Fact Check: Does Pap Smear Damage the Cervix?

An Instagram post claims that pap smear damages the cervix. The claim is False.

Claim

The Instagram post claims that “pap smear damages the cervix“. The Instagram user dr.naturalhealing posted a reel which features featuring Barbara O’Neill, an Australian alternative healthcare promoter known for advocating unsupported health practices. In the reel, she can be seen lecturing about the pap smear, she says, “Please don’t have a Pap smear. Everytime you have a pap smear, you’re damaging the cervix.”

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. Pap smears help detect early signs of cervical cancer and are an important part of routine health checks. Though briefly uncomfortable for some, they do not cause any harm to the cervix.

What is cervix?

The cervix is a small, muscular part of the female reproductive system that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (birth canal). Although it’s often described as cylinder-shaped, its front and back walls usually touch each other, making it appear flatter. On average, the cervix is about 4 cm long and 3 cm wide.

The cervix has two main parts:

1. The lower part (called the intravaginal part) sits at the top of the vagina and can be seen during a medical exam.

2. The upper part lies above the vagina, inside the pelvis or lower abdomen.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.

The main cause of cervical cancer is a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV, called high-risk HPV, can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. If these changes are not found and treated in time, they can turn into cancer.

Doctors use HPV tests and Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer: The HPV test checks if you have the virus and the Pap smear looks for abnormal cells in the cervix.

Cervical cancer can often be prevented. The best ways to lower your risk are getting regular screenings to catch any changes early, getting the HPV vaccine, which has been available since 2006. It protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is a simple and important test used to check for early signs of cervical cancer in women. During the test, a doctor gently collects cells from the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. These cells are then looked at under a microscope to see if there are any changes that might lead to cancer.

The Pap smear was developed by Dr. George Papanicolaou and has become the standard method for cervical cancer screening. It helps detect problems early, often before any symptoms appear, making treatment more effective.

Is Pap Smear a recommended screening method for cervical cancer?

Yes, pap smear is the recommended screening method for cervical cancer, and it is also the widely used method around the world for the diagnosis of cervical cancer.

According to WHO, “In high resource settings, cytology (pap smear) is the most widely used screening test for cervical cancer” 

Additionally, UNICEF recommended having the pap smear done for the diagnosis of HPV and cervical cancer.

Does Pap Smear Damage the Cervix?

A pap smear is a simple and important test used to detect early signs of cervical cancer in women. While some studies have highlighted the importance of Pap smears in early detection and noted that some women may feel mild discomfort during the procedure, there is no medical consensus or scientific evidence supporting the claim that Pap smears cause damage to the cervix.

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer have mentioned that pap smears may cause short-term symptoms in women, including lower abdominal pain, urinary discomfort, feeling dizzy, feeling sick, and/or painful sexual activity. But, there is no evidence that pap smears cause any damage to the cervix. 

Another review article published in Heliyon noted that women reported experiencing pain during the Pap smear procedure, primarily due to the use of a speculum—a device used to visualize internal structures like the vagina. But, the review did not indicate that Pap smears cause any harm to the cervix.

Several studies have emphasized the importance of Pap smears in cervical cancer screening. One such study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care highlighted that pap smear is a simple, affordable, non-invasive, and easy-to-use method for early detection of precancerous lesions, recommending its use for all women aged 25–30 and above for cervical screening.

Another study published in the International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences indicated that the incidence of invasive cervical cancer can be prevented through the effective implementation of pap smear screening programs in the target population.

Yet one more study published in the Journal of Medical Sciences and Health has highlighted that pap smear screening aids in identifying potentially precancerous lesions and infections, thereby facilitating timely medical intervention.

Research has shown that Pap smears may lead to short-term symptoms in some women, such as lower abdominal pain, urinary discomfort, dizziness, nausea, and pain caused by the speculum. However, numerous studies also emphasize the significance of Pap smears in cervical cancer screening and early detection of precancerous lesions. Importantly, no scientific evidence suggests that Pap smears damage the cervix, nor is there any consensus within the medical community supporting such a claim.

