Latest news with #vascularhealth
Medscape
5 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Up to 44% of Dementia Cases Preventable
Maintaining optimal vascular health throughout late life can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia before age 80 years, new research showed. Investigators estimated the proportion of new dementia cases linked to modifiable vascular risk factors. The results suggested that 22%-44% of dementia cases by age 80 years could be attributed to poor vascular health through age 74 years. The findings highlighted the 'potentially immense value of early detection of vascular risk factors and primordial prevention (eg, vis-à-vis promotion of physical activity and healthy body weight management) beginning in midlife,' wrote the study team, led by Jason Smith, PhD, with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. The study was published online on June 2 in JAMA Neurology . Vascular Health Equals Brain Health Hypertension, diabetes, and smoking are widely recognized modifiable vascular risk factors for dementia. While their roles have been studied individually, the cumulative impact of these risk factors across the lifespan — and how this varies by genetic background, race, and sex — has been less clear. Smith and colleagues used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study, with 33 years of follow-up, to assess the fraction of dementia attributable to hypertension, diabetes, and smoking measured at different life stages. A total of 7731 participants were included in the analysis of risk factors measured at age 45-54 years (58% women, 71% White, 29% Black); 12,274 contributed data at age 55-64 years (55% women, 76% White, 24% Black); and 6787 contributed data at age 65-74 years (56% women, 80% White, 20% Black). Overall, a total of 2218 people developed dementia by their 80th birthday. By age 80 years, the population attributable fraction of dementia attributable to at least one vascular risk factor measured at age 45-54 years was 22%; at 55-64 years, it was 26%, and at 65-74 years, it was 44%. Only 2%-8% of dementia cases occurring after age 80 years were attributable to these vascular risk factors. Subgroup differences emerged. For example, the attributable fractions for the vascular risk factors were higher in APOE-ε4 noncarriers aged 55 years or older (range, 33%-61%). 'This reflects the fact that in populations with lower genetic Alzheimer risk, the extent of the relative contribution of vascular disease to dementia risk is greater,' the study team explained. Attributable fractions for the vascular risk factors were also higher in Black individuals aged 45 years or older (range, 26%-53%) and women aged 55 years or older (range, 29%-51%). Risk factor clusters such as hypertension plus diabetes and smoking plus diabetes significantly increased dementia risk, with hazard ratios ranging from 2.00 to 3.54, depending on age and risk factor combination. The importance of hypertension and diabetes increased with age, whereas the importance of smoking decreased with age. 'Given the contribution of vascular disease to dementia and the overlap in risk factors between CVD and dementia, interventions that address these underlying risk factors have the potential to reduce the risk of both outcomes,' the co-authors of a linked editorial said. These results also suggest that 'to be optimally effective, interventions to reduce dementia risk by addressing vascular risk factors may need to be individualized and targeted based on factors such as age, genetics, race, and sex,' Roch A. Nianogo, MD, PhD, with University of California, Los Angeles, and Deborah E. Barnes, PhD, MPH, with University of California, San Francisco, wrote.
