UK cardiovascular research charity funding heart health
The British Heart Foundation has announced a plan to close around 150 high-street shops and cut jobs as rising costs and a shift to online shopping weigh on profitability. The charity says around 90 stores will close by next March, with the rest by March 2028, while central roles are also being cut.
AI analysis of 1,722 Scottish heart-trial scans has found that higher density in torso muscles correlates with an 85% lower death risk and a 58% lower risk of heart attack over 10 years. Researchers say muscle quality, not just size, matters; routine scans could guide prevention.
A Lancet study across seven wealthy countries shows that in adults over 40 with obesity, blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol have declined to levels similar to those of normal-weight peers, largely due to statins and other heart drugs. The benefit is strongest among those aged 60 and above; younger obese adults still face higher risk. The research underlines the role of statins in narrowing risk gaps while cautioning that obesity remains a broader health concern.