Tag

Cardiovascular

All articles tagged with #cardiovascular

Halting GLP-1 Meds Erases Cardiovascular Gains
heart-health21 days ago

Halting GLP-1 Meds Erases Cardiovascular Gains

A BMJ Medicine study of 333,687 veterans shows that stopping GLP-1 therapies (like Ozempic and Wegovy) reverses their cardiovascular benefits quickly: even a 6‑month lapse raises the risk of heart attack and stroke, and longer interruptions erode protection further. Continuous GLP-1 use was linked to fewer major cardiovascular events, while stopping can also lead to weight regain and withdrawal symptoms; tapering off with medical guidance and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is advised, underscoring that GLP-1 benefits are long‑term risk‑reduction rather than a quick fix.

Wine linked to lower heart risk than other drinks in a large study
health21 days ago

Wine linked to lower heart risk than other drinks in a large study

A UK Biobank analysis of more than 340,000 adults followed for about 13 years finds that moderate wine consumption is associated with a 21% lower risk of cardiovascular death, while low intake of beer, cider or spirits shows roughly 9% higher mortality; heavy drinking increases risk across the board. The authors caution that the study is observational and lifestyle factors may influence results, and randomized trials are needed for clearer cause-and-effect conclusions.

Moderate Wine Might Benefit Heart Health More Than Other Drinks
health21 days ago

Moderate Wine Might Benefit Heart Health More Than Other Drinks

A UK Biobank analysis of over 340,000 adults found that while high alcohol intake raises risks of death from all causes, cancer, and heart disease, moderate wine consumption is linked to a 21% lower risk of cardiovascular death compared with never/rare drinkers. Researchers suggest polyphenols and antioxidants in wine, plus the healthier meals often paired with wine and other lifestyle factors, could explain the benefit, though causality isn’t proven and drinking type and patterns matter.

Cholesterol guidelines tighten focus on early prevention and personalized risk
cardiovascular-health23 days ago

Cholesterol guidelines tighten focus on early prevention and personalized risk

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have updated dyslipidemia guidelines, prioritizing earlier lifestyle-based prevention, a modern cardiovascular risk calculator (PREVENT) to guide treatment, and additional tests (CAC, Lp(a), ApoB) to refine risk and LDL-C lowering decisions; the updates also address hypertriglyceridemia therapies and recommend cholesterol screening for kids aged 9–11 to identify familial hypercholesterolemia early and reduce lifetime cardiovascular risk.

Sugar substitutes may raise clot risk, new vascular study finds
lifestyle1 month ago

Sugar substitutes may raise clot risk, new vascular study finds

New Cleveland Clinic findings suggest sugar substitutes, especially erythritol and other sugar alcohols, may acutely promote clot formation and could raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in people with obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome. The researchers urge longer-term studies to confirm safety and advise moderation and consultation with healthcare providers when using these products.

Five Sleep Subtypes Reveal Diverse Health and Lifestyle Patterns
science2 months ago

Five Sleep Subtypes Reveal Diverse Health and Lifestyle Patterns

A new study identifies five sleep subtypes (two early birds and three night owls) linked to distinct health and lifestyle patterns across UK Biobank adults and US teens, ranging from fewer health problems to depression, smoking, and higher cardiovascular risk, suggesting sleep timing profiling could inform personalized schedules and mental-health support.

Statins: safer than feared, but protection isn’t a substitute for healthy living
life-and-style2 months ago

Statins: safer than feared, but protection isn’t a substitute for healthy living

A Lancet review suggests statins are generally well tolerated, easing concerns about memory loss or sleep disturbances. About 10 million in the UK take statins, mainly for primary prevention, but benefits depend on baseline cardiovascular risk. NICE estimates that at a 10% 10-year risk, 40 strokes or heart attacks could be prevented per 1,000 people over 10 years; numbers needed to treat vary (roughly 200 people for five years to prevent one heart attack in primary prevention, about 300 to prevent one stroke, with better figures for secondary prevention). The article emphasizes that diet and lifestyle remain crucial and that statins are risk reducers, not a substitute for healthy habits. It also notes tools like QRisk to estimate personal risk, though those estimates have limitations.

Big statin side-effect list largely not caused by the drugs, study finds
health2 months ago

Big statin side-effect list largely not caused by the drugs, study finds

A Lancet meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials involving about 124,000 participants over roughly 4.5 years finds that 62 of the 66 side-effects listed for statins have no solid evidence of being caused by the drugs; only four (liver test changes, minor liver abnormalities, urine changes, tissue swelling) have evidence supporting them. Overall, the risk of side-effects is very small and the cardiovascular benefits of statins—reducing heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths—greatly outweigh harms, prompting calls to update labeling to better reflect the evidence and reassure patients and doctors.

Fresh Brewed Tea May Boost Heart Health and Longevity, if You Skip the Sugary Bottled Varieties
health2 months ago

Fresh Brewed Tea May Boost Heart Health and Longevity, if You Skip the Sugary Bottled Varieties

A comprehensive review links tea—especially green tea—with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and several cancers, plus brain protection and reduced age-related muscle loss; however, bottled and bubble teas with added sugars and additives may negate these benefits, so freshly brewed tea in moderation offers the most benefit.

Daily aspirin myth debunked as new science flags risks for healthy adults
health2 months ago

Daily aspirin myth debunked as new science flags risks for healthy adults

Longstanding NHS guidance that daily low-dose aspirin protects the heart is being re-evaluated. In people with no prior cardiovascular disease, the benefits are limited and risks—such as stomach bleeding and brain haemorrhages—are significant; this has led to updated NHS guidance since 2021 and a 2023 recommendation to avoid routinely offering aspirin to prevent a first heart attack. The NHS still recommends daily aspirin for those who have had a heart attack or stroke, but many healthy patients remain unaware of risks. Doctors urge discussions with GPs about individual risk and highlight alternatives (blood pressure control, statins, exercise) as safer, more effective preventive measures. Some patients report severe side effects, underscoring why broad daily aspirin use should be avoided unless clinically indicated.

Top Clinical Trials and Results to Watch in Early 2026
healthcare3 months ago

Top Clinical Trials and Results to Watch in Early 2026

The article previews ten significant clinical trials expected in the first half of 2026, focusing on Eli Lilly's obesity drug retatrutide, Merck's flu antiviral CD388, Regenxbio's gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Novartis' Lp(a) cardiovascular treatment, and other innovative therapies for rare diseases and cardiovascular conditions. Success in these trials could lead to major advancements and market approvals in their respective fields.

L.A. Fires Linked to Rise in Heart Attacks and Blood Test Anomalies
health3 months ago

L.A. Fires Linked to Rise in Heart Attacks and Blood Test Anomalies

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles caused a significant increase in heart attacks, respiratory illnesses, and abnormal blood test results over 90 days, likely due to the toxic mix of materials burned and prolonged smoke exposure, leading to long-term health impacts beyond immediate injuries.