Cardiovascular Center --- HealthandAge

November 21, 2008

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	CARDIOVASCULAR - NEWS CENTER

	Alzheimer's Survival Influenced by Diabetes and High Blood Pressure November 12, 2008 Both diabetes and hypertension predict a shorter lifespan in people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study published in the November 4, 2008 issue of the journal Neurology Western Diet Increases Global Risk of Heart Attack October 29, 2008 A 'Western' diet consisting of a high intake of eggs, meat, fried foods, and salty snacks increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or heart attack, worldwide. It also accounts for approximately 30% of the population-attributable risk for AMI, according to a study published online in the journal Circulation Increasing the Likelihood of Quitting Smoking After a Heart Attack October 22, 2008 Quitting cigarette smoking is an important goal of preventive care after a myocardial infarction, or heart attack. Hospital-based smoking cessation programs seem to increase the likelihood of kicking the habit, according to a study in the latest issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Dark Chocolate Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease October 7, 2008 Eating dark chocolate can significantly reduce levels of a protein that is linked to the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study published in the October 2008 issue of the Journal of Nutrition Depression Screening Recommended for People with Heart Disease October 6, 2008 Up to 20% of patients hospitalized for heart attack meet the criteria for major depression. Healthcare providers should routinely screen patients with heart disease for signs of depression, according to a new advisory issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) and published online September 29, 2008 online in the journal Circulation. COPD Drugs Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risk October 1, 2008 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs are partially obstructed, making it difficult to breathe. Strict Blood Sugar Control May Reduce Risk of High Blood Pressure September 29, 2008 Individuals with type I diabetes seem to be less likely to develop hypertension, or high blood pressure, if they maintain tight blood sugar control for an extended period of time, according to an article published in a recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Lipitor May Benefit Elderly Stroke Patients September 11, 2008 Treatment with atorvastatin (Lipitor®) seems to reduce the risk of stroke and heart-related health events in older patients who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, according to an analysis published online September 3 in the journal Neurology. Symptoms of Depression Increase Stroke Risk August 29, 2008 The presence of depressive symptoms is a strong risk factor for stroke in men, but not in women, according to research published in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. No Benefit of Folate and Vitamin B in Heart Disease August 25, 2008 Norwegian investigators report that supplementation with folate and vitamin B12 or vitamin B6 does not benefit patients with coronary heart disease, according to a study published in the August 20, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association To Stent or Not To Stent August 20, 2008 Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or angioplasty, is a procedure for expanding narrowed arteries in the heart due to coronary heart disease. It is not clear whether PCI increases quality of life over therapy with medications. FDA Approves Combination Blood Pressure Pill August 13, 2008 Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a blood pressure pill which combines two common blood pressure medications - valsartan and amlodipine - as first-line treatment for patients who are likely to need multiple drugs to lower their blood pressure. Benefits of the Scottish Ban on Smoking August 4, 2008 Beginning in March 2006, the Smoking, Health, and Social Act in Scotland prohibited smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces. Vytorin Misses the Mark July 29, 2008 Merck and Schering-Plough presented interim results of a clinical trial evaluating the effects of Vytorin on clinical outcomes in patients with aortic stenosis. Red Meat Linked to Higher Blood Pressure July 23, 2008 Attention steak lovers -- in a recent study published in the July 15, 2008 issues of BMJ, investigators reported that eating red meat was directly associated with higher blood pressure. Please Pass the Couscous July 21, 2008 Are you always looking for the healthiest and most effective diet? In the July 17, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers reported that both a low-carbohydrate diet and a Mediterranean-style diet may be effective alternatives to a low-fat diet. Blood Pressure Control May Reduce Dementia July 17, 2008 In the most recent online issue of Lancet Neurology, researchers reported that lowering blood pressure in the elderly might reduce the risk for dementia. Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? July 2, 2008 Vitamin D is important to the body because it helps to maintain bone density, aids in the absorption of calcium, and seems to lower the risk of certain cancers, such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Gout Increases Risk of Heart Disease Mortality June 3, 2008 Gout is condition characterized by high levels of uric acid in the blood and deposition of monosodium crystals in the joints and tissues, which can cause pain and swelling. Erectile Dysfunction: A Predictor for Heart Disease May 29, 2008 Extensive studies have identified several factors that increase the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack - for example, increasing age, male gender, high cholesterol, tobacco smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Aggressive Cholesterol Control Benefits Bypass Patients May 28, 2008 Clinical studies have suggested that intensive lowering of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the 'bad' cholesterol, benefits certain groups of patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Is Obesity Really an Epidemic? May 23, 2008 According to a study in a recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine - yes, obesity is an epidemic among almost all age, racial, and ethnic groups in the United States Laughter Lowers Blood Pressure May 20, 2008 According to a new study presented at the American Society of Hypertension 2008 Annual Meeting, laughter in the context of laughter yoga can significantly lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol, or stress hormone, levels. More Reasons to Quit Smoking Now May 15, 2008 The adverse effects associated with cigarette smoking have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and even death. Updated News for Your Heart About the Graveyard Shift May 6, 2008 On March 3, 2008, Health and Age News reported that hospitalized patients who go into cardiac arrest during the night or on the weekend are more