MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'heart attacks'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:02:42 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107523&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-best-thing-a-patient-can-do-following-a-heart-attack%2F2011.08.07 I’ve been telling my smoking patients for years that nothing I do for them is going to make an ounce of difference until they quit smoking for good.  And the Italians are out to prove me right.  The American Journal of Cardiology reported July 11th, 2011 on the Effect of Smoking Relapse On Outcome After Acute Coronary Syndrome. In a study of just under 1,300 patients,  Reuters reports that just over 1/2 the patients started smoking within 20 days of hospital discharge, despite in-hospital smoking cessation consultation for all patients.   Researchers also found that resuming smoking increased  death 3-fold compared with those that did not relapse and quitting smoking had a similar lifesaving effect as taking cholesterol and blood pressure medications.  And I’m sure these ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107523 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5107523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952846&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-new-world-view-of-coronary-artery-disease%2F2011.06.20 In 2007, when the results were published from the COURAGE trial, all the experts agreed that this study would fundamentally change the way cardiologists managed patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).* ____ *”Stable” CAD simply means that a patient with CAD is not suffering from one of the acute coronary syndromes – ACS, an acute heart attack or unstable angina. At any given time, the large majority of patients with CAD are in a stable condition. ____ But a new study tells us that hasn’t happened. The COURAGE trial has barely budged the way cardiologists treat patients with stable CAD. Lots of people want to know why. As usual, DrRich is here to help. The COURAGE trial compared the use of stents vs. drug therapy in patients with stable CAD. Over twenty-two hundred patie... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952846 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:00:25 +0100 4952846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893453&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstop-watches-may-be-better-than-ct-scans-at-predicting-heart-disease%2F2011.06.02 It is hardly news to say that we need better means to predict who will die of heart disease. No matter how much you may hear about medical errors, hospital acquired infections, or even distracted driving, it’s still heart disease that kills the most of us. The inflammation that begins narrowing our arteries starts when we are young. It percolates quietly, stealth-like for years. The young usually skate by unscathed. But all the cookies, beers, chips, inactivity and work stress adds up. The tension of life squeezes our arteries, daring them to crack or fissure. This cataclysm is one of the ways that middle age may introduce herself. A friend, or colleague, or sibling dies suddenly of heart problems. Those of us that our “masters-aged” have likely felt these sensations of sadness, and ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893453 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:00:39 +0100 4893453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4577904&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmore-women-die-of-heart-attack-than-men-do%2F2011.03.12 Several studies have shown that women have a higher mortality rate than men if they have a heart attack. A study published in the American Heart Journal helps to explain why. The researchers looked at data from 2,542 women who had a heart attack. Compared to men, the women were older, less likely to be white, and less likely to smoke. They also had more serious health conditions than the men. They had diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We’ve known for a long time that women are about 10 years older than men at the time of their first heart attack. The authors believe that the reason women are more likely to die is because of these other conditions that are present. Women in the study were also m... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4577904 Sat, 12 Mar 2011 21:00:00 +0100 4577904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464494&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcardiologists-as-heart-whisperers%2F2011.02.11 From the Dallas Morning News, a creative moniker if there ever was one, but it should probably be reserved for primary care specialists instead: DALLAS — Heart attacks are the No. 1 cause of death and a major cause of disability in America. For nearly half of the casualties, the first symptom is the last. That’s how cardiovascular disease has earned the nickname “silent killer” — you never know when it will strike. Doctors are trying to change that by treating heart disease as a progressive problem. They are becoming “heart whisperers,” seeking new tests to read the small stresses that can, unchecked, grow into big ones. “By the time someone rolls in with a heart attack, his family will look at me bewildered, and the patient may say, ‘Doc, wha... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464494 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4464494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419280&cid=t_122837_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sarasotaneurology.com%2Fmedia%2FSarasota-Neurology-Podcast-Stroke-Prevention-201102 In this episode of the Sarasota Neurology Podcast, Dr. Kassicieh, a recognized expert in stroke prevention, provides an overview of  current techniques for preventing and managing risk of stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. This combined with heart attacks and heart disease result in over 2 million deaths a year. The common underlying cause is vascular disease or hardening of the arteries. Heart attack and stroke can be prevented with simple life style changes and medications. Treatment of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, aspirin and stop smoking will significantly lower risk of suffering from these devastating conditions. Listen to this report to find out how you can reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascu... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419280 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:53:40 +0100 4419280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077244&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpublic-health-should-be-apolitical%2F2010.10.18 You can be for freedom. You can be for smaller government that intrudes less. You can be for lower taxes. You can be for most anything, but if you’re interested in improving the sagging health of American citizens, get on Michael Bloomberg’s wheel. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, NYC mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to bar city residents from using food stamps to buy sugary soft drinks. It turns out that last year $135 million in food stamp money was used for the consumption of these obesity-fostering beverages in NYC alone. Mr Bloomberg is morphing into a real-world public health super star. Previously, he was a pioneer in banning smoking in restaurants and bars. They said it could not be done, or that it wouldn’t work. Well,... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077244 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4077244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055666&cid=t_122837_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fweight-loss-drug-meridia-pulled-market-safety-reasons%2F Under pressure from the FDA, Abbott Laboratories has pulled the weight loss drug Meridia (sibutramine) from the market because of the increased incidence of strokes and heart attacks. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055666 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:07:00 +0100 4055666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933040&cid=t_122837_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fhigh-cortisol-levels-hair-higher-incidence-heart-attacks%2F A study just reported is showing that people who have had recent heart attacks have a higher level of cortisol in their hair shafts than those that have not had heart attacks. This intriguing report was authored by Gideon Koren of the University of Western Ontario. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933040 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:35:02 +0100 3933040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3750062&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fheart-attacks-are-killing-fewer-people-why%2F2010.07.13 Heart attack mortality fell by nearly a half a percent last year at 4,500 hospitals that treat Medicare patients. And, facilities with the lowest and highest death rates saw similar declines, according to a new hospital report card by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Heart attack mortality fell from a national average of 16.6 percent last year to 16.2 percent, with a range among all facilities from 14.5 percent to 17.9 percent. CMS released the data as part of its hospital report card effort to spur better quality and outcomes through public reporting of recommended treatments. The agency added heart attack and heart failure mortality to the report card three years ago. At issue now is what’s driving the figures: public reporting of hospital data driving... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3750062 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3750062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508146&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F318101 CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on a study by Duke University researchers that linked heart attacks to stressful events, such as a bad stetch for the stock market or a natural disaster. Not a big suprise that stressful events lead to more stress and more heart attacks. Dr. Gupta goes over some of the strategies for reducing stress. They include making time for prayer or meditation, laughter and sex. Take a look: Permalink | Recent Headlines | News Feeds (Source: HealthNewsBlog.com) HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508146 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3508146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322440&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FkdspckZVYNg%2F Everyone who has walked into a doctor’s office or hospital has had their blood pressure taken at least once. The cuff that wraps around your arm is inflated to the point that it stops the superficial circulation to the arm, which then returns gradually as the cuff slowly deflates. These blood pressure cuffs (sphygnomanometers) have been used for other things as well. In an emergency, a cuff can be pumped up around a unit of blood to push it into the patient’s vein more quickly. A cuff can be used around an arm (or leg) if you’ve been bitten by a poisonous creature, slowing down the flow of blood back to the heart. And now, a blood pressure cuff may be another way to save your life, or at least limit the amount of damage that can occur, from a heart attack. A study publish... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322440 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:23:53 +0100 3322440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820395&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FQvoY62SMicA%2F More countries are beginning to ban smoking within certain types of buildings. There was a lot of resistance to smoking bans, particularly from bar and pub owners who felt they would be losing business if their patrons wouldn’t be allowed to smoke. While it may be true that some businesses suffered, others did well because non-smokers now could come in and be comfortable. But do the bans affect health? Are people healthier because their access to smoking may be less than it was before. According to researchers, yes. In a study, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, North American and European communities that had such bans had a 17% drop in heart attacks within the first year of the ban and a 36% drop after three years. An interesting finding from this ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820395 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:31:05 +0100 2820395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800494&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FL8Van4mRm9k%2F This study is by no means definitive as there are many variables that weren’t taken into account, such as mental health. The researchers also didn’t qualify what type of chocolate was eaten and this could be an important factor because milk chocolate and dark chocolate are quite different in properties. ~~~~ Images: PhotoXpress.com Post from: Blisstree Chocolate After Heart Attack = Good Thing (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800494 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:23:06 +0100 2800494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716033&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FD6BYhuhwrLU%2F Avandia (rosiglitazone), a medication for people with type 2 diabetes, has been the subject of studies evaluating its safety and the results aren’t what Glaxo (the manufacturer) had hoped for. According to researchers in Toronto, Canada, elderly people who take Avandia may have an increased risk of heart failure and death. The researchers didn’t, however, find the same results that American researchers found two years earlier, which suggested that Avandia also increased the risk of heart attacks. The Canadian researchers found no difference between patients who took Avandia and another type of medication, Actos (pioglitazone), and the rate of heart attacks among them The researchers studied 40,000 patients over the age of 65 who took Avandia or Actos. For every 93 patients, the... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716033 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:54:58 +0100 2716033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591442&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fhospital-care-varies-across-nation%2F In this study, researchers reviewed three years of experience (July 2005 to June 2008) of Medicare fee-for-service patients with heart failure and heart attack at almost 5,000 hospitals across the nation. Examining the records of nearly 600,000 heart attack admissions and more than 1 million heart failure admissions, they calculated the 30-day death and readmission rates and found: The average 30-day death rate for heart attack was 16.6 percent and the average rate of heart attack readmission was 19.9 percent. The average 30-day death rate for heart failure was 11.1 percent and 24.4 percent for readmission.   Heart failure death rate ranged from 6.6 percent to 19.8 percent. Readmission for heart attack ranged from 15.3 percent to 29.4 percent. Readmission for heart failure ranged from 1... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591442 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:14:02 +0100 2591442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110769&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FSFD7PKz8iUE%2F Heavy snow falls across Canada and the U.S. have caused a jump in admissions to the hospitals, due to heart attacks, strokes and back injuries. Exertion from shoveling snow and slipping on the ice has taken its toll. Trying to clear the drive in a short time is not wise. Shoveling snow is a very strenuous activity. Those with back or heart problems, high blood pressure or breathing difficulties should not even think of tackling the job. Before shoveling snow do not drink coffee or any drinks that contain caffeine, no liquor or smoking these are known stimulants. Anything that increases your heart rate will cause extra stress on the heart.   Before 10am on Christmas day at one hospital, there were five heart attack patients admitted that were all related to shoveling snow. Resear... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110769 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:04:00 +0100 2110769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2067821&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F0u_3pklOeZU%2F The life expectancy in Japan is one of the highest in the world. The Japanese people and their children were never obese until western food was introduced into their country. On the island of Okinawa the people live a very long and healthy life. The history of the island shows that chronic diseases are practically non-existent. Their elderly do not suffer from dementia, heart attacks or strokes and cancer is almost unheard of. Along with a much healthier diet the Japanese people drink green tea as their drink of choice, because of the powerful antioxidants it contains. Drinking green tea puts the Japanese at a much lower risk of stroke, cancer and heart disease. Research shows, that drinking green tea lowers your cholesterol and blood pressure as well. The Japanese also stop eating when th... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2067821 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:14:49 +0100 2067821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2061270&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FhJYigwLC49Q%2F From 1999 to 2006 the death rate of heart attacks and strokes fell about 30%. A cardiologist from UCLA said this is one of the outstanding achievements of modern history. Even with this amazing news, the death count for Americans in 2006 from heart attacks and strokes was still at 829,072. On an average one American dies from heart disease every 37 seconds. A study on cholesterol levels in men men over 40 and women over 60 showed a 2% improvement. The same study showed no improvement in younger people. We also have a rise in children with high cholesterol, due to their eating habits and little or no exercise. Obesity is a major factor in children with high cholesterol, 4% of the children from 1971-74 were considered obese. The same study showed from 2003-06 a remarkable rise to 17%, of ch... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2061270 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:01:34 +0100 2061270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1889071&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FboyRL3VUsZQ%2F This made me sit up and take notice since I used to work nights in the hospital… The graveyard shift is the worst time to call code blue, a new study finds. Patients who go into cardiac arrest while in the hospital are more likely to die if it happens after 11 p.m., when staffing may be lower or patients are watched less closely. The ER is the only place that there was no difference in death rates. Among day shifts in all other units hospital wide the success rate of patients that cardiac arrested was 20% and the night shift rate was 15%. Either way it is not real good odds but I would take the first over the latter. Why the difference? I would suppose most would blame it on fatigue and lower staff numbers. Interesting enough, while weekends had lower success rated then weekdays they we... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1889071 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:31:26 +0100 1889071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1605884&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F07%2F10%2Fthe-5-symptoms-of-a-heart-attack-do-you-know-them%2F At first, when I read in Shape magazine that 69 percent of all people don’t know all five of the classic heart attack symptoms, I was shocked! Amazed! Appalled! That is, until I realized I didn’t know all five of them either. Doh! But with heart disease affecting more younger people and women all the time - not to mention those you’d “expect” to be stricken - I made it my business to learn real quick what these telltale signs are. Do you know them? 1. Pain or pressure in the chest 2. Shortness of breath 3. Pulsating pain in the jaw, neck or back 4. Feelings of weakness or light-headedness 5. Radiating pain in the arms or shoulders So…how’d you do? Whether you aced naming all five or you only got the obvious (chest pain), you can learn all kinds of ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1605884 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:49:54 +0100 1605884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1432386&cid=t_122837_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2008%2F5%2F9%2Fwant-to-live-to-100-read-this.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DIn 2005 National Geographic magazine had a fascinating article by Dan Buettner, about the “Blue Zones”, areas where people live to the ages of 90, 100 and older. These areas included Loma Linda, CA, Sardinia Italy, Okinawa Japan, and the Nicoya peninsula in Costa Rica. He followed up his trip to Costa Rica with a more extensive visit, including a team of researchers, in 2007. One of the pitfalls of studies of this sort is the verification of claims of age. For instance, a claim that made a big splash in the media several years ago concerned Bulgarian villagers who claimed that their secret to longevity is eating yogurt. A craze of yogurt swept the U.S. following publication of this story, which I am not sure has completely disappeared. That "study&q... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1432386 Fri, 09 May 2008 03:34:55 +0100 1432386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1195856&cid=t_122837_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F02%2F01%2Fwatching-the-super-bowl-may-be-hazardous-to-your-health%2F Watching the Super Bowl on Sunday may cause your heart more stress than it can handle, according to new research published earlier this week in the New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers looked at cardiac, or heart, emergencies and heart attacks in Munich, Germany when Germany won the 2006 World Cup tournament. “The more important the game, the greater the risk,” said Dr. Ute Wilbert-Lampen, one of the study’s lead authors. “There is also a direct correlation between the tension in the game and the amount of stress one feels — and thus the strain on the heart.” The researchers looked at 4,279 heart cases that occurred in the greater Munich area during World Cup games that Germany was playing in. They then compared that period to similar perio... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1195856 Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:27:03 +0100 1195856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1189989&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F01%2F31%2Fis-super-bowl-sunday-bad-for-your-health%2F                                     (photo credit) Remember the old joke that many wives across America become ‘football widows’ on Super Bowl Sunday. Well, a new study published a couple of day ago in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that for some this could well become a reality. The acute stress and emotional rollercoaster that dedicated fans embark on when watching important sporting events could have serious side effects for anyone with a history of heart problems. Researchers studying the occurrence of cardiac events (heart attack, irregular heart rhythms, and cardiac arrest) suffered by German soccer fans watching games during the 2006 World Cup in Germany found that the number of cardiac events more than doubled on the day... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1189989 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:54:54 +0100 1189989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1161152&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F219027354%2F You say po-tae-to I say po-ta-to. Calcium supplements are now under fire. For years it has been thought that prescribing calcium to post menopausal women helped maintain bone health as well as possibly reducing the risk of high cholesterol. Apparently that news is ’so yesterday’. Researchers at the University of Auckland examined the effects of calcium supplementation on heart attacks stroke and sudden death. 