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Cardiovascular Disease

All articles tagged with #cardiovascular disease

Lp(a) sparks biotech's next wave of cardiovascular drug development
biotech19 hours ago

Lp(a) sparks biotech's next wave of cardiovascular drug development

Lipoprotein(a), a genetically driven molecule linked to heart attacks, strokes, and valve disease, is poised to become a major target in biotech as firms race to develop Lp(a)-lowering therapies using siRNA and ASO approaches. The pivotal Horizon trial of pelacarsen from Novartis/Ionis is expected to read out soon and could trigger a surge in Lp(a) testing and treatment if positive, though questions remain about its ultimate market size and whether primary prevention is feasible. Competition is intensifying, with Amgen, Lilly, AstraZeneca, and others pursuing more potent or oral options, suggesting a broad, high-stakes field regardless of Horizon's outcome.

Cholesterol drug cuts first cardiovascular events by 31% in diabetics without artery disease
health-and-medicine11 days ago

Cholesterol drug cuts first cardiovascular events by 31% in diabetics without artery disease

A Mass General Brigham study finds the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab, added to standard therapy, reduces the risk of a first major cardiovascular event by 31% over ~5 years in high‑risk diabetics without diagnosed atherosclerosis, with about a 51% drop in LDL‑C. Safety was similar to placebo, suggesting earlier intensive cholesterol lowering may prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients without established artery disease; results were presented at the ACC and published in JAMA.

Tiny Daily Swaps, Big Heart Health Gains
health12 days ago

Tiny Daily Swaps, Big Heart Health Gains

A study of 53,242 adults (average age 63) found that adding about 11 more minutes of sleep, 4.5 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity, and a quarter cup more vegetables daily was associated with a 10% lower risk of major cardiovascular events over eight years; the optimal profile—8–9 hours sleep, 42+ minutes MVPA daily, and higher diet quality—was linked to a 57% risk reduction. While observational, these results suggest small, combined lifestyle tweaks can meaningfully improve heart health, and researchers are developing digital tools to help people sustain these changes using wearables and dietary questionnaires.

Tiny sleep, small exercise shifts yield big heart-health benefits
heart-health15 days ago

Tiny sleep, small exercise shifts yield big heart-health benefits

Analyzing 53,000 UK Biobank participants over 8 years, researchers found that adding 11 minutes of sleep, 5 minutes of daily activity, and a small veggie boost lowers major cardiovascular-event risk by about 10%; those with optimal habits (8–9 hours sleep, ~42 minutes daily moderate-to-vigorous activity, and a better diet) had 57% lower risk. The study is observational, so it can’t prove causation, but suggests small, sustainable lifestyle tweaks can meaningfully improve heart health.

Shingles vaccine linked to fewer heart complications in people with heart disease
health16 days ago

Shingles vaccine linked to fewer heart complications in people with heart disease

A large observational study of more than 246,000 U.S. adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease found that receiving at least one shingles vaccine dose (Shingrix or Zostavax) was associated with substantially lower risks of major cardiovascular events within a year, including a 46% drop in major adverse cardiovascular events, 27% fewer heart attacks, 27% fewer strokes, 33% fewer heart failures, and a 61% reduction in death from any cause, compared with unvaccinated peers. The researchers caution that causality cannot be proven from observational data and longer follow-up is needed, but the findings add to evidence that the shingles vaccine may offer broader health benefits and support vaccination guidelines for adults 50 and older, especially those with cardiovascular disease.

Small daily tweaks dramatically cut heart attack risk, study finds
health18 days ago

Small daily tweaks dramatically cut heart attack risk, study finds

A UK study of more than 53,000 middle-aged adults shows that tiny lifestyle changes - adding 4.5 minutes of brisk walking, 11 extra minutes of sleep per night, and an extra quarter cup of vegetables - can substantially lower cardiovascular events; when combined, these changes reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by about 57% over eight years, with eight to nine hours of sleep, at least 42 minutes daily of moderate-to-vigorous activity, and a healthy diet forming the optimal mix.

