Doctors traditionally look for four main things when checking for heart disease. One, which is the leading cause of death worldwide, high blood pressure also known as hypertension, other include high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking.

However, a new study suggests that many women are still at risk for heart attacks and strokes, even if they don't have any of these classic problems. The study highlights that doctors may be missing a key danger sign in these women: inflammation.

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, about 44% of all women in the U.S. which is over 60 million, already have some kind of heart disease. It's the number one cause of death for women of all ages in the U.S.

In 2023 alone, it caused the deaths of nearly 305,000 women, which is about 1 out of every 5 female deaths. Worryingly, only about half of U.S. women actually know that heart disease is their biggest killer.

What Contribute To Heart Diseases?

The research, published in the European Heart Journal, found that inflammation in the body is strongly linked to heart issues in women who are otherwise considered low-risk.

Researchers used a simple blood test that checks for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). A high hsCRP number suggests the person has chronic, or long-term, inflammation.

The study looked at over 12,500 healthy American women who did not smoke and did not have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Over 30 years, women with high hsCRP levels were much more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or need heart surgery.

One of the study authors stated that inflammation, measured by the hsCRP test, is at least as good (if not better) at predicting future heart attack and stroke risk as cholesterol is.

Experts explain that inflammation is a key force behind heart disease because it helps plaque form inside blood vessels and causes that plaque to become unstable and rupture.

Should You Get Tested for Inflammation?

This study raises a big question: Should doctors routinely check everyone's inflammation levels?

Some cardiologists feel the hsCRP test could catch a hidden risk, especially in women who don't have the typical warning signs. If doctors don't measure inflammation, they won't treat the risk.

Why You Shouldn’t Get Testes For Inflammation?

Other experts caution that not every woman needs to rush to get tested. Most heart disease is still explained by the old risk factors like smoking and high cholesterol. Also, a high hsCRP number can simply cause worry, and many people with a high score will never develop heart disease. They suggest that other tools, like a coronary calcium scan which directly looks for hidden plaque, might be more helpful for some patients.

Some warning signs of an heart attack happen to be early periods, early menopause, Polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, etc.

What Lifestyle Habits Help Reduce Inflammation?

Regardless of whether you get the test or not, the good news is that the best ways to lower inflammation are the same things doctors already recommend for a healthy heart:

• Exercise
• Healthy eating
• Getting enough sleep
• Avoiding smoking

The human body doesn't age at the same rate everywhere. Right now, it's very likely that some parts of you are biologically older than others. This surprising idea comes from a recent study published in the science journal Cell. The main finding was that different organs don't follow the same schedule for aging.

Researchers discovered that certain body parts start showing signs of wear and tear like changes in their basic chemistry, long before other parts do. Tracking these varied timelines is a major goal for scientists, as it could eventually lead to new ways to slow down the aging process.

When Do Organs Start Aging Faster?

A study in the journal Cell analyzed proteins across different tissues to see when and how organs age. Researchers focused on proteins because they are fundamental to life, but a timeline of aging based on these proteins hadn't been mapped out before.

• Researchers studied 516 tissue samples from the hearts, lungs, liver, and several other organs of 76 deceased people.
• They found that while overall aging seems to pick up speed around age 50, many organs show major changes between 45 and 55.
• Surprisingly, organs like the aorta (the body's largest artery), spleen, and adrenal glands already showed noticeable protein changes by age 30.
• This "early and pronounced aging of the aorta" suggests that aging in blood vessels might be a major driver of how fast the whole body ages.

How Does Faster Aging Affect Our Health?

It’s difficult for doctors to apply these specific findings right now, but they do offer fascinating clues:

Silent Aging

Researchers still need to figure out the exact meaning of the protein changes they observed. Are these changes a bad sign of decline, a neutral side effect of getting older, or even a helpful response by the body to protect itself?

Disease Connection

The scientists found amyloid which is a protein famous for its role in Alzheimer’s disease, accumulating in other aging organs besides the brain. Even more exciting, they found certain proteins in the blood that seem to cause aging.

New Targets for Treatment

If future research can confirm this, it lays the groundwork for developing new therapies. In theory, drugs could be used to "clear those proteins" from the body, potentially reversing some aging processes.

How to Boost Longevity?

Although this new research holds great promise for the future, experts emphasize that for now, the best strategy for a long and healthy life is to stick to tried-and-true habits. These basic, proven healthy practices are your most powerful tools. They include:

• Eating a balanced diet.
• Staying physically active.
• Getting enough quality sleep.
• Learning to manage stress.
• Staying connected with your community.

The key takeaway from the new research is that you shouldn't put these habits off. Since aging, especially in key organs, starts earlier than you might realize, it's time to act now. Incorporating these healthy routines in your 20s and 30s is the best way you can try to "slow down this clock."

