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BRONX, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study led by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine involving more than 200,000 adults found that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 29% increase in risk for developing dyslipidemia, a condition involving abnormal lipid (fat) levels in the blood. Seniors and people with type 2 diabetes were even more strongly affected, experiencing an approximately two-fold increased risk for developing dyslipidemia, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. The research was published today in the print edition of The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Continue Reading Gaetano Santulli, M.D., Ph.D. "Given the extent of the pandemic, this increase in dyslipidemia risk is a cause for concern around the world," said study leader Gaetano Santulli, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine and of molecular pharmacology at Einstein. "Based on our findings, we would advise people to have their lipid levels monitored regularly and to consult with their healthcare providers about ways to treat dyslipidemia if detected, especially elderly individuals and patients with diabetes." He noted that this advice would apply to all adults, not just those formally diagnosed with COVID-19, considering that many people have been infected without realizing it. To put these findings into context, it has been estimated that 53% of U.S. adults had dyslipidemia before the pandemic; a 29% increase in dyslipidemia incidence due to COVID-19 would mean that 68% of Americans may now be at risk for having lipid abnormalities. In two previous studies, Dr. Santulli and his team found that COVID-19 raised the incidence of new cases of hypertension and type 2 diabetes. "In those analyses, we demonstrated that the risk of developing these disorders was still high three years after the pandemic; moreover, we noticed a suspicious increase in total cholesterol levels, which warranted a closer look," said Dr. Santulli. In the new study, the researchers first determined the incidence of dyslipidemia in a group of more than 200,000 adults living in Naples, Italy during the three years prior to start of the pandemic (2017-2019). They then assessed the incidence of dyslipidemia in the same group during the three-year COVID-19 period (2020-2022), excluding from the analysis those people earlier diagnosed with dyslipidemia or who had previously been taking lipid-lowering medications. The investigators found that COVID-19 raised the risk for developing dyslipidemia in the entire study group by an average of 29%. The increase was even higher among people over age 65 and those with chronic conditions, particularly diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypertension. The findings are the most definitive to date because other studies—most of them linking COVID-19 with modestly increased risks for blood-lipid problems—used as control groups different populations or people thought to have gone through the pandemic without becoming infected. However, significant numbers of people classified as "COVID-free" actually developed the disease but were either never tested or didn't seek medical care. "Our study did not attempt to determine whether participants had tested positive for COVID-19," Dr. Santulli said. "Instead, because we had been following this group for many years prior to the pandemic, we were able to measure COVID's overall impact on the population by simply comparing levels of dyslipidemia in the same group before and after the pandemic. Any increase in dyslipidemia incidence would almost certainly have to be the result of COVID-19." How COVID-19 might have increased the incidence of dyslipidemia remains unclear. One possible explanation is a finding Dr. Santulli made in an earlier study: that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) disrupts the function of endothelial cells, which line the inside of blood vessels throughout the body and play a critical role in regulating blood lipids. A separate study found that COVID-19 is a powerful risk factor for heart attacks and strokes for as long as nearly three years after an infection. "This investigation, published online a month after ours, essentially confirms our observations in this study, since dyslipidemia is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Santulli. "It also suggests that tackling dyslipidemia should reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in those who have had COVID." The researchers are now studying the effects of COVID-19 on cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a recently described condition involving four connected medical problems—heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity—all of which involve endothelial dysfunction. The study is titled "A six-year study in a real-world population reveals an increased incidence of dyslipidemia during COVID-19". The other contributors include: Stanislovas S. Jankauskas, Ph.D., and Fahimeh Varzideh, Ph.D., both at Einstein, Pasquale Mone, M.D., Ph.D., at Einstein and Molise University, Campobasso, Italy, Valentina Trimarco, Raffaele Izzo, Maria Virginia Manzi, Maria Lembo, Paola Gallo, Giovanni Esposito, and Francesco Rozza, at the Federico II University of Naples, Italy, Roberto Piccinocchi, at the Vanvitelli Hospital, Naples, Italy, Carmine Morisco and Bruno Trimarco, at the International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium and Federico II University of Naples, Gaetano Piccinocchi, at the Italian Society of General Medicine, Mario Fordellone and Giuseppe Signoriello, at the Campania University, Naples, Italy. About Albert Einstein College of Medicine Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation's premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2023-24 academic year, Einstein is home to 737 M.D. students, 209 Ph.D. students, 124 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and approximately 239 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 2,000 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2023, Einstein received more than $192 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health. This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in cancer, aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. For more information, please visit einsteinmed.edu, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and view us on YouTube. SOURCE Albert Einstein College of Medicine WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