Premature Menopause Linked to 40% Higher Lifetime Heart Disease Risk
health19 days ago

Premature Menopause Linked to 40% Higher Lifetime Heart Disease Risk

A Northwestern-led study of more than 10,000 postmenopausal women finds natural menopause before age 40 is tied to a 40% higher lifetime risk of coronary heart disease, with Black women experiencing premature menopause at higher rates. The findings suggest the menopausal transition is a critical window for early cardiovascular prevention, including monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, prioritizing strength training, managing stress, and ensuring menopause history informs heart-disease risk assessments to protect long-term health.

Heart Risk Surges Within Months of Quitting GLP-1 Diabetes Drugs
health23 days ago

Heart Risk Surges Within Months of Quitting GLP-1 Diabetes Drugs

A large VA study found that staying on GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide) for at least two years lowers major cardiovascular events by about 18% versus controls, but stopping the therapy leads to a rapid rebound in risk within six months—worsened by cost, side effects, and access barriers—highlighting the need for long-term maintenance and affordable access to these drugs.

Every extra serving of ultra-processed food hikes heart risk, study finds
health23 days ago

Every extra serving of ultra-processed food hikes heart risk, study finds

New research links each additional serving of ultra-processed foods to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, and fatal heart disease, with nine servings daily tied to a 67% increase in heart-disease risk; Black individuals see larger per-serving increases, highlighting racial disparities, while the broad American diet also poses risks as most people get more than half their calories from UPFs; experts recommend moderating UPFs and prioritizing whole foods.

New guidelines push earlier statin use to curb lifetime heart disease risk
health28 days ago

New guidelines push earlier statin use to curb lifetime heart disease risk

A updated ACC/AHA guideline advises starting statins earlier for some adults as young as 30 with LDL ≥160 mg/dL or a high 30-year cardiovascular risk, alongside lifestyle changes. It introduces a 30-year risk calculation (PREVENT-ASCVD) to identify millions more who may benefit, with LDL targets of <100 mg/dL for most borderline/intermediate risk and <55 mg/dL for the highest risk. Treatment decisions remain clinician–patient discussions, and the guidance is supported by trial data linking longer LDL exposure reduction to lower lifetime risk.

Salt at the Table: A Common Restaurant Habit That Could Harm Your Arteries
health1 month ago

Salt at the Table: A Common Restaurant Habit That Could Harm Your Arteries

Americans eat out multiple times weekly, and restaurant meals generally contain more sodium than home-cooked ones. This extra salt raises blood pressure and can stiffen arteries over time, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. Reducing sodium intake can quickly improve blood pressure (within days) and arterial function (weeks to months). To support heart health, use herbs and spices instead of salt and consider dining out less often, since many sauces and condiments also contribute to high sodium intake.

Insomnia and Sleep Apnea Together Heighten Heart Disease Risk in Veterans
health1 month ago

Insomnia and Sleep Apnea Together Heighten Heart Disease Risk in Veterans

A Yale-led study analyzing nearly 1 million post-9/11 U.S. veterans finds that having both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (COMISA) markedly increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease compared with having either condition alone, underscoring the need to assess and treat sleep disorders early as part of cardiovascular risk reduction.

Most heart-health supplements lack proven benefits, experts say
health1 month ago

Most heart-health supplements lack proven benefits, experts say

Experts caution that most dietary supplements marketed for heart health do not prevent cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals and should not replace proven medications. Large trials show fish oil doesn’t reduce major events, while other supplements (CoQ10, garlic, magnesium, red yeast rice) often show no clear benefit and can carry risks; psyllium fiber may modestly lower cholesterol. Regulation under DSHEA allows broad health claims, which can mislead consumers. For heart health, prioritize proven steps: monitor cholesterol and blood pressure, follow a Mediterranean or DASH diet rich in fruits, vegetables and potassium, get about 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, and avoid smoking.