Heart Archives

Weight loss diets reduce atherosclerosis

Weight loss diets significantly reverse arterial clogging — Ben-Gurion University study — 2-year study reveals that carotid artery atherosclerosis reduction is due to weight loss-induced decline in blood pressure from either low-carbohydrate, low-fat or Mediterranean diets – A two-year study led by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) found that healthy, long-term weight loss diets can significantly reverse carotid (main brain artery) atherosclerosis, a direct risk factor for strokes and heart attacks.

Soluble fiber boosts immune system and immunity

An apple a day? Study shows soluble fiber boosts immune system – Soluble fiber – found in oats, apples, and nuts, for starters reduces the inflammation associated with obesity-related diseases and strengthens the immune system, revealed by researchers.

HbA1c accurately predicts future diabetes

Hemoglobin A1c outperforms fasting glucose for risk prediction – Measurements of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) more accurately identify persons at risk for clinical outcomes than the commonly used measurement of fasting glucose, according to a study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Obese kids show early warning signs for future heart disease

UNC study: Obese 3-year-olds show early warning signs for future heart disease – Obese children as young as 3 years old have elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation that in adults is considered an early warning sign for possible future heart disease, revealed by researchers.

Safety concern for HIV drug combination

FDA Announces Possible Safety Concern for HIV Drug Combination – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced preliminary data suggesting that Invirase (saquinavir) in combination with Norvir (ritonavir) may have potentially important adverse effects on the heart.

Exercise can reduce anxiety symptoms by 20 percent

Regular exercise reduces patient anxiety by 20 percent, study finds – The anxiety that often accompanies a chronic illness can chip away at quality of life and make patients less likely to follow their treatment plan. But regular exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, a new University of Georgia study shows.

High blood pressure a neglected disease in US

IOM report declares high blood pressure a neglected disease — Calls for strategies to change Americans’ lifestyles and diets to curb hypertension – Public health officials and health care providers need to step up their efforts to reduce Americans’ increasing rates of high blood pressure and better treat those with the condition.

Flexibility at work boosts employee health

More Flexibility at Work Boosts Employee Health – Giving employees more flexibility over their work schedules is likely to boost their health as judged by measures like blood pressure and stress, revealed by researchers.

Secondary stroke prevention needs improvement

Study: secondary stroke prevention needs improvement – New research finds that one out of 12 people who have a stroke will likely soon have another stroke, and one out of four will likely die within one year.

Migraine may double risk of heart attack

Migraine sufferers are twice as likely to have heart attacks as people without migraine. – People with migraine may be at an increased risk of heart attack and other risk factors for heart disease, according to a study published in the February 10, 2010, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Women with gout at greater risk of heart attack

Women with gout at greater risk of heart attack than men — Independent risk of gout on the risk of acute myocardial infarction among elderly women: A population-based study – Women with gout are at greater risk of a heart attack than men with the disease, indicates research published ahead of print in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Overweight older over 70 years live longer

‘Overweight’ adults age 70 or older are less likely to die over a 10-year period than those of ‘normal’ weight: new study calls into question current BMI guidelines for older adults – Adults aged over 70 years who are classified as overweight are less likely to die over a ten year period than adults who are in the ‘normal’ weight range.