KINGSTON, N.Y., Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, John R. Froude, MD, FRCP is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions in Infectious Diseases with Expertise and Dedication. Continue Reading John R Froude, MD, FRCP Dr. John R. Froude, MD, FRCP, stands at the forefront of infectious disease management in Kingston, NY. He specializes in comprehensive care for conditions such as Lyme disease, HIV, and various viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19. With a commitment to patient education and public health advocacy, Dr. Froude provides unparalleled expertise and compassionate care to his patients. A distinguished physician with a robust background in global health, Dr. Froude completed his MD and residency in internal medicine at Guy's Hospital, University of London, UK. His early career took him to Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, where he conducted groundbreaking research before furthering his experience in Saudi Arabia and Rockefeller University. He completed his fellowship in infectious disease at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, solidifying his expertise in the field. Board-certified in internal medicine and infectious disease, Dr. Froude brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Medical Associates of the Hudson Valley. His career highlights include significant contributions during the AIDS epidemic at NYU/Bellevue, where he made substantial strides in infectious disease management and patient care. Dr. Froude is also an accomplished author, having published two non-fiction works, "Plagued" and "True Lyme," which contribute to the public understanding of infectious diseases and their impact on global health. An active member of the American Medical Association (AMA) and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (UK), Dr. Froude remains committed to advancing medical knowledge and patient outcomes. His philosophy revolves around patient-centered care, public health advocacy, and the continuous advancement of infectious disease management and prevention strategies. Looking forward, Dr. Froude's future goals include expanding his research efforts, further educating the public on infectious disease prevention and management, and potentially increasing his involvement in global health initiatives. His dedication to improving healthcare and patient outcomes continues to drive his contributions to the field of infectious diseases. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE The Inner Circle WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

New York State Department of Health Funding Supports Healthcare Access and Employment Readiness BRONX, N.Y., Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Montefiore AIDS Center, one of New York's largest HIV prevention and treatment programs, has been awarded a $1 million, five-year grant from the New York State Department of Health. Funding will support engagement of approximately 200 women of color in the Bronx, ages 16 and up, by offering HIV testing, sexual and reproductive health workshops, mental health and supportive services as well as employment readiness opportunities, including vocational counseling, interview preparation, clothing vouchers and referrals to childcare resources. Continue Reading Funding will support engagement of approximately 200 women of color in the Bronx, ages 16 and up, by offering HIV testing, sexual and reproductive health workshops, mental health and supportive services as well as employment readiness opportunities, including vocational counseling, interview preparation, clothing vouchers and referrals to childcare resources. Photo by Lori Adams "Comprehensive healthcare for women of color is essential to break the cycle of HIV transmission in our communities," said Barry Zingman, MD, medical director of the Montefiore AIDS Center, professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and clinical director, infectious diseases, at the Moses division of Montefiore Health System. "With this funding, we are building upon decades of our team's experience in HIV counseling, testing, linkages to care, patient education and outreach work. These strategies were chosen because we've successfully used many of them to engage and empower historically stigmatized individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing." Impact of HIV on Women of Color in the Bronx Since the conclusion of Project HEAL (Healing Environment Altering Lives) in 2015—that screened 1,400 women for HIV over 12 years—there has been a significant lack of supportive services to reach and protect HIV negative women in the Bronx, where the prevalence of HIV and AIDS far exceeds other NYC boroughs. According to the latest NYC Community Health Profile, new Bronx HIV and diagnoses were approximately 50% higher than NYC overall One in four new HIV diagnoses in New York City happens in the Bronx Black and/or Hispanic women make up nearly 90% of new HIV diagnoses and 90% of women living with HIV in NYC Among Bronx women living with HIV, only 68% were in continuous care and 78% were virally suppressed and untransmissible This funding allows Montefiore to employ a dedicated community health worker (a trained local expert) and support other Montefiore AIDS Center staff in screening for social determinants of health, including conditions that people are born into, work and live in, that impact health outcomes such as housing, transportation, and education. With the goals of preventing HIV infections, streamlining HIV treatment within three days of a positive test, and connecting patients to support services, Montefiore aims to provide affirming and supportive care that will in turn reduce disparities throughout the Bronx. About Montefiore Health System Montefiore Health System is one of New York's premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit . Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and LinkedIn, or view us on Facebook and YouTube. SOURCE Montefiore Health System WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED