Risk Factors For Heart Disease Research Articles

2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2025 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2024 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. This year's edition includes a continued focus on health equity across several key domains and enhanced global data that reflect improved methods and incorporation of ≈3000 new data sources since last year's Statistical Update. Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

The Metabolite Indole-3-Acetic Acid of Bacteroides Ovatus Improves Atherosclerosis by Restoring the Polarisation Balance of M1/M2 Macrophages and Inhibiting Inflammation.

Emerging research has highlighted the significant role of the gut microbiota in atherosclerosis (AS), with microbiota-targeted interventions offering promising therapeutic potential. A central component of this process is gut-derived metabolites, which play a crucial role in mediating the distal functioning of the microbiota. In this study, a comprehensive microbiome-metabolite analysis using fecal and serum samples from patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and volunteers with risk factors for coronary heart disease and culture histology is performed, and identified the core strain Bacteroides ovatus (B. ovatus). Fecal microbiota transplantation experiments further demonstrated that the gut microbiota significantly influences AS progression, with B. ovatus alone exerting effects comparable to volunteer feces from volunteers. Notably, B. ovatus alleviated AS primarily by restoring the intestinal barrier and enhancing bile acid metabolism, particularly through the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a tryptophan-derived metabolite. IAA inhibited the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in M1 macrophages, promoted M2 macrophage polarisation, and restored the M1/M2 polarisation balance, ultimately reducing aortic inflammation. These findings clarify the mechanistic interplay between the gut microbiota and AS, providing the first evidence that B. ovatus, a second-generation probiotic, can improve bile acid metabolism and reduce inflammation, offering a theoretical foundation for future AS therapeutic applications involving this strain.

Utilizing Binary Logistic Regression Models for Predicting the Risk Factors of Heart Disease

With rising yearly death rates, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be a major global health concern. Effective prevention and management of risk factors depend on an understanding of how they interact. Predicting the primary causes of heart disorders, examining the impact of each of these elements, and organizing them according to model choice and classification capabilities were the objectives of this work. To forecast the probability of CVD, a logistic regression model was created. The parameters impacting infection risk were characterized using descriptive analysis. Data were collected from 82 patients at Benghazi Cardiac Centre, comprising 41 infected patients and 41 control subjects selected using the Stephan Thompson Equation. Binary logistic regression analysis, conducted using SPSS 23, identified four significant predictors of cardiac infection: diabetes, BMI, cholesterol level, and blood pressure. The model demonstrated an 89% accuracy in classifying patients. Further research is recommended to investigate the impact of additional factors on cardiac infection risk in this population.

Risk factors for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis.

Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (coronary heart disease; CHD) is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, and the number of patients and deaths is increasing each year. Approximately 3.8 million women die from CHD every year globally. After menopause, estrogen levels decrease, and the risk of cardiovascular disease increases substantially; however, research on risk factors for CHD in postmenopausal women has been inconclusive. To systematically evaluate the risk factors for CHD in postmenopausal women. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI, and VIP databases were searched up to February 9, 2024, for studies on risk factors for CHD in postmenopausal women. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the included literature. STATA17.0 software was used for meta-analysis. Nine studies involving 29,4103 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that history of six or more pregnancies (hazard ratio = 1.538, 95% confidence interval: 1.241%-1.906%) was significantly associated with risk of CHD (P < 0.05). Multiple pregnancies are associated with CHD incidence and related mortality in postmenopausal women. In the future, more and higher quality studies are needed to further verify this conclusion.

