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.
Research: Improving treatment of patients with heart attack — An MUHC study looks at the best way to treat patients with heart attack. – When faced with patients suffering a heart attack, doctors have two choices. One is to inject them with medication to dissolve the blood clot, that is fibrinolytic therapy, and second is to insert a small balloon to open the blocked artery i.e. primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Longer life linked to specific foods in Mediterranean diet — Anatomy of the health effects of the Mediterranean diet, the Greek EPIC prospective cohort study, BMJ online. – Some food groups in the Mediterranean diet are more important than others in promoting health and longer life, according to this prospective cohort study from the Greek segment of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC).
New therapy found to prevent heart failure – Implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy device with defibrillator (CRT-D) reduced a 29 percent reduction in heart failure or death in patients with heart disease, revealed by researchers.
Deaths from heart disease in Canada decreased 30 percent: 10-year national study – Hospital admissions and mortality for heart diseases (cardiovascular disease) declined 30% over a 10-year period in Canada, revealed by canadian researchers.
Government of Canada supports research to help address medical isotope shortage – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced that the Government of Canada is supporting research to find alternatives to nuclear-produced Technetium-99m, the principal medical isotope affected by the current shutdown at the Chalk River nuclear reactor.
Psoriasis associated with cardiovascular disease and increased mortality – Psoriasis skin disease is associated with atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque in the arteries) characterized by an increased prevalence of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and an increased risk of death, revealed by researchers.
Researcher explores why smoking increases the risk of heart disease and strokes – Researchers at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles and Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona have discovered a reason why smoking increases the risk of heart disease and strokes.
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.
BPA may cause heart disease in women, research shows – New research by a team of scientists at the University of Cincinnati (UC) shows that bisphenol A (BPA) may be harmful for the heart, particularly in women. Results of several studies are being presented in Washington, D.C., at ENDO 09, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, June 10-13.
Genetically elevated levels of lipoprotein associated with increased risk of heart attack – A genetic analysis of data from three studies suggests that genetically elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, according to a study in the June 10 issue of JAMA.
Plant-based, low-carb diet (Eco Atkins diet) may promote weight loss and improve cholesterol levels – Overweight individuals who ate a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet high in plant-based proteins for four weeks lost weight and experienced improvements in blood cholesterol levels and other heart disease risk factors.
LSUHSC researchers first to document early signs for diabetes in kids as young as 7 – Research conducted under the direction of Melinda Sothern, PhD, Professor and Director of Health Promotion at the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Public Health, showing early signs of diabetes in healthy children as young as seven years old will be presented at the American Diabetes Association 2009 Annual Scientific Session Meeting in New Orleans.
