Cardiovascular disease

Clinicians show modest response to elevated lipoprotein levels in low-risk patients

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Elevated Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent, genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), with levels >50 mg/dL affecting 20–30% of the global population. Despite therapeutic limitations, interest in Lp(a) has increased, driven by its prognostic value and the emergence of targeted therapies. However, with increasing guideline-directed Lp(a) testing, clinician response to elevated concentrations, … Read more

Higher intake of ultra processed foods linked to weaker bones

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From flavored yogurts to frozen pizzas, breakfast cereals and instant oats, ultra-processed foods are convenient, often cheaper items designed for a quick bite. In recent years, excess consumption of these foods has also been linked to health risks such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. According to a new study from Tulane … Read more

Specific gut bacteria may signal long-term risk of heart and metabolic disease

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A large prospective study links specific gut microbes and diet-derived metabolites to future cardiometabolic disease risk, highlighting how the microbiome may reflect lifestyle factors shaping long-term heart health. Study: Specific gut microbes are associated with the incidence of cardiometabolic disease in the HELIUS cohort. Image Credit: Anusorn Nakdee / Shutterstock In a recent study published … Read more

High use of anticholinergic drugs linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk

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People who use drugs with anticholinergic effects, including certain antidepressants, drugs for urinary incontinence and common antihistamines, are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is shown in a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in BMC Medicine. Anticholinergic drugs reduce the effect of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and are commonly prescribed to middle-aged and … Read more

A latent class analysis of cardiometabolic risk factors and the predicted prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged Swedish adults

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Jebari-Benslaiman, S. et al. Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 23 https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063346 (2022). Bergstrom, G. et al. Prevalence of subclinical coronary Artery atherosclerosis in the general population. Circulation 144, 916–929. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.055340 (2021). Google Scholar  Lind, L. et al. Obesity is associated with coronary artery stenosis independently of metabolic risk factors: The population-based SCAPIS study. … Read more

Microbial taxa more likely to be found in people with dyslipidemia

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Before the onset of cardiovascular disease symptoms, people often develop dyslipidemia, or abnormal levels of lipids in the blood. Recent studies suggest that microbes in the gut play an important role in how the body produces, regulates and degrades lipids, but the connection isn’t clear.  This week in Microbiology Spectrum, microbiologists in Seoul advance scientists’ … Read more

Childhood cavities and gum disease raise adult heart disease risk

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A national study suggests that cavities and gum disease in childhood may echo decades later in the arteries, reinforcing the idea that protecting young smiles could also help safeguard lifelong heart health. Study: Childhood oral health is associated with the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Image credit: PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com Oral disease in adults is … Read more

How are GLP-1 drugs reshaping treatment for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease?

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A sweeping Lancet review reveals how modern incretin-based drugs are reshaping treatment for obesity and diabetes, delivering powerful weight loss while simultaneously protecting the heart, kidneys, and metabolic health. Review: GLP-1 receptor agonists and next-generation incretin-based medications: metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal benefits. Image Credit: Gecko Studio / Shutterstock In a recent review published in The … Read more

Study links gut microbiome health directly to ovarian aging processes

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A new study details how fecal transplants from older female mice significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in young mice. The surprising results reveal a direct link between the microbiome (the collection of all bacteria and other microbes present) of the gut and ovarian health and function. “These findings suggest that there is two-way communication … Read more

Women suffer heart attacks too. Understanding risks, symptoms and how to save yourself | Health

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Lori Sepich smoked for years and sometimes skipped taking her blood pressure medicine. But she never thought she’d have a heart attack. The possibility “just wasn’t registering with me,” said the 64-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, who suffered two of them 13 years apart. She’s far from alone. More than 60 million women in the U.S. live … Read more