likely to die than patients who suffer a cardiac arrest during the day. Osteoporosis Drug Linked to Irregular Heartbeat May 5, 2008 Alendronate (marketed as Fosamax®), a bisphosphonate drug used to prevent bone loss, has been linked to an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm that is the leading cause of stroke. Updated News for Your Heart About the Graveyard Shift April 29, 2008 On March 3, 2008, Health and Age News reported that hospitalized patients who go into cardiac arrest during the night or on the weekend are more likely to die than patients who suffer a cardiac arrest during the day. Cholesterol Drugs Reduce Blood Pressure April 21, 2008 Both high cholesterol and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Potential Benefits of Aggressive Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Control in Diabetics April 16, 2008 More news about cholesterol... Crestor May Improve Heart Disease April 15, 2008 In the past, research studies have shown that statin therapy can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (sometimes referred to as 'bad cholesterol') and slow down the progression of coronary artery disease. Diabetes Drug Prevents Progression of Heart Disease April 8, 2008 According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Most diabetics have other health problems, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which increase their risk for heart disease. Eating Chocolate Every Day May Be Good For You April 4, 2008 Many studies have been published in science journals suggesting the benefits of red wine in reducing the mortality associated with heart disease. Keeping the Weight Off March 19, 2008 Always in search of the miracle diet or the newest super-nutrient? Unfortunately, the skinny on obesity in the United States is that we don't seem to be getting any thinner. The Graveyard Shift May Be Hazardous to Your Heart March 3, 2008 It would seem reasonable to assume that, if your heart were to stop, the best place for it to happen would be in a hospital. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association [http:jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/299/7/785], cardiac arrest survival in the hospital seems to vary depending on the time of day. Investigators found that patients who go into cardiac arrest during the night or on the weekend are more likely to die. Night-time Noise and Blood Pressure February 29, 2008 When we're asleep, our pulse and blood pressure usally rest as well. However, the normal heart rate 'dip' during sleep may be lessened in some people, and these persons have an increased overall mortality rate. In the case of blood pressure, spike-like increases may sometimes occur at night, which can be linked to the occurrence of high blood pressure (hypertension). Hawthorn Extract for Heart Failure? February 20, 2008 I usually write about herbal cures in my Saturday Quack, complaining that they don't work. But when they do, I'm happy to report it on a busy weekday. A paper in the Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews has evaluated results form 14 clinical studies of the use of hawthorn extract in treating the symptoms of heart failure. Coronary Clot Plumbing - A New Approach February 19, 2008 Interventions for dealing with a heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) have developed over the years. After many years when bed rest and anticoagulation were the principal treatments, bypass surgery took the field. Vessels from the chest or leg were grafted into place to bypass the blockage. Later, with coronary artery catheterization, the introduction of balloons to break down the clot became popular. Then stents were left in place to hold the vessel open; in a further development, stents were made that were coated with appropriate chemicals - anticoagulants. Now comes an approach that might have been thought of much earlier - use of suction to remove the clot. Another Use for GPS - PAD! February 17, 2008 The Global Positioning Device, or GPS, is a wonderful invention for helping to stop people from getting lost, whether they're on foot, in the mountains, or just driving. Calcium Supplements Can Have a Downside ... January 29, 2008 It seems that healthy postmenopausal women who take a calcium citrate supplement may have an increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarct, or MI). This news comes from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, reporting in the British Medical Journal online. Get Moving to Reduce Mortality in PAD January 28, 2008 PAD is short for peripheral arterial disease, a condition that all older persons should know about. US physicians wanted to know whether the physical activity capabilities of PAD sufferers could 'predict' their mortality. Their study is published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery. How Could Zetia Happen? January 18, 2008 How could a drug that seems to make a condition worse actually get approved for sale by the FDA? The answer lies in the term "surrogate markers", which I'll discuss below. Another Cause of Disability - High Blood Pressure January 7, 2008 As we get older, we worry about becoming disabled and being a burden for others. The most common causes of long-term disability are: illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these diseases cause major limitations in daily living for more than 25 million Americans); arthritis and back pain; and lifestyle choices that lead to problems like obesity. Running a Marathon Is Less Risky Than Driving One January 1, 2008 Happy New Year. Why not resolve this year not to be fooled by apparent risks, rather than real ones? Let's start with running a marathon. Everyone knows (because the media reports it) that every so often a healthy marathon runner drops dead during the race. And before we can think it through, we come to assume that marathon-running is a risky sport. Well, a new report suggests it's not as serious as taking the automobile. Modern Medical Myths December 30, 2007 We talk of Old Wives Tales, but many of the health-related ones persist today - along with some new ones. Is Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest Out? December 28, 2007 Conventional CPR, as we've learned from TV if not from experts, involves mouth-to-mouth ventilation interspersed with chest compressions, with 30 chest compressions every 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths. Boxing Day Eggnog (again) December 26, 2007 A year ago today I posted a piece about eggnog, as being a suitable 'hair of the dog' and a possible source of omega-3 fatty acids. A Monthly Fast May Help Your Heart December 18, 2007 The Mormon faith is in the news because of Mitt Romney's presidential bid. But there's another reason for showing interest in this religion. The results of a study presented at the recent American Heart Association meeting suggested that a monthly fast could have cardiac benefits. Looking at the records of 4,500-plus Salt Lake City inhabitants having a cath-lab exam for blocked coronary arteries revealed that only 61% of Mormons had heart disease compared with 66% of