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Google News: Heart Disease
Potassium rich salt lowers heart disease risk - Online - International News Network

4 Jul 2009 | 9:48 am

Potassium rich salt lowers heart disease riskOnline - International News NetworkThe mineral also helps lower the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, possibly by protecting blood vessel function. Researchers from the Institute of and more »
Sleep deprivation in women may be linked to cardiovascular disease - HealthJockey.com

4 Jul 2009 | 5:29 am

HealthJockey.comSleep deprivation in women may be linked to cardiovascular diseaseHealthJockey.comSupposedly, IL-6 was an indicator associated to heart disease. Women who slept for less than five hours seem to have high levels of High-sensitivity and more »
Government probes chelation-heart disease study - North County Times

4 Jul 2009 | 1:03 am

WISHGovernment probes chelation-heart disease studyNorth County TimesStiff or clogged arteries can lead to heart problems. There already are several conventional treatments for heart disease, including medicines, Federal probe finds problems with chelation studyThe Associated PressAlternative Medicine - A Modest InquiryStudent Operated PressFederal probe finds problems with chelation studyThe Associated Pressall 228 news articles »
There is a proven new test for heart disease that can save lives ... - Albany Business Review

3 Jul 2009 | 6:54 pm

There is a proven new test for heart disease that can save lives Albany Business ReviewHeart disease kills about 1 million people annually in the United States and, until now, there has been no reliable way to detect and then treat early and more »
Depression Increases Risk of Heart Disease - First Coast News

3 Jul 2009 | 12:01 pm

Depression Increases Risk of Heart DiseaseFirst Coast NewsCHICAGO -- Depression almost doubles the risk of developing heart disease over 12 years, according to a long-term study of twins. and more »

Google News: Heart Attacks
Alternative Medicine - A Modest Inquiry - Student Operated Press

3 Jul 2009 | 12:23 pm

WISHAlternative Medicine - A Modest InquiryStudent Operated PressAlso, by-pass operations remedy the three major veins feeding the heart, but not the tiny veins, so one can still get small heart attacks after the by-pass Federal probe finds problems with chelation studySacramento Beeall 228 news articles »
Depression Increases Risk of Heart Disease - First Coast News

3 Jul 2009 | 12:01 pm

Depression Increases Risk of Heart DiseaseFirst Coast NewsThere's no evidence yet that treating depression will make adults less likely to have heart attacks, adds François Lesperance, a psychiatrist at the and more »
Surviving a Heart Attack - WABI

2 Jul 2009 | 12:53 pm

Surviving a Heart AttackWABIA heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If the flow of blood isn't restored quickly, the section of heart muscle and more »
Staving off a silent killer – heart disease - Altoona Mirror

2 Jul 2009 | 7:39 am

Tri State DefenderStaving off a silent killer – heart diseaseAltoona MirrorKeeping your blood pressure at healthy levels is important, because high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks or stroke. The American Heart Association Heart specialist counts on making a differenceTri State Defenderall 3 news articles »
Cholesterol OK? Statins Still Help Heart - WebMD

1 Jul 2009 | 10:22 am

World NewsCholesterol OK? Statins Still Help HeartWebMDThe statin group also had 30% fewer heart attacks and 20% fewer strokes over four years of follow-up. The findings add to the growing evidence favoring an Do statins cut risk for the healthy?NHS ChoicesMeta-analysis supports statin benefit in primary preventionEndochrinology UpdateShould all over-50s take anti-cholesterol drug? Statins even cut Mail on SundayNursing in Practiceall 62 news articles »

MedWorm: Heart Disease
Call for widespread statin prescription

1 Jul 2009 | 10:47 am

People who do not have signs of heart disease, but have other risk factors, would benefit from taking statins, says cardiovascular expert (Source: Management in Practice)MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.
1 Jul 2009 | 10:41 am

1 Jul 2009 | 10:41 am

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 47 (S1): S77-S105 Abstract Use of biomarkers in heart disease Standardisation of HbA1c The power of networking Personnalized health care – what it takes to be a leader Integrated diagnostics – what do you think the next generation of healthcare will look like? Biochips can save lives: cardiovascular disease The future and importance of solution business What is new on cardiac troponin? Diagnostic performance and clinical value of holotranscobalamin, measured by the AxSYM Active-B12 assay, for vitamin B12 status Directing the spotlight on renal…
The interaction of injury and disease in the elderly: A case report of fatal elder abuse

1 Jul 2009 | 10:35 am

We report a case of an elderly demented woman who died of a mitral rheumatic valvular disease in the context of multiple injuries and from elder abuse. History from police investigation indicated that the deceased was found collapsed on the floor in her bedroom for several days prior to death by her son who did not initiate medical care. Autopsy revealed a frail elderly woman with Alzheimer’s disease and evidence of multiple healing sublethal blunt impact injuries of the face, mouth, neck, upper chest, and extremities. In addition, there was unwashed dirt encrusted skin, urine/fecal…
Human ISL1 heart progenitors generate diverse multipotent cardiovascular cell lineages

1 Jul 2009 | 9:21 am

Authors: Lei Bu, Xin Jiang, Silvia Martin-Puig, Leslie Caron, Shenjun Zhu, Ying Shao, Drucilla J. Roberts, Paul L. Huang, Ibrahim J. Domian & Kenneth R. Chien The generation and expansion of diverse cardiovascular cell lineages is a critical step during human cardiogenesis, with major implications for congenital heart disease. Unravelling the mechanisms for the diversification of human heart cell lineages has been hampered by the lack of genetic tools to purify early cardiac progenitors and define their developmental potential. Recent studies in the mouse embryo have identified a multipotent…
Following The Dietary Guidelines May Slow Heart Disease In Women

1 Jul 2009 | 9:05 am

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) provide guidance to promote health and reduce risk of chronic diseases. However, what evidence is there that following the DGA optimizes health? Is this advice useful for individuals already in poor health? (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

MedWorm: Cardiogenic Shock
Successful treatment of heart failure due to acute transplant rejection with the Impella LP 5.0.

30 Jun 2009 | 3:00 pm

We present a 52-year-old patient with multiorgan failure secondary to acute graft rejection after orthotopic heart transplantation. Maximal medical therapy was not successful, and the patient was bridged to recovery with an Impella LP 5.0 (Abiomed Inc, Danvers, MA) left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The relative merits of this therapeutic approach are outlined and discussed. The patient was discharged 3 weeks after LVAD removal and remains clinically stable. PMID: 19559242 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via…
Disulfiram overdose: Cardiogenic shock: case report

29 Jun 2009 | 7:13 am

(Source: Reactions)
[CASE REPORTS] Successful Treatment of Heart Failure due to Acute Transplant Rejection With the Impella LP 5.0

28 Jun 2009 | 3:00 pm

We present a 52-year-old patient with multiorgan failure secondary to acute graft rejection after orthotopic heart transplantation. Maximal medical therapy was not successful, and the patient was bridged to recovery with an Impella LP 5.0 (Abiomed Inc, Danvers, MA) left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The relative merits of this therapeutic approach are outlined and discussed. The patient was discharged 3 weeks after LVAD removal and remains clinically stable. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
[Surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection]

27 Jun 2009 | 3:39 pm

CONCLUSION: The main risk factor for acute aortic dissection is the diameter of the aorta exceeding 4 cm (diagnosed in 73.7% of cases). The main postoperative complications are bleeding (42.1%), injuries of central nervous system (23.7%), and cardiogenic shock (18.4%). PMID: 19357448 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Medicina (Kaunas))
Evaluation of the sublingual microcirculation in cardiogenic shock.

27 Jun 2009 | 8:59 am

CONCLUSIONS: A consequence of cardiogenic shock is the impairment of microcirculation with organ hypoperfusion. We observed that cardiac output is correlated to disturbance in microflow in the smallest vessels. On-line evaluation of microcirculation in vivo may be a valid tool for optimizing therapeutic measures in high risk patients. Additional online material may be found at: http://www.kim1.uniklinik-jena.de/Microcirculation.html. PMID: 19433887 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation)

MedWorm: Cardiomyopathy
The Effect of Age, Diagnosis, and Previous Surgery in Children and Adults Undergoing Heart Transplantation for Congenital Heart Disease

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

Conclusions: Patients undergoing transplantation for CHD have a good late survival if they survive the early post-operative period. Risk factors for reduced survival are older age at transplant and a previous Fontan operation. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.
Fundamental Differences in Electrophysiologic and Electroanatomic Substrate Between Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Patients With and Without Clinical Ventricular Tachycardia

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the electrophysiologic substrate in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients with and without sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT).Background: Despite the universal presence of potentially arrhythmogenic left ventricular (LV) scarring, it is not clear why the majority of ICM patients never develop SMVT.Methods: Detailed electroanatomic mapping of the LV endocardium was performed in 17 stable control ICM patients (16 males) without clinical SMVT. They were compared with 17 ICM patients (15 males) with spontaneous SMVT. Standard…
Chronobiological Patterns of Onset of Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Multicenter Italian Study

