Heart Archives

Eating fish, nuts, olive oil reduce AMD risk

This study provides evidence of protection against early AMD from regularly eating fish, greater consumption of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and low intakes of foods rich in linoleic acid. Regular consumption of nuts may also reduce AMD risk. – Regularly eating fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-three fatty acids and avoiding trans fats appears to be associated with a lower risk for the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, according to two reports in the May issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Men struggling with emotional impact of recession

Many people, especially men, find it very hard to be open about mental fragility. They see it as a sign of weakness, and do not like to ask for help. – Men are struggling more to cope with the emotional impact of recession as compared to women, a new survey in Britain has revealed.

Low blood sugar not good for kidney disease patients

Low blood sugar: A killer for kidney disease patients? Patients with or without diabetes are at risk for developing hypoglycemia. – Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, poses a serious health threat for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN).

Benefits of anti clotting medications reduced by heartburn drugs

Study shows benefits of anti-clotting medications reduced by common heartburn drugs. Proton pump inhibitors interfere with anti-clotting protection of clopidogrel. – The anti-clotting action of the medication clopidogrel (Plavix) can be compromised by common drugs for the treatment of heartburn and ulcers resulting in a roughly 50% increase in the combined risk of hospitalization for heart attack, stroke and other serious cardiovascular illnesses, according to a new study presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions.

Drug eluting stents prove more effective

Study conducted by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation is published in the New England Journal of Medicine; Largest randomized comparison of drug-eluting and bare-metal stents ever performed. – The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) announced that its landmark study comparing the safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents and bare-metal stents was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Swine Flu update for people with heart disease

Influenza of all types can pose greater dangers for people with heart failure, or with any cardiovascular disease. – In general, influenza of all types can pose greater dangers for people with heart failure, or with any cardiovascular disease. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Computer based system helps to regulate blood pressure

An automated system that regularly contacts hypertension patients helps them to reduce their high blood pressure. – A simple, automated feedback system made hypertension patients more aware of their potentially fatal or disabling disease and helped them significantly lower their high blood pressure, according to a report published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Women live longer with disabilities due to obesity and arthritis

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 treat allergies, asthma

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

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.

High heart rate before exercise doubles heart attack risk in later life

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.

Sick patients tend to have low Vitamin D

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.