Heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart. It is caused by atherosclerosis, an accumulation of fatty materials on the inner linings of arteries that restricts blood flow. When the blood flow to the heart is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack because the heart is starved of oxygen.
Mandatory curbs on food salt content 20 times more effective than voluntary curbs — Cost effectiveness of interventions to reduce dietary salt intake – Imposing statutory limits on the salt content of processed foods could be 20 times more effective than voluntary curbs by industry, finds research published online in the journal Heart.
Studies provide new insights into the genetics of obesity and fat distribution – An international consortium has made significant inroads into uncovering the genetic basis of obesity by identifying 18 new gene sites associated with overall obesity and 13 that affect fat distribution.
A diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil may prepare the body to deal better with stress – walnuts can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. – A diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil (containing polyunsaturated fats) may prepare the body to deal better with stress, also influence blood pressure at rest and under stress.
Using chest compressions first just as successful as immediate defibrillation after cardiac arrest — But in cases of long waits for EMS, University of Michigan Health System study shows chest compressions first approach may be better – Chest compressions before defibrillation in patients with sudden cardiac arrest is equally successful as immediate treatment with an electrical defibrillator, according to a new study by the University of Michigan Health System.
BMJ report into top-selling diabetes drug raises concerns about the drug regulatory system – A BMJ investigation into the top-selling diabetes drug rosiglitazone (Avandia) raises concerns about its safety and the whole system by which drugs are evaluated, regulated, and promoted around the world.
Pivotal study finds link between PTSD and dementia — More study needed to determine why veterans with PTSD are more at risk than others – Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a greater risk for dementia than Veterans without PTSD, even those who suffered traumatic injuries during combat, revealed by researchers in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Margarines with low-dose omega-3 fatty acids don’t protect heart patients – A diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids don’t appear to give additional protection against further cardiac trouble in patients, revealed by Dutch researchers.
Black rice, a heritage variety of the grain that feeds one-third of Earth’s population, is an inexpensive source of healthful antioxidants. – Health conscious consumers who hesitate at the price of fresh blueberries and blackberries, fruits renowned for high levels of healthful antioxidants, now have an economical alternative, scientists reported here today at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Bottled tea beverages may contain fewer polyphenols than brewed tea – Many commercially bottled tea beverages contain little or no healthful antioxidants, new research suggests. The first measurements of healthful antioxidant levels in commercial bottled tea beverages has concluded that health-conscious consumers may not be getting what they pay for: healthful doses of those antioxidants, or “poylphenols,” that may ward off a range of diseases.
New rheumatoid arthritis criteria to stave off disabling disease for thousands of people — 2010 Rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria: an American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism collaborative initiative – New criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, could prevent thousands of people from developing disabling late stage disease, by redefining how RA should be classified.
Heart’s sounds can help diagnose heart failure – For emergency department patients with shortness of breath and a risk of heart failure, physicians usually grab one thing first: a stethoscope.
Scientists identify 95 genetic variants associated with cholesterol, triglycerides – Researchers have discovered or confirmed 95 regions of the human genome where genetic variants are associated with blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are major indicators of heart disease risk.