The predictive value of triglyceride-glucose index combined with non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in coronary heart disease

Background and aimsTo explore the predictive value of the triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index combined with non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) in coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CHD).Methods and resultsWe retrospectively collected patients who were suspected of CHD and underwent coronary angiography in Yiwu Central Hospital and collected medical history, other serum biochemical evaluation and echocardiography from the enrolled population, Non-HDL-C and TyG indices were calculated, and their correlation with Gensini score was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of coronary heart disease, and ROC curves were plotted to assess the predictive value of CHD in subjects with single or multiple indices. TyG index and Non-HDL-C were higher in patients with CHD than in patients without CHD (P < 0.05), and they were independent risk factors for the development of CHD after logistic regression analysis. Diabetes, Non-HDL-C, TyG index, and Gensini score were positively correlated. The areas under the ROC curves for TyG index and Non-HDL-C for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease were 0.719 (95% CI 0.675–0.763) and 0.652 (95% CI 0.605-0.700), respectively, and the area under the ROC curve plotted with the joint equation of the two was 0.724 (95% CI 0.681–0.768), which can better predict the occurrence of coronary heart disease.ConclusionTyG index and Non-HDL-C are independent risk factors for the occurrence of coronary heart disease, and the combination of the two can better predict the occurrence of coronary heart disease.

Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) Progression: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Despite the popularity of a ketogenic diet, no randomized, controlled trials have evaluated its efficacy on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression. We conducted an 8-week, open-label, randomized controlled trial involving 24 patients with MASLD who were randomly assigned to either the home delivery ketogenic diet or a nutrition education program on adherence to the DASH diet. The primary outcome was a reduction in hepatic steatosis as measured by transient elastography. There were no significant differences between groups in liver stiffness and steatosis measurement after interventions. Subjects on a ketogenic diet had lost more weight than subjects in the control group at 8 weeks (mean change [95% CI], -6.16 [-7.22, -5.10] vs. -2.14 [-4.49, 0.21] kg; p = 0.001). The decrease in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fat mass, and visceral fat area was significantly greater among subjects on a ketogenic diet than among those in the control group. Laboratory parameters, including AST, triglyceride, and HDL were also significantly decreased among subjects on a ketogenic diet than among those in the control group. A ketogenic diet produced a significantly greater weight loss (absolute difference, approximately 4%) than did the general lifestyle advice intervention for the first 8 weeks. A ketogenic diet was associated with a greater improvement in some risk factors for coronary heart disease and MASLD. However, a ketogenic diet did not reduce steatosis nor worsen MASLD progression. Longer and larger studies are required to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of the ketogenic diet. Trial Registration: TCTR20220426005.

Using big data to predict young adult ischemic vs. non-ischemic heart disease risk factors: An artificial intelligence based model

Using big data to predict young adult ischemic vs. non-ischemic heart disease risk factors: An artificial intelligence based model

Supporting General Practitioners and people with hypertension to maximise medication use to control blood pressure: the contribution of Collective Intelligence to the development of the ‘Maximising Adherence, Minimising Inertia’ (MIAMI) intervention

ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension remains one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke and heart disease. Anti-hypertensive medications are effective, but are often not used to maximum benefit. Sub-optimal dosing by prescribers and challenges with medication-taking for patients remain barriers to effective blood pressure control. Objectives: We aimed to systematically develop a theory-based complex intervention to support General Practitioners (GPs) and people with hypertension to maximise medication use to control blood pressure. Methods: We used the three-phase Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) as the overarching intervention development framework. Collective Intelligence methodology was used to operationalise the stakeholder input to Phases 2 and 3 of the BCW. This took the form of a Collective Intelligence workshop with 19 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds including lived experience, general practice, nursing, pharmacy and health psychology. Techniques such as barrier identification, idea-writing and scenario-based design were used to generate possible intervention options. Intervention options were then selected and refined using the Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects and Equity (APEASE) criteria and guidance from the MIAMI Public and Patient Involvement Panel. Results: The finalised MIAMI intervention consists of both GP and patient supports. GP supports include a 30-minute online training, information booklet and consultation guide (drop-down menu) embedded within the patient electronic health system. Patient supports include a pre-consultation plan, website, and a structured GP consultation with results from an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor and urine chemical adherence test. The intervention components have been mapped to the intervention functions of the BCW and Behaviour Change Technique Ontology. Conclusion: Collective Intelligence offered a novel method to operationalise stakeholder input to Phases 2 and 3 of the BCW. The MIAMI intervention is now at pilot evaluation stage.