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

To the Editor: Several cardiovascular events, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), show well-defined temporal patterns in their occurrence throughout the year and the day (). Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), also called “stress cardiomyopathy” or “transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome,” is an acquired cardiomyopathy prevalent in elderly women presenting with a history of emotional or physical stress that mimics the clinical scenario of an AMI (). The aim of this study was to verify whether TTC could exhibit significant chronobiological patterns of onset. We…
Effects of perindopril on cardiac remodelling and prognostic value of pre-discharge quantitative echocardiographic parameters in elderly patients after acute myocardial infarction: the PREAMI echo sub-study

30 Jun 2009 | 3:00 pm

Conclusion Remodelling occurs in post-AMI in elderly patients with normal LV function. Echo-Doppler variables at baseline have prognostic implications. Treatment with perindopril reduces progressive LV remodelling that can occur even in the case of small infarct size. (Source: European Heart Journal)
A genetic variants database for arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy

30 Jun 2009 | 3:00 pm

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is a hereditary cardiomyopathy characterized by fibrofatty replacement of cardiomyocytes, ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. ARVD/C is mainly caused by mutations in genes encoding desmosomal proteins. However, the pathogenicity of variants is not always clear. Therefore, we created an online database (), providing information on variants in ARVD/C-associated genes. We searched the literature using ARVD/C and its underlying genes as search terms. From the selected papers and our unpublished data, we collected…

MedWorm: Cardiac Arrhythmia
Enzyme Doesn't Act Alone In Atrial Fibrillation

30 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

An overactive enzyme is behind a leaky calcium channel that plays a role in the development of atrial fibrillation, which is the most common cardiac arrhythmia that is responsible for a third of all strokes. However, it doesn't act alone, say researchers. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.
Thyroid Hormone Antagonists: Potential Medical Applications and Structure Activity Relationships.

27 Jun 2009 | 7:08 pm

Authors: Malm J, Färnegârdh M, Grover GJ, Ladenson PW Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) exert profound effects on development, metabolism, and multiple specific organ functions. Principally by regulating crucial genes in a variety of tissues, the thyroid hormones, 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (L-T(3), 1) and 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodo-L-thyronine (L-T(4), 2), influence basal calorigenesis and oxygen consumption, cardiac rate and contractility, lipid metabolism, bone structure and strength, and central nervous system functions critical for normal mentation and mood. Elevated levels of…
Recent advances in the medicinal chemistry of sodium channel blockers and their therapeutic potential.

27 Jun 2009 | 7:03 pm

Authors: Zuliani V, Patel MK, Fantini M, Rivara M The voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play a fundamental role in controlling cellular excitability. Abnormal activity of sodium channels is related to several pathological processes, including cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy, chronic pain, neurodegenerative diseases and spasticity. In view of this, VGSCs are considered important therapeutic targets for the treatment of these disorders. To date, nine VGSC isoforms have been identified and have a distinct pattern of expression within the human body. In addition, VGSCs also have distinct…
Effects of fine particulate matter on daily mortality for specific heart diseases in Japan.

27 Jun 2009 | 6:01 am

Conclusions: Positive associations between PM(2.5) and heart disease mortality in Japan were observed. The effects of PM(2.5) may vary by disease and age. (Circ J 2009; 73: 1248-1254). PMID: 19423947 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Circulation Journal)
Prinzmetal's variant angina associated with severe heart rhythm disturbances and syncope: a therapeutic dilemma.

27 Jun 2009 | 5:47 am

We report here a case of variant angina with documented severe heart rhythm disturbances and syncope in a 66 year-old woman. Due to recurrent episodes of high-degree atrioventricular block, a DDD pacemaker was implanted. No further symptoms of angina or cardiac arrhythmias were detected on optimal therapy. PMID: 19437404 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cardiology Journal)

MedWorm: Cardiology
Why Are (Only) Some Infarcted Hearts Arrhythmogenic?⁎

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

In this issue of the Journal, Haqqani et al. () provide valuable insight as to why some patients who survive a large myocardial infarction (MI) are prone to ventricular tachycardia (VT), yet other survivors of a similar infarct are seemingly immune. They compare 17 patients presenting with recurrent, sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT) with 17 post-MI patients undergoing prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) insertion, who had so far been free from clinical episodes of SMVT. Notably, the SMVT and prophylactic ICD groups appeared nearly identical with…
Long-Term Prognostic Value of 13N-Ammonia Myocardial Perfusion Positron Emission Tomography: Added Value of Coronary Flow Reserve

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the predictive value of myocardial perfusion imaging with 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) on long-term prognosis in patients with suspected myocardial ischemia.Background: No prognostic data exist on the predictive value of CFR and 13N-ammonia PET.Methods: Perfusion and CFR were assessed in 256 patients using 13N-ammonia PET, and follow-up was obtained in 245 (96%) patients. Sixteen early revascularized patients were excluded and 229 were assigned to normal versus abnormal perfusion or normal…
Summaries of Key Journal Articles

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

(Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)
The Effect of Age, Diagnosis, and Previous Surgery in Children and Adults Undergoing Heart Transplantation for Congenital Heart Disease

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

Conclusions: Patients undergoing transplantation for CHD have a good late survival if they survive the early post-operative period. Risk factors for reduced survival are older age at transplant and a previous Fontan operation. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)
Serendipity

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

During this time of political change, we have been reading numerous editorials outlining current ideas about how medicine should be reorganized. This letter was stimulated by some of those recently published. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

MyHeartCentral.com
Hospitals close to agreeing to accept Medicare cuts

2 Jul 2009 | 1:16 pm

According to Kaiser Health News, the hospital industry is about to agree to accept federal funding cuts of $150 billion to $170 billion over the next decade to help pay for efforts to reform the national healthcare system.
Occasional blood pressure spikes boost hypertension risk

2 Jul 2009 | 9:19 am

Results from a new study suggest that sporadic hikes in blood pressure in everyday life or in a medical setting such as a doctor's office can raise the risk of a person developing more sustained high blood pressure.
Statins may ward off Alzheimer's

1 Jul 2009 | 8:19 am

Patients who take a cholesterol-lowing statin may be protected against Alzheimer's disease, a new study has found.
Fast angioplasty best after a heart attack

1 Jul 2009 | 7:45 am

Heart attack patients who are given a clot-busting drug after having a heart attack should undergo angioplasty to open blocked arteries as soon as possible afterward, Canadian researchers say.
Study: New tests not better at predicting heart risks

1 Jul 2009 | 7:40 am

Results from two new studies suggest that tests for biomarkers of cardiac risk are no better than using older, established factors such as high cholesterol and obesity to predict a person's heart risks.

MedicineNet Heart General
CPR Survival Rates for Older People Unchanged

2 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: CPR Survival Rates for Older People UnchangedCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/2/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/2/2009
Master Stem Cell for Human Heart Identified

2 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Master Stem Cell for Human Heart IdentifiedCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/2/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/2/2009
Even After Death, Heart Attack Treatment May Not End

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Even After Death, Heart Attack Treatment May Not EndCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
Newer Blood Tests May Not Improve Heart Risk Assessment

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Newer Blood Tests May Not Improve Heart Risk AssessmentCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
U.S. Doctors Treat Heart Attack With Man's Own Stem Cells

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: U.S. Doctors Treat Heart Attack With Man's Own Stem CellsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009

MedicineNet Stress and Heart Disease Specialty
Depression, Anxiety Bad for the Heart

30 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Depression, Anxiety Bad for the HeartCategory: Health NewsCreated: 6/30/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/30/2009
A Few Extra Pounds Might Bring Extra Years

24 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: A Few Extra Pounds Might Bring Extra YearsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 6/24/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/24/2009
Road Rage: Where Your City Ranks

18 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Road Rage: Where Your City RanksCategory: Health NewsCreated: 6/18/2009Last Editorial Review: 6/18/2009
Nicotine May Help Spur 'Prediabetes'

12 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Nicotine May Help Spur 'Prediabetes'Category: Health NewsCreated: 6/12/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/12/2009
Laughter Can Boost Heart Health

1 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Laughter Can Boost Heart HealthCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/30/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/1/2009

Cholesterol Management 101
Noninvasive Methods to Assess Atherosclerosis: Part 3

9 Jun 2009 | 2:04 am

Coronary Artery Calcium Using CT TomographyI want to continue with our series of ways to help identify atherosclerosis in the body in order to better classify one's risk of a cardiovascular event or death. We already talked about using duplex ultrasound to measure carotid intima-media thickness and CT angiogram of the heart arteries. Now we are going to talk about using CT scan to identify the amount of calcium in the heart arteries (CAC scoring).First of all, I want to make a general comment. As a heart surgeon think I have a unique perspective on coronary artery disease as I have seen and…
Noninvasive Methods to Assess Atherosclerosis: Part 2

11 May 2009 | 2:00 pm

CT Angiogram of the HeartWe talked about the use of Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness (CIMT) measurements as a way to assess if there is diffuse atherosclerosis in the arteries of the body in Part 1 of this series. Now let's talk about imaging the coronary arteries of the heart using a CT scan. About 10 months ago, there was a five-page article in the New York Times (Sunday edition) about this very topic. The article talked about the fact that this newer technology was being overused for financial gain while there was little evidence showing it was any better than the older technology, and it…
Noninvasive Methods to Assess Atherosclerosis

22 Apr 2009 | 12:02 pm

Part 1: CIMTCardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of both men and women. Does knowing this fact make it obligatory for health care providers to provide some type of warning system to possibly prevent a cardiovascular event or death? Let's look at the various techniques that are currently in use to potentially identify early atherosclerosis which would then permit early aggressive treatment. I do understand that many people who read my blog have different levels of understanding of these difficult medical issues. While I will try to keep it simple, I believe it is important to…
Red Yeast Rice - Buyer Beware!