non-Mormons examined. So the researchers decided to investigate further. Saturday Quack - Watch Those Energy Drinks! December 1, 2007 Energy drinks are beverages like Red Bull, Venom, Adrenaline Rush, 180, and ISO Sprint, which contain large doses of caffeine and other legal stimulants like ephedrine, guarana, and ginseng. However, drinking two energy drinks a day increases blood pressure, according to a presentation at the recent American Heart Association meeting. Long-Term "Pill" Use May Damage Blood Vessels November 29, 2007 The long-term risks of using oral contraceptives (the pill) have been debated for some time. The increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, especially in women who smoke, is well-established. Now there's evidence of a new vascular risk - this time to the arteries. Shortage of Sleep Promotes Hypertension November 28, 2007 British civil servants (government office workers) provided the database for an interesting survey. Over 10,000 civil servants aged 35 to 55 at baseline had further assessments after 2 and 7 years. Blood pressure was measured at each assessment, and sleep duration at the 7-year exam. The findings of this study - the Whitehall II Study - were reported in the journal Hypertension. Does Your Statin Keep You Awake? November 21, 2007 A researcher from the University of California at San Diego reported at the American Heart Association meeting that simvastatin (Zocor®) can cause patients to develop sleep disturbances. It seems that the lipophilicity of the drug is relevant. Lipophilicity refers to the ability of a chemical compound to dissolve in fats, oils, and lipids. A class of drugs with similar actions may have members with different lipophilicity. With the statins, simvastatin is the most lipophilic, pravastatin (Pravacol®) the most hydrophilic - i.e. dissolving in water and similar liquids - rosuvastatin (Crestor®) may be hydrophilic, and atorvastatin (Lipitor®) is considered to be intermediate. Lipophilic drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier more easily, and therefore produce side effects such as sleep problems. A Blood Pressure Vaccine? November 16, 2007 A Swiss researcher from Lausanne presented a novel concept at the recent American Heart Association meeting. Professor Nussberger reported early results with a vaccine that would treat high blood pressure, thereby obviating the need for patients to take drugs every day. It would work by inhibiting angiotensin II, a molecule that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Several drugs work the same way, including the ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and the ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). Blood Pressure Goes Wild in Winter November 13, 2007 It's harder for people to control their blood pressure in winter, according to experts. A study reported at the American Heart Association meeting describes the result of an analysis of the vast US Veterans Administration database. The health records of almost 1.2 million patients from 15 VA hospitals were examined. Half of them were white, one in four were black, and one in five Hispanic. Their average age was 66. Delay in Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension November 5, 2007 Pulmonary hypertension is a serious, often fatal disease. It occurs when the small arteries in the lungs develop changes in their walls: thickening of the muscle and of the innermost cell layer, leading to narrowing of the inside of the vessel. Eventually, the heart has to work so hard to get enough oxygen-rich blood to the lungs that patients often develop heart failure. Are You Taking All Your Meds? September 21, 2007 People in the Heart and Soul Study - who had established coronary heart disease - were asked by their Californian physicians the following question: "In the past month, how often did you take your medications as the doctor prescribed?" The results of this query were recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The replies from over 1000 outpatients showed that 8.2% were nonadherent, i.e. they failed to take their meds as prescribed 75% of the time. Coffee - Good or Bad for You? September 8, 2007 I've mentioned coffee so much on these pages that some of you may think I work for Starbucks. Most recently it was a positive result (coffee lowers uric acid), but there have been good and bad reports over the years. Too Low LDL-Cholesterol Levels? August 29, 2007 It was Wallace Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, who said: "A woman can't be too rich or too thin". And we've been saying for years "You can't have an LDL-cholesterol that's too low". Well, maybe you can, according to a report in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Got Milk, Indeed! August 21, 2007 According to an article in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, men who drank a pint of milk a day were 60% less likely to develop the metabolic syndrome. The Caerphilly Cohort Study was done in Cardiff, UK. It included 2375 men aged 45 to 59 at baseline in 1979-1983, who were examined at 5-year intervals for 20 years. Is Vitamin D the New Aspirin (or Statin)? August 20, 2007 We often say that aspirin can do anything, like statins, and Botox. Vitamin D has a long list of possibly useful associations - type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and some cancers, for instance. The latest news on vitamin D deficiency (or rather, low blood levels) comes from a report in the American Journal of Hypertension. What's Your Coronary Artery Calcium Score? July 29, 2007 The use of computerized tomography, or CT, allows the amount of calcium in coronary arteries to be estimated. This can give an idea of the likely risk of a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or MI. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is now being done more widely, and is proving to be a "valuable and appropriate approach in a selected patient population", according to a recent statement from the American College of Cardiology. How About a Nice Cup of Cocoa? July 17, 2007 There have been reports in recent years that have turned the guilty pleasure of eating dark chocolate into a healthful activity (provided you count the calories, too). Now the Journal of the American Medical Association has published a report from Germany that supports the idea of a little daily chocolate intake. Know Your Hematocrit before Surgery June 24, 2007 If you're over 65, you might want to know a bit more about your hematocrit. It's the percentage, by volume, of the blood that consists of red blood cells. For example, a hematocrit of 25% means that there are 25 mL of red blood cells in 100 mL of blood. The normal hematocrit for adult men is 42-54%, and for adult women 39-46%. Bone Marrow Cells Help the Heart June 18, 2007 Bone marrow cells (BMCs) are almost equal to embryonic stem cells in their ability to transform themselves into other cell types. Experiments in lab animals have shown that BMCs can improve the contractile performance of lifeless myocardium (heart muscle) by producing new muscle and small blood