Dr Pratiksha Gupta, Professor, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, ESIC Hospital, told Medical Dialogues, “Pap smears are a routine part of women’s health screening and are designed to detect early changes in cervical cells. While the procedure might be briefly uncomfortable for some, it does not harm or damage the cervix. The purpose is prevention, and the benefits of regular screening far outweigh the temporary discomfort. Pap smear and Mammography are both best screening tools for cervical and breast cancer detection. Both tests are safe and without any harmful effect and discomfort. They both detect cancers in very early stage and they can be treated at early stage with cure.”

Dr Upasana Palo, MBBS, MS (OB/GYN), DNB(OB/GYN), MRCOG (UK), DrNB (Gynecologic Oncology), added, “Pap smear test is a form of screening test which screens for cervical cancer by examining cells collected from the cervix for abnormalities or infections, such as those caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The primary purpose of a Pap smear is to detect cervical cancer and precancerous changes in the cervix, allowing for early intervention and potentially preventing the progression of these changes into cancer. A small sample of cells is collected from the cervix using a small brush, and these cells are then examined under a microscope. This doesn’t cause any form of damage to the cervix.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Pap smears are a simple and important tool for early detection of cervical cancer. While some women may experience mild, short-term discomfort during the procedure, it does not harm or damage the cervix. Regular screening remains a key step in protecting women’s health and preventing serious cervical issues before they develop.

Hence the claim that pap smear damage the cervix is False.

Powered by WPeMatico

Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure to Prevent Future Pandemics: Health Minister

New Delhi: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to global health systems and economies, highlighting significant gaps in preparedness and response mechanisms. During a recent Lok Sabha session, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, informed that the government has taken proactive steps to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance economic resilience, and improve pandemic preparedness.

A key part of the government’s recovery plan has been robust capital expenditure, especially in infrastructure, and support for small enterprises, agriculture, and education. According to the Ministry, these efforts have contributed to a projected average annual growth rate of 8.2% for the period 2021-2025, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

In anticipation of future pandemics, India has significantly enhanced its medical and emergency infrastructure through a series of targeted schemes and programs. These initiatives focus on both preventive measures and strengthening the country’s healthcare capacity.

Research and development (R&D) is another pillar of India’s strategy to combat future pandemics. The government has promoted R&D across a wide array of fields, including disease epidemiology, genomics, and the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics. The Department of Health Research, alongside the Ministry of Science and Technology, has been actively involved in promoting research to ensure that India is ready to respond swiftly to any future health crises.

The government has also allocated substantial financial resources to further bolster the healthcare system. Moreover, raising awareness among the general public is essential to ensure that communities are prepared for future pandemics. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched several campaigns under the Swastha Nagrik Abhiyan (SNA).

Also Read: Delhi AIIMS faces Shortage of Senior, Junior Residents: MoS Health

The minister was responding to the questions raised by Putta Mahesh Kumar whether the Government has prepared any emergency policies so as to reduce the massive economic losses caused by the previous pandemic in the country, and if so, the details thereof.

He asked about the details of the preparedness of India’s medical and emergency infrastructure for future possible pandemics;

He seeks to know the total number of researchers and professionals who have been appointed/presently employed to ensure that India is prepared for future pandemic situations in our country.

He also asked about the total amount of funds allocated and utilised to make our medical infrastructure prepared for possible pandemics in the future across the country during the last three years, State/UT-wise, especially in Andhra Pradesh; and

Furthermore, he asked whether the Government has undertaken any campaigns for raising awareness on pandemic preparedness amongst the general public and if so, the details thereof?

