All articles tagged with #cardiovascular
New Cleveland Clinic findings suggest sugar substitutes, especially erythritol and other sugar alcohols, may acutely promote clot formation and could raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in people with obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome. The researchers urge longer-term studies to confirm safety and advise moderation and consultation with healthcare providers when using these products.
A new study identifies five sleep subtypes (two early birds and three night owls) linked to distinct health and lifestyle patterns across UK Biobank adults and US teens, ranging from fewer health problems to depression, smoking, and higher cardiovascular risk, suggesting sleep timing profiling could inform personalized schedules and mental-health support.
A Lancet review suggests statins are generally well tolerated, easing concerns about memory loss or sleep disturbances. About 10 million in the UK take statins, mainly for primary prevention, but benefits depend on baseline cardiovascular risk. NICE estimates that at a 10% 10-year risk, 40 strokes or heart attacks could be prevented per 1,000 people over 10 years; numbers needed to treat vary (roughly 200 people for five years to prevent one heart attack in primary prevention, about 300 to prevent one stroke, with better figures for secondary prevention). The article emphasizes that diet and lifestyle remain crucial and that statins are risk reducers, not a substitute for healthy habits. It also notes tools like QRisk to estimate personal risk, though those estimates have limitations.
A Lancet meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials involving about 124,000 participants over roughly 4.5 years finds that 62 of the 66 side-effects listed for statins have no solid evidence of being caused by the drugs; only four (liver test changes, minor liver abnormalities, urine changes, tissue swelling) have evidence supporting them. Overall, the risk of side-effects is very small and the cardiovascular benefits of statins—reducing heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths—greatly outweigh harms, prompting calls to update labeling to better reflect the evidence and reassure patients and doctors.
A comprehensive review links tea—especially green tea—with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and several cancers, plus brain protection and reduced age-related muscle loss; however, bottled and bubble teas with added sugars and additives may negate these benefits, so freshly brewed tea in moderation offers the most benefit.
Longstanding NHS guidance that daily low-dose aspirin protects the heart is being re-evaluated. In people with no prior cardiovascular disease, the benefits are limited and risks—such as stomach bleeding and brain haemorrhages—are significant; this has led to updated NHS guidance since 2021 and a 2023 recommendation to avoid routinely offering aspirin to prevent a first heart attack. The NHS still recommends daily aspirin for those who have had a heart attack or stroke, but many healthy patients remain unaware of risks. Doctors urge discussions with GPs about individual risk and highlight alternatives (blood pressure control, statins, exercise) as safer, more effective preventive measures. Some patients report severe side effects, underscoring why broad daily aspirin use should be avoided unless clinically indicated.
The article previews ten significant clinical trials expected in the first half of 2026, focusing on Eli Lilly's obesity drug retatrutide, Merck's flu antiviral CD388, Regenxbio's gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Novartis' Lp(a) cardiovascular treatment, and other innovative therapies for rare diseases and cardiovascular conditions. Success in these trials could lead to major advancements and market approvals in their respective fields.
Research shows that walking around 8,000 steps daily for adults under 60 and 6,000-8,000 for those over 60 optimizes health benefits, significantly reducing risks of mortality, cardiovascular issues, and chronic diseases, with benefits starting at as low as 2,500 steps.
A study suggests that semaglutide may protect the heart independently of weight loss, potentially through direct effects on cardiovascular health, with benefits observed across different weight groups and linked partly to reduced waist size, indicating broader uses for the drug beyond weight management.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles caused a significant increase in heart attacks, respiratory illnesses, and abnormal blood test results over 90 days, likely due to the toxic mix of materials burned and prolonged smoke exposure, leading to long-term health impacts beyond immediate injuries.
The article questions the true reason behind Donald Trump's use of aspirin, suggesting it may be related to undisclosed health issues or a cover-up, rather than the official explanation of bruises from shaking hands, and criticizes media coverage and political accountability.
Merck's oral PCSK9 inhibitor, Enlicitide, significantly reduces LDL cholesterol by up to 60% in high-risk patients already on statins, matching the efficacy of injectable treatments, according to a late-stage clinical trial.
Research shows that longer, continuous walking sessions are linked to lower risks of death and cardiovascular disease, especially for those who are less active, suggesting that the way we walk can significantly impact health outcomes.
A Finnish study shows that the heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid EPA vary greatly among individuals due to differences in metabolism, with effects dissipating quickly after supplementation ends, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches in cardiovascular prevention.
A top US doctor explains that a 30-minute interval walk, alternating between high and low intensity, can provide more health benefits than simply walking 10,000 steps, including improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and mental well-being.