Tag

Cardiovascular Risk

All articles tagged with #cardiovascular risk

health3 days ago•14 min saved

ApoB Test Could Refine Heart-Risk Assessment Beyond LDL

A recent JAMA study suggests that the apolipoprotein B (apoB) test, which counts harmful cholesterol particles, may identify people at risk for heart attack or stroke more accurately than standard LDL measurements; using apoB to guide when to intensify statin therapy could prevent more cardiovascular events, but it should be used as an additive tool alongside the regular lipid panel, especially for those with diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or high triglycerides.

via NDTV|

#apob #cardiovascular-risk #cholesterol-testing

science14 days ago•6 min saved

Stress in Minutes: Acute Anxiety Reconfigures Blood Clots

Eight healthy young men underwent a randomized crossover test. After an acute stress task, free-radical levels rose and blood clots became larger, denser, and more fibrin-rich, driven by activation of the intrinsic coagulation pathway, while blood viscosity did not change. The study links brief psychological stress to rapid biochemical and structural blood changes that may elevate clotting potential, though larger and more diverse studies are needed to understand cardiovascular implications.

via ScienceAlert|

#blood-clotting #cardiovascular-risk #coagulation

health25 days ago•5 min saved

Updated COVID Vaccines Continue to Shield Heart Health, Large VA Study Finds

A large VA-based study in JAMA Internal Medicine finds the 2024–2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine continues to protect against COVID-19–associated major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with about 38% effectiveness and a reduction from roughly 5 to 3 events per 10,000 people over about 8 months, especially among those 75+ and with underlying conditions; an accompanying report shows vaccines also cut hospitalization and severe illness by about 35% and 41%; however, generalizability is limited due to the veteran, older, mostly male population, and antivaccine rhetoric remains a challenge. The findings support continued booster use.

via Ars Technica|

#cardiovascular-risk #covid-19 #health

health1 month ago•5 min saved

Four overlooked markers that reveal heart and stroke risk years before symptoms

LDL alone doesn’t tell the full story. Beyond cholesterol, ApoB particle count, hs-CRP (inflammation), insulin resistance, and abdominal obesity can together provide a clearer, earlier warning of heart attack or stroke risk, helping guide preventive care.

via The Times of India|

#abdominal-obesity #apob #cardiovascular-risk

health1 month ago•4 min saved

Morning Heart-Healthy Habits: A Cardiologist’s Five Rules Before 9 a.m.

A cardiologist argues that the first hours after waking are when the heart is busiest, and he preaches five pre-9 a.m. don’ts: sugary coffee drinks, breakfast pastries, processed breakfast meats, energy drinks, and skipping a meal. These choices can spike sugar, sodium, and stimulants, stressing the cardiovascular system. He suggests a calmer start with hydration, protein and fiber-rich foods, light movement, and slower breathing, plus simple breakfast ideas like eggs with fruit or yogurt with oats. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing routines.

via CNBC|

#breakfast #caffeine #cardiovascular-risk

lifestyle1 month ago•34 min saved

Walking is medicine: 3 health gains from regular walking, says heart surgeon

Regular brisk walking (about 150 minutes weekly) is described as medicine by a cardiothoracic surgeon, linked to lower overall mortality, reduced cardiovascular risk through better blood pressure and glucose control, improved weight management, and enhanced brain function and mood, with added mental clarity from outdoor time.

via Hindustan Times|

#brain-health #cardiovascular-risk #health

health1 month ago•2 min saved

Less-fit individuals must exercise more weekly to gain the same heart benefits, study finds

A UK Biobank study of over 17,000 adults followed for about eight years found that meeting the NHS guideline of 150 minutes per week reduces cardiovascular risk by ~8-9%, but the least fit participants needed about 30-50 extra minutes weekly to achieve the same benefit. Greater risk reductions require even more activity (370 minutes for ~20% risk reduction for least fit vs 340 minutes for most fit; >610 minutes for >30% reduction vs ~560). The findings suggest higher activity levels may be needed for optimal protection, though experts caution against pushing extreme weekly totals; public health guidance remains that 150 minutes is beneficial for all, with more providing added protection.

via The Guardian|

#cardiovascular-risk #exercise #fitness

health1 month ago•7 min saved

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk, New ESC Consensus Warns

A European Heart Journal consensus from the European Society of Cardiology links high ultra-processed food (UPF) intake with greater risks of heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular death, as well as obesity and diabetes; the authors urge clinicians to ask about UPF consumption, advocate for clearer labeling and stronger regulations, and note that most evidence is observational while long-term trials are needed.

