Cardio Blog - Page 2

February 2, 2012
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Patients with gene hemochromatosis at increased risk of stroke

Patients with one of the most common genetic defects called, hereditary hemochromatosis are at an increased risk of stroke, according to a study conducted by the researchers. Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. As a result, toxic levels in the liver go higher, increasing patient’s susceptibility to liver cancer, cirrhosis, etc. During the course of study, researchers focused their attention on the two variants of hemochromatosis gene, namely H63D and C282Y and concluded that risk of stroke in patients with an extra copy of the H63D was almost double. Throwing more light on H63D gene Borge G. Nordestgaard, from Herlev University Hospital in Denmark said that previous studies have also linked H63D to brain diseases like alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Parkinson disease, cerebrovascular disease, etc. However, researchers themselves are not very sure about the way this gene works; therefore, they are planning to move further with their study. As the following words of Nordestgaard reveal: Further research is needed to determine why this gene appears to cause such a significant increased risk of stroke, since our data suggest plaque build-up in the arteries and iron overload are not to blame. Image credit: Brown Via: Eureka Alert

February 2, 2012
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Prevent heart diseases and a few cancers through oranges

Oranges and grapefruits are so tangy, Of all the fruits that are so yummy, Vitamin A, B1 and C in plenty, Vanished are the heart diseases for many. Oranges – Round thick skinned juicy edible fruit that is a reddish-yellow color when ripe. Oranges are one of the most popular and easily available fruits in the world. They are enjoyed as a snack, a recipe ingredient or as an integral part of a healthy breakfast. Oranges originated thousands of years ago in Asia, in the region from southern China to Indonesia from which they spread to India. In India, Nagpur oranges are very famous. Oranges are well-known to be excellent sources of vitamin C. Vitamin-C strengthens the immune system. Its health benefits are well-known since centuries. Some of its health benefits include : Recent research on animal studies have proved lowering of high blood pressure and cholesterol in the presence of its phytonutrients. A daily dose of oranges puts a check on the risk from colon cancer. Fiber present oranges keeps the blood sugar level under control. It also reduces the uncomfortable constipation or diarrhea in those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. A study of women who drank half to one litre of orange, grapefruit or apple juice daily was published in the British Journal of Nutrition. It was found that their urinary pH value and citric acid excretion increased, significantly dropping their risk of forming calcium oxalate stones (kidney stones). Prevents ulcers, stomach cancer and lung cancer. One of the most favorite orange recipes for the summer is Orange Lassi you can enjoy.

February 1, 2012
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Consume less salt to keep your heart safe

Today the most dreaded term is heart attack, because it attacks very silently and once it strikes the person has to suffer for the rest of his life. For long it was believed that heart diseases are common only in those who either drink alcohol or smoke too much, but now new studies have shown that too much of salt intake can also damage a healthy heart. The study also shows that by cutting down on salt one reduces heart stroke chances by as much as 5 per cent. It is very much true that human body requires salt to remain physically and mentally fit. However, if it is consumed more than the prescribed quantity than it can cause high blood pressure, which eventually makes ones prone to heart attacks and other such related ailments. The research highlight the fact that by consuming salt in moderate quantity helps immensely in cutting down cardiovascular disease chances to a quarter and fatal heart disease to fifth. Research also adds that daily salt intake for one individual should not be more than a teaspoonful that is six grams. While conducting this research 3,126 people, who have high to normal blood pressure, were kept under low salt intake then it was found that small reduction in the intake had a big effect in maintaining a good heart. Graham MacGregor, the consultant in cardiovascular medicine at London’s St. George’s Hospital believes that this reduction in the risk factor merely cutting salt intake is a very important feature and in the future it will help in reducing the chances of coronary ailments. Source: IBNLIVE

February 1, 2012
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Junk food leading to heartburn epidemic

