The WIC program provides families food in specific categories. New research finds that households who redeem more of their benefits in the most popular food categories are more likely to remain in the program long-term.
WIC participants who redeem more of their benefits in the most popular food categories, such as fruits and vegetables and eggs, are more likely to stay in the program, according to new research. Credit: Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay.
But many families who are income eligible to participate in WIC aren’t receiving those benefits. Research has found that households who don’t use the full amount of their nutrition benefits are more likely to drop from the program.
New research by the University of Washington has found that households who redeem more of their benefits in the most popular food categories are more likely to remain in the program long-term. Better understanding these patterns could help WIC agencies identify families who might need a little extra encouragement to stay enrolled.
“Finding ways to identify kids and families that are at risk of dropping out of the program is of high importance,” said Pia Chaparro, a UW assistant professor of health systems and population health and first author of the study. “That’s basically what we’ve identified — a way to flag families who may be at risk of dropping off.”
WIC provides families with food benefits in specific categories, with fruits and vegetables and eggs as the most popular. In partnership with Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC (PHFE WIC), a Southern California WIC agency with a large research and evaluation division, researchers analyzed redemption data from 188,000 participating infants and children 0-3 years old, between the years 2019 and 2023.
Among those children, higher redemption of fruits and vegetables, eggs, whole milk and infant formula was associated with lower risk of their household discontinuing WIC participation.
The risk of discontinuation decreased in a somewhat linear fashion as redemption rates increased.
Chaparro hopes that local WIC agencies will build on these findings and seek new ways to engage families at risk of dropping off. All WIC providers must offer nutrition education, which could be an opportunity to target households with lower redemption rates in popular categories.
The findings come just over a year after the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees WIC, implemented significant updates to the program’s food package. Among other changes, the 2024 rule significantly increased benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables, which has proven popular.
“The expansion of fruit and vegetable benefits for WIC families has been among the most important policy changes of the last decade,” said Shannon Whaley, director of research and evaluation at PHFE WIC and co-author of the study. “Families want more fruits and vegetables, and this research demonstrates that their inclusion in the WIC food package is essential for longer-term engagement in the program.”
Research led by the University of Washington and Kaiser Permanente Southern California sheds new light on how the 2025 Los Angeles fires affected people’s health, and how people navigated the health care system during an emergency.
Smoke rises above the Los Angeles skyline during the January 2025 wildfires. In the week after the fires ignited, members of Kaiser Permanente Southern California made 42% more virtual health care visits for respiratory symptoms, according to new research led by Kaiser Permanente and the UW. Credit: Erick Ley, iStock
When uncontrolled wildfires moved from the foothills above Los Angeles into the densely populated urban areas below in January 2025, evacuation ensued and a thick layer of toxic smoke spread across the region. Air quality plummeted. Local hospitals braced for a surge,but it never came.
Research led by the University of Washington and Kaiser Permanente Southern California sheds new light on how the Los Angeles fires affected people’s health, and how people navigated the health care system during an emergency. In the rapid study, published Nov. 26 in JAMA Health Forum, researchers analyzed the health records of 3.7 million Kaiser Permanente members of all ages living in the region. They found that health care visits did rise above normal levels, especially virtual services.
Related: The UW RAPID Facility created a dataset of aerial imagery and 3D models from the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Learn more here.
In the week after the fires ignited, Kaiser Permanente members made 42% more virtual visits for respiratory symptoms than expected. Those living near a burn zone or within Los Angeles County also made 44% and 40% more virtual cardiovascular visits, respectively, than expected.
In-person outpatient visits for respiratory symptoms also increased substantially. Members who lived near a burn zone or within Los Angeles County made 27% and 31% more virtual cardiovascular visits, respectively, than expected.
Extrapolating to all insured residents of the county, the researchers estimated an excess of 15,792 cardiovascular virtual visits, 18,489 respiratory virtual visits and 27,903 respiratory outpatient visits in the first week of the fires.
The results suggest that people may rely more heavily on virtual health care during climate-related emergencies, and that providers should better prioritize virtual and telehealth services as they prepare for future crises.
“We saw over 6,241 excess cardiorespiratory virtual visits in the week following the fire ignition. This represents a substantial increase in care,” saidJoan Casey, a UW associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences and of epidemiology who led the research. “While the fires clearly impacted health, virtual care likely enhanced the ability of providers to meet the health care needs of people experiencing an ongoing climate disaster.”
In collaboration with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, an integrated health care system with millions of members across the region, researchers analyzed health records of people who were highly or moderately exposed to wildfires. They defined high exposure as living within about 12 miles (20 kilometers) of a burn zone, and moderate exposure as living within Los Angeles County but farther than 12 miles during the time of the fires.
Researchers looked back three years to estimate how many health care visits to expect in the weeks following Jan. 7 — the first day of the fires — under typical conditions. They then estimated how many people sought care in the first week of the fires, when smoke levels were highest, evacuations took place, and Los Angeles County public schools were closed.
In addition to the spike in cardiovascular and respiratory visits, researchers found a sharp increase in the number of visits for injuries and neuropsychiatric symptoms. On Jan. 7, outpatient injury visits were 18% higher than expected among highly exposed members, and virtual injury visits were 26% and 18% higher than expected among highly and moderately exposed groups, respectively. Among those same groups, outpatient neuropsychiatric visits rose 31% and 28% above expectations, respectively.
While both groups made significantly more visits than expected, proximity to the fires mattered. When researchers zoomed in on respiratory-related virtual visits, they found that minimally exposed members made 31% more visits, moderately exposed members made 36% more, and those living in highly exposed areas made 42% more.
“While healthcare systems often plan to increase the number of hospital beds available or clinic staffing during an emergency, this work highlights the importance of considering virtual care capacity,” saidLauren Wilner, a UW doctoral student of epidemiology and co-author on the study. “This may be particularly true for climate disasters like wildfires, during which people are advised to stay indoors or when people must evacuate — motivating them to seek care online if at all possible. As climate disasters increase in frequency and intensity, it is essential that health care systems know how to prepare for a sudden and dramatic surge in health care utilization.”
