Heart Archives

No heart attacks, strokes or cancer risk from long term insulin use in diabetes patients

McMaster study debunks belief insulin puts people with diabetes at risk of heart disease — International study involves more than 12,500 people in 40 countries over 6 years – Researchers at McMaster University have discovered that long-term insulin use does not harm people with diabetes or pre-diabetes or put them at risk of heart attacks, strokes or cancer. This is contrary to concerns that long-term use of insulin may cause heart disease, says Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, principal investigator of the study.

2 simple changes in health behavior spurs big and lasting results

Less couch time equals fewer cookies — Just 2 simple changes in health behavior spurs big and lasting results – Simply ejecting your rear from the couch means your hand will spend less time digging into a bag of chocolate chip cookies. That is the simple but profound finding of a new Northwestern Medicine study, which reports simply changing one bad habit has a domino effect on others. Knock down your sedentary leisure time and you’ll reduce junk food and saturated fats because you’re no longer glued to the TV and noshing. It’s a two-for-one benefit because the behaviors are closely related.

IUDs amd implants are most effective birth control methods

IUDs, implants most effective birth control – Women who used birth control pills, the patch or vaginal ring were 20 times more likely to have an unintended pregnancy than those who used longer-acting forms such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or implant.

Sleep apnea treatment reduces hypertension and heart disease risk

Studies examine CPAP treatment and cardiovascular outcomes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea — Treatment of Obstructed Sleep Apnea With CPAP Therapy Associated With A Lower Risk Of Hypertension – Two studies that included adults with obstructive sleep apnea examined the effectiveness of reducing the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, including high blood pressure, by treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Z-pack antibiotic azithromycin carries heart risk

Vanderbilt researchers find common antibiotic carries heart risk – Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a rare, but important risk posed by the antibiotic azithromycin, commonly called a “Z-pack.” The study found a 2.5-fold higher risk of death from cardiovascular death in the first five days of taking azithromycin when compared with another common antibiotic or no antibiotics at all.

Stroke risk greater for older women with atrial fibrillation

Risk of stroke greater for women than men among older patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation – In a study that examined use of the anticoagulant medication warfarin and risk of stroke following a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in older patients, women, especially those 75 years or older, had a higher risk of stroke than men, regardless of their risk profile and use of warfarin, suggesting that current anticoagulant therapy to prevent stroke might not be sufficient for older women.

Violence during childhood may impact kids’ DNA

Violence puts wear and tear on kids’ DNA — Exposure to Violence During Childhood is Associated with Telomere Erosion from 5 to 10 Years of Age – Children who have experienced violence might really be older than their years. The DNA of 10-year-olds who experienced violence in their young lives has been found to show wear and tear normally associated with aging, a Duke University study has found.

Heart failure patients may get benefit from testosterone supplements

Testosterone supplements may help heart failure patients – Testosterone supplements helped heart failure patients breathe better and exercise more. This new research analyzed four randomized clinical trials of patients with moderate to severe chronic heart failure. Patients were given commercial testosterone supplements by injection, patch or gel.

First stress and then inflammation is the culprit

How stress influences disease: Carnegie Mellon study reveals inflammation as the culprit – Can removing stress from my environment make me healthy & happier? Yes, it is proven by a recent research that shows how stress influences disease and our health.

Cancer is preventable – Obstacles standing in the way of prevention of cancer

More than half of all cancer is preventable — Public health researchers outline obstacles standing in the way of prevention – More than half of all cancer is preventable, and society has the knowledge to act on this information today. Researchers outline obstacles they say stand in the way of making a huge dent in the cancer burden in the United States and around the world.

Bariatric surgery improves and reverses diabetes

Bariatric surgery dramatically outperforms standard treatment for type 2 diabetes — Bariatric surgery superior to intensive therapy for obese patients with type 2 diabetes – Overweight, diabetic patients who underwent bariatric surgery achieved significant improvement or remission of their diabetes.In a randomized, controlled trial, some weight loss surgery patients achieved normal blood sugar levels without use of any diabetes medications.

Eating chocolate frequently appears related to lower BMI

More frequently eating chocolate appears related to lower BMI – More frequently eating chocolate was linked to lower body mass index (BMI). Despite eating more calories, chocolate lovers were found to have a lower body weight. People who ate chocolate a few times a week or more weighed less than those who rarely indulged.