16 Mar 2009 | 7:12 am

I have had an increasing number of patients come to see me who are taking Red Yeast Rice (RYR) as the only means to treat their high cholesterol. Many people make the assumption that this is a "natural medicine" and that it is completely safe to use and actually works.Unfortunately, RYR is not the wonder drug that many folks think that it is and may actually be harmful. First, one must remember that in 2008, there were many products manufactured in China that were found to be tainted with lead and melamine, to name a few of the contaminants.Red Yeast Rice extract is the fermented product of…
Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids & Your Heart

17 Feb 2009 | 6:24 am

There is a large body of literature suggests that higher intakes of omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduce risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). The American Heart Association just published a science advisory in Circulation on January 27, 2009, titled Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease. There are some noted physicians and medical groups that have recommended substantial reductions in the intake of PUFAs due to this possible association.Linoleic acid (LA) is the primary dietary O-6 PUFA and cannot be synthesized by human beings. Therefore it has to come from…

About.com Heart Disease
FDA Approves Dronedarone (Multaq) For Atrial Fibrillation

3 Jul 2009 | 12:02 am

As expected, this week the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dronedarone (Multaq, Sanofi-Aventis) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Dronedarone is thought to be a safer...
New Thinking on Coronary Artery Disease

29 Jun 2009 | 1:23 am

Traditionally, cardiologists have thought of coronary artery disease (CAD) as discrete blockages in the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle). The key to treating...
Michael Jackson: Cardiac Arrest Vs. Heart Attack

25 Jun 2009 | 4:12 pm

In what has become a bad day for celebrities, Michael Jackson died late this afternoon after suffering from what news reports indicate was a "cardiac arrest." Unfortunately, there is always a...
Unstable Angina

22 Jun 2009 | 1:56 am

Unstable angina is one of the types of "Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)," a series of conditions most commonly produced by the rupture of a plaque in a coronary artery. All...
Red Yeast Rice Still Effective?

17 Jun 2009 | 11:09 pm

The saga of red yeast rice continues. I have tried to summarize here the story of red yeast rice (RYR), and the FDA's long and convoluted attempts to rid the shelves...

About.com Heart Disease: What's Hot Now
Risk factors in women

heartdisease.guide@about.com

4 Jul 2009 | 3:05 am

The risk factors for heart disease in women
Pump head and cardiac depression

heartdisease.guide@about.com

4 Jul 2009 | 3:05 am

coronary artery bypass surgery new england journal england journal of medicine diagnosing depression new england journal of medicine: Pump head and cardiac depression
Diagnosing Heart Failure

heartdisease.guide@about.com

4 Jul 2009 | 3:05 am

In order to treat heart failure appropriately, it is important to diagnose the underlying cause and the type of heart failure.
New thinking on CAD

heartdisease.guide@about.com

4 Jul 2009 | 3:05 am

Our thinking about Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has changed over the past decade. Instead of focusing on discrete blockages, it is time for doctors and patients to focus on the overall disease process and take steps to halt or reverse it.
heart failure in women

heartdisease.guide@about.com

4 Jul 2009 | 3:05 am

Some unique aspects of heart failure in women

About.com Heart Disease: Most Popular Articles
Flying with heart disease

4 Jul 2009 | 3:38 am

Is it safe to fly when you have a heart problem? Here are guidelines for flying with heart disease.
palpitations

4 Jul 2009 | 3:38 am

palpitations
Palpitations

4 Jul 2009 | 3:38 am

When you're heartbeat feels unusually strong, or odd, it's known as a palpitation. Is it serious?
Diagnosing AF

4 Jul 2009 | 3:38 am

Diagnosing atrial fibrillation requires that a doctor record the arrhythmia on an electrocardiogram or event monitor.
Chest pain

4 Jul 2009 | 3:38 am

Chest pain - its causes, and how it should be evaluated

MedicineNet Heart Disease Specialty
Increasing Alcohol Use Tied to More Hospitalization

2 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Increasing Alcohol Use Tied to More HospitalizationCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/2/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/2/2009
Master Stem Cell for Human Heart Identified

2 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Master Stem Cell for Human Heart IdentifiedCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/2/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/2/2009
CRP Test May Not Predict Heart Disease

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: CRP Test May Not Predict Heart DiseaseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009Last Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
Metabolic Syndrome May Make Breast Cancer More Likely

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Metabolic Syndrome May Make Breast Cancer More LikelyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
Even After Death, Heart Attack Treatment May Not End

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Even After Death, Heart Attack Treatment May Not EndCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009

American Heart Association
Mental Health Problems Linked to Chantix and Zyban; FDA Requires New Boxed Warnings for the Smoking Cessation Drugs

3 Jul 2009 | 8:30 am
Meltzer and Yancy to Lead American Heart Association in 2009-10

1 Jul 2009 | 4:00 am
Barriers hinder EMS workers from using best resuscitation practices

30 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

American Heart Association rapid access journal report
White-coat, masked hypertension raises risk of sustained high blood pressure

29 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

American Heart Association rapid access journal report
Anxiety, depression associated with increased chest pain

29 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

American Heart Association rapid access journal report

ScienceDaily: Heart Disease News
Bypass Surgery Has Long-term Benefits For Children With Kawasaki Disease, Study Suggests

4 Jul 2009 | 2:00 pm

Coronary artery bypass surgery provides "excellent" long-term survival for children who have severe inflammatory heart and blood vessel damage caused by Kawasaki disease. While post-operative problems may increase over time, these can be managed with proper follow-up care. Most of the young patients have normal lives, including participation in sports.
Rush Of Blood To The Head: Anger Increases Blood Flow

4 Jul 2009 | 2:00 pm

Mental stress causes carotid artery dilation and increases brain blood flow. A series of ultrasound experiments also found that this dilatory reflex was absent in people with high blood pressure.
Police Work Undermines Cardiovascular Health, Comparison To General Population Shows

3 Jul 2009 | 8:00 pm

It is well documented that police officers have a higher risk of developing heart disease: The question is why. In the most recent results coming out of one of the few long-term studies being conducted within this tightly knit society, researchers have determined that underlying the higher incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis -- arterial thickening that precedes a heart attack or stroke -- may be the stress of police work.
Vegetarian Diets Can Help Prevent Chronic Diseases, American Dietetic Association Says

3 Jul 2009 | 2:00 am

The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on vegetarian diets that concludes such diets, if well-planned, are healthful and nutritious for adults, infants, children and adolescents and can help prevent and treat chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes.
History Of Periodontitis Linked To Cerebrovascular Disease In Men

3 Jul 2009 | 2:00 am

The potential role of periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the gums, in the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly ischemic stroke, has received growing attention during the last decade. A new study is the first prospective cohort study to use clinical measures of periodontitis to evaluate the association between this disease and the risk of cerebrovascular disease.

Stroke current issue
[Original Contributions] Relative and Cumulative Effects of Lipid and Blood Pressure Control in the Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels Trial

Amarenco, P., Goldstein, L. B., Messig, M., O'Neill, B. J., Callahan, A., Sillesen, H., Hennerici, M. G., Zivin, J. A., Welch, K.M.A., on behalf of the SPARCL Investigators

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background and Purpose— The relative contributions of on-treatment low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C), triglycerides, and blood pressure (BP) control on the risk of recurrent stroke or major cardiovascular events in patients with stroke is not well defined. Methods— We randomized 4731 patients with recent stroke or transient ischemic attack and no known coronary heart disease to atorvastatin 80 mg per day or placebo. Results— After 4.9 years, at each level of LDL-C reduction, subjects with HDL-C value above the median or systolic BP below the median…
[Cochrane Corner] Temperature-Lowering Therapy for Acute Stroke

Den Hertog, H. M., van der Worp, H. B., Tseng, M.-C., Dippel, D. W.J.

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
[Original Contributions] Influence of Weekend Hospital Admission on Short-Term Mortality After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Crowley, R. W., Yeoh, H. K., Stukenborg, G. J., Medel, R., Kassell, N. F., Dumont, A. S.

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background and Purpose— There is expanding literature to show that certain patients admitted during the weekend have worse outcomes than similar patients admitted during the week. Although many clinicians have hypothesized the presence of this "weekend effect" with patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, there is a paucity of studies validating this conjecture. Methods— We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification=431) extracted from the 2004 Nationwide Inpatient…
[Cochrane Corner] Anticoagulants for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Sandercock, P., Counsell, C., Kamal, A. K.

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
[Research Letters] Blood Volume Measurement to Guide Fluid Therapy After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Controlled Study

Hoff, R., Rinkel, G., Verweij, B., Algra, A., Kalkman, C.