Also Read: Centre allocates Rs 805 crore to intensify fight against Anemia: Minister informs Parliament

Responding to these questions, the minister informed that the Government of India, in light of the pandemic, has followed an inclusive policy approach by strengthening social security systems along with a continued emphasis on economic growth. The government is implementing various targeted measures to provide relief to low-income and vulnerable sections, such as by providing the elderly with pensions, healthcare facilities and creating elder-friendly public spaces and mobility options. This, coupled with the Government’s efforts to provide affordable housing, social security for workers, food security, financial inclusion, universal access to basic amenities, and affordable healthcare to improve the overall well-being. At the same time, the Government’s focus on robust capital expenditure, infrastructure build-up, financial sector reforms, ease of doing business, agriculture, education, skill development, small Page 2 of 3 and micro enterprises, and urban development is likely to sustain high growth rates of Indian economy, amidst geopolitical uncertainties. These measures have helped the Indian economy to achieve an average annual growth rate of 8.2 per cent during 2021-22 to 2024-25 (estimates for 2024-25 are the second advance estimate released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation).

Prevention of and preparedness against pandemics is a shared global responsibility. In order to better prepare against future pandemics/public health emergencies in the country, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare provides requisite support to States/UTs to enhance their capabilities.

MoS Health further informed that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs to strengthen the public healthcare system, including setting up of health facilities and recruitment of medical personnel based on the proposals received in the form of Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) under National Health Mission.

Further, the Government of India has launched several schemes to address healthcare infrastructure in all the States/UTs in the country, in addition to the National Health Mission:

• Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) envisages increased investments in public health and other health reforms to provide better access to health in rural areas by i) Strengthening of Health and Wellness Centres in villages and cities for early detection of diseases; ii) Addition of new critical care-related beds at district level hospitals; iii) Support for Block Public Health Units (BPHU) in 11 high focus States; and iv) Integrated district public health laboratories in all districts.

• The Fifteenth Finance Commission (FC-XV) has recommended grants through local governments for specific components of the health sector and spread over the five-year period from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 to facilitate strengthening of the health system at the grassroots level.

• The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) aims at correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable tertiary healthcare services and to augment facilities for quality medical education in the country. The Scheme has two components, namely, (i) setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS); and (ii) Upgradation of existing Government Medical Colleges/Institutions (GMCIs).

• Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), ‘Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals’, with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts, where there is no existing Government or private medical college. The fund sharing mechanism between the Centre and State Governments is in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern and Special Category States, and 60:40 for others.

Preparedness and response to pandemics is a multi-faceted activity wherein research and development activities span a wide array of activities, including disease epidemiology, genomics, development, and clinical testing of pandemic countermeasures like diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines, logistics, etc. Government of India promotes research and development in such Page 3 of 3 activities through a number of technical Ministries/Departments, including the Department of Health Research and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Funding support has been provided to States/UTs for health system strengthening to meet any exigency due to public health emergencies like pandemics. During the FY 2020-21, funds to the tune of Rs. 8473.73 crore have been released to the States/UTs towards the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP-I) for health infrastructure strengthening, expansion of laboratory network, surveillance, procurement of medical logistics, etc. Under India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package-Phase II, a sum of Rs. 12,740.22 crore support was provided to States/UTs for ramping up health infrastructure and provision of medical logistics. This included funds provided for enhancement of bed capacities at Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals; establishment of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) plants, establishment of paediatric Centres of Excellence and paediatric ICU beds, etc.

Further, a release of approximately Rs. 4500.64 crore has been provided as central release of grants under PM-ABHIM (FY 2022-23 till FY 2024-25) for better public health preparedness through Critical Care Blocks at Medical Colleges and District Hospitals, Integrated Public Health Laboratories, etc.

Financial support of Rs. 441.94 crore, Rs. 417.91 crore, and Rs. 80.86 crore was provided to the State Government of Andhra Pradesh under ECRP-I, ECRP-II, and PM-ABHIM, respectively.

Also Read: Centre clarifies No Proposal for AIIMS in Moradabad

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under Central Sector Scheme, Swastha Nagrik Abhiyan (SNA) aims to support healthy lives and promote the well-being of all at all ages through Information Education and Communication (IEC) activities. Such IEC activities are taken up by the States/UTs as per the priorities of the diseases under the National Health Mission (NHM) program. IEC activities have encouraged health-seeking behavior among the masses resulting in better health outcomes through various Health programs of the government, the minister added.

