Plant Protein Linked to Lower Mortality

A US prospective observational cohort study revealed that higher plant protein intake was associated with reductions in risk of overall and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. The study included 237 036 men (57%, median ages 62.2) and 179 068 women (median age 62.0). Based on 6 009 748 person-years of observation, 77 614 deaths (18.7%; 49 297 […]


CBT on Par with Medication for Insomnia

A sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial concluded that behavioral therapy (BT) and zolpidem medication produced equivalent response and remission rates for insomnia. Adding a second treatment produced an added value for those whose insomnia failed to remit with initial therapies. The study included 211 adults (132 women; mean age, 45.6 years) […]


2020 ACS Guideline on Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention

The American Cancer Society just updated the guideline on diet and physical activity for cancer prevention, which is consistent with guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association for the prevention of coronary heart disease and diabetes as well as for general health promotion. Recommendations for individuals: […]


Shifted Global Epicenter of High Cholesterol

A global analysis of pooled population-based studies showed the global repositioning of lipid-related risk over the past nearly four decades, with non-optimal cholesterol shifting from high-income countries in northwestern Europe, north America and Australasia to countries in east and southeast Asia and Oceania. The analysis included 1,127 population-based studies that measured […]


Medical Therapy, Carotid Endarterectomy on Par in Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis

A US comparative effectiveness study suggests that, given the up-front perioperative risks associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and the reduced benefit derived from revascularization, initial medical therapy may be an acceptable treatment strategy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. The study included 5221 patients who received carotid imaging between January 1, 2005, […]


Benign Prognosis of Asymptomatic Intracranial Stenosis

A prospective cohort study in England found that the prevalence ofasymptomatic intracranial stenosis (ICS) increased with age in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke, but did not increase the short- or medium-term risk of distal recurrent ischemic stroke in patients receiving standard medical treatment. The study included […]


COVID-19 Positivity Not Higher in ACEI or ARB Users

A US retrospective cohort study found no association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) use and COVID-19 test positivity. The study included 18 472 patients tested for COVID-19 (mean age 49 years, 40% male, and 69% white), 12.4% were taking either ACEIs or ARBs. A positive […]