Heart Disease
Randomized trial finds certain processed hard fats did not worsen short-term heart risk markers
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A small randomized crossover study found no meaningful differences in cholesterol or other short‑term cardiometabolic markers when healthy adults consumed either palmitic‑rich or stearic‑rich interesterified fats for six weeks apiece.
Hidden fat damages arteries even in seemingly healthy people
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered that visceral fat around organs and fat in the liver can silently harm arteries, increasing stroke and heart attack risks, regardless of outward appearance. The study, involving MRI scans of over 33,000 adults, challenges the reliability of BMI for assessing cardiovascular health. Published on October 17, 2025, the findings urge a shift toward imaging-based evaluations.
Stem cell therapy lowers heart failure risk after heart attack
A large clinical trial has shown that infusing mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood shortly after a first heart attack reduces the risk of developing heart failure by nearly 60 percent over three years. The treatment, administered within three to seven days, also improved heart pumping function compared to standard care. Researchers from Shiraz University in Iran led the study, providing strong evidence for stem cells' regenerative potential.
Men over 50 need more exercise than women for heart benefits
Bananas may reduce flavanol absorption in smoothies, UC Davis-linked study finds
Heather Vogel Image generated by AI Fact checked
A small UC Davis–affiliated trial reports that a banana-based smoothie markedly lowered the body’s uptake of flavan-3-ols—about 84% less at peak plasma levels than after a control capsule—an effect the researchers link to the fruit’s polyphenol oxidase enzyme.
Immune protein promotes arrhythmias after heart attacks
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified an immune protein that damages heart cells after a myocardial infarction, leading to dangerous arrhythmias. By targeting this protein in mice, the team reduced arrhythmia incidents twelvefold. The findings suggest new ways to prevent sudden cardiac death.
Study ties cavities and gum disease to higher stroke risk
Heather Vogel Fact checked
People with both cavities and gum disease had an 86% higher risk of ischemic stroke than those with healthy mouths, according to research published October 22, 2025, in Neurology Open Access. The two-decade study of 5,986 adults linked poor oral health to higher rates of major cardiovascular events, while emphasizing the findings show association, not causation.
Different depression types tied to distinct physical health risks
Reported by AI
New research shows that atypical depression increases diabetes risk, while melancholic depression heightens chances of heart disease. The findings, from a seven-year study of nearly 6,000 adults, highlight the need for tailored mental and physical health approaches. Presented at the ECNP Congress in Amsterdam, the work underscores biological differences in depression subtypes.