A Preliminary Screening of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of A1 and A2 Beta-casein Alleles in Dairy Cattle

Milk containing A1 variants in the beta-casein gene is considered to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), type I diabetes (DM-I), autism, and schizophrenia due to the release of beta-casomorphin 7 (BCM-7). The objectives of this study were to screen for polymorphism of beta-casein in dairy cattle and to examine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of A1 and A2 variants. A total of 290 cattle blood samples were collected from two states and the samples were extracted. This was followed by PCR amplification for exon 7 of the beta-casein gene (CSN2). The PCR products were then subjected to DNA sequencing. The sequencing results were aligned and the variants were screened. In Pahang, 125 samples are of the A2A2 genotype, followed by A1A2 (n=97) and A1A1 (n=28). While in Melaka, the highest genotype was A2A2 (n=20) as compared to A1A2 (n=18) and A1A1 (n=2). Meanwhile, the frequency of the A2 allele was higher than A1 in both states. The high genotypic frequencies of A2A2 in these cattle populations could be influenced by the cattle breed as well as the rate of crossbreeding on the farm. Thus, screening of dairy cattle for A1 and A2 beta-casein could be used in selecting the preferred animals for breeding.

Pattern and Frequency of Congenital Heart Defects Among Infants of Diabetic Mothers.

Background Maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known risk factor for congenital heart diseases (CHDs), which are of significant concern to infants born to diabetic mothers. Compared to newborns born to non-diabetic mothers, infants born to diabetic mothers had a higher overall risk of developing congenital malformations. This association has a complex pathophysiology that includes genetic predispositions, metabolic abnormalities, and environmental factors during key stages of fetal development. By developing screening strategies for neonates born to diabetic mothers, it will be imperative to reduce preventable neonatal mortality by healthcare providers. Purpose The primary objective of this study was to explore the spectrum of congenital heart defects (infants of diabetic mothers, IDMs). Methods This exploratory study was conducted at the maternity and children's hospital in AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, from 2022 to 2023. The study included 401 neonates delivered at our institution. Within the first seven days of life, an expert pediatric cardiologist from the same institute performed echocardiography on all patients. Results A total of 401 infants born to diabetic mothers were selected, with 293 meeting the inclusion criteria. In total, 144 (49.1%) were boys and 149 (50.9%) were girls. Nearly more than half of mothers (189, 64.5%) had gestational diabetes, while 104 (35.5%) had pre-gestational diabetes. Out of 293 infants born to diabetic mothers, 200 (68.3%) had various CHDs, while the remaining 93 (31.7%) were found to be normal after echocardiography. The most commonly reported CHD is patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (71.5%), followed by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (36.5%) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) (11%), and only one patient has a complex congenital heart disease. Conclusion More than half of the infants born to diabetic mothers had congenital heart defects, according to the current study, which examined the various types of congenital heart diseases in neonates of diabetic mothers. It thus emphasizes the necessity of a thorough evaluation and the strong recommendation for an early diagnosis of CHD in this high-risk group. In our population, prenatal CHD screening programs need to be developed.

Impact of Persistent Combat-Related PTSD on Heart Disease and Chronic Disease Comorbidity in Aging Vietnam Veterans.

To assess combat and combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as risk factors for heart disease and non-cardiac chronic disease comorbidity in deployed Vietnam veterans 50 years post-War. A random sample of 735 Vietnam-deployed American Legionnaires was surveyed in 1984, 1998, and 2000 for combat exposure, probable PTSD, and history of diagnosed chronic illnesses. Twenty-eight percent reported a diagnosed heart condition; combat exposure in Vietnam was a significant predictor (OR = 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.13-3.31). Veterans with heart disease reported significantly more comorbid chronic illnesses, including arthritis and respiratory conditions: sleep apnea, emphysema, and asthma. Chronic illnesses were reported more often by men with PTSD. Emerging evidence suggests that 50 years after Vietnam combat and associated PTSD may contribute to heart disease and comorbid conditions.

