Tag Archives: Cardiovascular

Drinking sugary beverages linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, study finds

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in new research Published in a magazine frontiers of public healthScientists surveyed 69,705 participants (47.2% women) aged 45 to 83 from the Swedish Mammography Cohort and the Swedish Men's Cohort to assess their intake of added sugars and a variety of sugary foods and beverages. We investigated the association between this and the risk of seven cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have found that eating too much added sugar increases the risk of stroke and aneurysm, but eating small snacks lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, drinking sugary drinks increases your risk of stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Although additional sugar intake was positively associated with ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, the lowest intake categories had the highest risk for most outcomes. Positive linear associations were found between topping intake and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and between sweetened beverage intake and ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. There is no relationship between snack intake (pastries, ice cream, chocolate, sweets) and all outcomes, and between topping intake (sugar, honey, jam, marmalade) and heart failure and aortic stenosis. , a negative linear correlation was found. Image credit: Ernesto Rodriguez.

Cardiovascular disease comprises a variety of diseases of the heart and blood vessels and is currently the leading cause of death and disease burden in Europe, mainly due to stroke and ischemic heart disease.

Although diet is one of the main modifiable risk factors for many CVDs, evidence regarding added sugar intake and CVD risk is lacking and inconclusive.

Additionally, most studies have primarily focused on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rather than total added sugar intake, even though sugar-sweetened beverages account for 14% of added sugar intake in Sweden and only 25% in the United States. I'm guessing.

“The most surprising finding of our study was the differential relationship between different sources of added sugar and CVD risk,” said Suzanne Junge, a PhD candidate at Lund University. That's what I mean.''

“This striking contrast highlights the importance of considering not only the amount of sugar consumed, but also its source and context.”

To understand how sugar intake affects cardiovascular disease risk and whether those risks change with intake of different types of sugar, Janzi et al. Data were collected from two major cohort studies: a cohort of men and a cohort of Swedish men.

These studies administered dietary questionnaires in 1997 and 2009, allowing scientists to monitor participants' diets over time.

Once exclusions were made to ensure the two cohorts shared the same inclusion criteria and remove independent risk factors for CVD, researchers were left with a sample of 69,705 participants .

They identified three classes of sugar intake: toppings such as honey, treats such as pastries, and sugary drinks such as soda, and two different types of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation, and aortic stenosis. investigated seven CVDs. .

Participants were monitored until death, diagnosis of CVD, or end of follow-up in 2019.

During this period, 25,739 participants were diagnosed with CVD.

The scientists then used this data to analyze how different types of sugar intake affected the risk of various CVDs.

They found that consuming sugary drinks is worse for your health than any other form of sugar. Drinking more sugary drinks significantly increases your risk of ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

“The liquid sugar found in sweetened beverages is typically less satiating than solid foods, which can lead to less satiety and overconsumption,” says Junge.

“Context is also important. Snacks are often enjoyed during social gatherings or special occasions, while sugary drinks may be consumed more regularly.”

Different types of CVD are affected differently by increased sugar intake. This is likely because added sugar intake has a different impact on participants' individual risk profiles.

Increased carbohydrate intake generally increased the risk of ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and also increased the risk of heart failure in participants with a normal BMI.

However, the category with the lowest snack intake had the highest risk of negative health outcomes. Occasional snacking was associated with better outcomes than no snacking at all.

“This may reflect underlying dietary habits. People with very low sugar intake may have very restrictive diets, or may have low sugar intake due to pre-existing health conditions. may be limiting,” Junge said.

“Although our observational study cannot prove causation, these results suggest that extremely low carbohydrate intake may not be necessary or beneficial for cardiovascular health.”

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Suzanne Junge others. 2024. Added association between sugar intake and incidence of seven different cardiovascular diseases in 69,705 Swedish men and women. frontiers of public health 12;doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1452085

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists say orange peel could be a crucial factor in enhancing cardiovascular health

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A study by researchers from the University of Florida, Texas State University, and the United States Department of Agriculture suggests that an extract of the polar fraction of orange peel, which contains a compound called feruloylputrescine, may reduce cardiovascular disease.

Lee othersThe inhibitory effects of orange peel polar fraction (OPP) and orange peel non-polar fraction (OPNP) on the production of trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in response to L-carnitine treatment were compared. In vivo and In vitro.

Recent studies have shown that some gut bacteria may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

During digestion, gut bacteria produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) when certain nutrients are ingested, and levels of TMAO can help predict future cardiovascular disease.

In a new study, Dr. Yu Wang from the University of Florida and colleagues investigated the potential of orange peel extract to reduce the production of TMAO and trimethylamine (TMA).

They tested two types of extracts: a polar fraction and a non-polar fraction.

To obtain the polar fraction, they extracted orange peels using polar and non-polar solvents.