Junk food are easy to make and easy to consume. They are zero in nutritional value. They have only fats lying in it causing ill effects on the health of the consumer. Junk food is not only causing obesity but heartburn or acidity leading to ulcers and even cancer in food pipe, according to a study. A study conducted in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Bhopal and Hyderabad has come out with results which show that irregular food eating habits is a strong cause for heartburn – seen in three out of every five urban Indians. Anup Singh, head of the Health Care Welfare society says: Food related problems constitute the largest chunk of reasons leading to acidity. Junk food and irregular food eating habits are the two main reasons for acidity. In most parts of India, people love to eat out and that results in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GRED). GRED — is a condition in which acid, bile and partially-digested food in the stomach back up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This partially digested material is usually acidic and can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. A total of 400 people were surveyed who had suffered heartburn at least once in a month. Heartburn can be reduced by taking proactive steps to avoid a combination of food and certain lifestyles that can aggravate the symptoms. Image Source

February 1, 2012
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HIV infection seems to raise heart attack risk

Researchers found that HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is also associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, or heart attack. The study found that while rates of several cardiovascular risk factors were also increased in study participants infected with HIV, the increased incidence of heart attack was beyond what could be explained by risk factor differences. The research team from Harvard Medical School, led by Associate Professor of Medicine Dr. Steven Grinspoon used demographic and diagnostic data for more than 1.7 million patients for their study. All the Patients treated at MGH and Brigham and Women’s Hospital since 1993. The researchers analysed the data and compared outcomes for the nearly 4,000 HIV-infected patients with information on the remaining more than 1 million patients. The HIV-infected patients were aged between 18 and 84 years. Grinspoon said in a statement: Our study shows a higher incidence of myocardial infarction and major cardiovascular risk factors in HIV-infected patients, compared with non-infected patients. The findings indicate that those infected with HIV should be assessed for cardiovascular risk factors. The study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Image Source

January 31, 2012
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Echocardiogram and its uses

Echocardiogram (ECG) is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. The picture is much more detailed than x-ray image and involves no radiation exposure. This test is performed to evaluate the valves and chambers of the heart in a noninvasive manner. The test causes no pain, and a person may eat or drink before it begins and it is entirely safe. A sonographer performs the test, then physician interprets the results. An instrument that transmits high-frequency sound waves called a transducer is placed on ribs near the breast bone and directed toward the heart. The transducer picks up the echoes of the sound waves and transmits them as electrical impulses. The echocardiography machine converts these impulses into moving pictures of the heart. An Echocardiogram test provide information about many aspects of heart health: 1. The echocardiogram reveals important information about the anatomy of the heart. 2. It is especially useful for detecting problems with the heart valves (such as aortic stenosis or mitral valve prolapse). 3. It is also an extremely useful test for evaluating congenital heart disease. 4. It is also a good way to get a general idea of the overall function of the heart muscle. 5. It allows doctors to check the pumping function of the heart, and evaluate patients who have had heart attacks. Echocardiogram works well for most patients and allows doctors to see the heart beating and to visualize many of the structures of the heart. Image Source

January 31, 2012
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Heart attack deaths drop sharply

A study has come out with the good news that in the last six years, death rates and heart failure in hospitalized heart attack patients have fallen sharply- most likely because of better treatment. The study involved 44,372 patients and was conducted between July 1999 and December 2006. It was carried out in 113 hospitals in 14 countries. During the period, deaths from heart attacks reduced from 8.4 percent in 1999 to 4.6 percent in 2006, while new heart failure cases dropped from 20 to 11 per cent. Deaths among patients with milder heart attacks were reduced from 2.9 percent to 2 percent. Lead author Dr. Keith A. A. Fox said: The changes must be due to improved treatment of patients after presentation to hospital. The improvement is due to the combined effect of better use of anti-clotting and other heart attack drugs, and greater use of angioplasty. He added that following the latest guidelines could reduce by half the risk of patients suffering from a heart attack or a impending heart attack. Earlier studies have shown that patients getting prompt treatment might avoid going into heart failure. One of the most helpful procedures is angioplasty where a blocked artery is opened up surgically. By applying the benefits of existing clinical trials — as synthesized in national and international guidelines — huge benefits for patients can be gained, and it is possible to prevent deaths and heart failure, Fox agreed. Heart failure, a condition in which the heart gets flabby and cannot efficiently pump blood, often occurs after an attack damages heart tissue. The American College of Cardiology recommends that patients must get angioplasty done within 90 minutes of entering hospitals. The report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Image Source

