mask mandates in reducing infection transmission.
A comprehensive Chinese National Cohort study found a significant association between high ozone exposure and increased mortality risk. The study revealed a J-shaped pattern of O3-mortality relationship, indicating a potential threshold of O3 concentration.
A study found that joint exposure of unequal income distribution and lack of social mobility increases risks of deaths from suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-related liver disease. Addressing underlying social and economic conditions is crucial in responding to the deaths of despair epidemic.
A study examining unemployment and underemployment figures and suicide rates in Australia found both to be significant drivers of suicide mortality between 2004-2016. Economic policies prioritizing full employment should be a core part of any comprehensive national suicide prevention strategy.
A new study by Washington University researchers identifies primary organics as the main drivers of high PM2.5 concentrations over South Asia, attributing 1 million deaths to residential combustion and industry emissions in 2019.
A study published in Nature Medicine estimates that the intense heat waves during the European summer of 2022 led to more than 61,000 deaths. The highest mortality rates were found in Italy and Spain, with women being 63% more likely to die from heat than men.
Opioid toxicity-related deaths in the US increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1 in every 22 deaths attributable to unintentional opioid toxicity. This trend highlights the urgent need for support people at risk of substance-related harm, particularly men and younger adults.
Smoke-free legislation associated with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease and respiratory system disease. Accelerating the implementation of smoke-free laws is crucial for protecting populations against smoking-related harm.
Researchers used coastal surveys from 1993-2021 to find a dramatic delayed effect of warmer oceans on seabird mortality. Massive die-offs occurred roughly once per decade, with five events exceeding a quarter million birds between 2014 and 2019.
A major new study found that countries with strong pandemic preparedness capacity achieved lower COVID-19 mortality rates than those with weaker capacities. The analysis accounted for age and national capabilities to diagnose COVID-19 deaths, revealing pre-pandemic investments in capacity saved lives.
A recent study published in PLOS One found that most people have something wrong with them, but the relationship between risk factors and mortality changes over time. The researchers discovered paradoxical relationships, such as increased mortality risks associated with lung cancer despite decreased funding for research.
A new study found that three million children and adolescents die from infectious diseases every year, with the greatest impact on low- and middle-income countries. The research highlights the need for policy change and funding to address this unmet health need among older children and adolescents.