Private MD News - Heart Health and Cholesterol

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High cholesterol may lead to Alzheimer's
Date: 2009-03-16 00:00:00

A German scientist's study has found people with high cholesterol levels at 50 years old may increase their risk for cognitive decline, which can lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease. ... Full Story

Study: Knowing cholesterol status best defense for heart disease
Date: 2009-03-25 00:00:00

People who ensure their heart disease risk factors are well below the recommended guidelines through a lab test may have the greatest reduction of risk of developing heart disease, according to a new study.... Full Story

Study: Statins may help reduce risk of developing blood clots
Date: 2009-04-01 00:00:00

A certain cholesterol-lowering drug, mainly used to prevent heart disease, may have an added benefit for people with a healthy level of cholesterol, according to a new study.... Full Story

Study suggests energy drinks may lead to high blood pressure
Date: 2009-04-06 00:00:00

People who suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease may want to avoid drinking energy drinks, according to a new study.... Full Story

Researchers: Mediterranean diet may be most heart healthy
Date: 2009-04-14 00:00:00

In a massive review of more than 50 years of heart disease and diet research, researchers from McMasters University in Hamilton, Ontario, found that despite many claims, only some food groups and diet patterns have evidence of real benefit. The study appears in the latest Archives of Internal Medicine.... Full Story

Cancer gaining on heart disease as number one killer
Date: 2009-04-21 00:00:00

San Diego county became the latest region where cancer has overtaken heart disease as the number one cause of death, according to a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune.... Full Story

'Silent' heart attacks may be more common than previously thought.
Date: 2009-04-21 00:00:00

Heart attacks that the patient does not notice, so-called "silent" heart attacks, may be much more common than was previously thought, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center.... Full Story

Study: Tart cherries increase antioxidant activity
Date: 2009-04-21 00:00:00

Eating as little as one and a half cups of tart cherries can significantly increase the antioxidant activity in the body, according to researchers presenting at the 2009 Experimental Biology meetings in New Orleans. High antioxidant activity in the blood has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects.... Full Story

Researchers may have pinpointed regulation of 'bad' cholesterol
Date: 2009-04-22 00:00:00

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center may have located a protein that regulates "bad" cholesterol in the blood, according to a study appearing in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.... Full Story

Breastfeeding may protect mothers from heart disease
Date: 2009-04-23 00:00:00

New research suggests that breastfeeding may help protect women from heart disease later in life.... Full Story

Heart disease risk higher for 'pre-diabetics'
Date: 2009-04-23 00:00:00

Impaired glucose tolerance, even when not classified as diabetes, can increase the risk of heart disease for older adults, according to a new study.... Full Story

Fructose may increase heart risk more than glucose
Date: 2009-04-24 00:00:00

Drinks sweetened with fructose may increase risk factors for heart disease far more than drinks sweetened with glucose, according to a study appearing in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.... Full Story

Stroke can be controlled by monitoring, controlling risk factors
Date: 2009-05-05 00:00:00

Reaching and maintaining optimal levels for four major risk factors in people who have already had a stroke can reduce the risk of a second stroke or heart attack, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 61st Annual Meeting.... Full Story

Higher vitamin D levels linked to higher 'good' cholesterol levels
Date: 2009-05-08 00:00:00

New research indicates that low blood levels of vitamin D may be linked to various risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in addition to being an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality.... Full Story

More sunlight for elderly may improve health
Date: 2009-05-11 00:00:00

Older people may be able to reduce their risk of heart disease and diabetes by spending more time in the sun, and thus increasing their vitamin D levels.... Full Story

Long, slow walks may be more effective exercise for the heart
Date: 2009-05-13 00:00:00

Researchers have found that an exercise plan that burns more calories over less-intense periods of exercise might do a better job helping people lose weight and reduce cardiovascular risk than standard cardiac rehabilitation programs.... Full Story

Too few heart disease patients diagnosed early
Date: 2009-05-14 00:00:00

Only 19 percent of patients with heart disease were diagnosed through routine screening before symptoms appeared, pointing to a need for better monitoring of risk factors, according to researchers.... Full Story

FDA warns Cheerios about health claims
Date: 2009-05-14 00:00:00

The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration warned General Mills that the claims on the Cheerios box concerning cholesterol are too much like those of a medical drug.... Full Story

Study: Triglycerides better predictor of diabetic nerve loss than blood sug
Date: 2009-05-27 00:00:00

