Reduction of Total Fat Intake Does Not Significantly Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Many epidemiological studies has shown a healthy diet to include low intake of saturated and trans fat, cholesterol and a high intake of fruits, vegetables and grains. A study done by Barbara V. Howard, PhD et al from the MedStar Research Institute in Hyattsville, MD found a dietary intervention that reduced total fat intake and increased intakes of vegetables, fruits and grains did not significantly reduce the risk of congestive Heart Disease (CHD), stroke, or cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women. The study was published in the February 8, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. MORE»

In Contrast to Oral Estrogen Therapy, Transdermal Estrogen Therapy Does Not Increase the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Postmenopausal Women Who Carry a Prothrombotic Mutation
There are many factors that can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Oral estrogen therapy is one known factor that can increase the risk of VTE in postmenopausal women. Celine Straczek PhD, et al from the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit at INSERM in France investigated the impact of the route of estrogen administration on the association between a prothrombotic mutation and VTE risk. Their findings, published in the November 29, 2005 issue of Circulation, indicate that in contrast to oral estrogen, transdermal estrogen does not confer additional risk on women who carry a prothrombotic mutation. MORE»

Increased Risk of Death from Cardiac Causes and Other Causes in Patients with Self-Reported Dyspnea
There are several clinical variables that are used to evaluate prognosis in known or suspected coronary artery disease patients. Dyspnea is a common symptom that may indicate subclinical left ventricular dysfunction or pulmonary disorders, and may be equivalent to the symptom of exertional angina. Aiden Abidov, M.D., Ph.D., et al. from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA studied the incremental prognostic value of symptom categories in predicting the risk of death in patients who underwent myocardial-perfusion single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) during stress and at rest. Their study, published in the November 3, 2005 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine shows that in a large cohort of patients, those who self-reported dyspnea, identified a subgroup of asymptomatic patients who were at an increased risk of death from cardiac and noncardiac causes. MORE...

Perioperative Beta-Blocker Therapy is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Mortality after Major Noncardiac Surgery - Periopertive treatment with beta-blockers is widely advocated to prevent post-operative cardiovascular complications. Dr. Peter Lindenauer et al from Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients 18 years of age or older who underwent major noncardiac surgery. Patients who were administered beta-blockers were compared to those who were not administered beta-blockers prior to surgery. This study, published in the July 28, 2005 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, shows that perioperative beta-blocker therapy is associated with a reduced risk of in-hospital death among high-risk, but not low-risk, patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery. Increasing the use of beta-blockers in high-risk patients may enhance patient safety. MORE...

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Elementary signs of heart disease found in children

More risk factors for heart disease increase Medicare cost

Studies describe heart disease following smallpox vaccination

A heart-strengthening pace: brisk but comfortable

Poor neighborhood linked to poor heart attack survival

Air pollution, even at “safe” levels, is bad for the heart

Men’s social isolation linked to higher heart disease risk

Hospital work shifts influence survival from cardiac arrest

Heart attacks rose at Brooklyn hospital after terrorist attack 

Death rates lower in hospitals that follow heart attack guidelines

Years to your health! Children of centenarians have less heart disease

Parents' smoke injures children's blood vessels

Mediterranean Diet, Inflammation, and Coagulation