In mid-pregnancy, exposure to any smoke was associated with an elevated risk of preterm birth, with that risk peaking around the 21st week of gestation. In late pregnancy, elevated risk was most closely associated with exposure to high concentrations of wildfire PM2.5, above 10 micrograms per cubic meter.
Wildfire smoke blankets the Seattle skyline in 2020. A new study finds that pregnant people who are exposed to wildfire smoke are more likely to give birth prematurely.
About 10% of American babies are born prematurely. Birth before 37 weeks can lead to a cascade of health risks, both immediate and long-term, making prevention a vital tool for improving public health over generations.
In recent years, researchers have identified a potential link between wildfire smoke — one of the fastest-growing sources of air pollution in the United States — and preterm birth, but no study has been big or broad enough to draw definitive conclusions. A new study led by the University of Washington makes an important contribution, analyzing data from more than 20,000 births to find that pregnant people who are exposed to wildfire smoke are more likely to give birth prematurely.
“Preventing preterm birth really pays off with lasting benefits for future health,” said lead author Allison Sherris, a UW postdoctoral researcher in environmental and occupational health sciences. “It’s also something of a mystery. We don’t always understand why babies are born preterm, but we know that air pollution contributes to preterm births, and it makes sense that wildfire smoke would as well. This study underscores that wildfire smoke is inseparable from maternal and infant health.”
Related: The UW RAPID Facility created a dataset of aerial imagery and 3D models from the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Learn more here.
Researchers estimated participants’ average daily exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, generated by wildfire smoke, and the total number of days they were exposed to any amount of smoke. They estimated the intensity of smoke exposure by how frequently participants were exposed to wildfire PM2.5 levels above certain thresholds.
They found that pregnant people exposed to more intense wildfire smoke were more likely to give birth prematurely. In mid-pregnancy, exposure to any smoke was associated with an elevated risk of preterm birth, with that risk peaking around the 21st week of gestation. In late pregnancy, elevated risk was most closely associated with exposure to high concentrations of wildfire PM2.5, above 10 micrograms per cubic meter.
“The second trimester is a period of pregnancy with the richest and most intense growth of the placenta, which itself is such an important part of fetal health, growth and development,” said co-author Dr. Catherine Karr, a UW professor of environmental and occupational health sciences and of pediatrics in the UW School of Medicine. “So it may be that the wildfire smoke particles are really interfering with placental health. Some of them are so tiny that after inhalation they can actually get into the bloodstream and get delivered directly into the placenta or fetus.”
The link was strongest and most precise in the Western U.S., where people were exposed to the highest concentrations of wildfire PM2.5 and the greatest number of high-intensity smoke days. Here, the odds of preterm birth increased with each additional microgram per cubic meter of average wildfire PM2.5.
It’s possible those results were more precise simply because the West experiences more wildfire smoke on average, making the exposure model perform better, Sherris said. But there may be other factors behind the regional differences.
The composition of wildfire smoke is different across the country. In the West, smoke tends to come from fires nearby, while in places like the Midwest, smoke has typically drifted in from faraway fires. Smoke’s toxicity changes as it ages and reacts with sunlight and airborne chemicals, which could have affected the results. Researchers also noted that external factors like co-occurring heat or housing quality may have effects that aren’t fully understood.
Researchers hope that future studies will examine the exact mechanisms by which wildfire smoke might trigger preterm birth. But in the meantime, Sherris said, evidence for a link is now strong enough to take action.
“There are a couple avenues for change,” Sherris said. “First, people already get a lot of public health messaging and information throughout pregnancy, so there’s an opportunity to work with clinicians to provide tools for pregnant people to protect themselves during smoke events. Public health agencies’ messaging about wildfire smoke could also be tailored to pregnant people and highlight them as a vulnerable group.”
Co-authors include Logan Dearborn, doctoral student of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW; Christine Loftus, clinical associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW; Adam Szpiro, professor of biostatistics at the UW; Joan Casey, associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences and of epidemiology at the UW; Sindana Ilango, postdoctoral fellow of epidemiology at the UW; and Marissa Childs, assistant professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW. A full list of co-authors is included with the paper.
This research was funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program at the National Institutes of Health under multiple awards. A full list of ECHO funding awards is included with the paper.
For more information or to contact the researchers, email Alden Woods at acwoods@uw.edu.
Targeted drug delivery is a powerful and promising area of medicine. Therapies that pinpoint precise areas of the body can reduce the medicine dosage and avoid potentially harmful “off target” effects. Researchers at the UW took a significant step toward that goal by designing proteins with autonomous decision-making capabilities. By adding smart tail structures to therapeutic proteins, the team demonstrated that the proteins could be “programmed” to act based on the presence of specific environmental cues.
Therapies that are sensitive to multiple biomarkers could allow medicines to reach only the areas of the body where they are needed. The diagram above shows three theoretical biomarkers that are present in specific, sometimes overlapping areas of the body. A therapy designed to find the unique area of overlap between the three will act on only that area. Photo: DeForest et al./Nature Chemical Biology
Targeted drug delivery is a powerful and promising area of medicine. Therapies that pinpoint the exact areas of the body where they’re needed — and nowhere they’re not — can reduce the medicine dosage and avoid potentially harmful “off target” effects elsewhere in the body. A targeted immunotherapy, for example, might seek out cancerous tissues and activate immune cells to fight the disease only in those tissues.
The tricky part is making a therapy truly “smart,” where the medicine can move freely through the body and decide which areas to target.
Researchers at the University of Washington took a significant step toward that goal by designing proteins with autonomous decision-making capabilities. In a proof-of-principles study published Oct. 9 in Nature Chemical Biology, researchers demonstrated that by adding smart tail structures to therapeutic proteins, they could control the proteins’ localization based on the presence of specific environmental cues. These protein tails fold themselves into preprogrammed shapes that define how they react to different combinations of cues. In addition, the experiment showed that the smart protein tails could be attached to a carrier material for delivery to living cells.
Advances in synthetic biology also allowed the researchers to manufacture these proteins cheaply and in a matter of days instead of months.
