Heart Disease – Bioscape Digital

Unnecessary repeat cholesterol tests common: study

One-third of people with heart disease have their cholesterol levels checked more often than guidelines recommend, a new study of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients suggests. Researchers said such extra testing may be a waste of time and money if it doesn’t lead to improvements in patients’ health. The findings are “very unsurprising,” according to Dr.

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Newly discovered gene strengthens heart, fights breast tumors

A new study has pinpointed a single gene that appears to both strengthen the heart – without exercise – and halt the spread of breast cancer. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that the gene HEXIM1, discovered in 2012, not only suppressed the spread of breast cancer in mouse models, but also made the

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ICD EFFECTIVENESS FOR WOMEN

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators, or ICDs are devices implanted inside of the heart to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with advanced heart failure. Studies have proven these devices to be effective for men, but new studies may indicate that they are ineffective for women. The study analyzed results from five previous ICD trials and found

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EGGS, GUT BACTERIA, AND HEART DISEASE

A study published earlier this week in the New England Journal of Medicine, outlines a link between gut bacteria, diet and heart disease. When gut bacteria digests certain compounds found in red meat and eggs, a metabolite called TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide) is produced. High levels of blood TMAO are linked to the clogging of arteries, and

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Prevention

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Studies show that people from Mediterranean countries tend to have lower rates of heart disease. Could it be because of their diet? New studies suggest that eating a diet rich in olive oil, nuts, beans, fish, fruits, vegetables and an optional glass of red wine per day, may decrease the risk of heart disease. Individuals

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VEGETARIANS HAVE A LOWER RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Research from the University of Oxford suggests that vegetarians have a 32% lower risk of hospitalization or death from cardiovascular disease compared to individuals who eat meat. Vegetarians also had lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is seen as the primary reason for the lowered risk of heart disease. High cholesterol is one of

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Treatment

TED TALK: HOW I REPAIRED MY OWN HEART

In this Ted Talk, Tal Golesworthy speaks on his medical breakthrough for fixing his ascending aorta. Due to Marfan’s syndrome, Golesworthy’s aorta began to swell. This condition is known as an aortic aneurysm, also caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and peripheral vascular disease. The aorta lacks tensile strength which poses the risk

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Prevention

TED TALK: COULD THE SUN BE GOOD FOR YOUR HEART?

Dermatologist Richard Weller discusses his research into the correlation between sunlight and decreased levels of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D is produced in the skin from exposure to ultraviolet-B rays. Studies suggest that individuals who have higher blood levels of vitamin D have a lower risk of heart disease and cancer. However, vitamin D supplements, vitamin