Associated Press
11-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Dubai Vein Specialist: Varicose Vein Treatment in Dubai and Spider Vein Treatment in Dubai by Leading Vascular Surgeon
Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, UK-trained vascular surgeon, offers advanced varicose vein treatment in Dubai and spider vein treatment in Dubai using modern techniques. 'Today's varicose vein treatment in Dubai and spider vein treatment in Dubai offer safe, effective results with minimal downtime — helping patients return to life quickly and confidently.'— Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon DUBAI, دبي — DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, May 11, 2025 / / -- Individuals in the UAE struggling with leg pain, visible veins, or chronic venous conditions now have access to expert care through Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, a UK-trained consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon. Renowned for his precision and patient-focused approach, Dr. Soroush Sohrabi offers state-of-the-art varicose vein treatment in Dubai and spider vein treatment in Dubai, utilizing advanced, image-guided techniques for safety, comfort, and effectiveness. Varicose veins and spider veins are common vascular issues, particularly in hot climates like Dubai, where standing for long hours or exposure to heat can aggravate symptoms. These conditions may begin as mild discomfort or purely cosmetic concerns. However, in some patients, they can progress to ongoing leg pain, swelling, pigmentation, or even skin ulceration if not addressed. Even at early stages, visible veins can impact confidence, self-image, and daily comfort. Dr. Soroush Sohrabi brings a global standard of care to the UAE with international training in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. His treatment approach combines evidence-based medicine, cutting-edge technology, and individualized planning. 'Minimally invasive procedures have revolutionized varicose vein treatment in Dubai,' says Dr. Sohrabi. 'Patients can now achieve long-term relief with minimal downtime and excellent cosmetic outcomes.' Advanced Treatment Options Dr. Soroush Sohrabi specializes in non-surgical and catheter-based therapies, avoiding general anesthesia and ensuring faster recovery. His key treatment offerings include: • Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): Laser energy seals the vein from within, performed under local anesthesia. • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat via radiofrequency waves to collapse faulty veins with minimal discomfort. • ClariVein® Mechanochemical Ablation: Combines mechanical rotation and sclerosing agent to close veins without heat. • Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: Effective for spider veins and residual varicosities using foamed sclerosants. Most procedures are outpatient, allowing patients to resume normal activity within 1–2 days. Precision Diagnostics and Personalized Planning Every treatment begins with a comprehensive Doppler ultrasound to map vein flow and detect reflux. This diagnostic step is critical for tailoring treatment to each patient's anatomy and severity. 'No two cases are the same,' Dr. Sohrabi explains. 'Personalized planning ensures that each patient receives the most effective outcome.' He also prioritizes: • Transparent education and pre-treatment discussion • Compression therapy when clinically appropriate • Structured long-term follow-up Who Can Benefit from Treatment? Patients may benefit from evaluation if they experience: • Persistent heaviness or aching in the legs • Night-time cramps • Visible spider veins or bulging varicose veins • Ankle swelling or discoloration • Skin changes or itching near the lower legs Why Choose Dr. Soroush Sohrabi? With a reputation for ethical practice, meticulous technique, and global expertise, Dr. Soroush Sohrabi is regarded among the best doctors for varicose vein treatment in Dubai and spider vein treatment in Dubai. He is among the few vascular surgeons in the UAE offering both thermal and non-thermal options, including ClariVein®, a modern, needle-sparing treatment that minimizes bruising and speeds recovery. 'I aim to restore comfort, function, and confidence with minimal disruption to life,' says Dr. Sohrabi. Booking a Consultation Consultations include: • Full Doppler ultrasound mapping • Diagnosis of venous insufficiency or other pathology • Clear explanation of conservative and interventional treatments Dr. Soroush Sohrabi treats both local UAE and international patients, offering multilingual support and timely scheduling. Learn More or Book an Appointment varicose vein treatment in Dubai spider vein treatment in Dubai About Dubai Vein Specialist Dubai Vein Specialist is the platform of Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, a UK-trained board-certified consultant offering spider vein treatment in Dubai, varicose vein treatment in Dubai, and chronic venous care. His practice emphasizes accuracy, ethics, and long-term outcomes. Disclaimer: All treatments are subject to clinical assessment. Outcomes may vary depending on condition severity, health status, and adherence to follow-up protocols. Dr. Soroush Sohrabi Dubaiveinspecialist email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent warning as just ONE popular drink can ‘damage your brain and blood vessels'
