All articles tagged with #plaque buildup
Poor oral health, especially gum disease, is linked to a higher risk of heart disease due to bacteria spreading into the bloodstream, causing inflammation and plaque buildup in arteries. Maintaining good dental hygiene and addressing oral infections can help reduce this risk.
High cholesterol symptoms can manifest in the limbs, leading to tingling, numbness, pain, and color changes in the hands and legs, as well as cold feet, which may indicate elevated LDL levels and plaque buildup in the arteries. These symptoms, including claudication and changes in skin texture and nails, serve as important indicators for individuals to consider getting a cholesterol test.
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health has found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can directly infect the arteries of the heart and increase inflammation in fatty plaque, elevating the risk of heart attack and stroke. The research suggests a link between COVID-19 infection and increased cardiovascular risks, providing insights into why certain individuals who contract COVID-19 have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease or experiencing heart-related complications. The study also reveals that macrophages and foam cells, which are involved in plaque buildup, are particularly susceptible to infection by the virus. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of COVID-19 on arterial cells and may inform future research on acute and Long COVID.
New research suggests that using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night may help reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease for people with obstructive sleep apnea. Two studies presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress found that CPAP therapy can lower the risk of cardiovascular events and decrease plaque buildup in the arteries around the heart. People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, and using a CPAP machine has been shown to be effective in reducing this risk. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential benefits of early CPAP treatment.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health have identified critical biological processes that contribute to coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The study focused on smooth muscle cells that line blood vessels and found that problems with metabolic pathways, specifically how the cells use nitrogen and glycogen, may contribute to the development and progression of the disease. The discovery provides new targets for potential therapies and interventions to treat and prevent coronary artery disease.
Certain gut bacteria, including species of Streptococcus found in the mouth and digestive tract, may be linked to the development of plaque buildup in the arteries, according to a study by Swedish researchers. The study analyzed gut bacteria and cardiac imaging of nearly 9,000 individuals and found that the presence of Streptococcus bacteria in the gut was associated with an increased occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques in the small arteries of the heart. The findings suggest a potential connection between oral bacteria, gut bacteria, and cardiovascular health, although further research is needed to establish a causal link.
Israeli scientists have developed a potential Alzheimer's cure using synthetic molecules that cured 30 Alzheimer's-suffering mice by addressing plaque buildup within the brain. The molecule developed by the team provides additional power to the cells in the brain, allowing them to regain function. The team has also discovered a protein segment that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the energetic functions of the cell, indicative of an Alzheimer's diagnosis. The discovery will serve as a significant stepping stone in understanding how and why an Alzheimer-affected brain behaves in the way that it does.