Childhood obesity increases early signs of cardiovascular disease – By as early as 7 years of age, being obese may raise a child’s future risk of heart disease and stroke, even without the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, a new study found.
World now at the start of 2009 influenza pandemic, says WHO. – On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6.
Middle-aged women experience more stress but have lower blood pressure – Both blood pressure and serum lipid levels have improved in Swedish middle-aged women during the past 30 years. Levels of perceived mental stress, however, have increased significantly. These are the of a thesis presented at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Rolofylline Did Not Demonstrate Efficacy for Acute Heart Failure in Clinical Trial – Merck’s experimental heart failure drug rolofylline failed to meet the goals in a clinical trial, failing to improve patients. Merck won’t seek approval this year for this heart failure drug rolofylline after preliminary results.
WHO urged governments to require that all tobacco packages include pictorial warnings to show the sickness and suffering caused by tobacco use. – Warnings on tobacco product packaging increase public awareness of the serious health risks of tobacco use. Images are a particularly powerful and cost-effective vehicle for communicating the risks.
Identification of genetic variants affecting age at menopause could help improve fertility treatment – For the first time, scientists have been able to identify genetic factors that influence the age at which natural menopause occurs in women. Ms Lisette Stolk, a researcher from Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics that a greater understanding of the factors influencing age at menopause might eventually help to improve the clinical treatment of infertile women.
Following a healthy lifestyle is on the decline in the US – Researchers urge individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, particularly in middle age. – Despite the well-known benefits of having a lifestyle that includes physical activity, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol use and not smoking, only a small proportion of adults follow this healthy lifestyle pattern, and in fact, the numbers are declining, according to an article published in the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine.
To stall progress of neuropathy, doctors should monitor levels of an easily measured blood fat as closely as they do blood sugar, study suggests. – A common blood test for triglycerides ? a well-known cardiovascular disease risk factor ? may also for the first time allow doctors to predict which patients with diabetes are more likely to develop the serious, common complication of neuropathy.
Genetic variations contribute to depression in heart disease patients. – Individuals with heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from depression as the general population, an association the medical community has largely been unable to explain. Now, a new study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital, in conjunction with The Montr?al Heart Institute, University of Montr?al and McGill University, reveals there may be genetic variations that contribute to depression in heart disease patients.
Better Cardiorespiratory Fitness Related to Lower Risk of Death, Cardiovascular Disease – Persons with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness have a lower risk of all-cause death and coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease compared to persons with lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, according to an analysis of previous studies appearing in the May 20 issue of JAMA.
Heart disease patients carrying extra pounds do better, live longer – Weight of evidence still points to purposeful weight loss, further research needed. – Being overweight or obese is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors; however, in patients with established CVD, obesity appears to play a protective role.
Influenza of all types can pose greater dangers for people with heart failure, or with any cardiovascular disease. – In general, influenza of all types can pose greater dangers for people with heart failure, or with any cardiovascular disease. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