Relationship Self-Management Level of Hypertension Patients Towards Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Most hypertension sufferers are not very strict in controlling themselves and managing their blood pressure to prevent complications. One of the significant risk factors for heart disease is hypertension. This study aims to ascertain if hypertension patients' degree of self-management and the prevalence of coronary heart disease are related. This specific type of research uses a cross-sectional study design and is quantitative. Purposive sampling is employed. The Slovin formula is used to compute the sample. The study's total sample was 109 outpatients with hypertension from the internal medicine polyclinic of Dr. Moewardi Surakarta Hospital. This study used the HSMBQ (Hypertension Self-Management Behavior Questionnaire) questionnaire by Nargis Akther to measure the level of self-management of hypertension with coronary heart disease. The data analysis used was a univariate test, and the risk level was calculated using the Framingham Risk Score and the chi-square bivariate test. Results show that the study's p-value=0.048 (&lt;0.05) suggests a significant correlation between hypertension patients' degree of self-management and the prevalence of coronary heart disease. Most individuals fall into the category of having an adequate level of self-management. The majority of the 76 people (69.7%) with intermediate levels of self-management had a minor risk of coronary heart disease. The results of the study showed a significant relationship between the incidence of coronary heart disease and the level of self-control in hypertensive patients. Promotive and preventive efforts through educational approaches and structured interventions are essential to improve the quality of self-control in hypertensive patients.

Implications of Clonal Hematopoiesis in Hematological and Non-Hematological Disorders.

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is associated with an increased risk of developing myeloid neoplasms (MNs) such as myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In general, CH comprises clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS). It is an age-related phenomenon characterized by the presence of somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) that acquire a fitness advantage under selection pressure. Individuals with CHIP have an absolute risk of 0.5-1.0% per year for progressing to MDS or AML. Inflammation, smoking, cytotoxic therapy, and radiation can promote the process of clonal expansion and leukemic transformation. Of note, exposure to chemotherapy or radiation for patients with solid tumors or lymphomas can increase the risk of therapy-related MN. Beyond hematological malignancies, CH also serves as an independent risk factor for heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease. Prognostic models such as the CH risk score and MN-prediction models can provide a framework for risk stratification and clinical management of CHIP/CCUS and identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from close surveillance. For CH or related disorders, therapeutic strategies targeting specific CH-associated mutations and specific selection pressure may have a potential role in the future.

Assessing risk factors for heart disease using machine learning methods

Assessing risk factors for heart disease using machine learning methods

A Study Correlating the Effects of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on the Known Modifiable Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease in Indian Adults.

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is synonymous with thyroid failure (a milder form). It is a condition characterized by normal laboratory ranges of serum FT4 and FT3 levels, but serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are slightly increased above the normal range. The leading aims and objectives of the study were: (1) establishing a correlation between the presence of modifiable risk factors of ischemic heart disease in subjects with SCH. (2) Quantification of the economic markers of ischemic heart disease in patients with SCH. This study was accomplished at the Department of Internal Medicine, Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, for the duration of 1 year, from March 2020 to February 2021. The study variables included history, physical examination, clinical examination, and investigations. The individuals who met the inclusion criteria set for the study were included. All the participants were informed about the study, and their informed consent was obtained. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, followed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 27.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and GraphPad Prism version 5. Of the total 80 subjects enrolled in the study, 54 were females and 26 were males. In the study sample, the mean age was 47.8 (+9) years. Different variables were analyzed, and the values obtained were recorded for statistical analysis. According to the study, there is a positive correlation between established coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, such as hypertension, abnormal lipid profiles, and elevated body mass index (BMI), and SCH. We also noted a strong correlation between SCH and elevated levels of uric acid, fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial glucose test (PPBS), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). As a result, early detection and management of SCH may have cardiac preventive benefits.