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background and Purpose— Conventional parameters used to guide fluid therapy after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are poorly related to blood volume. In a prospective controlled study we assessed whether fluid management guided by daily measurements of blood volume (BV) reduces the incidence of severe hypovolemia compared to conventional fluid balance guided fluid therapy. Methods— We used Pulse Dye Densitometry to measure BV daily in 102 patients during the first 10 days after SAH. Fluid management was based on BV-measurements in the intervention group (n=54) and on…

WebMD Health
Lantus Insulin: Link to Cancer Shaky

2 Jul 2009 | 1:18 pm

Experts say patients should not worry about shaky data suggesting a possible slight cancer risk in people with type 2 diabetes who take Lantus, a long-acting insulin.
How Safe and Effective Are Sunscreens?

2 Jul 2009 | 12:05 pm

Sunscreens are improving but are still inadequate, says the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Stopping PPI Drugs Causes Acid Reflux Symptoms

2 Jul 2009 | 11:18 am

Healthy people who take acid-blocking proton pump inhibitors for just a few months experienced reflux-related symptoms when they stopped taking them.
Fattest State Weighs Its Options

1 Jul 2009 | 5:15 pm

It's official, again. For the fifth year in a row, Mississippi is still the nation's heaviest state -- ground zero for obesity in the U.S.
Celiac Disease Cases Are on the Rise

1 Jul 2009 | 4:32 pm

Celiac disease -- the digestive disorder treated by banning wheat and other grains containing gluten from the diet -- is four times more common in the U.S. today than it was 50 years ago, a study shows.

NHLBI Podcasts
Sarcoidosis - Standard

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

15 Jun 2009 | 8:45 am

Sarcoidosis Podcast from the Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI), NHLBI
Sarcoidosis - Enhanced

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

15 Jun 2009 | 8:45 am

(Chapterized) Sarcoidosis Podcast from the Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI), NHLBI
Insomnia - Enhanced

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

20 Apr 2009 | 11:30 am

(Chapterized) Insomnia Podcast from the Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI), NHLBI
Insomnia - Standard

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

20 Apr 2009 | 11:30 am

Insomnia Podcast from the Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI), NHLBI
COPD - Standard

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

4 Mar 2009 | 7:45 am

COPD Podcast from the Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI), NHLBI

MedWorm: Heart Attack
Study Supports Wider Use of Statins

1 Jul 2009 | 8:03 am

Data shows reduction in heart attacks, strokes among those without established heart disease Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Heart Attack, Statins, Stroke (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.
Monocyte Diversity in Myocardial Infarction⁎

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

A key role for monocyte-derived macrophages for the development, progression, and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques has long been recognized. However, the scale of relatively focal macrophage activity in the plaque changes dramatically after atherothrombotic complications. While local proliferation ensures renewal and maintenance of many macrophage cardiac pools under steady-state conditions, prolonged acute ischemia and tissue injury in myocardial infarction (MI) attracts massive amounts of monocytes from circulation. The biological aim of this response is to promote healing of the…
Why Are (Only) Some Infarcted Hearts Arrhythmogenic?⁎

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

In this issue of the Journal, Haqqani et al. () provide valuable insight as to why some patients who survive a large myocardial infarction (MI) are prone to ventricular tachycardia (VT), yet other survivors of a similar infarct are seemingly immune. They compare 17 patients presenting with recurrent, sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT) with 17 post-MI patients undergoing prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) insertion, who had so far been free from clinical episodes of SMVT. Notably, the SMVT and prophylactic ICD groups appeared nearly identical with…
Chronobiological Patterns of Onset of Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Multicenter Italian Study

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

To the Editor: Several cardiovascular events, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), show well-defined temporal patterns in their occurrence throughout the year and the day (). Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), also called “stress cardiomyopathy” or “transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome,” is an acquired cardiomyopathy prevalent in elderly women presenting with a history of emotional or physical stress that mimics the clinical scenario of an AMI (). The aim of this study was to verify whether TTC could exhibit significant chronobiological patterns of onset. We…
Longer-Term Follow-Up of Patients Recruited to the REACT (Rescue Angioplasty Versus Conservative Treatment or Repeat Thrombolysis) Trial

1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 am

Conclusions: Rescue PCI, previously shown to be superior in the short term to both repeat thrombolysis and conservative therapy, maintains benefit in terms of long-term mortality. This strategy for failed lysis should be mandated as part of thrombolytic-based ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction protocols. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Cardiovascular Ultrasound - Latest articles
Cerebrovascular mental stress reactivity is impaired in hypertension

Tasneem Naqvi

2 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Brachial artery reactivity in response to shear stress is altered in subjects with hypertension. Since endothelial dysfunction is generalized, we hypothesized that carotid artery (CA) reactivity would also be altered in hypertension. Purpose: To compare (CA endothelium-dependent vasodilation in response to mental stress in normal and hypertensive subjects. Methods: We evaluated CA reactivity to mental stress in 10 young healthy human volunteers (aged 23+/-4 years), 20 older healthy volunteers (aged 49+/-11 years) and in 28 patients with essential hypertension (aged 51+/-13 years).
The subaortic tendon as a mimic of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

James Ker

2 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm

Originally described by Brock and Teare, today hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is clinically defined as left (or right) ventricular hypertrophy without a known cardiac or systemic cause, such as systemic hypertension, Fabry`s disease or aortic stenosis.Also appreciated today is the enormous genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity of this disease with more than 300 mutations over more than 24 genes, encoding various sarcomeric, mitochondrial and calcium-handling proteins, all as genetic causes for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Phenotypically, the disease can vary from negligible to extreme…
Ozone and cardiovascular injury

Vera Srebot

23 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Air pollution is increasingly recognized as an important and modifiable determinant of cardiovascular diseases in urban communities. The potential detrimental effects are both acute and chronic having a strong impact on morbidity and mortality. The acute exposure to pollutants has been linked to adverse cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias. The long-terms effects are related to the lifetime risk of death from cardiac causes. The WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for 3 million premature deaths each year. The evidence…
Are measurements of systolic myocardial velocities and displacement with colour and spectral Tissue Doppler compatible?

Aristomenis Manouras

22 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Tissue Doppler (TD) in pulsed mode (spectral TD) and colour TD are the two modalities today available in tissue velocity echocardiography (TVE). Previous studies have shown poor agreement between these two methods when measuring myocardial velocities and displacement. In this study, the concordance between the myocardial velocity and displacement measurements using colour TD and different spectral TD procedures was evaluated. Methods: Left ventricular (LV) longitudinal systolic myocardial velocities and displacement during ejection period were quantified at the basal septal and…
Quantitative detection of myocardial ischaemia by stress echocardiography; A comparison with SPECT.

Petri Gudmundsson

17 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

AimsReal-time perfusion (RTP) adenosine stress echocardiography (ASE) can be used to visually evaluate myocardial ischaemia. The RTP power modulation technique angio-mode (AM), provides images for off-line perfusion quantification using Qontrast(R) software, generating values of peak signal intensity (A), myocardial blood flow velocity (beta) and myocardial blood flow (Axbeta). By comparing rest and stress values, their respective reserve values (A-r, beta-r, Axbeta-r) are generated. We evaluated myocardial ischaemia by RTP-ASE Qontrast(R) quantification, compared to visual perfusion…

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
Monocytes and neutrophils expressing myeloperoxidase occur in fibrous caps and thrombi in unstable coronary plaques

Fabio Tavora

22 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) -containing macrophages and neutrophils have been described at sites of plaque rupture. The presence of these cells in precursor lesions to acute rupture (thin cap atheroma, or vulnerable plaque) and within thrombi adjacent to ruptures has not been described, nor an association with iron-containing macrophages within unstable plaques. Methods: We studied 61 acute ruptures, 15 organizing ruptures, 31 thin cap fibroatheromas, and 28 fibroatheromas from 72 sudden coronary death victims by immunohistochemical and histochemical techniques. Inflammatory cells were…
Activation of calpain-1 in human carotid artery atherosclerotic lesions

Isabel Goncalves

17 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: In a previous study, we observed that oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced death of endothelial cells was calpain-1-dependent. The purpose of the present paper was to study the possible activation of calpain in human carotid plaques, and to compare calpain activity in the plaques from symptomatic patients with those obtained from patients without symptoms. Methods: Human atherosclerotic carotid plaques (n=29, 12 associated with symptoms) were removed by endarterectomy. Calpain activity and apoptosis were detected by performing immunohistochemical analysis and TUNEL assay on…
Profile and predictor of health-related quality of life among hypertensive patients in south western Nigeria

Michael Ogunlana

16 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of hypertensives may be influenced by blood pressure, adverse effects of drugs used to treat hypertension, or other factors, such as the labelling effect, or beliefs and attitudes about illness and treatment. There is paucity of information on the determinants of HRQOL among black hypertensives especially in the developing countries such as Nigeria. This study describes the HRQOL and its determinants black patients diagnosed and treated for Hypertension in Nigeria. Methods: The study was a cross sectional in design that involved 265…
Quick Identification of acute Chest pain patients - Study (QICS)