Powered by WPeMatico

Biosimilar Liraglutide Matches Reference in Weight Loss and Glycemic Control in Indian T2DM: Study

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease of global concern, often associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Global guidelines recommend a holistic approach for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus management by addressing the associated comorbidities. Here, we have conducted a post-hoc evaluation of a Liraglutide biosimilar Phase III trial on weight reduction and glycemic benefits in Indian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients with obesity in comparison to reference liraglutide.

They have conducted a post-hoc analysis of a Liraglutide biosimilar Phase III trial on weight reduction in Indian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients with obesity in comparison to reference liraglutide.

We evaluated weight reduction and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) improvement in Indian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients (Body Mass Index greater than 25 kilograms per square meter) from baseline to week 24. 

Group A – Intervention arm: Liraglutide Biosimilar in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients with obesity. 

Group B – Control arm: Reference Liraglutide in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients with obesity. The primary endpoint was the mean change in body weight from baseline to week 24. 

Results: A total of 179 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients (Body Mass Index greater than 25 kilograms per square meter and above) who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in this post-hoc analysis. The mean Body Mass Index of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients with obesity in the Biosimilar Liraglutide arm was 29.8 ± 4.6 kilograms per square meter, and in the Reference Liraglutide arm, it was 29.8 ± 4.8 kilograms per square meter.

A significant mean weight reduction (Mean ± Standard Deviation) of 5.5 ± 1.2 kilograms (7.3 ± 1.7%) and 7.1 ± 2.6 kilograms (8.9 ± 1.7%) (p < 0.001) was demonstrated by both biosimilar liraglutide and reference liraglutide, respectively. However, weight reduction was comparable across both groups at week 24 (p = 0.71). Likewise, glycemic parameters (glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial plasma glucose) significantly improved in both treatment arms (p < 0.001).

However, they were comparable across the groups at week 24 with a p-value of 0.89, 0.43, and 0.17 for glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial plasma glucose, respectively. Biosimilar Liraglutide at a dose of up to 1.8 milligrams was non-inferior to reference Liraglutide and resulted in significant weight reduction and glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial plasma glucose) in Indian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients with obesity.

Reference:
Ghosh, S., Sethi, B., Kalra, S. et al. Effect of liraglutide biosimilar vs. reference liraglutide on weight reduction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients with obesity: post hoc analysis of a Phase III trial. Cardiovascular Diabetology – Endocrinology Reports, 11, 6 (2025).https://doi.org/10.1186/s40842-025-00219-7

Powered by WPeMatico

Planetary health diet and mediterranean diet associated with similar survival and sustainability benefits: Study

Two plant-based diets were associated with similar survival benefits and low environmental impact, according to research presented today at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2025, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Diet contributes significantly to cardiovascular disease mortality, with estimates indicating that across the European region, one in every five premature deaths could be prevented by an optimised diet.

“In 2019, the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) was developed to optimise global dietary quality while keeping the environmental impacts of food production within sustainable planetary boundaries,” said study author Dr. Mercedes Sotos Prieto of the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain. “However, there was a lack of evidence on how the PHD compares with the Mediterranean Diet, a plant-based diet with established health and environmental benefits, that is well rooted in Mediterranean countries. We evaluated the effects of both diets on all-cause mortality and environmental impact in a large representative Spanish population.”

The PHD involves energy intake of around 2,500 kcal/day and focuses primarily on high consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and unsaturated oils; moderate intake of dairy, starchy vegetables, poultry and fish; and low consumption of saturated fats, red meat and added sugars.

The Mediterranean Diet is characterised by a pattern rich in fruits and vegetables (seasonal), legumes, whole grains and nuts, with olive oil as the main dietary fat, greater consumption of white or lean meats than of red or processed meats, and with moderate consumption of dairy products, fish and eggs.