Patients with diabetes need to monitor their blood fat levels as well as their blood sugar levels, because they are at risk of nerve damage or even loss, according to a study appearing in the research journal Diabetes.... Full Story

Statins may help prevent recurring stroke
Date: 2009-05-27 00:00:00

People who take statins after a stroke may have a lower risk of a second one, according to research published in the journal Neurology.... Full Story

Cardiologists and Periodontists publish new joint guidelines
Date: 2009-06-01 00:00:00

The evidence linking periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease has been growing for years, with medical researchers convinced that inflammation is the uniting characteristic of the two conditions.... Full Story

Possible new treatment for metabolic syndrome
Date: 2009-06-11 00:00:00

Researchers have found that angiotensin 1-7, a natural hormone in the body, shows evidence of improving the metabolic syndrome in rats, possibly opening the door for a potential treatment of the condition.... Full Story

Lesser-known cholesterol may be behind heart attacks
Date: 2009-06-11 00:00:00

Researchers from Denmark announced that they have found strong evidence that an often overlooked form of cholesterol can cause heart attacks. The study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.... Full Story

Newly-identified enzyme may control bad cholesterol
Date: 2009-06-15 00:00:00

UCLA scientists have discovered a new mechanism that controls the way cells produce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called "bad" cholesterol linked to serious cardiovascular problems and stroke. Working with mice, the researchers identified an enzyme called Idol which destroys the receptor responsible for clearing LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.... Full Story

Other cholesterols worrying cardiologists
Date: 2009-06-16 00:00:00

Cardiologists and other heart experts are worrying that the lack of attention paid to the two other major components of blood cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides, are threatening to undermine the reduction of the threat of heart attacks and other serious cardiovascular problems achieved with statins over the last 20 years.... Full Story

Preventive care a major component of health reform
Date: 2009-06-17 00:00:00

In the ongoing debate over heathcare reform in the U.S., many options for structuring insurance coverage, payment plans and control over medical decision making are being considered. One element is virtually a constant in all the proposals - however, a call for a greater focus on preventive medicine to avoid disease or catch and treat it at an earlier time.... Full Story

Red yeast rice may be an alternative for high cholesterol
Date: 2009-06-18 00:00:00

A new study suggests that red yeast rice, which is sold over-the-counter as a dietary supplement at health food stores and pharmacies, may be an effective alternative to statins for those who have unwelcome side effects from the drugs.... Full Story

Huge Vitamin D study planned
Date: 2009-06-24 00:00:00

A large, government-sponsored study to determine if vitamin D supplementation can lower a healthy person's risk of getting cancer, heart disease or having a stroke, will begin enrollment in January.... Full Story

Childhood obesity increases markers of heart disease
Date: 2009-06-25 00:00:00

A new study has found that obesity in children is linked to higher CRP and other markers of heart disease very early in life.... Full Story

More heart patients hitting their cholesterol targets
Date: 2009-06-29 00:00:00

More people trying to lower their LDL cholesterol are reaching their targets, according to new research appearing in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.... Full Story

Inflammation linked to more fatal heart attacks
Date: 2009-06-30 00:00:00

A new study from the University of Glasgow provides evidence that inflammation in the blood is linked to a higher risk of fatal, rather than non-fatal heart attack or stroke.... Full Story

New study casts doubt on ability of CRP genetics to predict heart disease
Date: 2009-07-01 00:00:00

In a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers report that high levels of CRP may not cause heart disease, although testing CRP levels may still be a helpful indicator of higher risk.... Full Story

New cholesterol genes identified
Date: 2009-07-07 00:00:00

Cholesterol has been known to be a major factor in determining risk of heart disease for years, but doctors and researchers have only had a rudimentary understanding of how cholesterol levels are regulated in the body.... Full Story

Cholesterol testing shows women benefit more from exercise than men
Date: 2009-07-29 00:00:00

It is well known that exercise is good for health. Fit people tend to live longer and with less serious disease than unfit people. In particular, cardiovascular disease responds very well to physical exercise, and cholesterol testing shows people significantly improve their levels of all forms of cholesterol.... Full Story

Homocysteine testing could help consumers identify stroke risk
Date: 2009-07-31 00:00:00

A homocysteine test may help consumers understand their heart health measures, as elevated levels of the amino acid have been linked to cardiovascular disease due to weakened arteries.... Full Story

Cortisol tests may show link between CAD and depression
Date: 2009-08-11 00:00:00

There is a long history linking depression and poor health outcomes. The World Health Organization released a study in 2007 saying that depression has a stronger impact on overall health than angina, arthritis, asthma or diabetes.... Full Story

