ScienceDaily: Cholesterol News

Work-related stress linked to increased blood fat levels, cardiovascular health risks

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:38:38 EDT

New results link job stress to dyslipidemia, a disorder that alters the levels of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood. An altered lipid profile is dangerous for the heart.

Jekyll into Hyde: Breathing auto emissions turns HDL cholesterol from 'good' to 'bad'

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:40:40 EDT

Academic researchers have found that breathing motor vehicle emissions triggers a change in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, altering its cardiovascular protective qualities so that it actually contributes to clogged arteries. The finding, shown in mice, reveals how car emissions activate the early cell and tissue damage called oxidation that causes inflammation leading to hardening of the arteries and HDL cholesterol may play a key role.

Cholesterol-lowering drug may reduce exercise benefits for obese adults

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:19:19 EDT

Researchers found that simvastatin, a generic type of drug typically prescribed to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease, hindered the positive effects of exercise for obese and overweight adults.

Four genes identified that influence levels of 'bad' cholesterol

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:14:14 EDT

Scientists have identified four genes in baboons that influence levels of “bad” cholesterol. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Whole walnuts and their extracted oil improve cardiovascular disease risk

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:30:30 EDT

Consumption of whole walnuts or their extracted oil can reduce cardiovascular risk through a mechanism other than simply lowering cholesterol, according to researchers.

Protecting the heart health of diabetic patients

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:45:45 EDT

Diabetics have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease and plaque build-up in their arteries, even if they receive cholesterol-lowering therapies. New research reveals that high blood sugar levels also boost the production of inflammatory cells, which contribute to plaque in blood vessels.

Taking cholesterol-lowering drugs may also reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:35:35 EDT

Men with prostate cancer who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins are significantly less likely to die from their cancer than men who don’t take such medication, according to new study.

Heart-healthy diet helps men lower bad cholesterol, regardless of weight loss

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:31:31 EDT

A heart-healthy diet helped men at high risk for heart disease reduce their bad cholesterol, regardless of whether they lost weight, in a new study.

Secondhand smoke presents greater threat to teen girls than boys

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:14:14 EDT

When teenage girls are exposed to secondhand smoke at home, they tend to have lower levels of the "good" form of cholesterol that reduces heart disease risk, according to a recent study.

Low HDL-cholesterol: Not quantity, but quality

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

Many of the genes regulating the inflammation and immune response of the body are also associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels in the circulation, tells the recent study. The research also discovered that the quality of HDL particle can vary considerably. Cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Elevated LDL-cholesterol, commonly known as the ‘bad cholesterol,’ is associated with the increased risk of heart disease while HDL-cholesterol, the ‘good cholesterol’, is associated with decreased risk.

Gut bacteria byproduct predicts heart attack and stroke

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:52:52 EDT

A microbial byproduct of intestinal bacteria contributes to heart disease and serves as an accurate screening tool for predicting future risks of heart attack, stroke and death in persons not otherwise identified by traditional risk factors and blood tests, according to new research.

The biology of fats in the body

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:21:21 EDT

Researchers are studying triglycerides, cholesterol and other fats to learn more about normal and abnormal biology. Chew on these findings the next time you ponder the fate of the fat in a French fry.

Grape intake may protect against metabolic syndrome-related organ damage

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:12:12 EDT

Consuming grapes may help protect against organ damage associated with the progression of metabolic syndrome, according to research presented this week at the Experimental Biology conference in Boston.

Scientists reveal natural process that blocks viruses

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:07:07 EDT

The human body has the ability to ward off viruses by activating a naturally occurring protein at the cellular level, setting off a chain reaction that disrupts the levels of cholesterol required in cell membranes to enable viruses to enter cells. The findings hold promise for the development of therapies to fight a variety of viral infections.

Cholesterol increases risk of Alzheimer's and heart disease

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:25:25 EDT

Using insights gained from studying two much rarer disorders, Down Syndrome and Niemann Pick-C disease, researchers found that cholesterol wreaks havoc on the orderly process of cell division, leading to defective daughter cells throughout the body.

