Atherosclerosis News and Research

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Atherosclerosis is the progressive buildup of plaque - the fatty deposits and other cells - in the inner walls of the arteries. The condition is a consequence of elevated cholesterol and for many it's a silent disease, with no visible signs or symptoms. The disease can begin in early adulthood and continues to progress for the rest of a person's life. Despite the serious nature of atherosclerosis, many people do not understand how it develops and progresses.

Scientists identify molecule that plays key role in determining fate of cells under stress

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have identified a molecule that plays a pivotal role in determining the fate of cells under stress, much like a Roman emperor deciding the fate of gladiators in the coliseum.

12 Sep 2019

Study quantifies first lifetime-risk estimates for peripheral artery disease

The lifetime risk of lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD), in which leg arteries narrow abnormally, is about 30 percent for black men and 28 percent for black women, with lower but still-substantial risks for Hispanics and whites, according to a study led by scientists at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

11 Sep 2019

Afternoon sleeps lower heart attack risk

A new study has shown that people who nap during the day have a lower risk of getting heart attacks. According to the researchers, chronic lack of sleep can raise the risk of getting atherosclerosis or build-up of cholesterol plaques within the arteries of the body.

10 Sep 2019

Reports that vegetarians and vegans at higher risk for stroke are misleading

Meat does not offer any protection against stroke, says Neal Barnard, MD, nutrition researcher and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine--a national health nonprofit with more than 12,000 doctor members.

9 Sep 2019

New polypill cheaper, better at reducing cardiovascular disease

A new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has proved the cost-effectiveness and life-saving potential of the “polypill”: a single new pill which combines four commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs into one to prevent a recurrent stroke or heart event in adult patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

5 Sep 2019

NIH trial aims to improve drug discovery for ischemic stroke

The NIH has announced it will fund a nationwide preclinical trial focusing on robust testing of new treatments for acute ischemic stroke.

4 Sep 2019

Unhealthy lifestyle raises heart disease risk more than genetics

A new study has found that an unhealthy lifestyle increases a person’s risk of heart disease significantly more than a person’s genetic make-up.

3 Sep 2019

Presence of XX sex chromosomes increases risk of heart attacks and coronary artery disease

New research at the University of Kentucky has confirmed that the presence of XX sex chromosomes increases the amount of fat circulating in the blood, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and ultimately a higher risk of heart attacks and coronary artery disease.

3 Sep 2019

Microbes linked to heart attacks finds study

A study revealed at the ESC Congress 2019 held in Paris last weekend reveals that abnormal microbe population in the body may lead to impairment of the stable coronary plaques and lead them to be dislodged leading to a heart attack. The abstract titled, “A different microbial signature in plaque and gut of patients presenting with ACS: a possible role for coronary instability” was presented on the 31st of August 2019.

1 Sep 2019

LDL cholesterol levels should be lowered as much as possible to prevent cardiovascular risk

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels should be lowered as much as possible to prevent cardiovascular disease, especially in high and very high risk patients.

31 Aug 2019

FSU researcher examines how berry polyphenols could help fight plaque buildup in arteries

A Florida State University researcher is examining how the polyphenol compounds found in blackberries could be used to help fight the buildup of artery plaque.

31 Aug 2019

Abdominal fat, not BMI, may help better predict risk for coronary artery disease

For years, women have been told that weight gain could lead to heart disease. A new study indicates that it is the location of the fat that matters most, with abdominal fat representing the greatest harm and not overall body mass index when assessing risk for coronary artery disease.

28 Aug 2019

Remodeling unhealthful gut microbiomes with the help of synthetic peptides

You are what you eat - right down to the microbiome living in your gut. Diet can affect which microbes are in the intestinal tract, and research has shown that harmful gut microbiome changes can lead to illnesses such as heart disease, obesity and cancer.

27 Aug 2019

Yale-led study reveals new factors that contribute to hardening of arteries and plaque growth

In a new Yale-led study, investigators have revealed previously unknown factors that contribute to the hardening of arteries and plaque growth, which cause heart disease.

26 Aug 2019

Fatigue symptoms in Parkinson's disease linked to reduction in diastolic blood pressure

In a novel research study published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, investigators found that fatigue symptoms in Parkinson's Disease are associated with low diastolic blood pressure, paving the way for developing targeted treatments.

22 Aug 2019

Blood vessels may turn into bone-like particles with advancing age

A researcher at The University of Texas at Arlington has found that blood vessels within bone marrow may progressively convert into bone with advancing age.

20 Aug 2019

FDA approves novel device to treat symptoms associated with advanced heart failure

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the Barostim Neo System for the improvement of symptoms in patients with advanced heart failure who are not suited for treatment with other heart failure devices, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy.

18 Aug 2019

Abnormal blood pressure in middle age and late life increases dementia risk

In a study that spanned two and a half decades and looked at data from more than 4,700 participants, Johns Hopkins researchers have added to evidence that abnormal blood pressure in midlife persisting into late life increases the likelihood of developing dementia.

14 Aug 2019

Global air pollution linked to increased emphysema cases

A new study funded by the NIH says that increasing rates of the chronic lung condition called emphysema are linked to breathing polluted air over a long period. The progression of emphysema, a condition more commonly linked to smoking, is now also being attributed to polluted air. Air pollution is already known to be associated with lung and cardiovascular disease.