Hendrik Willemsen

14 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Patients with acute chest pain are often referred to the emergency ward and extensively investigated. Investigations are costly and could induce unnecessary complications, especially with invasive diagnostics. Nevertheless, chest pain patients have high mortalities. Fast identification of high-risk patients is crucial. Therefore several strategies have been developed including specific symptoms, signs, laboratory measurements, and imaging.Methods/DesignThe Quick Identification of acute Chest pain Study (QICS) will investigate whether a combined use of specific symptoms and signs,…
The effect on cardiovascular risk factors of migration from rural to urban areas in Peru: PERU MIGRANT Study

J. Jaime Miranda

7 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Mass-migration observed in Peru from the 1970s occurred because of the need to escape from politically motivated violence and work related reasons. The majority of the migrant population, mostly Andean peasants from the mountainous areas, tends to settle in clusters in certain parts of the capital and their rural environment could not be more different than the urban one. Because the key driver for migration was not the usual economic and work-related reasons, the selection effects whereby migrants differ from non-migrants are likely to be less prominent in Peru. Thus the Peruvian…

Cardiovascular Diabetology
Divergent fifteen-year trends in traditional and cardiometabolic risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in the Seychelles

Pascal Bovet

25 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

ObjectiveFew studies have assessed secular changes in the levels of cardiovascular risk factors (CV-RF) in populations of low or middle income countries. The systematic collection of a broad set of both traditional and metabolic CV-RF in 1989 and 2004 in the population of the Seychelles islands provides a unique opportunity to examine trends at a fairly early stage of the "diabesity" era in a country in the African region. Methods: Two examination surveys were conducted in independent random samples of the population aged 25-64 years in 1989 and 2004, attended by respectively 1081…
Combined effects of obesity and type 2 diabetes contribute to increased breast cancer risk in premenopausal women

Majed Alokail

22 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Both obesity and type 2 diabetes are among the risk factors for breast cancer development. Combined effect of these metabolic abnormalities on breast cancer risk however, has not been examined in premenopausal women. We tested this association in type 2 diabetic women, categorized as obese, overweight and normal body weight groups based on BMI.Design and methods: A total of 101 subjects were included in this study. Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, C reactive protein, leptin, TGF- alpha, adiponectin and insulin were measured by ELISA. Data were logarithmically transformed for…
Losartan counteracts the hyper-reactivity to angiotensin II and ROCK1 over-activation in aortas isolated from streptozotocin-injected diabetic rats

Paola Failli

21 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: In streptozotocin-injected rats (STZ-rats), we previously demonstrated a role for angiotensin II (AT-II) in cardiac remodelling and insulin resistance partially counteracted by in vivo treatment with losartan, an AT-II receptor antagonist.We now aimed to investigate the effect of treating diabetic STZ-rats with losartan on diabetes vascular response to vasoconstrictors.Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided in four groups, two of them were assigned to receive losartan in the drinking water (20 mg/kg/day) until the experiment ending (3 weeks afterward). After 1 week, two…
The common G-866A polymorphism of the UCP2 gene and survival in diabetic patients following myocardial infarction

Barry Palmer

14 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: A variant in the promoter of the human uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) gene, the G-866A polymorphism, has been associated with future risk of coronary heart disease events, in those devoid of traditional risk factors and in those suffering from diabetes. We thus examined the impact of the G-866A polymorphism on 5-year survival in a cohort of 901 post-myocardial infarction patients, and the impact of type-2 diabetes on this relationship. The association of UCP2 with baseline biochemical and hormonal measurements, including levels of the inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase, was also…
Changes in body mass index, leptin and adiponectin in Japanese children during a three-year follow-up period: a population-based cohort study

Rimei Nishimura

2 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

ObjectiveThe study examined changes in and relationship between body mass index (BMI), leptin and adiponectin levels over a 3-year period in a pediatric population-based cohort.Study designA 3-year prospective cohort study of 268 boys and 251 girls aged 9–10 in Ina, Saitama, Japan. Results: Median body mass index (BMI) significantly increased from baseline (age 9–10) to follow up (age 12–13) in boys from 17.1 to 18.3 kg/m2 (P < 0.001) and in girls from 16.5 to 18.5 kg/m2 (P < 0.001), respectively. Adiponectin values significantly decreased from baseline to follow up in boys (13.5…

Medical News Today: Cardiovascular
Healthy Sex Life After A Cardiac Event

4 Jul 2009 | 1:00 am

Resuming sexual activity is expressed by patients as extremely important after a myocarÂdial infarction (MI). In spite of this, sex counselling is an area of nursing practice that is frequently neglected and needs more evidence-based knowledge.
Sleep Duration Associated With Variations In Levels Of Inflammatory Markers In Women

4 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

A study in the July 1 issue of the journal SLEEP demonstrates that levels of inflammatory markers varied significantly with self-reported sleep duration in women but not men. The study found that both interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels varied with sleep duration in women following multiple adjustments for a number of confounding factors.
Seek Out Credentials Before Choosing A Physician - Is Your Cardiologist Board Certified In Cardiovascular Disease?

3 Jul 2009 | 2:00 am

Recent news reports have highlighted the importance of physician credentials and ensuring that physicians meet high standards in their chosen area of practice, according to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which coordinates and assists its 24 Member Boards in their efforts to develop and implement educational and professional standards for the evaluation and certification of physician specialists.
FDA Approves Multaq(R) For Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Or Atrial Flutter

3 Jul 2009 | 2:00 am

Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Multaq(R) (dronedarone) 400 mg Tablets. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL) soon will have a new treatment option to help improve current management of their disease. Multaq(R) is the first drug approved in the United States that has shown a clinical benefit to reduce cardiovascular hospitalization in patients with AF/AFL.
A Rush Of Blood To The Head - Anger Increases Blood Flow

3 Jul 2009 | 2:00 am

Mental stress causes carotid artery dilation and increases brain blood flow. A series of ultrasound experiments, described in BioMed Central's open access journal Cardiovascular Ultrasound, also found that this dilatory reflex was absent in people with high blood pressure.

Medical News Today: Cholesterol
Cardiologists' Study Shows Red Yeast Rice Cuts Cholesterol

25 Jun 2009 | 3:00 am

New research from two Philadelphia-area cardiologists finds that an over-the-counter dietary supplement sold at pharmacies and health food stores may be an alternative for patients who cannot take traditional statin medications to lower cholesterol because of statin-related muscle pain. The findings of their study, "Red Yeast Rice for Dyslipidemia in Statin-Intolerant Patients," appear in the June 16, 2009 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. Cardiologists David Becker, M.
Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Announces Final Lomitapide (AEGR-733) Phase II Data

18 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, announced final data from three separate Phase II trials involving its lead cholesterol management compound, lomitapide (AEGR-733), which is a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor (MTP-I) small molecule drug.
Study Demonstrates Efficacy Of Pitavastatin In Elderly Patients

17 Jun 2009 | 3:00 am

New data presented showed that pitavastatin is an effective treatment for the management of dyslipidemia in elderly patients, with a similar safety and tolerability profile to low-dose pravastatin. The Phase III data were presented by Kowa, at the XV International Symposium on Atherosclerosis in Boston.
Annals Of Internal Medicine Tip Sheet For June 16, 2009, Issue

17 Jun 2009 | 1:00 am

Calcium Supplementation Has No Weight-loss Benefit for Obese Patients One in three American adults is overweight or obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater. As the obesity rate continues to rise, researchers seek an approach that can prevent weight gain or promote weight loss. Some studies suggest that people who eat more dairy products weigh less. Dairy products are a good source of calcium.
UCLA Study Discovers Enzyme That Controls 'Bad' Cholesterol

13 Jun 2009 | 1:00 am

BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the so-called "bad cholesterol" often linked to medical problems like heart disease and clogged arteries. Cells in the liver produce a specific receptor that sticks to LDL and removes it from the blood, lowering cholesterol levels. Statin drugs also reduce LDL cholesterol levels by boosting cells' production of the receptor.

Europace - current issue
The Medical ANtiarrhythmic Treatment or Radiofrequency Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (MANTRA-PAF) Trial: clinical rationale, study design, and implementation

Jons, C., Hansen, P. S., Johannessen, A., Hindricks, G., Raatikainen, P., Kongstad, O., Walfridsson, H., Pehrson, S., Almroth, H., Hartikainen, J., Petersen, A. K., Mortensen, L. S., Nielsen, J. C., on behalf of the MANTRA-PAF Investigators

21 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Aims No large randomized multicentre trial has evaluated the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) vs. anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy as a first-line treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and results The Medical ANtiarrhythmic Treatment or Radiofrequency Ablation (MANTRA-PAF) trial is a randomized, controlled, parallel group, multicentre study designed to test whether catheter-based RFA is superior to optimized AAD therapy in suppressing relapse within 24 months of symptomatic and/or asymptomatic AF in patients with paroxysmal AF without prior AAD therapy. The…
The risk of antiarrhythmic drugs in atrial fibrillation: 20 years of controversies

Le Heuzey, J.-Y.