Coronary artery calcification may be detectable through vitamin D tests
Date: 2009-08-12 00:00:00

Scientists have known for some time that a lack of vitamin D is linked to a number of serious chronic illnesses. Diabetes and dementia have been linked to a lack of the vitamin, as has cardiovascular disease in many forms. The exact mechanism by which vitamin D deficiency causes or aggravates existing disease is unclear, however.... Full Story

CRP testing may not track heart disease risk in all populations
Date: 2009-08-14 00:00:00

Over the last several years, inflammation of the arteries has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. C-reactive protein (CRP), which rises in response to chronic inflammation, has been linked to heart disease.... Full Story

Women urged to get regular cholesterol tests
Date: 2009-08-20 00:00:00

Young women under the age of 35 should consider getting regular medical checkups, which includes cholesterol tests.... Full Story

Women who aren't in the mood may want cholesterol test
Date: 2009-08-25 00:00:00

According to a new study, there may be a scientific reason why some women may not be in the mood for sex.... Full Story

Cholesterol test may determine more than heart health
Date: 2009-08-25 00:00:00

A greasy burger and fries may do more than just bring one's cholesterol level up – it may also be linked to osteoporosis.... Full Story

Cholesterol screening may indicate brain function
Date: 2009-08-27 00:00:00

People who have a family history of Alzheimer's disease may want to consider getting a cholesterol test.... Full Story

Lipid profile test can be beneficial for one's health
Date: 2009-08-27 00:00:00

People who are interested in their health status, particularly if they are concerned about high cholesterol, should consider getting a lipid profile test.... Full Story

Researchers find possible treatment for high blood pressure
Date: 2009-08-28 00:00:00

A new anti-aging gene that was recently discovered by scientists may hold some clues as to how to better treat people for high blood pressure.... Full Story

Cholesterol test for status, smartphone app to lose weight
Date: 2009-08-31 00:00:00

For some people, there may be another reason to reach for their smartphone in the middle of the day, especially if they recently got a cholesterol test that indicates their levels may be high.... Full Story

Doctors: Cardiac testing recommended for young athletes
Date: 2009-09-17 00:00:00

Though most people associate exercise with healthy hearts, doctors find that athletes with extraordinarily high levels of fitness are more susceptible to a deadly heart condition.... Full Story

Study: Cholesterol drugs effective for other high-risk heart attack groups
Date: 2009-09-23 00:00:00

People with normal or low cholesterol may benefit from taking statin drugs, meant to reduce cholesterol levels, as a preventative approach to warding off heart attacks, researchers say.... Full Story

Study: Soda, sugar consumption creates heart disease risk
Date: 2009-09-24 00:00:00

Fructose, the sugar commonly found in soft drinks and sweet foods, has been liked to high blood pressure in many Americans, new studies suggest.... Full Story

CDC: Low fruit vegetable consumption could cause heart disease
Date: 2009-10-01 00:00:00

A government study reported that no state in the U.S. achieved national objectives for consuming fruits and vegetables, as set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.... Full Story

New technology may prevent symptoms of heart failure
Date: 2009-10-01 00:00:00

The introduction of new technology to pacemakers and defibrillators may be effective in treating mild cases of heart failure, new research indicates.... Full Story

Study: Prolonged stress common in stroke victims
Date: 2009-10-05 00:00:00

A study undertaken by researchers in Sweden suggests that significant, prolonged stress may be a factor in causing strokes.... Full Story

Pomegranate juice reduces artery thickness, according to lab tests
Date: 2009-10-06 00:00:00

Consuming a daily serving of pomegranate juice may slow the progression of some types of heart conditions, according to new research.... Full Story

Doctors stretching for heart disease tests
Date: 2009-10-09 00:00:00

A new method in heart disease testing may provide doctors and patients with valuable insight into individual heart health, according to research.... Full Story

Mouse stem-cell study examines heart repair
Date: 2009-10-12 00:00:00

Scientists have taken the first steps toward producing the "heart patch," a design for a medical implement used to repair damage from heart disease, a new study suggests.... Full Story

Researchers: Pistachios can deter obesity, diabetes
Date: 2009-10-13 00:00:00

Following a recommendation that Americans limit their sugar intake by the American Heart Association (AHA), some researchers are parading pistachios as a way to moderate sugar consumption.... Full Story

Inflammation testing shows cocoa improves heart health
Date: 2009-10-23 00:00:00

Lab testing for inflammatory markers associated with heart disease found that ingesting the cocoa found in chocolate can reduce inflammation and increase levels of the beneficial cholesterol, HDL.... Full Story