vessel cells. There's also evidence that several different types of mononuclear (single nucleus) BMCs can transform into endothelium (blood vessel lining cells) and smooth muscle cells, as well as into heart muscle cells. They have been seen to migrate from coronary capillaries and become incorporation into the heart muscle. Metabolic Syndrome vs. Cardiometabolic Risk June 16, 2007 For the last decade (or longer) cardiologists have been enamored of the metabolic syndrome. Here's an extract from the American Diabetes Association's website that clarifies the situation. Soy and Blood Pressure June 11, 2007 There's long been controversy about whether soy foods can lower the bad cholesterol or not. Maybe it's time to look at another indication - high blood pressure. A report in the Archives of Internal Medicine describes a small study in 60 postmenopausal women. The women took soy nuts containing 25 grams of soy protein in a standard diet for 8 weeks. After this, they crossed over to a diet without soy nuts for another 8 weeks. (Some women took the soy-free diet first, and then the soy nuts diet.) Raised Liver Test Results Predict Heart Problems in Women June 3, 2007 Any abnormal test result is disturbing, but when it suggests two problems rather than one, it's even more worrying. A report from the Digestive Disease Week meeting describes how raised liver enzyme test levels can be associated with angiography findings in procedures done for suspected coronary artery disease. "It's Just Not Fair!" May 29, 2007 Does unfairness cause a heart attack? UK researchers used the British Civil Service (government bureaucrats) to study this question. A study reported in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health describes results obtained from 5,700 men and 2,500 women employed Civil Service departments in London . At baseline they had full examinations that included assessment of unfairness at work and other psychosocial work characteristics, along with cardiovascular risk factor evaluation. Follow-up averaged 11 years, during which 528 fatal and non-fatal heart attacks, angina, and cardiac deaths (together called 'coronary events') were reported. How Alcohol Helps the Heart? May 26, 2007 It's widely recognized that moderate alcohol intake (2 drinks a day for men, 1 for women) is linked to decreased cardiac health problems. This has been attributed to higher levels of the 'good' cholesterol - high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. A new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, suggests another role for alcohol. One Problem with Moderate Alcohol Intake . . . May 23, 2007 We have repeatedly extolled the health benefits of mild to moderate alcohol consumption (that's one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men). There have been numerous studies supporting this concept - even the advantage of raised blood alcohol levels in brain injury. Something New to Worry About - Phosphorus May 20, 2007 It's long been known that raised levels of serum phosphorus, as well as the product of calcium-times-phosphorus blood levels, are linked to increased mortality in people with chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular disease. However, it hasn't been known, until now, whether phosphorus levels are associated with increased risk in people without chronic kidney or cardiovascular disease. A new report in the Archives of Internal Medicine fills that gap in our knowledge. Drugs Really Do Work! May 13, 2007 With the growth in complimentary and alternative medicine - herbs, supplements, acupuncture, and the rest - one might think that traditional medicine is unnecessary. But when it comes to serious conditions (i.e. acute coronary disease) there's little doubt that pharmacological research has provided a rich collection of medications that produce effective results. This is borne out by a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It described a multinational study ( USA , Canada , England , Scotland , France , and Poland ) that included more than 44,000 adults hospitalized with the acute coronary care syndrome - heart attack, stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac death. Testing for Increased Risk of A Fib April 13, 2007 Atrial fibrillation is what cardiologists describe as an "irregular irregularity" of the heartbeat - in other words, the perceived rhythm from the ventricles is rapid but totally irregular. Atrial fibrillation is more common in old age, diabetes, obesity, and conditions affecting the left heart ventricle. And as people age, the likelihood of increased pulse pressure also rises. The pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Thus if your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, your pulse pressure is 40 mmHg. T he most important cause of elevated pulse pressure is stiffness and reduced elasticity of the aorta and arteries . A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has examined the possibility of a relationship between these two age-related changes. Are Vegetarians Smarter? April 10, 2007 Scientists in UK have found there's an association between childhood IQ and adult vegetarianism. This finding may raise more questions than it answers. In a report in the British Medical Journal, 8,000 children aged 10 entered a study when their mental ability (IQ) was assessed. Their diet was assessed when they were 30 years old. At that time, over 300 of them were self-reported vegetarians (actually, 4.5%). Fix Your Heartburn, But Risk A Fracture? April 9, 2007 Many people with GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or heartburn) take a type of antacids called proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Examples are Nexium®, Prilosec®, and Prevacid®. They are extremely effective, and their side effects aren't usually serious. There's one snag, however. Use of PPIs may decrease the absorption of calcium, causing a decrease in bone density, which can, in turn, lead to an increased risk of fractures. Post-heart attack depression needs careful attention March 29, 2007 Depression after a heart attack may arise for various reasons and must be taken seriously. Atherothrombosis linked to heart attack and stroke March 23, 2007 Patients who have arterial disease have a high risk of heart attack and stroke, say researchers. Chiropractic can lower blood pressure March 21, 2007 A specialized chiropractic adjustment on the vertebra has been shown to improve blood pressure. Meditation is helpful in reducing heart failure problems March 21, 2007 Patients with heart failure who practised transcendental meditation saw benefit, probably through reducing stress. Longevity in the family reduces heart disease risk March 15, 2007 People whose parents live to over 85 have fewer heart disease risk factors in middle age, according to a new report. There is a gender inequality in response to emergency stroke treatment March 14, 2007 Men are more likely to benefit from tissue plasmingoen activator after a stroke, according to a review of treatment outcomes. Aerobic exercise may promote heart health by reducing inflammatory