New way to clear cholesterol from the blood

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:15:15 EDT

Researchers have identified a new potential therapeutic target for lowering cholesterol that could be an alternative or complementary therapy to statins.

Co-Q10 deficiency may relate to concern with statin drugs, higher risk of diabetes

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:14:14 EDT

A laboratory study has shown for the first time that coenzyme Q10 offsets the cellular changes that are linked to a side-effect of some statin drugs -- an increased risk of adult-onset diabetes.

New link between heart disease and red meat: New understanding of cardiovascular health benefits of vegan, vegetarian diets

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:33:33 EDT

A compound abundant in red meat and added as a supplement to popular energy drinks has been found to promote atherosclerosis -- or the hardening or clogging of the arteries.

Walking can lower risk of heart-related conditions as much as running

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:02:02 EDT

Walking can lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running. The more people walked or ran each week, the more their health benefits increased.

Cholesterol buildup links atherosclerosis and macular degeneration

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:46:46 EDT

A new study raises the intriguing possibility that drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol may be effective against macular degeneration, a blinding eye disease.

Cholesterol rafts deliver drugs inside cancer cells

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

DNA, siRNA and miRNA can reprogram cancer cells -- that is, if these nucleic acids could cross through the cell membrane. New research shows that cholesterol "rafts" can shepherd genetic payloads into cancer cells.

Tests to predict heart problems and stroke may be more useful predictor of memory loss than dementia tests

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:13:13 EDT

Risk prediction tools that estimate future risk of heart disease and stroke may be more useful predictors of future decline in cognitive abilities, or memory and thinking, than a dementia risk scores, according to a new study.

Adolescents' poor health behaviors raise risk of heart disease as adults

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:52:52 EDT

U.S. adolescents' lack of heart-healthy behaviors may increase their chances of heart disease as adults, according to a new study. More than 80 percent of them had a poor diet and many were not physically active. Improving risk factors or preventing risk factors from developing during adolescence is the key to preventing cardiovascular disease as adults.

Monounsaturated fats reduce metabolic syndrome risk

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:51:51 EDT

Canola oil and high-oleic canola oils can lower abdominal fat when used in place of other selected oil blends, according to a new study. Researchers also found that consuming certain vegetable oils may be a simple way of reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, which affects about one in three US adults and one in five Canadian adults.

Eating more fiber may lower risk of first-time stroke

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:14:14 EDT

Eating more fiber may decrease your risk of first-time stroke, according to new research.

Commonly used cholesterol calculation underestimates the heart disease danger for many

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:19:19 EDT

In what promises to be an eye-opener for many doctors and patients who routinely depend on cholesterol testing, a new study has found that the standard formula used for decades to calculate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels is often inaccurate. Of most concern, the researchers say, is their finding that the widely used formula underestimates LDL where accuracy matters most — in the range considered desirable for high-risk patients.

Tomatoes that mimic actions of good cholesterol created

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:41:41 EDT

Researchers have genetically engineered tomatoes to produce a peptide that mimics the actions of good cholesterol when consumed. In this early study, mice that were fed these tomatoes in freeze-dried, ground form had less inflammation and plaque build-up in their arteries.

Alternative cholesterol-lowering drug for patients who can't tolerate statins

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:11:11 EDT

Heart patients who can't tolerate the side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs may have a new option, according to a new study.

Niacin therapy shows no benefits, has some harmful effects

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:18:18 EDT

A highly anticipated study evaluating a combination of the vitamin niacin with the anti-flushing agent laropiprant finds the therapy provides no benefit to and may even be harmful for patients with vascular disease, according to new research.

Drug protects against kidney injury from imaging dye in ACS patients

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:17:17 EDT

High doses of a popular cholesterol-lowering drug significantly reduced the rate of acute kidney injury caused by dye used in imaging in acute coronary syndrome patients who underwent a coronary procedure, according to new research. This group of patients is at high risk for kidney damage related to contrast agents used in imaging tests.

