Although epilepsy is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 1% of individuals worldwide, it is often difficult to diagnose in clinical practice, and it is estimated that up to a quarter of all cases may be misdiagnosed initially. Epilepsy is often inherited, and recent research has shown that sufferers have elevated polygenic risk scores1 (PRSs) […]
Dried blood spots from newborn screening can help identify the cause of sudden cardiac death in the young
The underlying cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a young person is often difficult to identify. A genetic analysis could provide more information in many cases, but blood samples are not collected routinely at the time of death, and DNA extracted from the tissues collected at autopsy is damaged because of the way they […]
Night shift work is linked to increased risk of heart problems
People who work night shifts are at increased risk of developing an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AF), according to research published in the European Heart Journal [1]. The study is the first to investigate the links between night shift work and AF. Using information from 283,657 people in the […]
Blood test for early detection of cancer: final study results support screening use
Test can detect over 50 types of cancer, often before symptoms show Final results from a study of a blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer have shown that it is accurate enough to be rolled out as a multi-cancer screening test among people at higher risk of the disease, including […]
Statin use is linked to reduced risk of cancer among heart failure patients
Statin use among patients with heart failure is associated with a 16% lower risk of developing cancer compared with non-statin users during an average of four years of follow-up, according to new research published in the European Heart Journal [1]. In addition, the study found that statin use was associated with a 26% reduced risk […]
Drinking alcohol is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy
Study suggests women should avoid alcohol in second half of menstrual cycle A study of the associations between drinking alcohol and the chances of becoming pregnant suggests that women who want to conceive should avoid heavy drinking. In the second half of menstrual cycle even moderate drinking is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy. The […]
Disease of the smallest heart blood vessels is important global health problem
First international study to describe characteristics and prognosis for microvascular angina For the first time, a prospective, international study has shown that chest pain caused by problems with the very small vessels supplying blood to the heart is an important health problem that increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and death due to cardiovascular […]
COVID-19 infections were high among hospital staff but re-infection rates are very low
A study of healthcare workers shows they were three times more likely to become infected during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the general population. Around one in five of workers who were infected were asymptomatic and unaware they had COVID-19. The study published in ERJ Open Research [1] also shows that it was not only […]
Ozone in air pollution is linked to fibroid development in Black women
Higher levels of ozone from air pollution are linked to an increased risk of developing fibroids among Black American women according to a large study published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in and around the womb. They are diagnosed in 25-30% of […]
Disrupted sleep is linked to increased risk of death, particularly in women
For the first time, a study has shown a clear link between the frequency and duration of unconscious wakefulness during night-time sleep and an increased risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels, and death from any cause, particularly in women. The study of 8001 men and women, which is published in […]