In the analysis, data on food intake were collected from 11,488 participants in the Study on Nutrition and Cardiovascular Risk in Spain (ENRICA), a prospective cohort study of individuals recruited between June 2008 and October 2010.4 The PHD Index (0–140 points) was calculated for each participant based on their consumption of 15 food groups: whole grains, starchy vegetables, vegetables, whole fruits, dairy foods, red/processed meat, chicken and other poultry, eggs, fish/shellfish, nuts, non-soy legumes, soybean/soy foods, added saturated and trans-fat, added unsaturated oils, and added sugar and fruit juice. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was assessed using the 14-item MEDAS score (0–14 points), which is based on components such as using olive oil for cooking and dressings, eating white meat and seafood over red meat, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, and low intake of high-fat dairy products, commercial baked goods and sugar-sweetened/carbonated beverages. The environmental impact of each diet was assessed using the SHARP-Indicators Database (SHARP-ID), which includes data on greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index of Spain. Analyses were performed across tertiles of adherence to the diets, with adjustment for confounders.

Study participants had a mean age of 47.5 years (range, 18–96 years) and around a half (52.5%) were women. A total of 1,157 all-cause deaths occurred during a mean follow-up of 14.4 years.

Higher adherence to the PHD and Mediterranean Diet was similarly associated with lower all-cause mortality. Participants in the top third for adherence to the PHD had a 22% lower chance of dying than those in the lowest third (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.91). For the Mediterranean Diet, participants in the top third for adherence had a 21% lower chance of dying than those in the lowest third (adjusted HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.68–0.93). Adherence to some components of the PHD (fruits, dairy and unsaturated oils) and the Mediterranean Diet (nuts, low consumption of soda and pastries) was independently associated with lower mortality.

In terms of environmental impact, both diets had similarly low footprints. For the PHD, the average level of greenhouse gas emissions was 4.15 kg of CO₂ per day and average level of land use was 5.54 m2 per daily food intake. The average level of greenhouse gas emissions for the Mediterranean Diet including dairy was 4.36 kg of CO₂ per day and the average level of land use was 5.43 m2 per daily food intake. Dairy and meat products were the largest footprint contributors.

Dr. Sotos Prieto concluded: “Higher adherence to both diets was similarly associated with lower all-cause mortality and with comparable low environmental impact, highlighting the substantial health and planetary advantages of adopting one of these plant-based diets.”

Powered by WPeMatico

No Clear Benefit of Fluid Restriction in Chronic Heart Failure: FRESH-UP Trial

Netherlands: A recent randomized clinical trial has raised questions about the common practice of fluid restriction in managing chronic heart failure (CHF). It showed no significant advantage in health outcomes compared to more liberal fluid intake.

The findings, published in Nature Medicine, challenge the traditional guideline that encourages fluid restriction for patients with chronic heart failure. Despite being a widely used recommendation, evidence supporting its efficacy has been limited. This study contributes valuable data, suggesting that allowing more liberal fluid intake does not worsen outcomes and may even reduce patient discomfort associated with thirst.

Fluid restriction is a common recommendation for patients with chronic heart failure; however, evidence from randomized clinical trials evaluating its true impact remains limited. To address this gap, Roland R. J. van Kimmenade, Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, and colleagues conducted a multicenter open-label trial in which outpatients with chronic heart failure were randomly assigned to receive guidance either for liberal fluid intake or for restricting fluid consumption to a maximum of 1,500 ml per day.

The main goal of the trial was to evaluate patients’ health status after three months, measured using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score (KCCQ-OSS). The study also looked at secondary outcomes, including how much thirst patients experienced and any safety-related events.

The key findings of the study were as follows:

  • A total of 504 patients were randomly assigned to two groups, with 67.3% being male.
  • After 3 months, the average KCCQ-OSS score was 74.0 in the group allowed to drink more fluids and 72.2 in the fluid-restricted group.
  • After adjusting for baseline values, the difference in scores between the two groups was 2.17 points, implying that the main goal of the study was not achieved.
  • Patients in the fluid restriction group experienced more distress due to thirst.
  • There were no significant differences in safety-related events between the two groups.

These results raise doubts about the effectiveness of fluid restriction in patients with chronic heart failure. Despite being commonly recommended, limiting fluid intake did not lead to meaningful improvements in patients’ health status or safety outcomes. Those who were restricted from drinking fluids experienced greater discomfort due to thirst, without any clear benefit.