21 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
Management of traumatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead perforation of the right ventricle after car accident: a case report

Sassone, B., Gabrieli, L., Boggian, G., Pilato, E.

21 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

The authors reported a case of traumatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead perforation of the right ventricular (RV) apex caused by a motor vehicle accident. Clinical and echocardiographic features combined with changes in electrical parameters of the offending lead were decisive for the final diagnosis. Optimal management of ICD lead RV wall perforation is currently unclear. In our report, RV perforation was responsible for cardiac tamponade. This complication was uneventfully managed by open surgical procedure.
Antithrombotic therapy use for patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: new data in an area of limited evidence

Marin, F., Kirchhof, P., Lip, G. Y.H.

21 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
Utility of the aVL lead in the electrocardiographic diagnosis of atrioventricular node re-entrant tachycardia

Di Toro, D., Hadid, C., Lopez, C., Fuselli, J., Luis, V., Labadet, C.

21 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Aims Reciprocating atrioventricular tachycardia can be categorized into common slow–fast atrioventricular node re-entrant (AVNRT) and orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT). The electrocardiogram (ECG) during tachycardia is useful in distinguishing these two mechanisms. The presence of a pseudo-R'-wave in lead V1 or pseudo-S-wave in the inferior leads has been widely used, although the value of an isolated aVL lead has not been evaluated yet. To determine whether an isolated aVL lead of the surface 12-lead ECG is useful for the differential diagnosis between AVNRT…

European Heart Journal
Comparison of primary angioplasty and pre-hospital fibrinolysis in acute myocardial infarction (CAPTIM) trial: a 5-year follow-up

Bonnefoy, E., Steg, P. G., Boutitie, F., Dubien, P.-Y., Lapostolle, F., Roncalli, J., Dissait, F., Vanzetto, G., Leizorowicz, A., Kirkorian, G., for the CAPTIM Investigators

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Aims The CAPTIM (Comparison of primary Angioplasty and Pre-hospital fibrinolysis In acute Myocardial infarction) study found no evidence that a strategy of primary angioplasty was superior in terms of 30-day outcomes to a strategy of pre-hospital fibrinolysis with transfer to an interventional facility in patients managed early at the acute phase of an acute myocardial infarction. The present analysis was designed to compare both strategies at 5 years. Methods and results The CAPTIM study included 840 patients managed in a pre-hospital setting within 6 h of an acute ST-segment elevation…
A new polymorphism in human calmodulin III gene promoter is a potential modifier gene for familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Friedrich, F. W., Bausero, P., Sun, Y., Treszl, A., Kramer, E., Juhr, D., Richard, P., Wegscheider, K., Schwartz, K., Brito, D., Arbustini, E., Waldenstrom, A., Isnard, R., Komajda, M., Eschenhagen, T., Carrier, L., for the EUROGENE Heart Failure Project

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Aims Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Incomplete penetrance suggests the existence of modifier genes. Calmodulin (CaM) could be of importance given the key role of Ca2+ for cardiac contractile function and growth. Any variant that affects CaM expression and/or function may impact on FHC clinical expression. Methods and results We screened the promoter region of human calmodulin III gene (CALM3) and identified a new –34T>A polymorphism with a T-allele frequency of 0.70. The distribution of CALM3 genotypes differed…
People's corner: Promotion

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
Recurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in ischaemic secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients: long-term follow-up of the Leiden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest study (LOHCAT)

Borleffs, C. J. W., van Erven, L., Schotman, M., Boersma, E., Kies, P., van der Burg, A. E. B., Zeppenfeld, K., Bootsma, M., van der Wall, E. E., Bax, J. J., Schalij, M. J.

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Aims To assess the long-term rate of mortality and the recurrence of potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients and to construct a model for baseline risk stratification. Methods and results Since 1996, all patients with ischaemic heart disease, receiving ICD therapy for secondary prevention of sudden death, were included in the current study. Patients were evaluated at implantation and during long-term follow-up. A total of 456 patients were included in the analysis and followed for 54 ± 35 months.
EHJ's People's corner

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
[Images in cardio-thoracic surgery] Kommerell's diverticulum

Mouton, W. G., Wyss, A.

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
[Letters to the Editor] What is the most effective palliation for esophagorespiratory fistulas?

Kotsis, L.

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
[Guideline] Guideline for resuscitation in cardiac arrest after cardiac surgery

Dunning, J., Fabbri, A., Kolh, P. H., Levine, A., Lockowandt, U., Mackay, J., Pavie, A. J., Strang, T., Versteegh, M. I.M., Nashef, S. A.M., on behalf of the EACTS Clinical Guidelines Committee

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

The Clinical Guidelines Committee of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery provides this professional view on resuscitation in cardiac arrest after cardiac surgery. This document was created using a multimodal methodology for evidence generation including the extrapolation of existing guidelines from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation where possible, our own structured literature reviews on issues particular to cardiac surgery, an international survey on resuscitation hosted by CTSNet and manikin simulations of potential protocols. This protocol differs from…
[Case reports] Elongation of right internal thoracic artery with radial artery for redo total arterial revascularization in patients with open left internal thoracic artery to left anterial descending artery graft

Zhang, R., Zardo, P., Haverich, A., Ismail, I.

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Total arterial revascularization in patients with three-vessel disease cannot usually be achieved by bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts alone due to limited length. In this report we describe a technique by which the right internal thoracic artery can be elongated with radial artery for sequential grafting in redo total arterial revascularization procedure.
[Original articles] Resuscitation after cardiac surgery: results of an international survey

Adam, Z., Adam, S., Everngam, R. L., Oberteuffer, R. K., Levine, A., Strang, T., Gofton, K., Dunning, J.

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Objective: A survey was conducted on CTSNet, the cardiothoracic network website in order to ascertain an international viewpoint on a range of issues in resuscitation after cardiac surgery. Methods: From 40 questions, 19 were selected by the EACTS clinical guidelines committee. Respondents were anonymous but their location was determined by their Internet protocol (IP) address. The responses were checked for duplication and completion errors and then the results were presented either as percentages or median and range. Results: From 387 responses, 349 were suitable for inclusion from 53…

Heart current issue
[Featured correspondence] The authors' reply:

Mirzaei, M, Truswell, A S, Taylor, R, Leeder, S R

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
[Miscellanea] Rare case of blunt chest trauma induced left main and LAD dissection in association with anomalous RCA origin

Goyal, G, Singh, G, Kapoor, R

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
[Editorials] Point of care testing in acute coronary syndromes: when and how?

Gale, C. P, Simms, A. D, Cattle, B. A, Greenwood, D., West, R. M

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
[Editorials] Erectile dysfunction in congenital heart disease

Jackson, G.

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
[Reviews] Acute aortic syndrome: a new look at an old conundrum

Vilacosta, I, Aragoncillo, P, Canadas, V, San Roman, J A, Ferreiros, J, Rodriguez, E

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

The term acute aortic syndrome (AAS), coined several years ago, is now widely recognised. In the light of new findings in aortic pathology and in an era when modern imaging techniques are widely available and interventional management of AAS is increasing, some morphological and diagnostic aspects of acute aortic pathology have been examined and the syndrome updated. This article provides a new, comprehensive overview of the pathology, diagnosis, evolution and management of patients with AAS. As acute aortic disease is the most common fatal condition in patients with chest pain, prompt…

Medical News Today: Hypertension
Center Receives Grant Renewal For Hypertension And Vascular Disease Studies

4 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center at Wake Forest University School of Medicine has received renewal of a multi-million dollar grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health to continue the development of new approaches to treat hypertension and vascular disease. The program is in its 16th year of existence at the School of Medicine. The $6.
A Link Between The Circadian Rhythm And Salt Balance

3 Jul 2009 | 1:00 am

New research, conducted by Charles Wingo and his colleagues, at the University of Florida, Gainsville, suggests a link between the circadian rhythm and control of sodium (salt) levels in mice. The hormone aldosterone regulates levels of sodium in the blood and thereby helps control blood pressure.
Biomarker Of Breathing Control Abnormality Associated With Hypertension And Stroke

3 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

A study in the July 1 issue of the journal SLEEP identified a distinct ECG-derived spectrographic phenotype, designated as narrow-band elevated low frequency coupling (e-LFCNB), that is associated with prevalent hypertension, stroke, greater severity of sleep disordered breathing and sleep fragmentation in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Results indicate that the odds ratio for prevalent stroke was 1.65 [CI: 1.
New Product For Pfizer Specialty Takes Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension To Heart

2 Jul 2009 | 6:00 am

Pfizer Australia announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire the local distribution rights for THELIN® (Sitaxentan sodium), an oral, once-daily highly selective endothelin receptor antagonist, indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with NYHA/WHO Functional Class III symptoms to improve exercise ability. Efficacy has been shown in primary pulmonary hypertension and in pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tissue disease1.
Lap-Band Weight-Loss Surgery Can Reverse Metabolic Syndrome In Obese Teens

2 Jul 2009 | 2:00 am

A new study of obese adolescents has shown that laparoscopic gastric banding surgery -- the "Lap-Band" procedure -- not only helps them achieve significant weight loss but can also improve and even reverse metabolic syndrome, reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
President's Page: Relations With Industry: Thoughts on Claims of a Broken System

Bove, A. A.

