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Differences in gut bacteria may predispose to heart attacks

Differences in gut bacteria may predispose to heart attacks

A small study has recently made two breakthrough discoveries. First, that the bacteria present in coronary (heart) plaques are pro-inflammatory, and second, that some people with heart disease harbor different sets of gut bacteria that may contribute to their risk of a heart attack. Some researchers believe that gut bacteria may hold clues about who […]

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Deaths to heart related conditions rising in the US

Deaths to heart related conditions rising in the US

In the United States, total deaths to cardiometabolic disease — which includes heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure — have been rising since 2011, according to new research. New research examines the rate of cardiovascular deaths in the United States, and the racial disparities in these trends. The recent JAMA study investigated national […]

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Blood pressure in our 30s and 40s has lasting impact on brain health

Blood pressure in our 30s and 40s has lasting impact on brain health

A new study followed adults from their mid-30s into their early 70s. It shows an association between blood pressure changes in early adulthood and midlife and brain changes at the endpoint of the study. At what age should we start monitoring people’s blood pressure? High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a risk factor for cardiovascular […]

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Study links insomnia genes to heart disease, stroke risk

Study links insomnia genes to heart disease, stroke risk

Scientists used data from more than 1.6 million people to link insomnia genes to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke but not atrial fibrillation. Does insomnia contribute to heart disease, or is heart disease a contributing factor for insomnia? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with stroke […]

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Plant based diet may reduce cardiovascular death risk by 32%

Plant based diet may reduce cardiovascular death risk by 32%

New research adds to the mounting body of evidence that eating more plant based foods and fewer animal ones may contribute to a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. Eating more vegetables and less meat contributes to a healthy heart, new research suggests. Not only is eating fewer animal products good for the planet, but it […]

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How an ancient mutation may predispose humans to heart disease

How an ancient mutation may predispose humans to heart disease

Humans are the only mammals to naturally develop atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries that can fuel heart disease. Researchers link this to the loss of a single gene in our ancestors around 2–3 million years ago. Why do humans develop atherosclerosis? Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. In the United States, […]

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These diets and supplements may not really protect the heart

These diets and supplements may not really protect the heart

Doctors often recommend certain dietary interventions — such as following a Mediterranean-type diet or cutting salt intake — in the interest of protecting heart health. On top of this, many individuals believe that dietary supplements will help them stay healthy. Can supplements and dietary interventions protect the heart? Not according to a new meta-analysis. Common […]

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Does soy protein reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol? The debate continues

Does soy protein reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol? The debate continues

There is an ongoing debate surrounding soy protein and its influence on cholesterol. A new meta-analysis digs into the existing data and concludes that the protein does, indeed, reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol. Soy protein and cholesterol: The debate rages on. Soy protein is derived from soybeans. It is high in protein but contains no […]

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Innovative patch may reduce muscle damage after a heart attack

Innovative patch may reduce muscle damage after a heart attack

A recent study in rats shows that an innovative patch prevented the stretching of the heart muscle common after a heart attack. An innovative new patch limits heart muscle damage after a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that provides the heart muscle with oxygen is significantly reduced or blocked. The […]

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Using small molecules to regenerate heart tissue

Using small molecules to regenerate heart tissue

New research, which appears in the journal Nature Communications, shows that delivering two small molecules to mice helps their hearts regenerate after a heart attack. New research may pave the way for regenerating the heart muscle after a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and responsible for […]