“These findings suggest that a more liberal approach to fluid intake may be equally safe and potentially more comfortable for patients, and further research may help refine fluid management strategies in chronic heart failure care,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

Herrmann, J. J., Baltussen, L. E., Bekkers, S. C., Bellersen, L., Van Eck, J. W., Hassing, H. C., Jaarsma, T., Linssen, G. C., Pisters, R., Verdijk, M. H., Handoko, M. L., Verbrugge, F. H., Januzzi, J. L., Nieuwlaat, R., Rodwell, L., Gommans, D. H., & Van Kimmenade, R. R. (2025). Liberal fluid intake versus fluid restriction in chronic heart failure: A randomized clinical trial. Nature Medicine, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03628-4

Powered by WPeMatico

Elevated Lipoprotein(a) may increase risk of coronary heart disease among diabetes patients: Study

A new study published in the recent issue of Atherosclerosis journal showed that lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels may change the relationship between diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD), or diabetes may change the relationship between Lp(a) and CHD in people without cardiovascular disease at baseline.

According to genetic epidemiology and observational data, Lp(a) is implicated in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The risk for ASCVD and calcific aortic valve stenosis seems to be linear and driven by proatherogenic, proinflammatory, and antifibrinolytic pathways, whereas circulating Lp(a) levels are mostly genetically dictated.

Diabetes is a risk factor for ASCVD on its own, and diabetics have a high lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, statin medication is advised for all persons aged 40 to 75 who have diabetes and an LDL-C level of at least 70 mg/dL. This research indicates that Lp(a) is a significant risk factor for both diabetics and non-diabetics. Investigating the combined relationship between diabetes, Lp(a), and CHD in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a sizable, multi-ethnic primary prevention cohort, was the aim of the current investigation.

A total of 6,668 people from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a community-based cohort that did not have clinical cardiovascular disease at baseline, were included in the current research. The participants were divided into Groups 1 to 4 which were defined as follows: Lp(a) <50 mg/dL without diabetes, Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL without diabetes, Lp(a) <50 mg/dL with diabetes, and Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL with diabetes. 

Both diabetes and log[Lp(a)] were independently linked to CHD in a fully adjusted model. Diabetes and logLp(a) had a significant multiplicative interaction (p=0.033). In a fully adjusted model, individuals with Lp(a) ≥50mg/dL without diabetes (group 2) had a higher risk of CHD than the reference group (Lp(a) <50mg/dL without diabetes).

Likewise, those with diabetes (group 3) who had Lp(a) <50 mg/dL were likewise at higher risk for CHD. Those with diabetes and Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL had the greatest risk for CHD. Overall, the findings imply that either diabetes may change the relationship between Lp(a) and CHD, or Lp(a) may change the relationship between diabetes and CHD.

Reference:

Rikhi, R., Haidar, A., Bhatia, H. S., Beam, K., McParland, J., Kazibwe, R., Chevli, P., Schaich, C. L., Sanghavi, M., & Shapiro, M. D. (2025). Association of lipoprotein(a) and diabetes in primary prevention of coronary heart disease: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA). Atherosclerosis, 119179, 119179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2025.119179

Powered by WPeMatico

Study Identifies 17 Shared, Modifiable Risk Factors for Stroke, Dementia, and Late-Life Depression