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
The Effect of Age, Diagnosis, and Previous Surgery in Children and Adults Undergoing Heart Transplantation for Congenital Heart Disease

Lamour, J. M., Kanter, K. R., Naftel, D. C., Chrisant, M. R., Morrow, W. R., Clemson, B. S., Kirklin, J. K., CTRD (Cardiac Transplant Registry Database) and the PHTS (Pediatric Heart Transplant Study)

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Objectives We sought to evaluate the outcomes and identify risk factors for mortality after heart transplantation (HT) for congenital heart disease (CHD) in infants, children, and adults. Background CHD is considered a risk factor for mortality after HT, yet this unique group of patients represents a spectrum of complexity. Methods There were 488 patients transplanted for CHD from the combined Pediatric Heart Transplant Study (1993 to 2002, n = 367) and the Cardiac Transplant Registry Database (1990 to 2002, n = 121) who were analyzed. Results The median age at HT was 12.4 years. Primary…
Combining Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Therapies

Holmes, D. R., Kereiakes, D. J., Kleiman, N. S., Moliterno, D. J., Patti, G., Grines, C. L.

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone for both primary and secondary prevention therapies for ischemic events resulting from coronary atherosclerotic disease. Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin plus a thienopyridine, usually clopidogrel) has assumed a central role in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and after coronary stent deployment. In addition to antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy might be indicated for stroke prevention in a variety of conditions that include atrial fibrillation, profound left ventricular dysfunction, and after mechanical prosthetic heart valve…
Inside This Issue

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
Serial Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis of the Main and Side Branches in Bifurcation Lesions Treated With the T-Stenting Technique

Hahn, J.-Y., Song, Y. B., Lee, S.-Y., Choi, J.-H., Choi, S.-H., Kim, D. K., Lee, S. H., Gwon, H.-C.

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Objectives This study sought to investigate the mechanism of restenosis and the predictive value of post-procedural minimum stent area (MSA) in the side branch (SB) after coronary bifurcation stenting. Background The mechanism of restenosis, especially at the SB ostium, has not been fully elucidated. Methods This study examined 73 bifurcation lesions with post-procedural and 9-month follow-up intravascular ultrasound images for both main vessel (MV) and SB. All lesions were treated with drug-eluting stents using the T-stenting technique. Analysis included 5 distinct locations: MV proximal…

Lipids in Health and Disease
Effects of cardiovascular lifestyle change on lipoprotein subclass profiles defined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

David Decewicz

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering is a primary goal in clinical management of patients with cardiovascular disease, but traditional cholesterol levels may not accurately reflect the true atherogenicity of plasma lipid profiles. The size and concentration of lipoprotein particles, which transport cholesterol and triglycerides, may provide additional information for accurately assessing cardiovascular risk. This study evaluated changes in plasma lipoprotein profiles determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in patients participating in a…
Sex-associated effect of CETP and LPL polymorphisms on postprandial lipids in familial hypercholesterolaemia

Katherine Anagnostopoulou

25 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: This study assessed the gender-specific influence of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (TaqIB, I405V) and lipoprotein lipase (S447X) polymorphisms on the response to an oral fat tolerance test in heterozygotes for familial hypercholesterolaemia. Methods: We selected and genotyped 80 men and postmenopausal women heterozygous for familial hypercholesterolaemia (main group) as well as 11 healthy control subjects. Patients were subgrouped based on their response to oral fat tolerance test. The oral fat tolerance test was defined as pathological when postprandial triglyceride…
Oleic acid and peanut oil high in oleic acid reverse the inhibitory effect of insulin production of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha both in vitro and in vivo systems.

Evros Vassiliou

25 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Chronic inflammation is a key player in pathogenesis. The inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha is a well known inflammatory protein, and has been a therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn's Disease. Obesity is a well known risk factor for developing non-insulin dependent diabetes melitus. Adipose tissue has been shown to produce tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which has the ability to reduce insulin secretion and induce insulin resistance. Based on these observations, we sought to investigate the impact of unsaturated…
n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk is associate to weight gain and growth in premature infants

Sandra Barboza Tinoco

25 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Linoleic 18:2 (n-6) and alpha linolenic 18:3 (n-3) essential fatty acids and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are essential nutrients for growth and neonatal development. Consumption of preformed n-3 LC-PUFA has been shown to increase gestational duration and to decrease the incidence of premature birth in human studies. This study evaluated the association of essential fatty acids and LC-PUFA in breast milk on the growth of premature children (weight, height and head circumference).Study design: Thirty-seven premature infants with a gestational age of 37 weeks or…
Influence of conjugated linoleic acid on the porcine immune response and morbidity: a randomized controlled trial

Tomaz Malovrh

21 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Background: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has diverse influences on the immune response in different experimental models. In the present study we investigated the effect of CLA feeding on inflammatory and immune responses in a piglet model. We studied the duration of this effect and possible detrimental effects of CLA feeding. After 12 weeks of CLA and control supplementation and washout, animals were sacrificed and parenchymal organs were histologically examined. Results: In activated peripheral mononuclear cells interferon-gamma was significantly (p=0.008) lower in the CLA group by the end…

MedicineNet Cholesterol
Master Stem Cell for Human Heart Identified

2 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Master Stem Cell for Human Heart IdentifiedCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/2/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/2/2009
Even After Death, Heart Attack Treatment May Not End

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Even After Death, Heart Attack Treatment May Not EndCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
Statins Might Stave Off Alzheimer's

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Statins Might Stave Off Alzheimer'sCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
Newer Blood Tests May Not Improve Heart Risk Assessment

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Newer Blood Tests May Not Improve Heart Risk AssessmentCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
U.S. Doctors Treat Heart Attack With Man's Own Stem Cells

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: U.S. Doctors Treat Heart Attack With Man's Own Stem CellsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009

MedicineNet High Blood Pressure
Newer Blood Tests May Not Improve Heart Risk Assessment

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Newer Blood Tests May Not Improve Heart Risk AssessmentCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
Study Supports Wider Use of Statins

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Study Supports Wider Use of StatinsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
Metabolic Syndrome May Make Breast Cancer More Likely

1 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Metabolic Syndrome May Make Breast Cancer More LikelyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2009
White-Coat Hypertension Not Benign

30 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: White-Coat Hypertension Not BenignCategory: Health NewsCreated: 6/30/2009Last Editorial Review: 6/30/2009
Disease Prevention in Women

30 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

Title: Disease Prevention in WomenCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 3/22/2001 7:23:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/30/2009

Medical News Today: Statins
Finding The Best Heart Disease And Stroke Treatments For Patients With Diabetes Using New Tool

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

Researchers from North Carolina State University and Mayo Clinic have developed a computer model that medical doctors can use to determine the best time to begin using statin therapy in diabetes patients to help prevent heart disease and stroke. "The research is significant because patients with diabetes are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and statins are the single most commonly used treatment for patients at risk of heart disease and/or stroke," says Dr.
Statins Can Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease, According To New Study

24 Jun 2009 | 3:00 am

High cholesterol levels are considered to be a risk factor not only for cardiovascular disease including stroke, but also for the development of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, many cholesterol lowering drugs, including statins, have been developed in recent years.
Statins Can Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease, According To New Study

24 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

High cholesterol levels are considered to be a risk factor not only for cardiovascular disease including stroke, but also for the development of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, many cholesterol lowering drugs, including statins, have been developed in recent years.
Statins Don't Lower Risk Of Pneumonia In Elderly

18 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

Taking popular cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, such as Lipitor® (atorvastatin), does not lower the risk of pneumonia. That's the new finding from a study of more than 3,000 Group Health patients published online on June 16 in advance of the British Medical Journal's June 20 print issue.
Statins Don't Lower Risk Of Pneumonia In Elderly

17 Jun 2009 | 8:00 am

Taking popular cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, such as Lipitor® (atorvastatin), does not lower the risk of pneumonia. That's the new finding from a study of more than 3,000 Group Health patients published online on June 16 in advance of the British Medical Journal's June 20 print issue.

The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology
Causes and diagnosis of chest pain in young females

Not all times is a chest pain necessarily originating from or caused by diseases of the heart - says Dr. Madia.
Lack of sleep linked to increased risk of high blood pressure

Middle aged people who sleep 5 hours or less, may be increasing their risk of developing high blood pressure.
Coffee linked to heart attack for persons with certain gene

Persons with a genetic variation may have slower caffeine metabolism according to a study in the March 8 issue of JAMA.
L-arginine supplement following a heart attack may be harmful

Use of amino acid supplement following a heart attack may be harmful according to the VINTAGE MI clinical trial.

