Heart Attack Archives

Genetic factors may predict depression in heart disease patients

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.

High blood pressure from virus cytomegalovirus

Study indicates that a common virus could cause high blood pressure – Cytomegalovirus affects majority of adults worldwide. – A new study suggests for the first time that cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common viral infection affecting between 60 and 99 percent of adults worldwide, is a cause of high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Women with chest pain get no proper treatment from paramedics

Women with chest pain less likely then men to get proper treatment from paramedics – Penn study shows gender disparities in pre-hospital care. – Women with chest pain are less likely than male patients to receive recommended, proven therapies while en route to the hospital, according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Walking reduces risks in heart patients

Walking often and far or walking for 45 to 60 minutes a day at a moderate pace reduces risks in heart patients. – An exercise program that burns a lot of calories reduced cardiac risk factors better than standard cardiac rehabilitation in overweight coronary patients, researchers report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

DASH diet reduces women’s risk of heart failure

Diet prescribed to lower blood pressure also reduces women’s risk of heart failure. – The DASH diet was initially developed to help patients lower their blood pressure, but a large study led by investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) demonstrates that women who followed the diet also significantly reduced their risk of developing heart failure.

Benefits of anti clotting medications reduced by heartburn drugs

Study shows benefits of anti-clotting medications reduced by common heartburn drugs. Proton pump inhibitors interfere with anti-clotting protection of clopidogrel. – The anti-clotting action of the medication clopidogrel (Plavix) can be compromised by common drugs for the treatment of heartburn and ulcers resulting in a roughly 50% increase in the combined risk of hospitalization for heart attack, stroke and other serious cardiovascular illnesses, according to a new study presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions.

Drug eluting stents prove more effective

Study conducted by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation is published in the New England Journal of Medicine; Largest randomized comparison of drug-eluting and bare-metal stents ever performed. – The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) announced that its landmark study comparing the safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents and bare-metal stents was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

High heart rate before exercise doubles heart attack risk in later life

Excessive increase in heart rate before exercise doubles risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac death in later life. – French researchers have discovered a simple and cheap method of predicting who is at greater risk of dying suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack.

Complications and Costs for Obesity Surgery Declining

Post-surgical and other complications in patients who have obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, declined 21 percent. – A new study by the Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that the average rate of post-surgical and other complications in patients who have obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, declined 21 percent between 2002 and 2006.

Too much fructose sugar is bad in obese

Too much sugar is bad, but which sugar is worse: Fructose or glucose? – In 2005, the average American consumed 64kg of added sugar, a sizeable proportion of which came through drinking soft drinks.

New imaging technology reveals silent heart attacks

New imaging technology reveals prevalence of ‘silent’ heart attacks – So-called “silent” heart attacks may be much more common than previously believed, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center.

Breastfeeding reduces heart attacks or strokes risks

Moms who breastfeed less likely to develop heart attacks or strokes and cardiovascular disease. – The longer women breastfeed, the lower their risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease, report University of Pittsburgh researchers in a study published in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.