All articles tagged with #heart disease
Remnant cholesterol, carried by large lipoprotein particles and rich in triglycerides, may drive heart disease more than LDL; it’s rarely measured, and while statins mostly lower LDL, newer drugs plus diet and weight loss can significantly reduce remnant cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
Drinking soda every day delivers a short-lived caffeine-and-sugar energy boost but can cause gut discomfort and, in the long term, belly fat and higher risks of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, kidney problems and brain inflammation; even diet soda isn’t risk-free due to artificial sweeteners—consider replacing it with sparkling water or infused drinks and taper caffeine gradually while staying hydrated.
A new study finds associations between everyday food preservatives and increased risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks, adding to worries about processed foods. Researchers caution that correlation does not prove causation and call for more research, while experts advise limiting processed foods and reading labels to reduce potential risks.
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.
Harvard Health data suggests that walking about 21 minutes per day can reduce heart disease risk by around 30%, with additional benefits including lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduced risk of diabetes and cancer. Even short or broken-up walks help, and if 21 minutes isn’t feasible, start with a 1-minute stroll and gradually increase, incorporating pace changes or hills. Walking also combats prolonged sitting and can be made enjoyable by walking with friends or listening to podcasts, making it an accessible health habit for people of all ages and health backgrounds.
C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, may predict heart disease risk more accurately than LDL cholesterol, leading to ACC recommendations for universal CRP screening alongside cholesterol tests; however cholesterol remains relevant, and a comprehensive risk assessment also considers apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a), with prevention rooted in diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, weight control, and smoking cessation.
Astronauts aboard the ISS are studying how Streptococcus pneumoniae—a leading cause of pneumonia—affects stem-cell–derived heart tissue in space, using spaceflight’s heightened infection dynamics in the MVP Cell-09 investigation to reveal cellular responses and potential targets to protect heart health on Earth and aid long-duration space missions.
USA TODAY reports that Nicholas Brendon died from atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with a 90% blockage in his right coronary artery. The piece explains how plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) and long-standing high blood pressure damage the heart, outlines common risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking), and stresses that heart disease is largely preventable through lifestyle changes and the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, including diet, exercise, not smoking, sleep, weight management, and monitoring lipids, blood pressure and glucose.
Researchers report that mini-hearts derived from human stem cells can be grown aboard the International Space Station at a far higher rate than on Earth, thanks to microgravity letting cells float freely without the need for aggressive stirring. This space-based production could yield thicker, more robust heart tissue and organoids for drug testing and potential future therapies, even as astronauts’ hearts undergo microgravity-induced changes. While space-grown tissues show promise and may eventually aid heart-disease research and transplants, human clinical use remains years away and further experiments—like on the SpaceX CRS-35 mission—are planned to scale and validate the approach.
A Epic Research analysis of about 279 million primary-care visits (2015–2025) shows daily low-dose aspirin use for preventing cardiovascular disease has roughly halved, dropping from about 7% in 2018 to 3% by 2025; guideline changes over the past decade discourage aspirin for primary prevention in favor of managing risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure, while aspirin may still help for people who have already had a heart attack, stroke, or a stent, after individualized risk assessment.
A Northwestern Medicine study in JAMA finds apoB testing may more accurately identify cardiovascular risk than LDL or non-HDL cholesterol, and guiding cholesterol-lowering treatment with apoB could prevent more heart attacks and strokes at a cost-effective rate, based on a large lifetime simulation of 250,000 adults and intensified therapy with statins and ezetimibe.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. despite advances, because risk factors often accumulate for decades before events occur; the PREVENT calculator now helps doctors estimate 10- to 30-year risk and tailor early interventions like diet changes, exercise, and statins. The piece emphasizes that prevention is not just individual responsibility but a societal one, as access to healthy food, safe spaces, time to exercise, and affordable care shape risk—warnings that if current trends persist, more than 40 million Americans could live with cardiovascular disease by 2050.
Regular moderate physical activity can significantly lower cancer risk by reducing estrogen levels, insulin, and inflammation while helping to maintain a healthy body weight; it also benefits those already diagnosed, with guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommending 150–300 minutes of moderate exercise per week and even short bouts providing meaningful benefits.
New guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and other groups push for earlier attention to cholesterol—potentially starting around age 30—with clearer targets and guidance on when medications like statins may help, alongside lifestyle changes; doctors emphasize regular cholesterol screening and personalized risk assessment to reduce heart disease and stroke risk.
New research from the University of Sydney suggests that small, sustainable changes to daily habits—eating more fruits and vegetables, increasing daily movement, and extending sleep (around 7.2–8 hours) — can measurably improve heart health, healthspan, and lifespan if maintained long-term.