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.
Women Live Longer, Not Better, Largely Because of Obesity and Arthritis – Obesity and arthritis that take root during early and middle age significantly contribute to women’s decreased quality of life during their senior years, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center.
Folic acid may help regulate immune response to allergens, and may reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. – Folic acid, or vitamin B9, essential for red blood cell health and long known to reduce the risk of spinal birth defects, may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms, according to new research from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
Chemical found in medical devices impairs heart function – Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have found that a chemical commonly used in the production of such medical plastic devices as intravenous (IV) bags and catheters can impair heart function in rats.
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.
Low vitamin D or Vitamin D deficiency may cause problems for acutely ill patients in ICU. – A group of endocrinologists in Sydney have observed that very sick patients tend to have very low levels of Vitamin D. The sicker they are, the lower the levels.
Swine flu screening has been instituted at airports and land borders for travelers departing Mexico, according to Mexican health authorities. – CDC is concerned that continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States. At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.
Long-term wine consumption is related to cardiovascular mortality and life expectancy independently of moderate alcohol intake – Drinking up to half a glass of wine a day may boost life expectancy by five years-at least in men-suggests research published ahead of print in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Gladstone scientists identify key factors in heart cell creation. Sequence of transcription factors may drive proces to repair damaged hearts. – Scientists at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease have identified for the first time key genetic factors that drive the process of generating new heart cells.
Drinking 100% Fruit Juice is Associated with Lower Risk of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. NHANES analysis reveals drinking juice is associated with health-promoting behaviors in adults. – If you enjoy a glass of 100% juice as part of your daily routine, chances are you also have fewer risk factors for several chronic diseases when compared to your non juice-drinking peers.
Eating fatty fish once a week reduces men’s risk of heart failure. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils are also beneficial. – Eating salmon or other fatty fish just once a week helped reduce men’s risk of heart failure, adding to growing evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are of benefit to cardiac health.
Type of physician certification associated with risk of complications from ICDs – Patients whose implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are implanted by nonelectrophysiologists are at increased risk of complications and are less likely to receive a specific type of ICD when clinically indicated, according to a study in the April 22/29 issue of JAMA.
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.