markers March 14, 2007 A new study shows that aerobic exercise decreases blood markers of inflammation which, in turn, will improve heart health. Obesity slows recovery rate from stroke March 14, 2007 Individuals with a high body mass index are less likely to be discharged directly to home after hospital. ECG findings reveal women at risk of heart disease March 7, 2007 Electrocardiogram abnormalities predict heart disease in postmenopausal women, according to a new study. Erectile dysfunction drugs can help the heart March 5, 2007 Drugs for erectile dysfunction protect the heart before and after a heart attack. Researchers uncover a link between analgesics and high blood pressure March 1, 2007 Common pain relievers increase blood pressure among men, according to US study. Comparison of blood pressure drugs rules against beta blockers February 23, 2007 Beta blockers should not be the first treatment choice for high blood pressure, according to a new review. Gender differences are important in heart attack February 22, 2007 Women have different symptoms from men when they are having a heart attack. Study shows that removing iron is not effective for peripheral arterial disease February 15, 2007 Reduction of iron levels in the body does not appear to improve the outlook in peripheral arterial disease. For heart patients, intensive smoking cessation therapy may do the trick February 14, 2007 Intensive smoking cessation therapy helps patients with heart disease quit with a good success rate. Taking midday naps may reduce death from heart disease February 13, 2007 A new study among Greek adults shows that midday naps reduce the risk of death from heart disease. Study uncovers risk with heart bypass surgery drug February 9, 2007 Aprotinin, a drug used during heart bypass surgery, is linked to increased mortality. Heart disease can be slowed down by taking statins to reduce cholesterol February 7, 2007 Statins can reverse the physical signs of heart disease, according to a new study. Research finds association between genetic variants and venous thrombosis in women February 7, 2007 Five genetic variants are linked to the risk of developing venous thrombosis in women, according to a new study. Patients with heart disease respond well to depression treatment January 25, 2007 Clinical study shows that antidepressants are effective in depressed patients with heart disease. Heart bypass with carotid endarterectomy increases death and stroke risk January 22, 2007 Combination heart bypass and carotid endarterectomy can be risky according to a new review. Heart failure may go unrecognized among some patients January 18, 2007 Some cases of heart failure are not being picked up in the emergency room, according to a study from Canada. Heart attack risk factors are more common in South Asian countries January 17, 2007 People in South Asia have higher risk of heart attack at younger age, because they are more likely to have risk factors. Study shows value of adherence to meds after heart attack January 15, 2007 Improved adherence to statins and beta-blockers make for longer survival after a heart attack. Heart disease and poor sleep seem to go together January 12, 2007 There is a two-way link between poor sleep and heart disease, say doctors at Harvard Medical School. Researchers discover heart disease biomarker January 12, 2007 Biomarker test may help predict risk for heart disease patients. Study finds obese patients fare better in heart failure January 10, 2007 Obesity appears to protect patients from death from acute heart failure. No benefit in taking pexelizumab to reduce heart attack inflammation January 8, 2007 Pexelizumab has not followed up its early promise in reducing death after a certain type of heart attack. Study uncovers a link between post-traumatic stress disorder and heart disease January 3, 2007 Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can increase the risk of heart disease in men. Promising results are reported for a new ventricular assist device December 29, 2006 New device offers superior approach for assisting patients with heart failure. Interaction between blood pressure, genetics and gender throws up surprising connections December 27, 2006 A new study shows that the influence of gene variants on blood pressure depends upon gender. Put defibrillators in ski resorts December 21, 2006 A British doctor argues that there should be defibrillators available in ski resorts to aid people having cardiac arrest. Study reveals a better approach to heart failure treatment December 19, 2006 Researchers have found a new and safer way of administering digoxin to patients with heart failure. Folic acid supplements do not protect from heart disease December 14, 2006 A new analysis of the evidence shows that folic acid supplements do not reduce the risk of heart disease. Quitting is better than cutting down when it comes to smoking December 5, 2006 Cutting back on smoking does not have any real benefit for health, according to a new study. Ventricular assist devices not yet suitable for all with heart failure December 4, 2006 A review suggests the use of ventricular assist devices to help people with heart failure should continue to be limited. Increasing folic acid consumption could protect against heart disease November 29, 2006 A review of the evidence suggests taking folic acid to lower homocysteine may help cut rates of heart disease. Clinical trial shows effectiveness of bivalirudin in acute coronary syndrome November 24, 2006 Single medication for treating acute coronary syndrome poses lower bleeding risk than standard combination therapy. Why does exercise intolerance occur in heart failure? November 22, 2006 New study takes a fresh look at the exercise intolerance problem in heart failure. Understanding what makes a broken heart November 21, 2006 Broken heart syndrome is linked with both physical and emotional stress and may recur. Evidence of psoriasis and heart disease link is revealed November 14, 2006 Study shows that people with psoriasis are at increased risk of developing heart disease. It may be possible to hold by atherosclerosis through drug treatment November 13, 2006 Two drugs could stabilize plaque in atherosclerosis, according to a new study. Blood pressure reading can predict heart failure outcome November 9, 2006 Systolic blood pressure predicts mortality in patients with heart failure. Statin benefit for heart failure patients November 1, 2006 Statins reduce risk of death and hospitalizations for patients with heart failure. Cutting heart disease risk factors may not reduce death rate October 31, 2006 Benefits in reducing heart disease risk factors are not as great as had been hoped. Nicotine replacement may be harmful for some critically ill patients October 30, 2006 Smoking cessation therapy can cause problems for smokers admitted to the intensive care unit. Cutting back on salt is necessary for some but maybe not all October 26, 2006 Salt limitation depends on the individual - some need less than others. Statins reduce stroke, heart attack in patients at risk October 25, 2006 Stroke and heart attack