“We’ve been thinking about these concepts for some time but have struggled with ways to increase and automate production,” said senior author Cole DeForest, a UW professor of chemical engineering and bioengineering. “We’ve now finally figured out how to produce these systems faster, at scale and with dramatically enhanced logical complexity. We are excited about how these will lead to more sophisticated and scalable disease-honing therapies.”
The concept of programmable biomaterials isn’t new. Scientists have developed numerous strategies to make systems responsive to individual cues — such as pH levels or the presence of specific enzymes — that are associated with a particular disease or area of the body. But it’s rare to find one cue, or “biomarker,” that’s unique to one spot, so a material that hones in on just one biomarker might act on a few unintended places in addition to the target.
One solution to this problem is to seek out a combination of biomarkers. There might be many areas of the body with particular enzyme or pH levels, but there are likely fewer areas with both of those factors. In theory, the more biomarkers a material can identify, the more finely targeted drug delivery can be.
In 2018, DeForest’s lab created a new class of materials that responded to multiple biomarkers using Boolean logic, a concept traditionally used in computer programming.
The diagrams above show linker structures that can perform different logical operations. In box 1, the protein therapeutic (star) is released from a material (pink wedge) in the presence of either biomarker X or Y; in box 2, the protein will release only if both biomarkers X and Y are present. Photo: DeForest et al./Nature Chemical Biology
“We realized that we could program how therapeutics were released based simply on how they were connected to a carrier material,” DeForest said. “For example, if we linked a therapeutic cargo to a material via two degradable groups connected in series — that is, each after the other — it would be released if either group was degraded, acting as an OR gate. When the degradable groups were instead connected in parallel — that is, each on a different half of a cycle — both groups had to be degraded for cargo release, functioning as an AND gate. Excitingly, by combining these basic gates we could readily create advanced logical circuits.”
It was a big step forward, but it wasn’t scalable — the team built these large and complex logic-responsive materials manually through traditional organic chemistry.
But over the next several years, the related field of synthetic biology advanced by leaps and bounds.
“The field has developed exciting new protein-based tools that can allow researchers to form permanent bonds between proteins,” said co-first author Murial Ross, a UW doctoral student of bioengineering. “It opened doors for new protein structures that were previously unachievable, which made more complex logical operations possible.”
Additionally, it became practical to use living cells as factories to produce these complex proteins, allowing scientists to design custom DNA blueprints for new proteins, insert the DNA into bacteria or other host cells, and then collect the proteins with the desired structure directly from the cells.
With these new tools, DeForest and his team streamlined and improved many steps of the process at once. They designed and produced proteins with tails that spontaneously fold into more bespoke shapes, creating complex “circuits” that can respond to up to five different biomarkers. These new proteins can attach to various carriers — hydrogels, tiny beads or living cells — for delivery to a cell, or theoretically a disease site. The team even loaded up one carrier with three different proteins, each programmed to deliver their unique cargo based on different sets of environmental cues.
The research team designed protein tails that fold into custom shapes to create sophisticated logical circuits. Box 1 shows a protein designed to be responsive to five different biomarkers; box 2 shows the logical conditions that must be met to fully break apart the tail and release the protein. Photo: DeForest et al./Nature Chemical Biology
“We were so excited about the results,” DeForest said. “Using the old process, it would take months to synthesize just a few milligrams of each of these materials. Now it takes us a couple of weeks to go from construct design to product. It’s been a complete game changer for us.”
“The sky’s the limit. You can create delayed and independent delivery of many different components in one treatment,” Ross said. “And I think we could create much, much larger logical circuits that a protein can be responsive to. We’re at the point now that the technology is outpacing what we’ve seriously considered in terms of applications, which is a great place to be.”
The researchers will now continue searching for more biomarkers that proteins could target. They also hope to start collaborating with other labs at the UW and beyond to build and deploy real-world therapies.
The team outlined other uses for the technology as well. The same tools could manufacture therapies within a single cell and direct them to specific regions, a sort of microcosm of how the process works in the body. DeForest also envisions diagnostic tools like blood tests that could, say, turn a certain color when a complex set of cues within the blood sample are present.
DeForest thinks the first practical applications are likely to be cancer treatments, but with more research, the possibilities feel endless.
“The dream is to be able to pick any arbitrary location inside of the body — down to individual cells — and program a material to go and act there,” he said. “That’s a tall order, but with these technologies we’re getting closer. With the right combination of biomarkers, these materials will just get more and more precise.”
Co-authors include Annabella Li, a former UW undergraduate student of chemical engineering; Shivani Kottantharayil, a UW undergraduate student of bioengineering; and Jack Hoye, a UW doctoral student of chemical engineering.
This research was funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
Students schools that offered free meals to all students were less likely to have high blood pressure, suggesting that universal free meals might be a powerful tool for improving public health.
Evidence shows that school meals are often more nutritious than meals that students eat elsewhere. Credit: SDI Productions/iStock
Now, as cuts to food assistance programs threaten to slash access to universal school meals, a new study led by the University of Washington finds another potential benefit to the programs: Students in participating schools were less likely to have high blood pressure, suggesting that universal free meals might be a powerful tool for improving public health.
“High blood pressure is an important public health problem that isn’t studied as much on a population level as obesity,” said Anna Localio, a UW postdoctoral researcher of health systems and population health and lead author of the study. “We have evidence that CEP increases participation in school meals, and we also have evidence that school meals are more nutritious than meals that kids obtain elsewhere. This is a public health policy that is delivering nutritious meals to children who may not have previously had access.”
For the study, published Sept. 25 in JAMA Network Open, researchers linked two datasets that rarely interact. They obtained medical records of patients ages 4-18 from community health organizations, and used patients’ addresses to identify the school they attended. The data encompassed 155,778 young people attending 1,052 schools, mostly in California and Oregon.
Researchers estimated the percentage of students with high blood pressure before and after schools opted into universal free meals, and compared those results against eligible schools that had not yet participated in the program. They also tracked students’ average systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. All data were aggregated at the school level.
They found that school participation in the CEP was associated with a 2.71% decrease in the proportion of students with high blood pressure, corresponding to a 10.8% net drop over five years. School participation in CEP was also associated with a decrease in students’ average diastolic blood pressure.
Participation in universal free meals was associated with an 11% net decrease in the proportion of patients with high blood pressure over a five-year period. The above chart shows the annual difference in the percentage of students with high blood pressure in participating schools and non-participating schools.
“In previous work on the health impacts of universal free school meals, our team found that adoption of free meals is associated with decreases in average body mass index scores and childhood obesity prevalence, which are closely linked to risk of high blood pressure,” said Jessica Jones-Smith, a professor of health, society and behavior at the University of California Irvine’s Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health and senior author of the study. Jones-Smith conducted much of this research while on faculty at the UW School of Public Health. “So in addition to directly affecting blood pressure through provision of healthier meals, a second pathway by which providing universal free meals might impact blood pressure is through their impact on lowering risk for high BMI.”
Improved nutrition of school meals may have helped drive the decrease, researchers said. The 2010 law that established the CEP also created stronger nutritional requirements for school meals. As a result, those meals now more closely resemble the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which studies have shown to be an effective tool for managing hypertension.
Despite the evidence supporting the DASH diet’s effectiveness, public health officials previously lacked an effective mechanism to encourage people with high blood pressure to follow its recommendations. “We know there are a lot of barriers to people eating this diet,” Localio said, but the combination of universal free meals and increased nutritional standards likely helped students overcome those barriers.
The study also contradicts the common misperception that universal free meals mostly benefit wealthier students, because students from low-income families would already receive free meals. The study sample consists primarily of low-income patients, with 85% of included students enrolled in public health insurance such as Medicaid.
“There is a perception that providing universally free school meals will only improve outcomes for students of relatively higher-income families, but our findings suggest that there are benefits for lower-income children as well,” Jones-Smith said. “Potential mechanisms for this include decreasing the income-related stigma around eating school lunch by providing it free to all students and eliminating the time and paperwork burden of individually applying, thus decreasing barriers to participation in school meals.”
“We’re in a contentious time for public health, but it seems like there’s bipartisan support for healthy school meals,” Localio said. “There’s legislation being considered in a number of states to expand universal free meals, and these findings could inform that decision-making. Cutting funding to school meals would not promote children’s health.”
Co-authors on the study include Paul Hebert, research professor emeritus of health systems and population health at the UW; Melissa Knox, teaching professor of economics at the UW; Wyatt Benksen and Aileen Ochoa of OCHIN; and Jennifer Sonney, associate professor of nursing at the UW. This study was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.
For more information or to contact the researchers, email Alden Woods at acwoods@uw.edu.
Loan repayment assistance for dentists who agree to practice in an area of North Dakota that the State Health Council identifies as having a defined need for services. Geographic coverage: North Dakota -- North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Funding for training and professional development of library and archives professionals; developing faculty and information leaders; and recruiting, educating, and retaining the next generation of library and archives professionals in order to develop a broad workforce of library and archives professionals. Health, mental wellness, tribal communities, and rural communities are listed as project types. Geographic coverage: Nationwide -- Institute of Museum and Library Services
Loan repayment assistance for certain health professionals who agree to practice in a Health Professional Shortage Area of North Dakota. Geographic coverage: North Dakota -- North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Loan repayment assistance for certain healthcare professionals who agree to practice in an approved area of North Dakota. Geographic coverage: North Dakota -- North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Provides assistance to healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to broadband connectivity at a flat discounted rate of 65%. Participants can apply as a member of a consortium or a stand-alone entity. Geographic coverage: Nationwide -- Federal Communications Commission, Universal Service Administrative Company
Limited time, financial constraints, neighborhood factors and weight stigma impact efforts to prevent and treat obesity, especially among people in lower-income communities, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement
Statement Highlights:
More than one-third of adults and children in the U.S. are living with obesity. Obesity rates are highest among non-Hispanic Black children and adults, low-income families, people living in rural areas and adults with a high school education or less.
The latest research indicates that barriers to maintaining a healthy weight or participating in weight management programs include: limited access to healthy foods, lack of time to prepare meals and engage in regular physical activity, financial constraints including lack of health insurance and stigma around body weight.
Effective obesity prevention and treatment programs include collaboration among government, health care professionals, community organizations and individuals, according to the new scientific statement.
Embargoed until 4:00 a.m. CT/5:00 a.m. ET Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026
DALLAS, Jan. 15, 2026 — Obstacles to preventing and treating obesity, including limited access to healthy foods, limited time to prepare meals and exercise, neighborhood factors, weight stigma and financial constraints, are more likely to affect people in lower-income communities, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in the Association’s flagship journal Circulation.
The statement, “Socioeconomic and Structural Barriers to Addressing Obesity in Communities,” highlights multilevel barriers to obesity prevention and management, with an emphasis on social drivers of health, societal culture and biases that may perpetuate harmful attitudes related to body weight and interfere with the success of weight management programs.
Obesity is a chronic health condition characterized by excess body fat that is associated with harm to health. It affects more than one-third of all people in the U.S., both children and adults, across all socioeconomic backgrounds. While genetic factors can contribute to the development of obesity, previous studies have found that genetic predisposition is not the primary driver of high obesity rates. People in lower-income communities are disproportionately impacted by obesity and related health conditions, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
“The latest research indicates that people with fewer resources are more likely to develop obesity because of a combination of factors that influence their everyday, lived experiences, such as socioeconomic stressors that limit access to nutritious foods and regular physical activity or healthy sleep; and cultural factors that make it hard to access obesity care and maintain a healthy weight,” said Fatima Cody Stanford, M.D., M.P.H., M.P.A., M.B.A., FAHA, vice chair of the scientific statement writing group, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics and an obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, both in Boston.
“We must recognize that obesity is not a personal choice. It is highly influenced by multiple social and environmental factors. This is a critical component for addressing the obesity epidemic in the U.S. and obesity-related health conditions including cardiovascular disease,” Stanford said.