Examining the potential causal relationships among smoking behaviors, blood DNA methylation profiles, and the development of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction

BackgroundSmoking has been identified as a standalone risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI), but the precise underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated.ResultsIn this study, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to examine the impact of smoking behaviors (including smoking initiation, age of smoking initiation, cigarettes per day, and smoking cessation) and smoking-related DNA methylation at CpG sites on CHD and MI based on the UK Biobank dataset. Additionally, we included the FinnGen and Biobank Japan datasets as replications and performed a meta-analysis to combine the results from different data sources. We further validated our results using genetic colocalization analysis. In genomic analysis, we provided compelling evidence on the association between genetically predicted smoking initiation and increased susceptibility to CHD and MI. In epigenetic analysis, we identified 11 smoking-related CpG sites linked to CHD risk and 10 smoking-related CpG sites associated with the risk of MI based on the UK Biobank dataset. Subsequently, some of these CpG sites were further replicated using the FinnGen or BBJ datasets. Ultimately, a meta-analysis was conducted to integrate findings from various data sources (3 for CHD, and 2 for MI), revealing that 7 of 11 CpG sites were linked to CHD risk; whereas, 7 of 10 CpG sites were associated with MI risk. Furthermore, we performed genetic colocalization analysis and found that cg19744173 (FBLN7), cg00395063 (ARHGEF12), and cg16822035 (MCF2L) exhibited robust evidence of colocalization with coronary heart disease; whereas, cg19529732 (DIABLO), cg26405020 (FES), and cg08940075 (CNN3) demonstrated strong colocalization evidence with the risk of myocardial infarction.ConclusionsOur research offers a novel insight into the impact of smoking on the susceptibility to CHD and MI through the lens of epigenetic DNA methylation.

Patterns of Adherence to Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Older Adults With Ischemic Heart Disease: An Analysis From the RESILIENT Trial of Mobile Health Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Hypertension (HTN) is common and represents a major modifiable risk factor for ischemic heart disease in older adults. While home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is important in HTN management, patterns of HBPM engagement in older adults undergoing mobile health cardiac rehabilitation (mHealth-CR) are unknown. We aimed to identify patterns of adherence to HBPM in a cohort of older adults undergoing mHealth-CR to optimize HBPM use in the future. We used interim data from the ongoing Rehabilitation using Mobile Health for Older Adults with Ischemic Heart Disease in the Home Setting (RESILIENT) randomized trial, in which intervention arm participants (adults≥65years with ischemic heart disease) were instructed to monitor blood pressure (BP) at least weekly. Engagement groups were determined by latent class analysis and compared using ANOVA or Chi-Square tests. Longitudinal mixed effect modeling determined the associations between weekly HBPM and baseline covariates including uncontrolled HTN, obesity, diabetes, depression, alcohol, and tobacco use. Of the 111 participants, the mean age was 71.9±5.6years, and 83% had HTN. Over the 12-week study, mean HBPM engagement was 2.3±2.3d/wk. We observed 3 distinct patterns of engagement: high engagement (22%), gradual decline (10%), and sustained baseline engagement (68%). HBPM adherence decreased in two of the engagement groups over time. Of the covariates tested, only depression was associated with weekly HBPM after adjusting for relevant covariates (OR 9.09, P =.03). In this older adult cohort undergoing mHealth-CR, we found three main engagement groups with declining engagement over time in two of the three groups. These patterns can inform future mHealth-CR interventions.

Oxidative Stress in Kidney Injury and Hypertension.