“Think of a salad dressing. The things that are in the water and vinegar section are polar compounds. The things that are in the oil section, away from the water, are non-polar compounds,” says Dr. Wang.

“The solvents we used are not exactly the same as water and oil, but they have a similar polarity.”

The authors found that extracts of the non-polar fraction of orange peel effectively inhibited the production of harmful chemicals.

The researchers also identified a compound in the polar fraction extract of orange peel called feruloylputrescine, which also significantly inhibited the enzyme involved in TMA production.

“This is a novel discovery that highlights a previously unrecognized potential health benefit of feruloylputrescine in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Dr Wang said.

“The discovery regarding orange peel is significant because five million tonnes of orange peel are produced annually in orange juice production nationwide.”

“About 95 percent of Florida oranges are used for juice. About half of the peels are used to feed cows. The rest are discarded.”

“But the FDA considers natural orange peel extract to be safe for human consumption, so we're looking to get more out of the peel.”

“These findings suggest that orange peels, which are often discarded as waste in the citrus industry, could be repurposed into valuable health-promoting compounds, such as ingredients in dietary supplements and foods,” Dr Wang said.

“Our study paves the way for the development of functional foods enriched with these bioactive compounds, providing a new therapeutic strategy for heart health.”

of result Appears in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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Hana Lee others2024. Discovery of novel bioactive compounds from the polar fraction of orange peel and their inhibition of trimethylamine and trimethylamine N-oxide by a metabolomic approach. In vitro and In vivo Assay: Feruloylputrescine inhibits trimethylamine by suppressing the cntA/B enzymes. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 72(14):7870-7881; doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09005

Source: www.sci.news

Restricting eating times linked to 91 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death

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A recent comprehensive study of 20,000 adults suggests that time-restricted eating, a form of intermittent fasting, may significantly increase the risk of death. Moreover, healthy eating habits could challenge the established scientific consensus on this topic.

The latest research, published by the American Heart Association, reveals that restricting eating to less than eight hours a day is associated with a staggering 91 percent increase in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

After analyzing participants’ dietary habits and health over a period of up to 17 years, the study found no evidence to support the idea that limiting meals to an eight-hour window reduces the risk of death from any cause.

Lead author Professor Victor Wenze Zhong expressed surprise at the results, stating to BBC Science Focus that they had anticipated a decrease in cardiovascular disease risk and overall mortality with long-term adoption of an eight-hour time-restricted diet.

He further stated, “Despite the popularity of this dietary approach for its short-term benefits, our study indicates that while the typical eating window ranges from 12 to 16 hours per day, shorter meal times do not correlate with longer life.”

Although the precise reason why time-restricted eating may increase the risk of cardiovascular death is still unknown, one possible explanation suggested by Zhong is that it could lead to a loss of muscle mass.

Recent interest in time-restricted eating has been fueled by its potential health benefits. Prior studies have indicated that it could aid weight loss and improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Many practitioners follow a 16:8 schedule, whereby they consume all food within an eight-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours.

This eating pattern aligns more closely with natural circadian rhythms and is believed to support better sleep and metabolic function. However, the recent findings cast doubt on its long-term benefits.

Stanford University School of Medicine Professor Dr. Christopher Gardner cautioned that while time-restricted eating may offer short-term advantages, it could have adverse long-term effects, based on the study.

It is important to note that the study has not yet undergone peer review, and detailed dietary information of the participants is not available.

The research population, with an average age of 49, recorded 2797 deaths, of which 840 were due to cardiovascular disease.

As per Zhong, individuals, especially those with existing heart disease or cancer, should be cautious about adopting an eight-hour eating window due to its associated increased risk of cardiovascular death.

He emphasized the potential effectiveness of intermittent fasting for short periods, such as three to six months, for weight loss and cardiometabolic health improvement. However, long-term adherence to practices like eight-hour time-restricted eating warrants careful consideration.

Despite these cautionary findings, Zhong and Gardner noted that it is premature to draw definitive conclusions regarding time-restricted eating based on a single study.

Ultimately, the study suggests that the content of one’s diet may hold greater importance than the timing of meals for long-term health outcomes.

About our experts:

Dr. Victor Wenze Zhong is a professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He holds leadership roles in the American Academy of Nutrition and the American Heart Association.

Dr. Christopher Gardner is a professor of medicine at Stanford University, known for his research on dietary components and patterns. He has served on the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee and the Lifestyle & Metabolic Health Council.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Intermittent Fasting Linked to Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality

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A recent extensive study involving 20,000 adults discovered that time-restricted eating, a form of intermittent fasting, can significantly increase the risk of death, casting doubt on the efficacy of healthy eating.

The study, published by the American Heart Association, revealed that restricting eating to less than eight hours a day raised the risk of cardiovascular death by an alarming 91%. Over a span of up to 17 years, the study found no decrease in the risk of any specific cause of death by restricting meals to eight hours or less.