A large international study from the University of Cambridge suggests that autism diagnosed early in life is fundamentally different from autism diagnosed later on. The findings, published in Nature, analyzed data from more than 45,000 autistic individuals and showed that the timing of diagnosis often reflects distinct biology and development.

The research team suggests this means that the term "autism" likely describes multiple conditions, not just one.

There are many misconceptions about autism in the media, many believe it can be caused by bad parenting, that it can only affect boys as well as that it can be cured. While these may not be true, can it change overtime or develop into something else?

What is Autism?

According to Mayo Clinic Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how the brain develops. It changes how people understand and interact with the world around them. This causes challenges in two main areas:

• Social Life and Communication: People with ASD often find it hard to talk with others and socialize.
• Behaviors: The condition also involves having interests or behaviors that are very specific and often repeated.

The word "spectrum" is key because it means ASD affects people in many different ways. Some people have mild symptoms, while others have more severe challenges.

Over time, it can make it hard for a person to manage in social situations, school, or at work. Many children show signs of autism within their first year of life. A few children seem to develop normally at first, but then lose some skills and start showing autism symptoms between 18 and 24 months old.

Early Diagnosis vs. Later Diagnosis: What's the Difference?

The study found two distinct groups based on when a person received their autism diagnosis:

Early Diagnosis (Typically Before Age Six)

These children were more likely to show social and behavioral difficulties from a very young age. Their traits are often easier to spot by parents and doctors, leading to a quicker diagnosis. Their underlying genetic profile is distinct and shares less in common with other mental health conditions.

Later Diagnosis (Late Childhood or Adolescence and Beyond)

These individuals often saw their social and behavioral challenges emerge or become noticeable during adolescence. They have a higher risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Their average genetic profile is surprisingly closer to that of ADHD and depression than it is to the genetic profile of early-diagnosed autism.

What Role Do Genetics Play In Autism?

The findings show that the difference in diagnosis timing is due to more than just how quickly families access care; it's also linked to genetics.

Genetic Overlap

The study found a strong genetic connection between later-diagnosed autism and psychiatric disorders. This suggests that certain genetic factors might make these individuals naturally more prone to mental health issues.

Lack of Early Support

Researchers also stress that not getting support in early childhood likely plays a role. Going undiagnosed makes people more vulnerable to difficulties like bullying, which significantly increases the risk of mental health struggles later on.

The authors hope these findings will change how autism is understood, studied, and supported, allowing for better help for autistic people of all ages.

Flu Shot: With flu season fast approaching, many people wonder when the best time is to get vaccinated. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for most people who only need one dose, September and October are the ideal months to get the flu shot. The agency recommends that everyone be vaccinated by the end of October. Still, a percentage of the population believes flu shots aren’t essential and can be skipped.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot Every Year?

The CDC and major medical organizations advise everyone aged six months and older to get a yearly flu vaccination. Despite misinformation circulating online, these recommendations have not changed.

Certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness, people over 65, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems. While about 71% of seniors get their flu shot each year, less than half of other adults do. In children, vaccination rates have declined in recent years, with fewer than 50% receiving the vaccine last year.

Flu Shot: Why Flu Vaccines Matter

Flu vaccines may not prevent every infection, but they are highly effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalizations, says Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Tens of thousands of Americans die from the flu annually. During last year’s severe season, 280 children died from flu-related complications, nearly half of whom had no prior health issues, and most had not been vaccinated.

A rare but serious complication from last season was brain inflammation, which can cause seizures, hallucinations, or even death. Most affected children were unvaccinated.

Flu Shots During Pregnancy Offer Dual Protection

Pregnant women need to be especially cautious. A severe flu infection can lead to hospitalization or even preterm birth. Vaccination protects both mother and baby, since infants too young for their own vaccines benefit from the mother’s antibodies. Research shows flu shots are safe and effective during pregnancy.

Flu Shot: Choosing the Right Vaccine

For adults 65 and older, high-dose flu shots or vaccines with immune boosters are recommended, though a standard flu shot is also effective if those options are not available.

Flu Shot: Cost and Insurance Coverage

Flu shots are generally free under Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans if administered through in-network providers. Local health departments may also offer low-cost or free vaccines. The at-home FluMist option may require a delivery fee, though insurance should cover the vaccine itself.

Getting a Flu Shot Alongside COVID-19 Vaccine

It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. Dr. Philip Huang, director of Dallas Health and Human Services, says this is a convenient way to stay protected. However, availability of COVID-19 vaccines for children may be limited, as federal recommendations have shifted and parents are encouraged to make personal decisions.