Hypertension (HTN) is a major contributor to kidney damage, leading to conditions such as nephrosclerosis and hypertensive nephropathy, significant causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). HTN is also a risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) play critical roles in causing kidney injury in HTN. Genetic and environmental factors influence the susceptibility to hypertensive renal damage, with African American populations having a higher tendency due to genetic variants. Managing blood pressure (BP) effectively with treatments targeting RAAS activation, oxidative stress, and inflammation is crucial in preventing renal damage and the progression of HTN-related CKD and ESRD. Interactions between genetic and environmental factors impacting kidney function abnormalities are central to HTN development. Animal studies indicate that genetic factors significantly influence BP regulation. Anti-natriuretic mechanisms can reset the pressure-natriuresis relationship, requiring a higher BP to excrete sodium matched to intake. Activation of intrarenal angiotensin II receptors contributes to sodium retention and high BP. In HTN, the gut microbiome can affect BP by influencing energy metabolism and inflammatory pathways. Animal models, such as the spontaneously hypertensive rat and the chronic angiotensin II infusion model, mirror human essential hypertension and highlight the significance of the kidney in HTN pathogenesis. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a crucial role in the development and progression of HTN, impacting renal function and BP regulation. Targeting specific NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms to inhibit ROS production and enhance antioxidant mechanisms may improve renal structure and function while lowering blood pressure. Therapies like SGLT2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have shown promise in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and RAAS activity, offering renal and antihypertensive protection in managing HTN and CKD. This review emphasizes the critical role of NOX in the development and progression of HTN, focusing on its impact on renal function and BP regulation. Effective BP management and targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and RAAS activation, is crucial in preventing renal damage and the progression of HTN-related CKD and ESRD.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism as a potential risk factor of congenital heart disease: insights from a tertiary pediatric cardiac care centre from North India

Background: Our study aims to elucidate the genetic influence of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism on congenital heart disease (CHD) in a north Indian cohort. Methods: 667 CHD cases, including 433 individuals with parental data and 104 controls were enrolled and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. Case-control association, parental transmission test, and association of patients' and parents' clinical parameters with ACE I/D were explored. Results: Our findings highlight significant associations, notably the increased CHD risk conferred by the DD genotype in females (p=0.036; OR=1.68), its correlation with abnormal hemoglobin levels (p=0.049; OR=1.68), and its impact on primigravida (p=0.05). Conversely, the II genotype was found to significantly elevate the risk of CHD in offspring of tobacco-consuming fathers by 2.5-fold (p=0.029). Notably, cyanotic cases exhibited a heightened prevalence of ACE I/D mutations (p=0.059), with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) showing the strongest association (p=0.024). Additionally, the DD genotype's involvement in conditions such as stenosis (p=0.026) and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) (p=0.05) underscores its clinical relevance. The parent of origin test showed maternal transmission of the D allele in combined (p=0.037) and acyanotic cases (p=0.039) and paternal transmission in ventricular septal defect (p=0.021). Conclusions: This is the first study from India and possibly the only study globally that reports a significant association between ACE I/D and CHD, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in CHD susceptibility.

Pemberdayakan Kesehatan Masyarakat: Pendekatan Pendidikan Berbasis Religius

Collaborative efforts among community members, health care professionals, and faith-based institutions can prove valuable in efforts to improve community health. The aim of this research is to increase knowledge about risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, stroke among the Bugis Community Kalimantan population; and to empower community members to take control of their health by modifying living habits through health education programs held within religious communities. This study used data obtained from a pre- and post-health risk assessment survey to assess participants' knowledge of risk factors that cause chronic diseases among the Kalimantan population in underserved Bugis communities. Data obtained from activity log books and health check sessions were used to assess the impact of knowledge gained about lifestyle practices. The results of the educational intervention showed progress, with 24% of participants experiencing a decrease in blood pressure, 18% experiencing a decrease in blood sugar, and 6% experiencing a decrease in weight. As many as 60% of participants reported an increase in exercise, 77% reported changes in eating patterns to be healthier, and 95% of participants reported increased knowledge about risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. These results emphasize the importance of ongoing health education programs to increase public awareness and knowledge in preventing chronic diseases. The research findings support the need for continued popular development of educational programs especially in religious institutions within the Bugis community.