Modest Salt Reduction Lowers BP

A systematic literature review found that modestly reducing salt intake was associated with an average blood pressure reduction of 4.18/2.06 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic). This reduction from the current average daily salt intake of 9-12 grams to 5-6 grams results in a significant (P<0.001) benefit to blood pressure, and in turn reduces risk of stroke, heart…

Vegetarians Have Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Oxford researchers found vegetarians are one-third less likely to be hospitalized or die from heart disease than non-vegetarians--including those who consume fish. Almost 45,000 people living in England and Scotland were followed for almost 12 years. The lower risk is consistent with the lower cholesterol and blood pressure among the vegetarians in the study. PositiveTip: Reduce…

Clogged Arteries in Young Men

Researchers have examined data from 3832 United States service members who were killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The average age was 26 years old. These were young, healthy, and fit for deployment--without any symptoms. However, just over one in 12 had atherosclerotic plaque buildup, an early sign of heart disease. Those who had…

Coronary Risk Modified by Blood Type?

Harvard researchers have analyzed data from both the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and found a significant increase in the hazard ratio for coronary disease in those with type AB blood compared to those with type O blood. This association held true when other lifestyle factors such as diabetes and smoking…

Dark Chocolate and Heart Disease

Did the recent news that dark chocolate might help prevent cardiovascular events have you running to the candy shop? This Austrailian study is a "best case scenario" based on statistical prediction modeling that assumed 100% compliance. While these sweet findings are very intriguing, they are limited by the assumption that the benefits of chocolate extend…

A Re-Evaluation

"Hello, Susan. Come in and sit down. I've been expecting you." Dr. Robbins came from behind his desk, motioning to a leather arm chair."Good afternoon, Dr. Robbins," Susan responded."Yes, mother's heart attack got my attention." She perched on the edge of the chair, tightly clutching her purse."I suspect it did," he mused aloud, leaning against…

Reversing Heart Disease – Is It Possible?

“Men will run to and fro and knowledge will increase.” Thirty years ago in medical school we were taught that one-half the knowledge we learned would turn out to be incorrect. No one knew which half. We would be required to continue learning and discover that for ourselves. Thirty years ago we were taught that…

Tell a Friend about Women and Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women who live in the U.S., and stroke is the number three cause. February is American Heart Month and the Preventitive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) has launched a campaign, Tell A Friend. Women should know their numbers: cholesterol level, blood pressure, BMI, blood sugar, and…

Fried Foods Not All That Bad for the Spanish

Spainish researchers report from a prospective study of more than 40,000 adults that the frequent use of fried-foods did not increase the risk of coronary heart disease. This may be surprising because frying is thought to be an unhealthy way of preparing food. Olive oil (followed by sunflower oil) was the primary source of oil…

A Tough Decision?

“Margaret,” Laurie called out as she rounded the end of the last aisle in the grocery store.“Hi, Laurie,” Margaret responded as she placed a bottle of Bordeaux wine in her shopping cart.“I didn’t know you liked wine.” Laurie, basket on her arm, tried to speak without accusation as she approached Margaret’s shopping cart. “I thought…