JUST one energy drink or sugar-free soda containing a key ingredient could damage the brain and blood vessels, researchers have claimed. American scientists linked a common sugar substitute to a higher risk of vascular health issues, including stroke. Erythritol (E968) is an artificial sweetener that commonly replaces sugar in low-calorie, low-carbohydrate and keto products. It tends to be used in energy drinks, protein bars and snack foods and is often marketed as "healthy", according to researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder's Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory. But they claimed that the amount of erythritol found in a single beverage serving may be enough to negatively impact brain and blood vessel health. First author Auburn Berry, a graduate student at the university, said: 'While erythritol is widely used in sugar-free products marketed as healthier alternatives, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on vascular health. 'In general, people should be conscious of the amount of erythritol they are consuming on a daily basis.' The study - presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit last month - investigated how erythritol affects oxidative stress and nitric oxide production in brain blood vessel cells. Oxidative stress happens when harmful molecules - called free radicals - build up in your body and there aren't enough good molecules - called antioxidants - to stop them. This can damage your cells, leading to ageing and contributing to diseases like cancer, heart problems, or diabetes. Meanwhile, nitric oxide is a gas made by your body that helps your cells communicate. It relaxes and widens your blood vessels, improving blood flow, and plays an important role in keeping your heart, brain, and immune system healthy. TikTok's viral protein Diet Coke trend explained Why doctors warn against mixing protein into your cola They exposed human brain blood vessel cells to an erythritol solution containing roughly the same amount found in an energy drink or artificially sweetened soda - about 30g - and left this in the solution for three hours. They found that exposing cells to that amount of erythritol caused significantly higher levels of oxidative stress, compared to untreated cells. The sweetener-steeped cells produced nearly 100 per cent more free radicals, researchers said. Levels of two key antioxidant enzymes also increased in the erythritol-treated cells, suggesting the cells were responding to the extra oxidative stress, and they produced less nitric oxide. The 3 feared risks of artificial sweeteners They could increase risk of heart attack and stroke Research published earlier this year suggests aspartame, a common sugar substitute, may negatively impact vascular health. It was shown to trigger insulin spikes in mice, which can lead to atherosclerosis - plaque buildup in arteries - and increased inflammation. This could potentially raise the risk of heart attack or stroke, researchers suggested. Researchers fed mice daily doses of food containing 0.15 per cent aspartame for 12 weeks - the equivalent of consuming about three cans of diet soda each day for humans Aspartame-fed mice developed larger and more fatty plaques in their arteries compared to mice who weren't given sweeteners. When the research team analysed the mice's blood, they found a "surge" in insulin levels after aspartame entered their system. They said aspartame - which is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar - seemed to "trick" the receptors into releasing more insulin. The mice's elevated insulin levels appeared to fuel the growth of fatty plaques in their arteries, researchers added. But scientists not involved in the study said you don't need to pour out your diet soda just yet - as we don't yet know whether the artificial sweetener has the same effect on humans. They may increase sugary cravings Some studies link artificial sweeteners to increased appetite and cravings for sugary food. One - published in 2021 - found that sucralose made people feel hungrier. Researcher Professor Kathleen Page said: 'Drinking artificially sweetened drinks may trick the brain into feeling hungry, which may in turn result in more calories being consumed.' However, Gavin Partington, of the British Soft Drinks Association, said the study should be 'treated with caution' because it was based on a 'tiny' number of participants. Other studies suggested that artificial sweeteners can alter people's gut microbiome and cause weight gain. But it should be noted that lots of research supports that sugar substitutes can help with weight loss and maintenance. They may be linked to type 2 diabetes People who regularly consume artificial sweeteners may be more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a lower intake, a study published in 2023 showed. The additives may stop the body from being able to regulate blood sugar levels healthily, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital suggested. Prior studies have discovered that the sweeteners saccharin and sucralose can increase the blood sugar levels of healthy people. Researchers said their findings suggested that increased oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide production in brain blood vessel cells - which may impair blood flow - could lead to a higher risk of vascular events like stroke. Dr Berry explained to Medical News Today that the sweetener 'disrupts the production of nitric oxide,' which is vital for the blood vessels to dilate and ensures proper blood flow. This reduction in nitric oxide can impair blood vessel function, disrupt circulation, and potentially cause neurovascular damage, she added. Dr Berry suggested that people concerned about heart or brain health should consider limiting their intake, warning that 'regular erythritol consumption may impair blood vessel health and function'. She told Medical News Today: 'The most important point of our study is that non-nutritive sweeteners, in this case erythritol, can have negative health effects. 