via SciTechDaily|

#cardiovascular-risk #diabetes #health

health1 month ago•4 min saved

Hidden Lipoprotein(a) May Raise Heart Risk Even With Normal Tests

Lp(a) is a genetically determined cholesterol particle linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke that standard tests miss. Lifestyle and most cholesterol meds don’t meaningfully lower Lp(a); newer gene-silencing therapies show large reductions in Lp(a) in trials and could reduce events if confirmed. Testing is often advised for those with a family history or unexplained risk, but for now heart health still hinges on managing LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, activity, and diet.

via SciTechDaily|

#cardiovascular-risk #genetics #health

health2 months ago•6 min saved

NIH Trial Analysis Links Lipoprotein(a) to Increased Stroke and Death Risk

A study analyzing stored plasma from 20,070 participants in the ACCORD, PEACE, and SPRINT NIH trials found elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels (>=175 nmol/L) are linked to higher residual cardiovascular risk despite standard therapy: about 31% more major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), 49% higher cardiovascular death risk, and 64% higher stroke risk, with stronger effects in those with existing heart disease; the level was not linked to a higher risk of heart attack. Testing Lp(a) could guide risk assessment and, as new targeted therapies emerge, drive more aggressive management of cholesterol and other risk factors.

via SciTechDaily|

#cardiovascular-risk #cholesterol #health

health2 months ago•5 min saved

Elevated Lp(a) Signals Ongoing Heart Risk Despite Standard Therapy

A new analysis of 20,070 adults from NIH trials shows very high lipoprotein(a) levels (≥175 nmol/L) are linked to a greater risk of major adverse cardiovascular events—especially stroke and cardiovascular death—and this risk is strongest in people with existing heart disease, suggesting Lp(a) contributes to residual risk even with standard LDL-lowering treatments. No clear increase in heart attack risk was observed. Lp(a) is largely genetic, so testing could help refine risk and guide prevention, with emerging therapies targeting Lp(a) on the horizon.

via Medical News Today|

#cardiovascular-risk #genetics #health

health2 months ago•36 min saved

Tramadol’s limited relief vs. rising risks prompt a rethink of its use for chronic pain

A BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine review analyzed 19 randomized trials (6,506 participants) and found tramadol provides only modest, likely non-meaningful relief for chronic pain while doubling the risk of harm versus placebo—predominantly heart-related events—with common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and constipation. Many included studies carried biases that may overstate benefits and understate harms; a questionable signal for cancer risk was noted due to short follow-up. Overall, the potential harms appear to outweigh the limited benefits, underscoring a need to rethink tramadol’s role in chronic-pain care amid broader opioid concerns.

via Earth.com|

#adverse-effects #cardiovascular-risk #chronic-pain

health2 months ago•17 min saved

Lower LDL targets push earlier, risk-based heart prevention

Doctors lowered the LDL cholesterol targets and tied them to an individual’s overall cardiovascular risk, enabling earlier, risk-driven prevention. The guidance uses the PREVENT calculator to decide when lifestyle changes suffice versus when medications should begin, with statins remaining first-line and quicker escalation to ezetimibe or injections if needed. The update also recommends testing lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein B, considers targeted imaging in uncertain cases, and calls for earlier screening (adults at 19; kids around 9–11) to detect inherited hypercholesterolemia and start prevention before emergencies.

via Earth.com|

#cardiovascular-risk #cholesterol #health

health-and-wellbeing2 months ago•1 min saved

Cholesterol risk isn’t about weight alone—genetics and fat intake matter

High LDL cholesterol raises heart attack and stroke risk, but being lean doesn’t guarantee safety; genetics and saturated-fat intake largely drive LDL levels. Obesity mainly affects other lipids (triglycerides and remnant cholesterol) and is linked to diabetes and high blood pressure, which can make LDL more harmful. Overall cardiovascular risk isn’t determined by LDL alone, so a clinician should assess it—consider NHS checks from age 40 and family history of early heart disease.

via The Guardian|

#cardiovascular-risk #cholesterol #genetics

health2 months ago•7 min saved

ApoB testing could steer cholesterol care toward fewer heart attacks and strokes

A Northwestern-led simulation study finds using apoB levels to guide cholesterol-lowering therapy may prevent more heart attacks and strokes over a lifetime and be cost-effective compared with LDL- or non-HDL-guided strategies, though apoB testing isn’t yet routine due to extra testing, cost, and current guideline adoption.

via Medical News Today|

#apob #cardiovascular-risk #cholesterol-testing