Growth in teen risk factors may promote heart disease testing
Date: 2009-10-27 00:00:00

Teenagers may wish to monitor their risk for heart disease and stroke through diagnostic testing after a recent study revealed that about 20 percent of 14- and 15-year-olds experience high blood pressure.... Full Story

Clinical heart failure testing may lengthen lives
Date: 2009-11-02 00:00:00

Patients with chronic heart failure may have a longer lifespan if they take part in clinical trials such as diagnostic testing, according to new research.... Full Story

Emerging technology improves heart health testing
Date: 2009-11-03 00:00:00

A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University has developed an imaging system that can study the properties of the heart which lead to cardiac arrest, and may produce more refined heart disease tests.... Full Story

Cholesterol tests clarify links to cancer risk
Date: 2009-11-09 00:00:00

In addition to imposing harmful effects on heart health, high cholesterol could raise a patient's risk of developing some types of cancer, new research suggests.... Full Story

Doctors: Testing, assessment can curb stroke risk
Date: 2009-11-10 00:00:00

Obesity may be linked to atrial enlargement in the heart, raising the risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke and death, new research suggests.... Full Story

Heart health testing takes new turn
Date: 2009-11-11 00:00:00

Techniques to test for cardiovascular disease risk and cholesterol content can be simplified, according to new research.... Full Story

Testing for risk factors, infections could prevent strokes
Date: 2009-11-11 00:00:00

Being exposed to several common infections may increase a person's risk of having a stroke later in life, a new study shows.... Full Story

Blood tests for phosphorus may identify heart disease
Date: 2009-11-11 00:00:00

Higher levels of phosphorus found in blood testing are believed to be linked to an elevated risk of heart disease, researchers say.... Full Story

Study: Poor exercise habits don't explain failing obesity tests
Date: 2009-11-17 00:00:00

Though scientists estimate that nearly one third of children and teens in the U.S. are overweight or obese, a lack of exercise does not explain the rising rates, a new study suggests.... Full Story

CDC study may encourage cholesterol testing
Date: 2009-11-18 00:00:00

While the percentage of Americans with high LDL, or bad, cholesterol has decreased in recent years, many who exceed recommended levels may not be aware of their potentially harmful condition, new research suggests.... Full Story

Study: Migraines may result in higher risk of stroke
Date: 2009-11-18 00:00:00

Aside from experiencing severe discomfort, migraine sufferers may also be exposed to more than twice the risk of ischemic strokes than those who do not commonly get migraines, a new study indicates.... Full Story

Healthy diet, strong cognitive testing are predictors of heart disease risk
Date: 2009-11-19 00:00:00

Seniors who maintain a healthy diet and perform well on cognitive testing are less likely to become victims of heart disease than their peers who do not, according to a new study.... Full Story

Alcohol may reduce risk of coronary heart disease, but at a price
Date: 2009-11-19 00:00:00

Drinking larger quantities of alcohol each day may cut the risk of coronary heart disease in men by more than one-third, a recent study suggests.... Full Story

Familiar drug niacin proves effective in clinical cholesterol tests
Date: 2009-11-20 00:00:00

Patients taking statins to control high levels of bad cholesterol may benefit more from adding the familiar drug niacin to their regimen, rather than the newer Zetia, new research suggests.... Full Story

Study: Stroke Risk Higher in American South
Date: 2009-12-02 00:00:00

While doctors have long been identifying the physical factors that contribute to an increased risk of stroke, a new study suggests the geographic location could also play a role.... Full Story

Diagnostic tests may assess risk of heart failure
Date: 2009-12-09 00:00:00

In a recent study, genetic testing of heart disease patients helped doctors establish a link between exposure to vitamin D and the risk of developing the condition.... Full Story

Heart disease study may promote diagnostic blood test
Date: 2009-12-28 00:00:00

Testing for the fat-carrying molecule lipoprotein (LPA) may help doctors assess a patient's risk for heart disease, new research suggests.... Full Story

Doctor: Cold weather raises risk of heart attack
Date: 2009-12-30 00:00:00

During a year in which the swine flu virus received national attention, it's become widely known that wintry weather can weaken a person's immune system leaving him or her susceptible to illness. However, recent clinical testing has indicated that heart attacks may also be more common during the winter.... Full Story

Study: Champagne in moderation can improve heart health
Date: 2009-12-31 00:00:00

... Full Story