reduced in patients who are on statins. Moderate alcohol consumption linked to decreased risk of heart attack October 24, 2006 Healthy men who drink moderately have a lowered risk of having a heart attack, says a new study. A study of recipients of heart from donors with hepatitis C shows decreased survival October 23, 2006 Recipients of donor hearts from hepatitis C positive patients are less likely to survive. Researchers uncover a link between psoriasis and heart attack October 16, 2006 Psoriasis can increase the risk of a heart attack, according to a new study. Depression plays an important part in heart disease October 12, 2006 Cardiologists need guidelines to address the link between depression and heart disease. Aspirin is confirmed as key protection against heart disease October 11, 2006 New study demonstrates the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing heart disease. Patients may beat heart disease through self-monitoring October 4, 2006 Self-monitoring may be a good way for patients to control their blood pressure. How to manage your blood pressure October 3, 2006 High blood pressure is the most important cause of death and disability in the world. Compliance with hypertension medication is the key to success October 3, 2006 Cardiovascular success zone concept helps people with high blood pressure medication adherence. EUROACTION program on heart disease produces encouraging results October 2, 2006 A nurse-led program produces good results in helping people achieve a heart healthy lifestyle. Lipoprotein(a) is a heart disease risk factor, but only at very high levels September 26, 2006 Women with very high levels of lipoprotein(a) are at increased risk of heart disease. More patients may benefit from heart transplant September 22, 2006 Heart transplant criteria have expanded to include older patients and those who have had cancer. Link between green tea and reduced mortality discovered September 13, 2006 Consumption of green tea reduces all-cause and heart disease mortality, according to Japanese study. Walking can lower blood pressure September 8, 2006 Just a few short bouts of walking during the day have been shown to lower high blood pressure. New study shows value of cheaper heparin August 31, 2006 The original and less expensive form of heparin is as effective and safe as a newer more expensive version of the drug. Health benefit of pomegranate juice revealed August 29, 2006 Pomegranate juice can reduce heart risk in diabetes, according to a new study. Heart valve disease is a major public health concern August 23, 2006 Around five million Americans have heart valve disease brought on by aging, according to a new Mayo Clinic study. Coffee is linked to heart attack August 21, 2006 Just one coffee can trigger a heart attack shortly afterwards in some people, according to a new study. Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect heart attack survivors August 10, 2006 A heart attack can give rise to post-traumatic stress disorder and the condition may hinder recovery. A clinical trial shows the safety of digitalis in diastolic heart failure August 4, 2006 Digitalis can safely be used in patients who have diastolic heart failure, despite previous concerns. Test helps identify low risk venous thromboembolism patients August 4, 2006 A new test can pinpoint which patients with venous thromboembolism are at low risk of recurrence and might not need anticoagulants. Emergency heart patients do better with angioplasty compared to medication August 3, 2006 Early angioplasty for heart attack patients is linked to better survival in both short and long term, according to a new analysis. A study shows that moderate exercise causes no harm to the hearts of older adults August 1, 2006 Older adults with mild high blood pressure have everything to gain and nothing to lose from moderate exercise. Time to label trans fats in food, experts say July 28, 2006 Trans fats are bad for the heart so they need to be labeled in food products along with cholesterol and saturated fat. Light to moderate alcohol consumption reduces heart disease risk July 27, 2006 People who have a few drinks a week live longer and are less likely to have heart disease, say US scientists. Heart disease may result from hyperactivity in childhood July 24, 2006 Hyperactivity in girls is linked with heart disease in later life, according to Finnish researchers. Women still receive lower-quality heart attack care than men July 19, 2006 Despite an effort at quality improvement, women heart attack survivors in Michigan hospitals tend to do worse than men. New heart disease risk factors in doubt July 17, 2006 Levels of C-reactive protein and other markers do not seem to be predictive of heart disease over other risk factors. Healthy lifestyle reduces women's stroke risk July 17, 2006 A new study reveals how factors like a healthy diet and regular exercise can decrease a woman's risk of having a stroke. Genetic variation affects response to heart drug July 13, 2006 A study shows that variants in the target for beta blockers affect a patient's response to this medication. Antibiotic treatment could limit heart attack damage July 10, 2006 New experiments show that rapamycin can prevent cell death after a heart attack. Combination med found useful for heart health July 6, 2006 A clinical trial shows that a combined pill with a calcium antagonist and a statin is good for improving blood pressure and cholesterol. New link between blood pressure and heart failure July 4, 2006 Having a relatively high blood pressure at night increases the risk of heart failure. Oral therapy for pulmonary hypertension June 30, 2006 Bosentan offers new hope for pulmonary hypertension not suitable for surgery. The health dangers of losing your job June 30, 2006 A study shows that those who lose their jobs later in life have a double chance of heart attack or stroke. Engineered tissue mends heart problem June 20, 2006 Researchers are using tissue engineering to treat heart block. Comparing ways of treating cardiac arrest June 16, 2006 An automated chest compression device has been assessed in a new study. Benefits of fish oil called into question June 15, 2006 Patients with an abnormal heart rhythm did not seem to be helped by taking fish oil supplements. Transcendental meditation protects the heart from stress June 14, 2006 According to a new study, practising transcendental meditation lowers blood pressure and decreases insulin resistance. Shock after heart attack can be effectively treated June 13, 2006 A new study suggests that the outlook can be good for patients treated aggressively for shock occuring after a heart attack. Daily alcohol consumption cuts heart risk for men June 1, 2006 A new study says that men who drink every day have a reduced risk of heart disease, but the same is not true for women. Support World No Tobacco Day May 31, 2006 The World Health Organization reminds us today that tobacco addiction, and its resultant health issues, are a global problem. Heart disease prevention in Britain May 26, 2006 The use of statins to prevent heart disease in Britain is