In a new extensive systematic review, Mass General Brigham researchers identified 17 modifiable risk factors that are shared by stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Modifying any one of them can reduce the risk of all three conditions. The findings are published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.
The researchers systematically searched the scientific literature for previously published meta-analyses of risk factors associated with stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Then, they combined these data to identify modifiable risk factors (i.e., those that can be altered through behavioral change) shared amongst at least two out of the three diseases. They also estimated the relative impact of each risk factor on measures of quality of life and early death.
Altogether, the researchers identified 17 risk factors shared by at least two of the diseases, including blood pressure, kidney disease, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, alcohol use, diet, hearing loss, pain, physical activity, purpose in life, sleep, smoking, social engagement, and stress. Of these, high blood pressure and severe kidney disease had the biggest impact on the incidence and burden of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. In contrast, physical activity and engagement in leisure activities with a cognitive aspect (e.g., puzzles) were associated with a lower risk of disease, though the researchers suspect that these associations may be symptomatic rather than causal, since individuals with brain disease may be less capable of engaging in physical and cognitive leisure activities.
“Dementia, stroke, and late-life depression are connected and intertwined, so if you develop one of them, there’s a substantial chance you may develop another one in the future,” said first author Jasper Senff, MD, post-doctoral fellow at the Singh Lab at the Brain Care Labs at MGH. “And because they share these overlapping risk factors, preventive efforts could lead to a reduction in the incidence of more than one of these diseases, which provides an opportunity to simultaneously reduce the burden of age-related brain diseases.”
Reference: https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/modifiable-risk-factors-for-stroke-dementia-depression

Powered by WPeMatico

Research Links Western Diet to Inflammation, Highlights Health Benefits of Traditional Foods

A switch of just two weeks from a traditional African diet to a Western diet causes inflammation, reduces the immune response to pathogens, and activates processes associated with lifestyle diseases. Conversely, an African diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods has positive effects. Findings are published in nature medicine.
Researchers from Radboud university medical center and KCMC University in Tanzania have studied the effects of such dietary changes on health.
Seventy-seven healthy men from Tanzania, both urban and rural residents, participated in the study. Some participants who traditionally ate an African diet switched to a Western diet for two weeks, while others who ate a Western diet adopted a traditional African diet. A third group consumed a fermented banana drink daily. As a control, ten participants maintained their usual diet. The researchers comprehensively analyzed the function of the immune system, blood inflammation markers, and metabolic processes at baseline, after the two-week intervention, and again four weeks later.
Participants who switched to a Western diet exhibited an increase in inflammatory proteins in their blood, alongside activation of biological processes linked to lifestyle diseases. Their immune cells also responded less effectively to pathogens. Meanwhile, those who switched to a traditional African diet or consumed the fermented drink showed a reduction in inflammatory markers. Some of these effects persisted even four weeks later, indicating that short-term dietary changes can have long-lasting effects.
Reference: http://radboudumc.nl/en/news-items/2025/western-diet-causes-inflammation,-traditional-african-food-protects

Powered by WPeMatico

Pre-eclampsia associated with earlier onset and higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors: Study

Women who have experienced pre-eclampsia have accelerated accumulation of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors compared with women who had pregnancies without pre-eclampsia according to research presented today at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2025, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Pre-eclampsia typically affects 2−5% of pregnant women and is broadly defined as the development of hypertension and high protein levels in the urine of a woman with previously normal blood pressure. In addition to the short-term risk to foetal and maternal health, pre-eclampsia is associated with an approximately doubled risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke.

“Despite the known long-term risks after pre-eclampsia, guidelines do not include specific recommendations on the necessity, timing and frequency of systematic CV assessment, which is likely due to a lack of empirical data,” said study author Emma Janssen from the Maastricht University Medical Centre, Netherlands, who continued: “As part of the Queen of Hearts study, we aimed to investigate the long-term prevalence of CV risk factors in women who experienced pre-eclampsia compared with normotensive pregnancies with no increased blood pressure to help guide proactive assessment, which in turn, may lead to more timely implementation of preventive strategies.”

In this retrospective cohort study conducted in Netherlands, data were collected from adult women with a history of pre-eclampsia (within a postpartum interval of 0.5–30 years) and from healthy women with a history of uncomplicated normotensive pregnancies. Cross-sectional postpartum assessment included medical history and physical examination, 30-minute blood pressure measurements, blood and 24-hour urine sampling, vascular function evaluation, electrocardiography and echocardiography. 

A total of 1,040 women after pre-eclampsia and 518 women after normotensive pregnancies were included. The researchers found higher rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia, either individually or combined, after pre-eclampsia than after normotensive pregnancies (adjusted hazard ratio 2.6; 95% confidence interval 2.1–3.2). These risk factors occurred, on average, 8 years earlier in the pre-eclampsia group (39±9 years) compared with the normotensive group (47±8 years). In addition, the prevalence of hypertension increased more steeply with ageing after pre-eclampsia than after normotensive pregnancies (p for interaction=0.044). In women after pre-eclampsia from the age of 35 years onwards, hypertension reached the CVD risk cut-off (prevalence ≥10%) that is deemed sufficiently high to warrant systematic CVD risk assessment.

Mrs Janssen summarised the findings: “In women who have experienced pre-eclampsia, CV risk factors occur almost a decade early, predominantly, but not exclusively, due to the premature and accelerated development of hypertension. Systematic CV risk assessment is warranted from 35 years of age and should be repeated regularly, at least every 5 years, to enable these women to receive appropriate preventive measures to reduce their high risk of CVD and potential sequelae.”

Dr. Chahinda Ghossein-Doha from the Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands, who is the principal investigator of the Queen of Hearts study concluded: “After their pre-eclampsia is managed, these women often fall through the net, without being referred for specialised follow-up. We need to be monitoring these young women regularly to detect any increase in risk factors in a period of their life when such an accumulation may be unexpected. For women after pre-eclampsia, taking steps to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle is important, as is discussing formal CV risk assessments with a healthcare professional.”

This research was presented during a session on the life-long protection of the female heart at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2025. Dr. Ghossein-Doha will also present data from the Queen of Hearts study at a Late Breaking session at the congress.5 Contrary to common belief, CVD kills more women than men, accounting for 37% of all deaths in women in EU member countries.

Powered by WPeMatico

Mild Renal Insufficiency Linked to Higher Inflammation and Increased Mortality Risk in STEMI Patients: Study

China: A recent study has highlighted the association between mild renal insufficiency, inflammatory status at the time of hospital admission, and increased one-year mortality risk in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

“Even mild renal insufficiency (eGFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m²) was associated with a twofold increase in one-year mortality risk (HR 2.18) in STEMI patients and correlated with elevated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission. Inflammation contributed to 1.7% of this link. Incorporating estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) into the risk model enhanced mortality prediction accuracy from 73% to 80% (C-index: 0.799),” the researchers reported in Scientific Reports.

Systemic inflammation progressively worsens with declining kidney function, yet the impact of mild renal insufficiency on inflammatory response at admission and its influence on clinical outcomes in STEMI patients remains unclear. Therefore, Jing Chen, Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, and colleagues explored the relationship between eGFR and NLR at admission, assessing their combined, interactive, and mediating effects on one-year mortality risk in STEMI patients.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 5,594 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI across seven high-volume centers in China between 2015 and 2021. They assessed kidney function using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and inflammatory status with the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission. The study investigated their combined impact on one-year mortality, employing statistical models to evaluate interactions, mediation effects, and predictive accuracy.

The following are the key findings of the study:

  • Mildly reduced eGFR (60–89 mL/min/1.73m²) was linked to higher NLR at admission and an increased 1-year mortality risk (HR 2.18).
  • Inflammation at admission contributed to 1.7% of the association between reduced eGFR and mortality risk.
  • Adding eGFR and NLR to a predictive model improved mortality prediction accuracy (C-index 0.799 vs. 0.730) and enhanced risk classification (net reclassification index 0.334).

This study highlights that even mild renal insufficiency is consistently associated with heightened inflammation at admission and an increased risk of 1-year mortality following STEMI. Inflammatory status plays a small but significant role in this relationship.

The researchers emphasized that integrating eGFR and NLR into risk models improves mortality prediction, facilitating the early identification of high-risk patients who may benefit from intensive kidney monitoring and timely intervention. They concluded that these findings also highlight the need for developing targeted anti-inflammatory therapies for STEMI patients with renal insufficiency.

Reference:

Luo, D., Wang, X., Wang, L., Hu, Z., Zhang, B., Xu, C., Jiang, H., & Chen, J. (2025). Association between mild renal insufficiency, inflammatory status on initial admission, and 1-year mortality following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93379-6

Powered by WPeMatico