Cholesterol

Too much cholesterol in the blood, or high blood cholesterol, can be serious. People with high blood cholesterol have a greater chance of getting heart disease. High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high.

Polypill reduces heart attack and stroke risks

First Polypill trial in people selected on age alone (50 and over) shows substantial health benefit – Results of a randomised trial carried out by academics at Queen Mary, University of London show that a four-component Polypill given to people aged 50 and over to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, the most common causes of death worldwide, achieved large reductions in blood cholesterol and blood pressure, the main causes of these two diseases.

Qsymia approved for chronic weight management

U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management.

Belviq lorcaserin approved to treat overweight or obese adults

FDA approves Belviq to treat some overweight or obese adults – Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride) is approved as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management. This obesity drug is approved by US FDA for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

Cholesterol lowering statins reduce heart diseases and cardiovascular events

Statins appear associated with reduced risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in men, women – Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs appear to be associated with reduced risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in men and women, but do not appear to be associated with reduced all-cause mortality or stroke in women. Statins have been used to lower cholesterol levels for the last 20 years.

Cholesterol lowering statin drugs may cause fatigue

Statins shown to cause fatigue-with-exertion or impaired energy – Researchers found that individuals taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are more likely than non-users to experience decreased energy, fatigue upon exertion, or both. The researchers suggest that these findings should be taken into account by doctors when weighing risk versus benefit in prescribing statins.

Bariatric surgery better for obese with type 2 diabetes

Study compares sleeve gastrectomy with medical treatment in obese patients with type 2 diabetes – A study comparing a bariatric surgical procedure with conventional medical treatment in morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus suggests that surgery was associated with remission or improvement in diabetes-related outcomes.

Bariatric surgery improves and reverses diabetes

Bariatric surgery dramatically outperforms standard treatment for type 2 diabetes — Bariatric surgery superior to intensive therapy for obese patients with type 2 diabetes – Overweight, diabetic patients who underwent bariatric surgery achieved significant improvement or remission of their diabetes.In a randomized, controlled trial, some weight loss surgery patients achieved normal blood sugar levels without use of any diabetes medications.

Eating chocolate frequently appears related to lower BMI

More frequently eating chocolate appears related to lower BMI – More frequently eating chocolate was linked to lower body mass index (BMI). Despite eating more calories, chocolate lovers were found to have a lower body weight. People who ate chocolate a few times a week or more weighed less than those who rarely indulged.

Statin use reduces Parkinson Disease risk

Statin Use Appears Associated with Modest Reduction in Parkinson Disease Risk – Regular use of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may be associated with a modest reduction in risk for developing Parkinson disease, particularly among younger patients. Statins are one of the most prescribed classes of drugs in the United States.

Health Newstrack