1,471 healthy post-menopausal women aged 55 years or over took part in the study. And just what did they find? Dietary calcium intake was assessed and women were seen every six months over five years. Adverse events were recorded at each visit. Heart attacks were more commonly reported in the calcium group. The occurrence of any three vascular events (heart attack, stroke ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1161152 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:34:28 +0100 1161152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1122564&cid=t_122837_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F208743723%2F Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! We might just have a new type of oral diabetes treatment. It is derived from yeast and yes, that did make me giggle since yeast is in bread and bread is carbs and carbs turns to sugar and… you get my point. It is called glucose tolerance factor, GTF, and is essential in understanding how your body builds a resistance to insulin and can use it an ineffective way at different parts of the day or in differing situations. The results indicate that GTF acts similarly to insulin in the rats, lowering the level of glucose, and of LDL-cholesterol, (the “bad” cholesterol), and raising the level of HDL-cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). GTF inhibited oxidation processes that can cause atherosclerosis and result in further complications of the ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1122564 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:28:34 +0100 1122564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1100232&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F201806263%2F I have a very exciting update to share with you! This is not groundbreaking research but I am so happy I just have to share. I wrote about the Nintendo Wii being used as therapy for recovering stroke and cardiac patients last week, and shared my strong want for one of these fabulous little game players. Well, guess what? My brother in law found one today at normal price and offered it up! So yup I am going to get myself in my caravanarama with cash in hand and travel southwest to his house and pick it up. Oh boy, I am so excited. I can’t play with it until after the kids pull it out from under the tree on Christmas morning. Who will be more excited- my hubby, the girls or me?? I will fill you in on my Wii fitness progress! Share This (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1100232 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:48:01 +0100 1100232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1100233&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F201801601%2F Fa-la-la-la-la…la-la-la-la……. The holidays are here and with them comes stress, anxiety and overall worry. Did I get all the shopping done? Have I finished the cookies? Did I send the cards out yet? “I forgot my cousin twice removed from my step fathers side of the family- he needs a gift!!!!!!!” Yup- that pretty much sums it up-the holidays blow in and out like a flash of light. It is hard sometimes to stop and think about what the true meaning is and to not get caught up in the hub bub! And what 2 days of the year do you think have the highest incidences of heart attacks and heart related deaths? I’m sure you guessed it… The two riskiest days of the year for heart-related deaths Dec.25 and Jan. 1. Christmas and New Year’s, it appears, can l... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1100233 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:29:59 +0100 1100233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1093160&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F199802407%2F Working at an urgent care facility, I see a lot of acute heart attacks as well as extreme panic attacks. I was poking around the internet and my old text books this morning looking for definitive differences on the ol’ anxiety attack and MI. I know that some experience such extreme panic type feelings, heart palpitations and shortness of breath, that the only definitive way to tell exactly what is going on is looking for ST changes on an EKG. So much of what I read really bothered me. “The difference is that panic attacks are not crushing and heart attacks you feel into your left arm” and “Heart attacks are not associated with palpitations and shortness of breath”. Really????? I think not, I have had patients explain all of the above for both MI’s and pa... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1093160 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:16:16 +0100 1093160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1084429&cid=t_122837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F198118577%2F That’s what the agency is concluding about Prilosec and Nexium after conducting a review of two long-term studies in patients with severe gastroesophagel reflux disease (GERD) who were being treated with either of the two proton-pump inhibitors. The drugmaker last May had given the FDA data from studies that w ere designed to assess effectiveness compared with surgery. UPDATE: However, FDA officials revealed a separate agency review of hip fracture risk potentially associated with the class of drugs to which Nexium and Prilosec belong, Reuters writes. A year ago, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported on a study suggesting that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors increases the risk of hip fractures in adults over 50. “Internally we’ve looked at the i... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1084429 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:57:18 +0100 1084429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1070402&cid=t_122837_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fcaregivers-and-seniors-be-alert-during.html Associated Press writer Lauran Neergaard warns in "Holidays Bring the Heart Attack Season" that December and January are months when the highest number of heart attacks occur. In her article she says people need to beware of overeating rich holiday foods, consuming too much alcohol, being in denial, and shrugging off chest pains as indigestion during festivities. Sometimes people do not wish to interrupt a holiday festivity but it's important to get help quickly if a heart attack is occuring.The article explains that a 2004 study showed peaks of death from heart attacks occur around Christmas and New Years. Some hospitals say the numbers of heart attacks start rising around Thanksgiving.Caregivers who are assisting people who are at risk are often the first ones to notice that something is... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1070402 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:49:00 +0100 1070402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015035&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F181939294%2F Endorphins and other morphine-like substances known as opioids, which are released during exercise, don’t just make you feel good — they may also protect you from heart attacks, according to University of Iowa researchers. That good ol’ “runner’s high” is caused by natural opioids that are released during exercise and they are super duper (that is a word from my kids) good! If we can harness exactly how these altered gene expression patterns work, we can reveal specific cardio-protective pathways and viola… we can mimic these same properties of exercise into treatments for heart disease. And that is that. Read more here Share This (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015035 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:39:46 +0100 1015035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1009499&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F180593284%2F When you really stop and think about it, aren’t you more active in the summer months than the winter months? I think I am with the pool, walks in the evenings and running with the kids all day long. So this little tidbit of information shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. A five-year study found people treated in the summer were on average 8% more likely to see their blood pressure come down to healthy levels. These same findings were reported from 15 VA hospitals across the US. Not only are blood pressure’s elevated in the winter months but the incidence of stroke and heart attacks are also higher. Is it the slowed activity, the colder weather and thus vasoconstriction or the salty “winter”type hot foods that we consume? Maybe it is all of the above. via BBC  ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1009499 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:07:09 +0100 1009499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1002844&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F179631435%2F Cocaine isn’t the only illegal drug out there that can cause a heart attack. Ecstasy or “XTC” as it is known has been making a comeback in the younger population. The emergencies rooms across the world are seeing more and more heart attacks and untimely deaths from this nasty little drug. Oh boy, I feel like I want to lock my daughters in their rooms until hey are 30! Physicians in the emergency department should become familiar with this drug because of its emerging trend toward its use, advise the case report’s authors. Although it was once thought that the drug does not cause dependency and adverse side effects, this belief has been overturned by many reports of side effects in recent literature, the report further explains. via Science Daily Share This (Source... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1002844 Sun, 04 Nov 2007 15:57:38 +0100 1002844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=956201&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F170743113%2F I am bringing you a list of 10 Hearty trivia facts. Some are oh so crazy and off the wall, others are expected. Enjoy! And don’t forget to check out all of my fellow science and health bloggers “top 10 lists”. I think it is a fun way to relay information, both clinically and personally… Top 10 Hearty Trivia Facts 1. Poet Mary Shelley kept her dead husband’s, Frankenstein author Percy Shelley, heart wrapped in silk until she died. Imagine how that smelled! 2. You can purchase the largest model of a human heart for a small price of $5795.95 US dollars. Um huh, I said five thousand. It is 8 times the size of an anatomical heart at 100×90x70 cm. Wow, that is a lot of money! 3. The smallest person believed to ever have open heart surgery was just over 25 week... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=956201 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:45:44 +0100 956201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=941984&cid=t_122837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F168121542%2F That’s the conclusion of a new study that says the cholesterol-lowering meds help prevent heart attacks for at least a decade after people stop taking them. And this is the first long-term study of the world’s top-selling type of medication, by the way, the Associated Press reports. The research is a follow-up to a study in Scotland showing that men taking Pravachol for five years substantially lowered their risk of heart attack and death from heart disease. They were followed for another 10 years after most stopped taking the drug. That group was compared with a group of men who were given dummy pills during the five-year study, the AP writes. There was a 25 percent lower risk of heart attack or death from heart disease among those in the statin group, when compared with the p... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=941984 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:24:23 +0100 941984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=937000&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F167377854%2F So, more proof that stress can “kill you”, or at least make you sick. We all know that turmoil and constant marital strife can make your days seem very long and your life feel plain out miserable but it can also put you at higher risk for heart disease. In a study of 9,011 British civil servants, most of them married, those with the worst close relationships were 34 percent more likely to have heart attacks or other heart trouble during 12 years of follow-up than those with good relationships. That included partners, close relatives and friends. Being in a bad marriage proved to be a risk factor for increased heart disease but dissolving that same marriage is not exactly the answer either as non married persons proved to also be at a higher risk. Bottom line? Who the heck know... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=937000 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 10:36:47 +0100 937000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=918091&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F163809143%2F Hmm… I will present this to you with no opinion or comments from me. It seems that researchers out of The Bristol Heart Institute in Britain have confirmed the belief that certain patients that have survived heart attacks and heart disease become more naturally pre-conditioned than their healthy counterparts. … Discovered surprising responses of the heart to mock cardiac surgery in a mouse model. When the heart was stopped and restarted — mimicking the conditions used in most heart bypass surgery — scientists found hearts with coronary disease from genetically modified mice were more resistant to damage than hearts without coronary disease. So what do you think? Have you ever heard of this before? The research team detailed their findings in the October issue of th... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=918091 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:39:59 +0100 918091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510404&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F09%2F07%2Fwhy-vioxx-is-so-dangerous%2F This study was not considered conclusive, but if you have questions or concerns about medications you're currently taking speak with your doctor.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cardio Blog) The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510404 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:00:00 +0100 2510404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=832562&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F30%2Fon-nexium-and-the-heart-risk-associated-with-it%2F Filed under: DrugsFood and drug officials in the USA and Canada are reviewing the long-term effects of common stomach drugs Nexium and Prilosec to determine their safety. The drugs have been linked to heart problems, though officials are saying that preliminary studies show little risk, and therefore doctors should continue to prescribe the medication. An investigation was launched when a study found that long-term users of the drug were at high risk for heart attacks, heart failure and heart-related sudden death. However, a link does not mean causation, so consumers shouldn't be concerned just yet. Nonetheless, the news is expected to lead to lower sales. Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cardio Blog) The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=832562 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 832562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828368&cid=t_122837_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F149225559%2F Human embryonic cells has helped rebuild heart tissue in rats. Yes, the research was on rats but promising and welcomed none the less. Here is what the group of US researchers had to report… Implanting human embryonic stem cells in rats four days after they had heart attacks repaired heart muscles and improved heart function, researchers from the University of Washington and the biotechnology company Geron report in an article appearing Monday in the journal Nature Biotechnology. Previous attempts to “heal” with stem cells in a cardiac fashion have failed secondary to the limited success of deriving heart cells from the stem cells, as well as their failure to thrive. Imagine what could happen to the stem cell market if these same results can be found in humans. Wow! via S... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828368 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:51:37 +0100 828368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=825597&cid=t_122837_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F146512548%2F Sub-standard housing more than doubles diabetes risk, a team of U.S. researchers found, but they are not exactly sure why. Are you kidding me? Does anyone else think that the results of this study are self explanatory? Sub-standard housing usually means government assisted or “section 8″ housing, right? Well, the persons that qualify for this assistance have economical challenges that others do not have. Understand this, in no way am I passing judgment or “putting” anyone down. Heck, my kids public school is Title One, but why would scientists be puzzled at the findings of something so obvious. Low income areas are also linked to higher blood pressure, higher cholesterol, more heart attacks and obesity. Healthy food is expensive and pre-packaged or less nutritious c... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=825597 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:57:45 +0100 825597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=808640&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F19%2Fcaring-for-a-loved-one-until-the-end%2F Filed under: Men Heart Health, Aging Heart HealthIn the last 14 months I have had many thoughts and conversations with my family and friends about the end of life. Before June 20, 2006 I had not given death much thought; everybody in my inner circle has always been very healthy and death was not something that we encountered. But when my seemingly healthy father suddenly died of a heart attack nearly 14 months ago, the subject was blown wide open for me. Losing my dad without any warning at all has been absolutely devastating for my family, but over the last year we have talked to so many families who have watched their loved ones physically or mentally whither away over months or even years. The toll of knowing that an impending death will soon take their family member has broken some but... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=808640 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 808640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=770623&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F31%2Fvioxx-side-effects-started-as-early-as-18-days-after-usage%2F Filed under: Research, Drugs, Daily newsWhen Vioxx first hit pharmacies across the nation, it was a happy day for those of us who suffer from arthritis pain. The new pill was a million times better than regular old ibuprofen and far less of an interference than painkillers. We could take Vioxx and get on with our days in a way that we had not been able to in a long time. Too bad the pill turned out to be a killer. Although Vioxx held so much promise, it turned out to be deadly. Patients suffered from fatal and nonfatal heart attacks, strokes and sudden death from cardiac causes, blood clots and chest pain. In a new study published this week, research shows the miracle pills started to cause problem in as little as two weeks, not the 18 months the manufacturer previously claimed. However, s... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=770623 Tue, 31 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 770623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=733550&cid=t_122837_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F7%2F14%2Fthose-crazy-californians-this-time-its-childhood-obesity.html Brian Klepper California always seems to be ahead on things that matter. A CNN story this week highlights that state's terrific anti-obesity TV campaign. The ads have cute kids sweetly asking "Dad, could you buy me some diabetes?" and "Can I drink another cup of sugar?" The goal is to shock adults into appreciating that the cheap, tasty foods they shovel down their children's gullets will have real impact. In one of the CNN clips, Adam Sandler says the ads work so well that he and his little girl suddenly dropped their cheeseburgers. I passed along the link to folks in Florida's government, and asked, "Why aren't we doing something like this?"It's a fair question, but as I tried to point out in my post the other day on food companies' lobbying influence, ... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=733550 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:44:52 +0100 733550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=698081&cid=t_122837_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F6%2F26%2Fthe-aspirin-dilemma-to-take-or-not-to-take.html A recent study from the Mayo Clinic, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI, vol. 99, p. 825, 2007), looks at the relationship between the use of aspirin and non-aspirin NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) in postmenopausal women and the incidence of death from cancer, heart disease, and death from any cause.  How the study was done The investigators studied data on about 22,500 women who were enrolled in the Iowa Women's Health Study, a long-term health study of women living in Iowa. Starting in 1986, the women completed surveys periodically about their medical history, diet, physical activity, smoking, and other factors every year until 1992. In that year, the women also reported their use of aspirin and nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=698081 Tue, 26 Jun 2007 03:31:13 +0100 698081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682439&cid=t_122837_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Ffatties-do-better-after-heart-attacks.html Cardiac Rehabilitation ClinicSome doctors will admit to a little schadenfreude that health freakery does not confer cardiac invulnerability. There is nothing more depressing for the family doctor than trying to advise a slim, trim, lycra clad, non-smoking, gym-visiting middle-aged vegetarian, who has just has his first heart attack, on life style changes.So much easier to help the flabby lounge lizard who is three stone overweight and has not taken exercise since TV remote controls were invented.Now we hear that fatties who have heart attacks may have a better prognosis than the the health freaks. Various theories are suggested.(The) differences in body chemistry caused by obesity might play a role. For instance, levels of blood platelets, which can affect clotting, are lower in obese pati... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682439 Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:57:00 +0100 682439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682486&cid=t_122837_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F6%2F19%2Fwise-up-when-is-comes-to-heart-disease-women-are-different-f.html This is Dr. Bill Bestermann's first post as one of the TDWI writers (A Big Welcome, Bill!).   Dr. Bestermann makes it clear that there is a long way to go, baby, before the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women gets to where it should be...hey! ladies, let's WISE up!  Here you go: The evidence has become irrefutable that life-style change and medications aimed at vascular risk factors outperform bypass surgery and stenting in prevention of heart attack. Not only that, but non-invasive strategies have positive benefits on the entire vasculature that prevent stroke, nerve damage, eye damage, kidney damage and amputation. Women are different These differences may be even more important for females. For some time now, there has been discussion of women being di... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682486 Tue, 19 Jun 2007 19:07:41 +0100 682486