cheaper than elsewhere but less effective. Metabolic syndrome linked to heart failure risk May 26, 2006 A new study suggests that those with metabolic syndrome run an increased risk of developing heart failure in middle age. Painkillers linked to heart failure May 25, 2006 A study of medical records reveals that painkillers like ibuprofen increase the risk of hospital admission for heart failure. High blood pressure link to female sexual dysfunction May 25, 2006 Women who have high blood pressure are more likely to have sexual problems, according to a new study. Religion has positive effect on blood pressure May 24, 2006 A study on African Americans shows that those who were involved in religious activities had lower blood pressure than those who were not. Blood clotting not activated on long haul flights May 23, 2006 New research simulating conditions on a long flight show no increase in blood clotting risk in healthy individuals. Blood pressure variability can affect cognitive function May 23, 2006 The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure can have an impact on cognitive performance. Steroids linked to atrial fibrillation May 16, 2006 A new study suggests that high dose steroid therapy may be linked to atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder. Job stress does not lead to chronic high blood pressure May 12, 2006 A review of the evidence reveals that there is no relationship between stress at work and long term high blood pressure. Blood pressure varies with the way it is taken May 2, 2006 Sitting on a chair with your feet on the floor gives lower blood pressure readings than sitting on an exam table. Flight stockings can be effective April 20, 2006 Compression stockings may prevent deep vein thrombosis among long-haul travelers. ACE inhibitors reduce heart death rates April 18, 2006 A new analysis reveals that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce cardiovascular risk and death rates. Lack of sleep link to high blood pressure April 11, 2006 People who sleep six or fewer hours a night are more likely to have high blood pressure. Better diagnosis for heart rhythm problem April 10, 2006 A simple test can help those whose heart rhythm abnormality is not detected by standard methods. Loneliness linked to high blood pressure March 31, 2006 A study shows that older people who are lonely are more likely to have high blood pressure. Grape seed extract can reduce blood pressure March 30, 2006 A clinical trial on people with metabolic syndrome suggests that taking grape seed extract leads to a fall in blood pressure. Safety of carotid stenting shown in study March 24, 2006 Results from the largest ever multi center study show that widening the carotid arteries with a stent has a low complication rate. Statin therapy can reverse heart disease process March 23, 2006 A study shows that cholesterol-lowering drugs can turn back the damage to blood vessels in heart disease. New anti-thrombotic benefits heart patients March 22, 2006 In a new study, the drug fondaparinux was found to increase survival and reduce the risk of recurrence in people who had had a heart attack. Expression of anger is not healthy March 22, 2006 Managing anger is a better approach than expressing it, according to a leading psychologist in this field. Treating blood pressure early is beneficial March 21, 2006 A clinical trial shows that treating people for pre-hypertension keeps their blood pressure under control for longer. Fall in blood pressure not due to drugs March 20, 2006 A new survey suggests there has been a population-wide fall in blood pressure in recent years. Coffee may be linked to heart attack March 20, 2006 Certain gene variants are linked to an increased risk of a heart attack. Fine particle air pollution worsens health March 17, 2006 According to the latest study, heart and lung disease are made worse by the tiny particles present in air pollution. Drug restores blood vessel functioning March 15, 2006 A study suggests that nebivolol can restore nitric oxide functioning in African-Americans. UK planning national screening program for heart disease March 15, 2006 Middle-aged people in Britain will soon have regular checks of cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. Aspirin benefits more men than previously thought March 14, 2006 Taking aspirin for prevention of heart disease is beneficial for a wide range of men. Blood pressure genes change over time March 9, 2006 As children become adults, there are changes in some of the genes involved in blood pressure control. How should heart attack patients be treated? March 8, 2006 A new study asks whether heart attack should always be treated by angioplasty straight away. Marital disagreements are bad for the heart March 8, 2006 Expressing hostility between husband and wife is linked to hardening of the arteries. Thyroid linked to heart problem March 7, 2006 A new study shows that overactive thyroid can be associated with atrial fibrillation, but not with other heart problems. Procedure helps with atrial fibrillation March 3, 2006 A study shows that radiofrequency catheter ablation reduces the symptoms of irregular heartbeat in the long term. Stem cell therapy not effective in heart damage March 2, 2006 Therapy with bone marrow stem cells did not improve cardiac function after heart attack. Optimism helps with heart health March 1, 2006 Men with an optimistic outlook were less likely to die from heart disease, according to a new study. Women have higher risk of death after heart surgery February 28, 2006 Higher rates of infection might explain why women do less well after bypass surgery. Lowering blood pressure after stroke February 27, 2006 A study suggests that guidelines on lowering blood pressure after a stroke might not be relevant to patients in primary care. Coronary stents compared February 22, 2006 There were no significant differences in outcome for patients having two types of stent as treatment for heart disease. Link between exercise stress test result and socioeconomic status February 17, 2006 individuals who have abnormal findings on exercise stress testing tend to have lower socioeconomic status. Polypill idea is too expensive February 15, 2006 A combination pill which would help to beat heart disease would not save money, according to a new analysis. Mind and mood affect the heart February 9, 2006 Patients who are depressed when hospitalized for heart disease have a worse outcome. Black women unaware of heart risk February 8, 2006 According to a new study, two out of three black women at risk of heart disease do not realize the problem. Americans are using aspirin regularly to prevent heart problems January 20, 2006 A new study reveals that the message on the benefits of aspirin is getting through to the American popularion. Aspirin reduces cardiovascular events among men and women January 19, 2006 An analysis of the evidence shows that aspirin reduces stroke among women, heart attacks among men. Heart attack patients do best in specialist hospitals January 17, 2006 A new study shows that patients do best after a heart attack if they attend