Obesity prevalence and risk factors
Numerous socioeconomic factors are closely linked to obesity. Risk and prevalence of obesity are highest among non-Hispanic Black children and adults, low-income families, people living in rural areas and adults with a high school education or less. Living in a neighborhood where it is safe to exercise outdoors and being able to access affordable, healthy foods are linked to a reduced risk of developing obesity.
Lifestyle and environmental factors, including shift work, noise pollution and nighttime light exposure, can also increase this risk by interfering with circadian rhythms and affecting sleep quality and duration. A 2025 American Heart Association scientific statement about circadian health highlighted that disruptions to the body’s internal clock are strongly associated with an increased risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Barriers to seeking and accessing care
Despite greater availability of treatment options for obesity, including weight management programs focused on lifestyle changes and medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, there are still significant challenges in effectively treating obesity.
Weight stigma perpetuates harmful attitudes: Previous research has found that between 20% and 90% of people have negative and judgmental opinions about people with excess weight, such as, obesity is a personal lifestyle choice or a reflection of poor self-control. These perceptions may contribute to poor mental health as well as unhealthy eating behaviors. Experiences of weight stigma can also make individuals more likely to avoid seeking care and support from health care professionals.
Individuals with obesity face physical and financial challenges in the health care system: Physical barriers, such as medical equipment and small spaces, often discourage people with obesity from seeking medical care to help them manage their weight. Other barriers to accessing obesity care include the cost of co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs, transportation challenges and limitations in health insurance coverage.
Time is an often-overlooked barrier: Limited time directly affects an individual’s ability to participate in obesity prevention and treatment programs. In addition, work and caregiver responsibilities are often prioritized to maintain financial and household stability, thereby reducing the amount of time available to support healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as preparing healthy meals at home and engaging in regular physical activity.
A multifaceted approach is necessary
Effective obesity prevention and treatment programs include collaboration among government, health care professionals, community organizations and individuals. Community-based interventions, such as faith-based and cultural programs, are effective and may improve outcomes across different populations. However, the statement notes that the available metrics for gauging intervention success, such as body mass index (BMI), do not accurately reflect body fat or overall health. The development of more clinically meaningful metrics will be necessary to advance efforts in reducing obesity rates and promoting healthy weight for people of all ages.
In addition, health care professionals can make a significant impact by initiating culturally sensitive discussions with patients around their beliefs about weight and care, offering referrals to local resources and providing personalized care to support patients. Educating health care professionals about biases may also help to reduce weight stigma in health care settings.
“The most effective weight management programs are culturally and socially informed and involve stakeholders from across all levels of society working together to support people at risk for or living with obesity. Improving the affordability of fruits and vegetables specific to cultural diets, increasing access to healthy weight management programs, promoting physical activity and advocating for public policies such as insurance coverage of obesity medications, are key strategies that could have large societal impacts,” Stanford said.
This scientific statement was prepared by the volunteer writing group on behalf of the American Heart Association’s Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health, the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing, the Council on Clinical Cardiology and the Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research.
American Heart Association scientific statements promote greater awareness about cardiovascular diseases and stroke issues and help facilitate informed health care decisions. Scientific statements outline what is currently known about a topic and what areas need additional research. While scientific statements inform the development of guidelines, they do not make treatment recommendations. American Heart Association guidelines provide the Association’s official clinical practice recommendations.
Additional scientific statement writing group members/co-authors include Chair Stephanie T. Chung, M.B.B.S., FAHA; Josephine Harrington, M.D.; Namratha R. Kandula, M.D., M.P.H.; Kiarri N. Kershaw, Ph.D., M.P.H., FAHA; Morgana Mongraw-Chaffin, Ph.D., M.P.H., FAHA; Foster Osei Baah, Ph.D., R.N.; Angela F. Pfammatter, Ph.D., FAHA; and Michael V. Stanton, Ph.D. Authors’ disclosures are listed in the manuscript.
The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.
Additional Resources:
Available multimedia is on right column of release link.
American Heart Association health information: Healthy Eating
American Heart Association health information: Losing Weight
Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews
Follow news from the AHA’s flagship journal Circulation@CircAHA
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Pacific Islander and Filipino individuals were more than twice as likely as Chinese individuals to have a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, finds a new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association
Research Highlights:
The risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure varied markedly among people of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent, according to an analysis of California health records.
Pacific Islander and Filipino individuals were at two to three times higher risk than Chinese individuals, after adjusting for other factors.
Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese individuals were generally at lowest risk.
Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2026 — The risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure varied markedly among subgroups of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people, highlighting the need for tailored prevention and treatment, according to research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
“There are known ways to help prevent and treat high blood pressure during pregnancy. Our findings can help health care professionals identify those who are at higher risk,” said study lead author Jennifer Soh, M.S., who was a master’s student in Community Health and Prevention Research Program at Stanford University School of Medicine when she conducted the study. “Early identification and treatment can help prevent serious, downstream complications for both the pregnant individuals and their infants.”
Pregnancy-related high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke and is one of the leading causes of maternal illness and death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the United States, about 1 in 7 pregnancies are affected by a high blood pressure-related condition during pregnancy. These conditions can be managed and treated with medication or lifestyle changes, according to the American Heart Association.
Previous research has indicated that the risk of developing pregnancy-related high blood pressure differs among people of different races and ethnicities due to social determinants of health. Yet little is known about differences in risk between Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations as they are often studied together, despite the diversity found within these groups.
To understand the risk by race and ethnicity, researchers in this study analyzed the risks of five hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in individuals of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent. The conditions included chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy), preeclampsia, eclampsia and chronic hypertension with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is high blood pressure during pregnancy characterized by too much protein in the urine or other signs of organ damage. Eclampsia is a serious complication of preeclampsia that can cause seizures.
The analysis found:
The lowest frequency of pregnancy-related high blood pressure was found in the Chinese subgroup at 3.7%, while the Guamanian subgroup had the highest frequency at 13%.
Using the Chinese population as the reference point, the risk of the pregnancy-related high blood pressure conditions was elevated (two- to three-times higher) among Filipino and Pacific Islander populations: Hawaiian, Guamanian, Samoan and other Pacific Islander individuals, after adjusting for a variety of sociodemographic and maternal-health related factors.
Only Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese individuals tended to have risks that were not elevated compared to the Chinese reference group.
“The observed racial-ethnic differences in risk highlight the variation in lived experiences of the individuals included in this study,” Soh said. “Future studies should examine more structural and social factors that could help explain the differences in the elevated risks found in this study.”
The study had several limitations. It relied on medical diagnostic codes, which may be subject to underreporting or misclassification; the data only included individuals in California, so the results may not apply to other people living in different communities; and the study could not account for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, since the pandemic began after the study period. Finally, the study could not consider additional potential, yet important, factors that may impact high blood pressure during pregnancy, such as air pollution, neighborhood walkability and food access.
Study details, background and design:
Researchers reviewed records from 2007-2019 from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information for 772,688 pregnant individuals who self-reported that they were of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent, and they were divided into 15 subgroups: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Thai, Laotian, Hmong, Indian, Filipino, Other Asian, Hawaiian, Guamanian, Samoan and Other Pacific Islander.
The average age of individuals included in the study was 32 years.
Researchers reviewed infant and fetal birth and death certificates linked to maternal hospital discharge records for each of the five hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
The researchers used statistical tools to determine the relative risks of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy within each subgroup.
Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript.
Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.
Additional Resources:
Multimedia is available on the right column of release link.
Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews
Follow news from the Journal of the American Heart Association@JAHA_AHA
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173
While an analysis of scripted TV programs mischaracterizes who is likely to need CPR and where, TV characters were more likely to receive CPR than their real-life counterparts, finds a new study in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes journal
Research Highlights:
Scripted TV programs in the U.S. often inaccurately portray who is most likely to need CPR and where out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen, according to an analysis of more than 160 TV episodes aired since 2008.
TV programs tend to focus on white people or men receiving CPR, which mirrors real-life disparities where women and Black and Latino adults are less likely than white people to receive CPR from a lay rescuer.
The analysis examined TV depictions of out-of-hospital CPR as a potential reason why there is a low prevalence of Hands-Only CPR performed outside of hospitals, particularly for Black adults, Latino adults and women.
Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Jan. 12, 2026
DALLAS, Jan. 12, 2026 — TV depictions of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest may mislead viewers about who is most likely to need cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and where it’s needed, according to new research published today in the American Heart Association’s peer-reviewed scientific journal Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes.
As of January 1, 2026, the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes has been renamed Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes.
According to the American Heart Association, each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S. When a person has a cardiac arrest, receiving CPR immediately from someone nearby can double or triple survival rates. However, only about 40% of people experiencing a cardiac arrest outside a hospital receive the immediate help they need, and those rates are even lower among Black and Latino adults and women.
“We know that TV depictions of health topics can influence viewers,” said senior author Beth L. Hoffman, Ph.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor in the department of behavioral and community health sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health in Pittsburgh. “We’ve also seen news stories about people saving lives because of the CPR they learned from watching it on screen. Considering the sheer number of people who watch TV, it’s important to think of how to leverage this to improve the likelihood that people will perform CPR and save lives.”
In this study, researchers reviewed 169 American scripted TV episodes depicting CPR that aired after 2008—the year the American Heart Association endorsed Hands-Only CPR to encourage more people to act quickly to save the life of a teen or adult they see collapse from a cardiac arrest. The shows were mostly dramas, such as Breaking Bad, Yellowstone or 9-1-1, and also included two episodes of the adult, animated sitcom Archer.
Hands-Only CPR uses chest compressions only rather than the combination of breaths and compressions. It has been shown to be just as effective as conventional CPR in quickly getting oxygen to the body’s vital organs, especially in the critical first few minutes after cardiac arrest in teens and adults.
The analysis found:
Less than 30% (29.6%) of the 169 TV episodes accurately portrayed Hands-Only CPR: calling 911 and beginning chest compressions.
More than half of the people who received Hands-Only CPR on TV were younger than 40 years old; in contrast, real-life recipients needing CPR are typically older (average age of 62 years).
In reality, more than 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home vs. about 20% on screen. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests portrayed on TV were more likely to happen in remote areas (37%) or in public spaces (26%).
Depictions of CPR in the TV episodes reviewed commonly featured males and white adults as both recipients and providers of Hands-Only CPR.
“It was interesting that what we saw on screen mirrored real-life disparities in CPR receipt,” said Ore Fawole, B.S., B.A., a recent graduate of The University of Pittsburgh and first author on the research letter. “It could be that what is on TV is a reflection of real-life, or that what people are watching on TV reinforces implicit biases or stereotypes that contribute to lower rates of CPR receipt for women, Black adults and Latino adults. We hope that this research paves the way for accurate TV depictions of CPR that can help close the gaps on these disparities for all people to receive CPR and ultimately save more lives.”
The good news is that 58% of those who experienced a fictional out-of-hospital cardiac arrest received CPR, which is greater than the real-world likelihood of about 40%.
“Wouldn’t it be great if seeing CPR being used to save a life on TV motivated more people to act quickly if they witness an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “Hands-Only CPR is a simple two-step process — call 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse and then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Because no special training or equipment is needed, anyone can provide this lifesaving measure, even young children. That’s especially important because most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home, so knowing CPR may help you save the life of someone you love.”
The Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative is committed to turning a nation of lay rescuers into lifesavers with a goal of doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. The long-term goal: to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival. Join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR.
Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript.
Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here.
Additional Resources:
Multimedia is available on the right column of release link.
After Jan. 12 embargo, view the full manuscript here.
Follow American Heart Association news on X @HeartNews
Follow news from the American Heart Association’s Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes journal @CircOutcomes.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173
A new study found that movement from common daily activities was associated with a lower risk of death for adults with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome
Research Highlights:
Light physical activity was associated with lower risk of death for adults in stages 2, 3 and 4 of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a health condition that includes heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity.
A one hour increase in light physical activity each day was associated with a 14% to 20% lower risk of death.
The association between light physical activity and lower risk of death was most pronounced for people with advanced CKM syndrome.
Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, January 7, 2026
DALLAS, Jan. 7, 2026 — Light intensity activities, like walking or household chores, were linked to a lower risk of death for people with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one component of CKM syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and lipids, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function. When combined, these factors increase the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure more than any one of them alone. CKM stages range from 0 to 4, with the higher number indicating higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
The new study suggests that light physical activity is the most common level of activity and that increasing time spent being active may provide meaningful health benefits, especially for people in CKM syndrome stage 2 and above.
Physical activity, healthy eating habits and medication if appropriate are advised to slow the progression of CKM syndrome. However, write study authors, the moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity recommended in general physical activity guidelines may not be feasible for adults with advanced CKM syndrome.
“There’s growing evidence that lighter activity like walking or gardening can be beneficial for heart health. However, studies have not examined the long-term benefits for those with heart disease or those at high risk for heart disease,” said study author Michael Fang, Ph.D., M.H.S., assistant professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.
Researchers used data from the 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which collected health and physical activity information from about 7,200 adults. NHANES includes information from participants’ physical examinations, blood samples and up to 7 days of activity levels measured with accelerometers — devices that measure a person’s movement over several days.
Using accelerometer readings, the study authors noted whether activity level was light, moderate or vigorous. “Light physical activity is something you can do without losing your breath,” said study lead author Joseph Sartini, B.S.E., a Ph.D. candidate in biostatistics at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “Common examples are yoga, casual walking, stretching and household chores.”
The researchers then compared light-intensity activity duration for each CKM syndrome stage. Participants’ health data determined their CKM syndrome stage. People with normal weight, blood pressure, lipids, blood sugar and kidney function are stage 0, and those with excess weight and/or pre-diabetes are stage 1. People with multiple components of CKM syndrome and/or moderate- to high-risk kidney disease are in stage 2. Individuals at very high-risk kidney disease, high risk for heart disease or stroke, or “subclinical” cardiovascular disease, meaning they don’t have many symptoms, are in stage 3. People with multiple CKM components or chronic kidney disease who have also had a heart attack or stroke or have atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate) or peripheral artery disease (blocked arteries in the legs) are in stage 4.
The investigators found:
Light physical activity was significantly associated with lower risk of death in CKM syndrome stages 2, 3, and 4.
A one-hour increase in light physical activity each day was associated with a 14% to 20% lower risk of death over 14 years.
Increasing time spent doing light activity was associated with greater benefits at higher CKM stages. For example, increasing activity from 90 minutes to two hours a day was associated with a 2.2% risk reduction in stage 2 compared to a 4.2% risk reduction in stage 4.
“Light physical activity is an overlooked treatment tool that can help improve heart health for people with CKM syndrome,” Sartini said. “For those in later CKM syndrome stages, the potential health benefits of light activity are substantial.”
Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., FAHA, an American Heart Association volunteer and member of the Association’s Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health who was not involved in the study, said this is an important area to research.
“We know less about the health impacts of light-intensity activities compared to more intense physical activity,” said Gibbs, who is also chair and professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at West Virginia University School of Public Health in Morgantown, West Virginia. “Light intensity activities provide a great opportunity to promote energy expenditure, movement and circulation — all healthy physiological processes that we assume are related to better health — but research in this area is limited.”
A limitation of the study is that it is observational; therefore, it can only point to associations rather than cause and effect. Researchers cannot make conclusions about whether increasing light physical activity directly decreases risk of death. It is also possible that individuals with more advanced illness would have been pre-disposed to higher risk of death and less light intensity activity.
Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript.
Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s institutional policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.
Additional Resources:
Multimedia is available on the right column of release link.
Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews
Follow news from the Journal of the American Heart Association@JAHA_AHA
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
###
For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173
En una nueva declaración científica de la American Heart Association, se detalla cómo la salud bucal puede afectar los resultados cardiovasculares y se destaca cómo la prevención y el tratamiento de la enfermedad de las encías puede reducir el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares
DALLAS, 16 de diciembre del 2025 — Existe cada vez más evidencia de que la enfermedad de las encías está asociada con un mayor riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares, incluido el ataque cardíaco , el ataque o derrame cerebral, la fibrilación auricular (sitio web en inglés), la insuficiencia cardíaca (sitio web en inglés) y las afecciones de salud cardiometabólicas. La prevención y el tratamiento eficaces de la enfermedad de las encías, también llamada enfermedad periodontal, tiene el potencial de reducir la carga de enfermedades cardiovasculares, de acuerdo con una nueva declaración científica publicada hoy en la revista profesional insignia de la American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón), Circulation.
En la nueva declaración científica de la American Heart Association, “Enfermedad periodontal y enfermedad cardiovascular ateroesclerótica”, se incluyen nuevos datos que respaldan una relación entre la enfermedad periodontal y la enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica (ASCVD, por sus siglas en inglés) (sitio web en inglés) y se actualiza la declaración científica del 2012 de la Asociación. La ASCVD, que es la principal causa de muerte a nivel mundial, se produce por una acumulación de placa arterial (depósitos de grasa en las arterias) y se atribuye a afecciones que incluyen la cardiopatía coronaria, el ataque o derrame cerebral, la enfermedad arterial periférica (sitio web en inglés) y los aneurismas aórticos.
“La boca y el corazón están conectados”, afirmó el presidente del grupo de redacción de declaraciones científicas Andrew H. Tran, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., FAHA, cardiólogo pediátrico y director del programa de Cardiología Preventiva en el Nationwide Children's Hospital en Columbus, Ohio. “La enfermedad de las encías y la mala higiene bucal pueden permitir que las bacterias ingresen al torrente sanguíneo, lo que causa inflamación que puede dañar los vasos sanguíneos y aumentar el riesgo de enfermedades cardíacas. Cepillarse los dientes, usar hilo dental y asistir a controles dentales regulares no se trata solo de tener una sonrisa saludable; son un componente importante de la protección del corazón”.