MedWorm: Stroke
Stroke

1 Jul 2009 | 10:41 am

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 47 (S1): S349-S349 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.
Prevalent Hypertension and Stroke in the Sleep Heart Health Study: Association with an ECG-derived Spectrographic Marker of Cardiopulmonary Coupling

1 Jul 2009 | 10:37 am

Conclusions: An ECG-derived spectrographic marker related to low frequency cardiopulmonary coupling is associated with greater sleep apnea severity. Whether this biomarker is solely a sign of more severe disease or whether it reflects primary alterations in sleep apnea pathophysiology (which may either cause or result from sleep apnea) is unknown. This ECG-based spectral marker is associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension and stroke. Keywords: ECG, cardiopulmonary coupling, Sleep Heart Health Study, sleep spectrogram, hypertension stroke (Source: Sleep)
Contralateral diaphragmatic palsy in acute stroke: An interesting observation

1 Jul 2009 | 10:16 am

Kumar Sudhir, Reddy Rajesh, Prabhakar SubhashiniIndian Journal of Critical Care Medicine 2009 13(1):28-30Diaphragmatic palsy in hemiparetic stroke is not well recognized. Further, its implications on stroke outcome have not been studied. Here, we report a patient with left-sided diaphragmatic palsy due to an acute right middle cerebral artery territory infarction. The diagnosis was suspected on finding an elevated dome of the diaphragm on the left side in a routine chest radiograph and was confirmed by finding decreased movements of the left hemidiaphragm on fluoroscopic examination. We…
UK Receives American Stroke Association Award

1 Jul 2009 | 9:54 am

The Kentucky Neuroscience Institute has received the American Stroke Associations Get With the GuidelinesSMStroke (GWTGStroke) Bronze Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes the UK HealthCare stroke programs commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations. (Source: UK College of Medicine News)
Study Supports Wider Use of Statins

1 Jul 2009 | 8:03 am

Data shows reduction in heart attacks, strokes among those without established heart disease Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Heart Attack, Statins, Stroke (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

The Heart Scan Blog
The ultimate “bioidentical” hormone

2 Jul 2009 | 4:37 am

There has been a lot of debate over whether or not “bio-identical” hormones, i.e., hormones identical to the human form, are superior to non-human forms dispensed by the drug industry. The FDA is currently taking steps to clamp down on availability of bioidentical hormones and their claims of superiority, despite a groundswell of grassroot support for them. The argument has pitted anti-aging practitioners and the public, as well as the likes of Oprah and Suzanne Somers, against Big Pharma and the FDA, the two forces trying to squash the bioidentical hormone movement. Regardless of what…
Roger's near-miss CT angiogram experience

27 Jun 2009 | 4:19 am

Heart Scan Blog reader, Roger, described his near-miss experience with CT coronary angiograms. Hoping to obtain just a simple CT heart scan, he was bullied to get a CT coronary angiogram instead. Roger held strong and just asked for the test that we all should be having, a CT heart scan. I posted yesterday that I was about to have my first CT heart scan...well, it was an interesting experience for reasons I coudn't possibly have anticipated. Dr. Davis has commented in the past on the confusion in the media about the difference between a CT calcium score scan, and a CT angiography, the latter…
The Myth of Prevention: Letter to the Wall Street Journal

25 Jun 2009 | 3:23 am

The June 20-21, 2009 Wall Street Journal Weekend Journal featured a provocative front page article written by physician, Dr. Abraham Verghese:The Myth of PreventionWhile eloquently written, I took issue with a few crucial points. Here is the letter I sent to the Editor at Wall Street Journal: Dear Wall Street Journal Editor,Re: Dr. Abraham Verghese’s article, The Myth of Prevention in the June 20-21, 2009 Weekend Journal. I believe a more suitable title for Dr. Verghese’s article would be: “The Myth of What Passes as Prevention.” As a practicing cardiologist, I, too, have witnessed…
A victory for SHAPE, CT heart scans, and doing what is RIGHT

24 Jun 2009 | 4:45 am

The efforts of Texas House of Representatives Rep. Rene Oliveira and the SHAPE Guidelines committee have paid off: The Texas legislature passed a bill that requires health insurers to cover CT heart scans. (NOTE: Don't make the same mistake that the media often makes and confuse CT heart scans with CT coronary angiography: two different tests, two different results, two different levels of radiation exposure. The difference is discussed here.)Track Your Plaque previously reported the release of the SHAPE Guidelines, an ambitious effort to open CT heart scanning to people who would benefit…
Sleep: A to Zzzzzzzzzz

23 Jun 2009 | 7:30 am

Take a look at the results from the Heart Scan Blog's most recent reader poll (399 respondents):How many hours do you sleep per night (on average)? 9 or more hours per night 15 (3.7%) 8-9 hours per night 72 (18%) 7-8 hours per night 152 (38.1%) 6-7 hours per night 111 (27.8%) 5-6 hours per night 38 (9.5%) Less than 5 hours per night 11 (2.8%)Like many issues in health, too much or too little of a good thing can present undesirable consequences. Too much sleep: While psychologists and sleep researchers advise us that at least 9 hours are required to fully eliminate sleep "debt" and achieve…

CholesterolNetwork.com
Statins may ward off Alzheimer's

1 Jul 2009 | 8:19 am

Patients who take a cholesterol-lowing statin may be protected against Alzheimer's disease, a new study has found.
Wal-Mart supports employer health insurance mandate

30 Jun 2009 | 12:40 pm

The Associated Press is reporting that the nation's largest private employer, Wal-Mart, has announced that it supports an employer health insurance mandate.
How to get quick help in the ER

29 Jun 2009 | 7:22 am

The average total wait time in an emergency room in the United States is four hours and three minutes, but experts say there are ways you can cut down your wait.
Some Mediterranean diet ingredients healthier than others

26 Jun 2009 | 1:01 pm

Results from a new study suggest that some parts of the Mediterranean diet are more beneficial to good health than others.
Statin-related muscle pain may be genetic: expert

26 Jun 2009 | 12:36 pm

A reader asks Joe and Teresa Graedon about the flu-like symptoms he experienced when he began taking the statin Lipitor, symptoms that stopped after his doctor took him off the cholesterol drug.

Inflammation Awareness News
Special Thanks, Book Blog Tour

Lois

21 Jun 2009 | 2:38 pm

A special thanks to Teresa Morrow, Key Business Partners, for arranging a fabulous blog tour, and the following sites for hosting articles and reviews of “The Great Cholesterol Lie. ” Day 1: Terri Marshallshares a guest post by Lois Smithers. Day 2: Christy Goldfederwrites a book review of The Great Cholesterol Lie. Day 3: Claudia Meyrdechdisplays a guest post by Lois Smithers. Day 4: Carrie Huggins displays a guest post about Myth of Cholesterol. Day 5: Heidi Richards shares an article by Lois Smithers regarding The Great Cholesterol Lie. Day 7: News Tin showcases press release…
Dr. Duane Graveline On Statins

Lois

21 Jun 2009 | 2:20 pm

Dr. Duane Graveline, a healthy former astronaut and flight surgeon was given Lipitor to lower his cholesterol. The drug caused several bouts of memory loss and he was eventually diagnosed as having transient global amnesia (TGA). Dismayed by the medical community’s ignorance of the cognitive side effects of the statin drugs, and with his own medical background, Dr. Graveline set out to find some answers. Statins, Inflammation & Heart Disease Dr. Duane Graveline How strange it is that a class of drugs developed solely for the purpose of interfering with the biosynthesis of…
Exercise And Inflammation

drlundell

21 Jun 2009 | 2:09 pm

Dear Dr. Lundell: I’m a believer! At 61, I have been eating salmon and taking supplements for about 20 yrs. Like you, I exercise quite strenuously, often raising my hear rate above 160. My max is 170+. Could this be bad? Could I develop aortic stenosis from too much exercise? Can long, hard exercise be pro-inflammatory? Thanks for listening, Charles Mitchell _________________ Dear Mr. Mitchell: Great to hear from you, great to hear someone at your age enjoying the benefits of vigorous exercise. I do not think that you are doing any harm by exercising at your heart rate of 160.
How Do I Lower High Triglycerides?

Lois

28 Mar 2009 | 4:24 am

Hello and I would like to know how to treat myself since I have high triglycerides and have had a cpr test done. I sent the results to my cardiologist and he replied he had done all he could and recommended I see a doctor that specializes in inflammation. I have tried statin drugs but they make my muscles very sore and my triglycerides keep going up. My test showed chol-301,trig 237,vldl 47.40,direct hdl57mg, ldlc 196.60mg. chol/hdl ratio 5,28 ratio. homocysteine 10.9, cbc w/plt test hct 36,2% , comp. panel- eco2 31mnol/l. bun 21mg/dl glu 110 mg/dl alkp 127 u/l. These were the ones they…
Stopped Taking Statins, Numbers Went Up

Lois

28 Mar 2009 | 4:15 am

Dear Dr. Lundell: I had quadruple bypass surgery in 1983, at age 53. I’m 78 now. About 7 years later, began taking statin medications. I haven’t had repeat heart surgery but in 2004, had the first incident of atrial fibrillation followed by a second 9 months later. I’ve been sedated twice for cardiac version of shock to stabilize heart beat. That seems to work. My September 28 tests: total cholesterol 128; LDL 58; HDL 60, Cardio CRP 1.22. I read an article about inflammation and stopped taking Lipitor two weeks before my next blood test on Dec. 16 The side…

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