Lead author Professor Victor Wenze Zhong expressed surprise at the study’s results, stating, “We had anticipated that adopting an 8-hour time-restricted diet long-term would lead to reduced cardiovascular disease risk and overall mortality.” He added, “Although this diet has been popular for its short-term benefits, our study revealed that compared to the typical 12 to 16-hour eating window, shorter meal times showed no association with living longer.”

Although the reasons behind the increased risk of cardiovascular death from time-restricted eating are not fully understood, it is suggested that muscle mass loss due to dietary restriction may be a contributing factor.

In recent years, time-restricted eating has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, such as aiding weight loss and improving blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Many people follow a 16:8 schedule, consuming all meals within an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours.

However, despite short-term benefits, recent findings suggest potential long-term negative effects of time-restricted eating, especially an 8-hour window, on cardiovascular health.

Experts caution that further research is needed to fully understand the impact of time-restricted eating and its implications for long-term health. Specific recommendations regarding time-restricted eating should be made with caution based on current evidence.

About our experts:

Dr. Victor Wenze Zhong is a professor and chair at the School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, specializing in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He is actively involved in nutritional epidemiology research and serves on various councils related to heart health.

Dr. Christopher Gardner is a professor at Stanford University focusing on the health benefits of different dietary components and patterns. With extensive research in cardiovascular health and nutrition, he provides valuable insights into the impact of diet on overall well-being.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Breakdown products of Vitamin B3 in excess may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

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Despite intensive efforts to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), substantial residual CVD risk remains, even in people who receive all guideline-recommended interventions. Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential micronutrient fortified in staple foods, but its role in CVD is poorly understood. Excessive amounts of niacin's breakdown products may be associated with an increased risk of death, heart attack, and stroke, according to a new study.

Niacin is an essential micronutrient that is fortified in staple foods beyond dietary requirements. Image credit: Ferrell other., doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02793-8.

Although CVD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, only a portion of the attributable risk is explained by established risk factors.

Despite significant advances in treatment, the risk of residual cardiovascular disease remains high, and it has been suggested that additional, as yet unrecognized factors contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Research has previously shown that niacin (vitamin B3) reduces levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

However, this vitamin does not seem to have the expected effect in reducing CVD risk, the so-called “niacin paradox”.

“Our study shows that niacin breakdown products can promote vascular inflammation, providing a potential explanation for this discrepancy,” said Cleveland Clinic researcher Stanley Hazen, Ph.D. said.

In the study, the authors analyzed plasma samples from 4,325 people in three patient cohorts, including men and women from the United States and Europe.

They found that two breakdown products of niacin, the metabolites N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2PY) and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide (4PY), are associated with increased CVD risk. I discovered that

In subsequent human genetic studies and mouse studies, the research team found that this increased risk is due to these breakdown products increasing the abundance of the pro-inflammatory protein VCAM-1 within the endothelial cells lining the blood. showed that it may be mediated by the ability of one of the (4PY). ship.

“Further studies are needed in large-scale studies to investigate the association between niacin and its degradation products and CVD,” the researchers said.

their findings It was published in the magazine natural medicine.

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M. Ferrell other. 2024. End metabolites of niacin promote vascular inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. Nat Med 30, 424-434; doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02793-8

Source: www.sci.news

The Quiet Contributors: How Anxiety and Depression Can Speed Up Cardiovascular Disease

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A recent study presented at the 2023 American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions highlighted the link between mental health and cardiovascular disease. The study found that anxiety and depression can hasten the onset of cardiovascular risk factors, that cumulative stress scores are significantly associated with heart disease, and that mental health has a significant impact on heart health.

Two other studies presented at the same session also linked mental health and heart health, showing that depression and anxiety may accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk factors and critical events. According to one study conducted in Boston, people with a higher genetic susceptibility to stress developed cardiovascular risk factors at a younger age than those without the genetic marker. A separate Dallas-based study found that accumulated stress contributes to negative health behaviors such as smoking, leading to worsened cardiovascular health.

The American Heart Association emphasizes that mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress increase the risk of poor heart health. Two new studies have found that a person’s mental state may affect their health to a greater extent than previously thought.

One study examined the mechanisms by which mental state affects heart health, finding that depression and anxiety accelerate the development of new cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers found that people with depression or anxiety developed new risk factors on average six months earlier than those without mental health conditions, and were at a higher risk for major cardiovascular events. Another study showed that cumulative stress scores were significantly associated with increased risks of atherosclerosis and overall cardiovascular disease.

Researchers encouraged more frequent screenings for cardiovascular risk factors in people with depression and anxiety, and suggested that treatment for these mental health conditions may reduce the acceleration of cardiovascular risk factors.

The two studies presented at the 2023 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions underscore the interdependence of mental and heart health, and emphasize the need for proactive care for mental health conditions in order to improve overall heart health.

Source: scitechdaily.com