Los aspectos destacados de la declaración incluyen lo siguiente:
La enfermedad periodontal es una afección inflamatoria crónica que afecta a más del 40% de los adultos de más de 30 años en EE. UU. La primera etapa es la gingivitis (inflamación de las encías debido a la acumulación de placa bucal). Si no se trata, la gingivitis puede evolucionar a periodontitis, en la que las encías comienzan a retraerse de los dientes, lo que forma pequeños espacios que pueden atrapar bacterias y provocar infecciones. En la etapa más avanzada, la periodontitis grave, se presenta daño extenso a los huesos que sujetan los dientes, y estos pueden soltarse y caerse. En esta etapa, a menudo se requiere una intervención quirúrgica.
La enfermedad periodontal es más común en las personas con mala higiene bucal y otros factores de riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, como presión arterial alta sobrepeso u obesidad, diabetes o tabaquismo. La prevalencia de la enfermedad periodontal también es mayor en hombres, adultos mayores, personas que realizan poca actividad física y personas afectadas por determinantes sociales adversos de la salud, como un nivel socioeconómico más bajo, inseguridad alimentaria o falta de acceso a cuidados de salud, incluida la atención dental.
Aunque la enfermedad periodontal y la ASCVD tienen factores de riesgo en común, los nuevos datos indican que existe una relación independiente entre las dos afecciones. Los potenciales mecanismos biológicos que vinculan la enfermedad periodontal con resultados cardiovasculares deficientes incluyen vías directas, como bacterias en la sangre e infecciones vasculares, y también vías indirectas, como la inflamación sistémica crónica.
En muchos estudios, se ha descubierto que la enfermedad periodontal se relaciona con un mayor riesgo de ataque cardíaco, ataque o derrame cerebral, fibrilación auricular, insuficiencia cardíaca, enfermedad arterial periférica, enfermedad renal crónica y muerte cardíaca. Aunque la enfermedad periodontal claramente contribuye a la inflamación crónica que se asocia con la ASCVD, no se ha confirmado una relación de causa y efecto.
Tampoco existe evidencia directa de que el tratamiento periodontal ayude a prevenir las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Sin embargo, los tratamientos que reducen la exposición a la inflamación durante la vida parecen ser beneficiosos para reducir el riesgo de desarrollar ASCVD. El tratamiento y el control de la enfermedad periodontal y la inflamación asociada pueden contribuir a la prevención y a un mejor control de la ASCVD.
Se considera que las personas que tienen uno o más factores de riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares tienen un riesgo mayor y pueden beneficiarse de los controles dentales regulares y la atención periodontal dirigida para tratar la inflamación crónica. Estudios anteriores han demostrado que cepillarse los dientes con más frecuencia se relaciona con un riesgo de ASCVD 10 años más bajo (un 13.7% para un cepillado al día o menos frente a un 7.35% para tres o más cepillados al día) y marcadores de inflamación reducidos.
Se necesita más investigación, incluidos estudios de largo plazo y ensayos controlados aleatorizados, para determinar si el tratamiento periodontal puede influir en la progresión y los resultados de la ASCVD.
Además, se debe analizar la función del nivel socioeconómico, el acceso a la atención dental y otros factores sociales que afectan de manera adversa la salud con el fin de desarrollar estrategias de prevención y tratamiento dirigidas que puedan ayudar a reducir la prevalencia y los resultados adversos de la enfermedad periodontal y la ASCVD.
El grupo de redacción voluntario preparó esta declaración científica en nombre del Comité de Prevención de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares del Consejo de Enfermedades Cardíacas Congénitas de por Vida y Salud del Corazón en los Jóvenes; el Consejo de Cardiología Clínica; el Consejo de Ataques o Derrames Cerebrales; el Consejo de Ciencia Cardiovascular Básica y el Consejo de Enfermería de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares y Ataques o Derrames Cerebrales de la American Heart Association. Si bien en las declaraciones científicas se informa el desarrollo de las pautas, no constituyen recomendaciones de tratamiento. Las pautas de la American Heart Association proporcionan las recomendaciones oficiales de la práctica clínica de la Asociación.
Los coautores son el vicepresidente Abbas H. Zaidi, M.D., M.S.; Ann F. Bolger, M.D., FAHA; Oscar H. Del Brutto, M.D.; Rashmi Hegde, B.D.S., M.S.; Lauren L. Patton, D.D.S.; Jamie Rausch, Ph.D., R.N. y Justin P. Zachariah, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA. Las declaraciones de los autores se encuentran en el artículo.
La Asociación recibe más de un 85% de sus ingresos de fuentes ajenas a empresas. Estas fuentes incluyen contribuciones de personas particulares, fundaciones y patrimonios, así como ganancias por inversiones e ingresos por la venta de nuestros materiales informativos. Las empresas (incluidas las farmacéuticas, los fabricantes de dispositivos y otras compañías) también realizan donaciones a la Asociación. La Asociación tiene políticas estrictas para evitar que las donaciones influyan en el contenido científico y en las posturas de sus políticas. La información financiera general está disponible aquí (sitio web en inglés).
Siga las noticias de la AHA/ASA en X en @HeartNews
Siga las noticias de Circulation , la revista médica insignia de la AHA, en @CircAHA
###
Acerca de la American Heart Association
La American Heart Association es una fuerza incansable para un mundo de vidas más largas y saludables. La organización ha sido una fuente líder de información sobre salud durante más de cien años y su objetivo es garantizar la equidad en la salud en todas las comunidades. Con el apoyo de más de 35 millones de voluntarios en todo el mundo, financiamos investigaciones vanguardistas, defendemos la salud pública y proporcionamos recursos fundamentales para salvar y mejorar vidas afectadas por enfermedades cardiovasculares y ataques o derrames cerebrales. Trabajamos incansablemente para hacer avanzar la salud y transformar vidas cada día mediante el impulso de avances y la implementación de soluciones comprobadas en las áreas de ciencia, políticas y cuidados. Comuníquese con nosotros en heart.org (sitio web en inglés), Facebook o X, o llame al 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Para consultas de los medios de comunicación: 214-706-1173