'Based on our cell studies and recent clinical studies, people should be conscious of the amount of erythritol they are consuming on a daily basis,' she added. 2 Professor Thomas Holland from the Rush University Medical Centre Institute for Health and Ageing - who was not involved in this study - told the outlet that erythritol could lead to increased rates of cognitive decline. 'Erythritol triggers a surge in harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species which cause cellular damage,' he explained. 'Of particular concern is when these reactive oxygen species cause damage to neural tissue, which can lead to increased rates of cognitive decline. 'Similarly, [reactive oxygen species] can cause damage in various organ systems leading to a slew of disease processes. The body tries to defend against this by increasing its internal antioxidant defenses, but the elevated stress remains.' He advised people go for more natural options like honey or date-syrup, or stevia if they're avoiding sugar. According to the NHS, all sweeteners used in the UK undergo rigorous safety assessments before they can be added to food and drinks. It says all approved sweeteners are considered a safe and acceptable alternative to using sugar, though they don't necessarily make a food or drink healthy. There's no need to keep track of how much sweetener we consume daily, the guidance added. It's not the first time research has linked erythritol to adverse health events. A study published last year linked the sweetener to an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Senior author Dr Stanley Hazen, chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences in Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute and co-section head of Preventive Cardiology, said: "Many professional societies and clinicians routinely recommend that people at high cardiovascular risk – those with obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome – consume foods that contain sugar substitutes rather than sugar. "These findings underscore the importance of further long-term clinical studies to assess the cardiovascular safety of erythritol and other sugar substitutes."
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Low-calorie sweetener may increase risk of stroke
in New York A new study suggests that erythritol, a common sugar substitute, may increase the risk of vascular health issues like stroke. Researchers found that exposure to erythritol levels comparable to those in a single energy drink increased oxidative stress and disrupted nitric oxide production in brain blood vessel cells. Oxidative stress can damage cells, while nitric oxide is crucial for blood vessel dilation and healthy blood flow. This research challenges the perception of erythritol as a harmless sugar substitute and highlights the need for moderation, especially for individuals with vascular disease risk factors, a scientist says. The study's abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit and will be published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Common sugar substitute may contribute to higher risk of vascular scares like stroke, study finds
A common sugar substitute used in sugar-free energy drinks, protein bars and snack foods could contribute to a higher risk of vascular health issues, including stroke, according to a new study. Erythritol, an artificial low-calorie sweetener, is often marketed as 'healthy,' but researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder's Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory found that just one serving of the compound in one beverage could be harmful for brain and blood vessel health. 'While erythritol is widely used in sugar-free products marketed as healthier alternatives, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on vascular health,' said Auburn Berry, lead author of the study. 'In general, people should be conscious of the amount of erythritol they are consuming on a daily basis.' The study's abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit in Baltimore at the end of April and is expected to be published in the Journal of Applied Physiology soon. Researchers wanted to investigate how the sugar substitute impacts oxidative stress – an imbalance of unstable molecules that can damage cells – and nitric oxide production in brain blood vessel cells. They exposed human cells to erythritol solution, amounting to approximately the same quantity found in an energy drink, and left this in the solution for three hours. Researchers said that this exposure caused significantly higher levels of oxidative stress than untreated cells. Berry explained to Medical News Today that the sweetener 'disrupts the production of nitric oxide,' which is vital for the blood vessels to dilate and ensures proper blood flow. Scientist and professor Thomas M. Holland, who was not involved in this study, of the Rush University Medical Center Institute for Health and Aging, also told the outlet that erythritol can lead to increased rates of cognitive decline. 'Erythritol triggers a surge in harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species which cause cellular damage,' he explained. 'Of particular concern is when these reactive oxygen species cause damage to neural tissue, which can lead to increased rates of cognitive decline.' He added: 'Similarly, [reactive oxygen species] can cause damage in various organ systems leading to a slew of disease processes. The body tries to defend against this by increasing its internal antioxidant defenses, but the elevated stress remains.' Holland also said that the findings 'challenge' the perception that erythritol is 'a harmless sugar substitute' and 'underscore the need for moderation, particularly in those with risk factors for vascular disease.'