New research shows that while niacin added to statin therapy increases HDL cholesterol levels it does not improve HDL functionality

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:38:38 EDT

While two large clinical trials recently showed that adding niacin to statin therapy failed to improve clinical outcomes despite a significant increase in HDL-C levels, little is known about exactly why the increased HDL-C levels did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. Now, a small study has shown that while niacin increased measured levels of HDL-C, it did not improve the functionality of HDL. This may provide an explanation for the failure of niacin to further reduce cardiovascular risk.

Cholesterol levels rise, fall with changing seasons

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:42:42 EST

Cholesterol levels seem to fluctuate significantly with the turning seasons, which may leave some people with borderline high cholesterol at greater cardiovascular risk during the winter months, according to new research.

Early evidence shows 'good' cholesterol could combat abdominal aortic aneurysm

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:41:41 EST

New research provides early evidence that ‘good’ cholesterol may possess anti-aneurysm forming properties. In laboratory-based investigations, scientists found that increased levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the so-called good cholesterol, blocked the development of aneurysms – dangerous ‘ballooning’ in the wall of a blood vessel – in the body’s largest artery, the aorta.

Zeroing in on heart disease: Innovative strategy pinpoints genes underlying cardiovascular disease risk

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:14:14 EST

Studies screening the genome of hundreds of thousands of individuals (known as Genome-wide association studies or GWAS) have linked more than 100 regions in the genome to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Researchers are taking these results one step further by pinpointing the exact genes that could have a role in the onset of the disease.

Machine similar to dialysis removes cholesterol from blood

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:13:13 EST

A treatment that's similar to kidney dialysis is removing cholesterol from the blood of patients who cannot control cholesterol through diet, exercise and medications.

Lipid researcher, 98, reports on the dietary causes of heart disease

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:12:12 EST

A 98-year-old researcher argues that, contrary to decades of clinical assumptions and advice to patients, dietary cholesterol is good for your heart -- unless that cholesterol is unnaturally oxidized (by frying foods in reused oil, eating lots of polyunsaturated fats, or smoking).

Muscle, skin and gastrointestinal problems cause a quarter of patients with heart disease and strokes to stop treatment in HPS2-THRIVE trial

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:38:38 EST

The largest randomized study of the vitamin niacin in patients with occlusive arterial disease (narrowing of the arteries) has shown a significant increase in adverse side-effects when it is combined with statin treatment.

Doing good is good for you: Volunteer adolescents enjoy healthier hearts

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:22:22 EST

Giving back through volunteering is good for your heart, even at a young age, according to researchers.

Gut bacteria linked to cholesterol metabolism

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:25:25 EST

Researchers have shown that cholesterol metabolism is regulated by bacteria in the small intestine. These findings may be important for the development of new drugs for cardiovascular disease.

Big improvement in diabetes control over past decades

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:45:45 EST

More people are meeting recommended goals in the 3 key markers of diabetes control, according to a new study.

New way to look finds more at risk of heart disease

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:18:18 EST

A nursing student uses a support tool with Framingham Risk Score to identify endangered patients the widely accepted FRS missed.

Dark chocolate and red wine the food of love and health

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:47:47 EST

Valentine's Day staples of dark chocolate and red wine fuel the heart with love and health year 'round, says a dietitian. Catechins and resveratrol are just a few of the nutritional properties that make chocolate and red wine "diet foods" within moderation.

Southern diet could raise your risk of stroke

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:14:14 EST

Eating lots of Southern cuisine is linked to increased stroke risk. A Southern-style diet includes fried foods, organ meats, sugary drinks and a lot of salt. African-Americans are five times more likely to eat Southern foods, which may help explain their higher stroke risk.

Study identifies liver gene that regulates cholesterol and fat blood levels

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:14:14 EST

Researchers have identified a microRNA liver gene, miR-27b, which regulates lipid (cholesterol or fat) levels in the blood. This regulator gene controls multiple genes involved in dyslipidemia—abnormal blood cholesterol levels that can contribute to heart disease.

Most common form of heart valve disease linked to unusual cholesterol

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:58:58 EST

Researchers have discovered a gene associated with a form of cholesterol that increases the risk of developing aortic stenosis, the most common form of heart valve disease, by more than half. This international study is the first of its kind to uncover a genetic link with aortic valve disease -- a condition that affects more than five million people in North America.