January 31, 2012
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Keep your heart healthy with pistachios

Eating pistachio nuts is not a bad idea, especially form health point of view as a new study, conducted by the US researchers, shows that it helps preventing against cardiovascular diseases. And the interesting thing is that just three ounces of pistachios a day have been found effective in attaining these results. Before undraping this conclusion researchers at the Pennsylvania State University asked volunteers to supplement a low fat diet with pistachios. One group of these volunteers ate 1.5 ounces of the nut a day, while others had double that amount, and the third group didn’t eat any pistachios. Just after one month, conclusion that came to fore was quite interesting. Actually, one month later there was noted a significant decline in the cholesterol level in the pistachio eaters. Throwing more light on the findings of this study Penny Kris-Etherton of the Pennsylvania State University remarked: Our study has shown that pistachios, eaten with a healthy heart diet, may decrease a person’s cardiovascular disease risk profile. Pistachios contains an antioxidant called, lutein, which prevents cholesterol from clogging up arteries. Interestingly, lutein is also found in leafy vegetables and bright colored fruits. However, in pistachios it is found in abundance. As a result, promises better protection against cardiovascular diseases. This isn’t first time when pistachios have been depicted putting positive effect over cardiovascular health, as studies conducted earlier have also come up with similar findings. However, in order to ensure maximum protection against cardiovascular diseases preferring pistachios without salt is much better as excessive salt consumption may also trigger high blood pressure. Image Via: Malaysia Sun

January 30, 2012
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Scientists discover common gene that raises heart disease risks

Heart disease is the major killer of people worldwide. Up to 60 percent of people of European descent suffer from the risk of heart disease, mostly leading to their deaths. But, what increases the risk of heart disease? Scientists have been pondering on it for decades; only until recently, two rival teams of scientists have discovered a genetic variation leading to rise in risk. To come up with this finding, scientists had to construct the Hap Map — a common genetic variations on the human genome survey in Africans, Asians and Europeans. The common variations — called SNP’s or snips — are the common diseases’ genetic basis. Published online by the journal Science, the new finding is said to one of a spate of discoveries about the genetic basis of common diseases. It is last week; scientists identified seven new genetic variants that are involved in the most common diabetes form. Inn the next few days to come, a batch of new genes linked to other common diseases may be reported. This discovery generates hope that it would lead to a test for the variant, enabling physicians to assess patients at its risk more accurately, helping in recommending early intervention. Photo: cdc.gov

January 30, 2012
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Depression: A threat to your heart

There is one more reason not to take depression lightly as it may increase your susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. This conclusion sprang out form a new study of about 600 men in Ireland and France. As per the findings of this study, men with depression symptoms were at 50 per cent increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease (CHD) than men without depression symptoms. This is not the first time when depression has been associated with heart diseases, because studies conducted earlier have also come up with similar findings. Have a look at such studies:- • Depression linked to heart deaths • Depression linked to heart disease • Depression Linked to Heart Disease in Older People • Depression is hard on the heart • Depression may be linked to inflammatory signals of heart disease However, experts who came up with the findings of this study claims that this study is the first of its kind as results, leaping out of this study are more convincing than the studies conducted earlier. Expressing similar view Dr. Jean P. Empana, epidemiology department at Paul Brousse Hospital in Villejuif, France said: Previous reports investigating the association between depression and individual inflammatory markers have produced conflicting results. In this study, we investigated a wide range of inflammatory markers. Whatever be the reality, the fact that the latest study somewhere bolsters the findings of the studies conducted earlier can’t be denied. Moreover, it stresses the need of depression free live to avail life without any threat to cardiovascular health. Image Via: Pak Tribune