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.

Mouth and gut microbes talk to each other - here’s why it matters for disease

Researchers reviewed nearly 250 studies to uncover how the oral and gut microbiomes communicate through multiple pathways, influencing the risk of diseases such as IBD, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. The review highlights that maintaining oral health and dietary habits is crucial for overall systemic wellbeing.

4 Aug 2025

This test can see a heart attack in your future

A long list of Lynda Hollander's paternal relatives had heart disease, and several had undergone major surgeries. So when she hit her mid-50s and saw her cholesterol levels creeping up after menopause, she said, "I didn't want to take a chance."

1 Aug 2025

New research links age-related gene changes to symptom decline

UCSF researchers have found that certain antiviral genes become less active over time in lupus, revealing why some patients see their symptoms fade as they age.

29 Jul 2025

How a leaky gut could be putting your heart at risk

Researchers reviewed recent studies showing that gut dysbiosis contributes to heart failure by weakening the gut barrier, enabling harmful metabolites like TMAO to trigger inflammation and cardiac damage. The review highlights a bidirectional “gut-heart axis” and points to new avenues for dietary and microbial therapies.

28 Jul 2025

Date vinegar lowers blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes

This study reveals that red date vinegar intake improves blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetes, indicating potential for metabolic risk reduction.

22 Jul 2025

Premenstrual symptoms linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease

Women diagnosed with premenstrual symptoms have a slightly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

11 Jul 2025

Does pomegranate seed oil really help your heart? New research weighs the evidence

This review explores the potential of punicic acid in pomegranate seed oil as a nutraceutical for cardiovascular health. While preclinical evidence is promising, robust human trials are needed to confirm its benefits.

10 Jul 2025

Oral lysozyme can restore healthy gut balance and reverse signs of vascular aging

A study reveals that lysozyme (LYZ) plays a pivotal role in age-related blood vessel inflammation by influencing gut bacteria.

8 Jul 2025

New gene editing approach targets mutation behind common genetic heart disease

Fourteen million people worldwide suffer from enlarged hearts, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic disease that thickens the heart's walls, making it harder for the organ to pump blood - but many of them don't know it.

8 Jul 2025

Flavonoid diversity, not just quantity, drives better health outcomes

This study reveals that diverse flavonoid intake is crucial for lowering chronic disease risk and mortality, advocating for a varied diet rich in flavonoids.

7 Jul 2025

Anger traits decline with age in midlife women, study shows

There has been a lot of research focused on understanding women's experiences with depression during the menopause transition and early menopause, but there are few studies on perimenopausal women's experiences with emotional arousal, such as anger.

3 Jul 2025

Eating more leafy vegetables may reduce atherosclerotic vascular disease risk

A cup and a half of leafy green vegetables could go a long way to addressing atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVD's), new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU), the University of Western Australia and the Danish Cancer Institute has found.

26 Jun 2025

Lower post-meal blood sugar linked to reduced mortality risk

It is well known that preventing the onset of diabetes reduces the risk of death, and that managing blood glucose levels is key to preventing diabetes.

25 Jun 2025

Uncovering hidden disease clues with nanoparticles and AI

Imagine Spartan Stadium packed with 75,000 fans, all wearing green and white jerseys - except one person in a solid green shirt.

24 Jun 2025

Heart scan study reveals low-fiber diets drive dangerous heart plaques

A Swedish study links low-fiber, high-red meat diets to increased coronary artery plaque risk, highlighting the importance of dietary choices for heart health.

18 Jun 2025

Heart disease markers may predict future cancer risk

Cancer and heart disease, two leading causes of death worldwide, may be more connected than we previously thought, according to a new UCLA Health study revealing that certain cardiac blood markers can strongly predict future cancer risk-even in people with no history or symptoms of heart disease.

18 Jun 2025

New therapeutic approach targets PCSK9 to regulate blood cholesterol levels

When the amount of cholesterol in the blood is too high, hypercholesterolemia can develop, causing serious damage to the arteries and cardiovascular health.

11 Jun 2025

Is that evening glass of wine really good for your heart?

A comprehensive AHA review finds overwhelming evidence that heavy alcohol use increases cardiovascular disease risk, while the benefits of low-to-moderate drinking remain unproven and uncertain. The authors recommend prioritizing proven heart-healthy habits over alcohol for cardiovascular protection.

10 Jun 2025

Transcendental Meditation may offer lasting benefits for heart health in high-risk Black adults

A newly published randomized controlled trial in Frontiers in Medicine has found that the practice of Transcendental Meditation® (TM) may significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in Black men and women at high risk for heart disease.

5 Jun 2025

Statins show no additional benefit for depression treatment

Lipid-lowering medicines, known as statins, are prescribed in cases of high cholesterol levels, to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

4 Jun 2025