Genetic variation doubles risk of aortic valve calcification

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:57:57 EST

Researchers have found a genetic variant that doubles the likelihood that people will have calcium deposits on their aortic valve. Such calcification, if it becomes severe, can cause narrowing or a blockage of the aortic valve, a condition called aortic stenosis. The study is the first large-scale, genome-wide association study to uncover a genetic link to aortic valve calcification.

Omega-3-rich ground beef available soon

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:23:23 EST

Beef-lovers will soon have a tasty way to stock up on omega-3s thanks to ground beef with 200 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids.

Family history plays a major role in heart health

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:41:41 EST

If you exercise, eat right and don't smoke, a history of heart disease in your family can still put you at risk -- even if you are a female.

Vegetarianism can reduce risk of heart disease by up to a third

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:16:16 EST

The risk of hospitalization or death from heart disease is 32 percent lower in vegetarians than people who eat meat and fish, according to a new study. Heart disease is the single largest cause of death in developed countries, and is responsible for 65,000 deaths each year in the UK alone. The new findings suggest that a vegetarian diet could significantly reduce people's risk of heart disease.

Blood pressure, cholesterol most important indicators of heart disease risk in diabetics

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:46:46 EST

For people with diabetes, meeting the recommended guidelines for blood pressure and cholesterol is even more important than meeting the guidelines for blood sugar control in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke, according to a new study.

Cows fed flaxseed produce more nutritious dairy products

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 09:27:27 EST

Dairy cows that are fed flaxseed produce more nutritious milk, with more omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat.

Overlooked ugly cholesterol causes heart disease, study suggests

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:19:19 EST

The risk of ischaemic heart disease is three times higher in persons with high levels of the so-called "ugly" cholesterol. This is the finding of a new study which is shedding light on a long debate on this topic.

New way to kill lymphoma without chemotherapy: Golden nanoparticle starves cancer cell to death

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:19:19 EST

Scientists annihilated lymphoma by depriving it of a favorite food: HDL cholesterol. Researchers developed a new golden nanoparticle that's a replica of natural HDL. Acting like a secret double agent, the particle appears to the human lymphoma cell like natural HDL. But when the cell engages it, the particle plugs up the cell and blocks cholesterol from entering. The cell dies.

New way found to boost common cancer drugs

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:33:33 EST

Shutting down a specific pathway in cancer cells appears to improve the ability of common drugs to wipe those cells out, according to new research.

Study deflates notion that pear-shaped bodies more healthy than apples: Abnormal proteins from buttock fat linked to metabolic syndrome

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:13:13 EST

People who are "apple-shaped" -- with fat more concentrated around the abdomen -- have long been considered more at risk for conditions such as heart disease and diabetes than those who are "pear-shaped" and carry weight more in the buttocks, hips and thighs. But new research provides further evidence that the protective benefits of having a pear-body shape may be more myth than reality.

Protein key to fighting and preventing obesity discovered

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:01:01 EST

Scientists have identified a protein that, when absent, helps the body burn fat and prevents insulin resistance and obesity.

Cholesterol medicine affects energy production in muscles

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:42:42 EST

Up to 75 percent of patients who take statins to treat elevated cholesterol levels may suffer from muscle pain. Scientists have now identified a possible mechanism underlying this unfortunate side effect.

Fat influences decisions taken by brain cells for production and survival

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 15:24:24 EST

Scientists have identified two molecules that play an important role in the survival and production of nerve cells in the brain, including nerve cells that produce dopamine. The discovery may be significant in the long term for the treatment of several diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease.

New compound reverses fatty liver disease

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:27:27 EST

Scientists have developed the first synthetic compound that can reverse the effects of a serious metabolic condition known as fatty liver disease.

Cholesterol helps regulate key signaling proteins in the cell

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:28:28 EST

Cholesterol plays a key role in regulating proteins involved in cell signaling and may be important to many other cell processes, an international team of researchers has found.