Heart Archives

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Rosiglitazone Avandia diabetes drug should be withdrawn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.

Physical activity can reduce genetic predisposition to obesity

Physical activity can reduce the genetic predisposition to obesity by 40 percent – Although the whole population can benefit from a physically active lifestyle, in part through reduced obesity risk, a new study shows that individuals with a genetic predisposition to obesity can benefit even more.

Natural plant sunscreen shows promise in preventing skin cancer

Grapes provide some of the natural agents studied in the prevention of skin cancer in mice at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. – Maybe you worshipped the sun in your youth or weren’t as meticulous as you should have been with sunscreen. If so, take heart: Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio are finding that certain plant substances, when given in combinations, may suppress damage that can cause skin cancer.

Margarines with low Omega-3 don’t appear to protect heart patients

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 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).

Bottled tea beverages contain no healthful antioxidants

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 aim to recognise RA early

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

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.

95 genetic variants linked to cholesterol, triglycerides

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.

Calcium supplements may increase heart attack risk

Calcium supplements linked to increased risk of heart attack — Research: Effect of calcium supplements on risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events: meta-analysis – Calcium supplements, commonly taken by older people for osteoporosis, are associated with an increased risk of a heart attack, revealed by researchers. The results suggest that a reassessment of the role of calcium supplements in osteoporosis management is needed.