Binge drinking may increase heart disease risk

Binge drinking may lead to higher risk of heart disease — Research: Patterns of alcohol consumption and ischemic heart disease in culturally divergent countries: The Prospective Epidemiological Study of Myocardial Infarction (PRIME) – Belfast’s binge drinking culture could be behind the country’s high rates of heart disease, according to a paper published on bmj.com today.

Genetic test for lung cancer risk prompts smokers to quit

New research shows genetic test for lung cancer risk prompts smokers to quit – New research shows a gene-based test for lung cancer risk assessment motivates smokers to quit or cut down, according to results of a clinical study presented today at the American Association of Cancer Research’s Ninth Annual Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research.

Mandatory curbs on food salt content 20 times effective

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.

New gene sites linked to obesity and fat distribution

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.

Walnuts and walnut oil can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure

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.

Chest compression approach better after cardiac arrest

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.

Rosiglitazone Avandia diabetes drug should be withdrawn

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.

Post traumatic stress disorder PTSD may lead to dementia

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.

Black rice a source of healthful antioxidants

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).

Health Newstrack