Heart Disease

A newly published study from researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston is suggesting irregular sleep patterns, such as inconsistent bedtimes from day to day, can potentially double a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Two new systematic reviews have concluded omega-3 supplements confer little protective benefit against either cardiovascular disease or cancer. The research builds on prior study suggesting fish oil is mostly useless if taken by healthy individuals.

A new study has found a plaque-identifying toothpaste can potentially lower levels of systemic inflammation – which has been linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke and hypertension – by improving a person’s brushing efficacy.

Two new studies are offering insights into diet, gut bacteria, and health. One finds a Mediterranean diet can reconfigure gut bacteria to promote healthy aging, while another finds gut bacteria producing a metabolite that increases heart disease risk.

Atherosclerosis is a disease where fatty plaques build up in the arteries, increasing risk of heart attack or stroke. But now, researchers at Oxford have found a protein that could be targeted in new prevention drugs for these deadly buildups.

A study is suggesting alterations to a dairy cow’s diet can result in milk lower in saturated fat and a clinical trial in humans demonstrates these natural “healthier” dairy products may lead to positive heart health effects.

A Phase 3 clinical trial into the efficacy of a fish-oil-derived drug called Epanova has been discontinued. The trial was designed to establish the use of the drug, a formulation of two omega-3 fatty acids, as an adjunct to statins for heart disease.

A large study out of China has found drinking green tea at least three times a week can be linked to longer lifespan and lower rates of heart disease and stroke. The same association was not seen in black tea drinkers.

Even if one survives a heart attack, the formation of thick scar tissue can increase the chance of heart failure. Now researchers have found a way to improve the quality of scar tissue in animal models, resulting in improved heart function.

The FDA has expanded its approval of a fish oil-derived drug designed to reduce risk of cardiovascular events in adults with elevated triglyceride levels. The drug was initially approved in 2012, but limited to a highly specific sub-set of patients.

A study is suggesting restricting food intake to a 10-hour window each day may be a simple way to help treat metabolic syndromes. The 12-week study revealed the intervention, in conjunction with prescribed drugs, improved patients’ health outcomes.

Two new studies are offering insights into the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on human health. The research suggests fasting for just one day a month, over many years, can lengthen lifespan and enhance heart health – but there are caveats.