a hospital where angioplasty is routine. Drug reduces sleep apnea in heart failure patients January 16, 2006 A clinical trial shows that patients taking acetazolamide experienced an improvement in sleep apnea. People with heart disease often have uncontrolled risk factors January 13, 2006 A large international study shows that people with atherothrombosis also tend to have other heart risk factors. How to avoid high blood pressure January 10, 2006 Even if you have normal blood pressure now, there are still things you can do to avoid having a problem in the future. An amino acid supplement does not benefit after heart attack January 6, 2006 Use of the amino acid L-arginine is not helpful after a heart attack and, indeed, it could even be harmful. Stem cells show promise in mending damaged hearts January 3, 2006 Experiments on mice show that embryonic stem cells are capable of being converted into heart tissue. Air pollution may cause heart disease December 22, 2005 New experiments show that exposure to particles of air pollution can cause heart disease. Men with erectile dysfunction are more likely to have a heart attack December 21, 2005 A follow up study shows that men who have erectile dysfunction are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Genetic screening for sudden cardiac death December 21, 2005 A new study shows that genetic screening can help those at risk of sudden cardiac death. Better survival among heart failure patients who take medication December 12, 2005 People with heart failure who stick with medication are also more likely to adopt a healthy lifestyle and benefit from higher survival rates. Lowering blood pressure key to treating kidney disease December 12, 2005 It is the lowering of blood pressure, rather than the drug used to acheive this, which is the main factor in treating kidney disease. Lowering blood pressure key to treating kidney disease December 12, 2005 It is the lowering of blood pressure, rather than the drug used to acheive this, which is the main factor in treating kidney disease. Stroke after heart attack December 8, 2005 New research shows that those who have had a heart attack are 44 times more likely to have a stroke in the 30 days following, compared to the rest of the population. High blood pressure can lead to cognitive problems December 5, 2005 People who have high blood pressure run the risk of impaired memory and verbal ability as they get older. Thyroid condition linked to heart failure risk December 2, 2005 A hormonal condition associated with the thyroid gland increases the risk of heart failure. Differences in survival times after heart failure November 29, 2005 Short-term survival for patients with heart failure is better in the United States than it is in Canada. Aspirin lowers stroke risk in women but not in men November 29, 2005 A new analysis shows that aspirin's protective effect against stroke is confined to women. Sweat an indicator of oncoming heart attack November 28, 2005 Perspiration coupled with chest, arm, neck or jaw discomfort could be a sign of impending heart attack. Noise exposure can increase risk of heart attacks November 25, 2005 Chronic noise has an impact on the body which can lead to a heart attack, according to a new study. Age is a factor in outcome from heart surgery November 22, 2005 Patients aged 80 or more have a poorer outcome from heart surgery, according to a new study. Caffeine does not cause high blood pressure November 9, 2005 Habitual coffee drinking does not lead to high blood pressure among women, according to a survey. New drug can cut heart attack deaths November 8, 2005 Adding clopidogrel, an anti-platelet drug, to aspirin could save lives if used as emergency treatment for heart attack. Workplace fairness linked to reduced heart risk November 2, 2005 A long-term study of British office workers reveals that fair treatment in the workplace is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Non-drug device can help with blood pressure October 31, 2005 A study shows that a device that controls breathing is able to lower blood pressure. Heart failure linked to impaired body cooling October 18, 2005 According to a new study, reduced blood flow to the skin's surface could account for heat-related illnesses among those with heart failure. Pulmonary artery catheterization not helpful in severe heart failure October 14, 2005 According to a new study, pulmonary artery catheterization used for monitoring does not give benefit to those with heart failure. Cholesterol levels declining in the USA October 12, 2005 According to a new survey, cholesterol levels are down among older adults in the USA but remain little changed in younger adults. Job stress increases inflammation September 30, 2005 A survey links one aspect of occupational stress to a known marker of inflammation. Women with atrial fibrillation face higher stroke risk September 20, 2005 Women who are not on anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation face a higher risk of stroke than do men. Heart failure patients at risk least likely to get appropriate medication September 19, 2005 A new study shows that even though certain medications help reduce the risk of death from heart failure, these are not being used in the patients most at risk. Drug-eluting stent reduces complications after angioplasty September 16, 2005 Compared to bare stents, devices that release the drug paclitaxel reduce the risk of an artery re-narrowing after angioplasty. Calcium scans can predict heart disease in healthy men September 12, 2005 A study shows that scans which detect calcium deposits in the arteries can detect heart disease in men who appear to be healthy. Newer drugs better than standard treatments for high blood pressure September 9, 2005 A comparison shows that newer drugs prevent more cardiovascular events than the standard medications do. Medication helps before and after angioplasty September 8, 2005 The drug clopidogrel helps patients avoid heart attack or stroke when they have an angioplasty. High blood pressure a big problem in the emergency room September 6, 2005 A study shows that emergency room patients often have unrecognized and poorly controlled hypertension. Lack of awareness of heart failure September 5, 2005 Although most people have heard of heart failure, only three per cent can identify any symptoms of the condition, according to a new survey. Best not to stop aspirin before surgery September 2, 2005 A new study shows that it may be better not to stop aspirin before surgery. 80 year olds can still benefit from bypass surgery August 24, 2005 Most of those aged 80 or more who have a heart bypass are still alive five years later. Tobacco controls and healthy eating will cut heart deaths August 23, 2005 A new study suggests that if the whole population stops smoking and eats a better diet, heart deaths will decrease more than if only those with heart problems are targeted. Surgeon experience is important in angioplasty August 23, 2005 The risk of complications among patients having angioplasty is much less if the surgeon has carried out many such procedures.