Could Arthritis Wonder Drugs Provide Clues For Other Diseases? Jul 18, 2008
But Professor Feldmann, Head of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, believes similar drugs have the potential to treat many other medical conditions and will also tell the conference about his work on atherosclerosis, a disease affecting the arterial blood vessels, commonly known as 'hardening of the arteries', with his colleague Dr Claudia Monaco. Their work, which has won a number of awards, has resulted in the emergence of a new branch of medicine -- anti-cytokine therapy -- and research... (Science Daily)
Whole food vs. processed food Jul 17, 2008
By age 12, an estimated 70 percent of our children have developed the beginning stages of hardening of the arteries. (Bogalusa Heart Study). (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Artery Explorer offers free ride to awareness Jul 13, 2008
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease commonly referred as the hardening of the arteries which can lead to heart attack, stroke and other athero-related disease. Mathias Garcia and Scott Sargent have been manning the 66,000-pound vehicle on their tour of the U.S. since November, providing communities a good look into the vascular health. (Pasadena Citizen, TX)
Your Health: Mushrooms offer more than good taste Jul 13, 2008
Researchers in Japan recently reported that the mushroom may help prevent atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. Blood vessels of animals treated with Shiitake extract were found to have significant reductions in cholesterol-containing plaques. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Statins Have Unexpected Effect On Pool Of Powerful Brain Cells Jul 7, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 6, 2008) Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins have a profound effect on an elite group of cells important to brain health as we age, scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found. The new findings shed light on a long-debated potential role for statins in the area of dementia. (Science Daily)
Coronary Arterial Calcium & Death Jul 7, 2008
"Previous studies found coronary arterial calcium scans were effective tools for determining the overall death risk in young adults, diabetics, smokers and those suffering from renal failure. Ads by Google Coronary arterial calcium scans can be very useful tools in assessing a patient's overall death risk "This study indicates coronary arterial scans are effective in measuring overall death risk in the elderly," he added. A calcium scan looks for calcification or a hardening of the arteries... (Oneindia)
Lung Infections Cost Hospitals More Than $10B in 2006 Jul 4, 2008
Hardening of the arteries: 1,198,000, $17 billion. Congestive heart failure: 1,099,000, $11 billion. (MEDLINEplus)
Cedar Park Regional to hold free health screenings on peripheral arterial disease Jul 3, 2008
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), more commonly known as hardening of the arteries, affects 12- to 15-million Americans. It is a condition in which the large and medium sized arteries supplying blood to the lower extremities become narrow or clogged, slowing or stopping the flow of blood. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
New study finds coronary arterial calcium scans help detect overall death risk in the elderly Jul 3, 2008
A calcium scan looks for calcification or a hardening of the arteries caused by high blood fats and calcium deposits in the arteries leading to and from the heart. These calcifications can block blood vessels and cause heart attacks, strokes or other health issues. (EurekAlert!)
Coffee, Tea May Lower Stroke Risk in Smokers Jun 26, 2008
This type of stroke is often caused by hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). The study included 26,556 adult male Finnish smokers participating in a large cancer prevention study who provided information on diet, including coffee and tea drinking, at the start of the study. (Newsmax)
Arterial Calcium Scans Can Predict Death Risk Jun 25, 2008
A calcium scan looks for calcification, a hardening of the arteries caused by high blood fats and calcium deposits that can eventually block blood vessels, causing heart attacks, strokes and other major problems. But calcium scans can be controversial, partly because they are promoted vigorously by for-profit centers, where they often cost $300 or more. (MEDLINEplus)
New Discoveries Get To The Heart Of Cardiovascular Disease Jun 24, 2008
Inflammation is a normal byproduct of the clean-up process and, when it goes unchecked, leads to clogging and hardening of the arteries. When ROCK1 is absent, macrophages no longer contributed to these fatty deposits and mice showed significantly less inflammation and atherosclerosis. (Science Daily)
Depression And Diabetes: Fellow Travelers, Researchers Say Jun 20, 2008
For the study diabetes expert Sherita Hill Golden, M.D., M.H.S., and her colleagues took advantage of data generated by the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), which examined risk factors for atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, in an ethnically diverse group of 6,814 men and women between ages 45 to 84. Participants in the MESA study identified themselves when they enrolled as white, black, Hispanic or Chinese. (Science Daily)
Even best efforts can't prevent all heart attacks Jun 19, 2008
Newman said Russert had hardening of the arteries but no symptoms, and his blood pressure and cholesterol were well controlled. Russert exercised on a treadmill regularly, including the morning that he died, Newman's statement said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Failure to bridle inflammation spurs atherosclerosis Jun 19, 2008
However, when there is a defect in the resolution response the ability of blood vessels to recover from inflammation atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries can result, said researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and Harvard Medical School in Boston in a report that appears online today in The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. The major factor in this disease is a deficiency in the chemical signals that encourage resolution... (EurekAlert!)
Diabetes, depression linked, study finds Jun 18, 2008
The researchers analyzed data from a study of 6,814 men and women who were enrolled in a three-year trial that examined risk factors for hardening of the arteries, including Type 2 diabetes and depression symptoms. In one analysis of the data, researchers looked at 4,847 patients with and without diabetes to see how many developed depression. (Boston Globe)
Unexpected Finding Of Molecule's Dual Role In Mice May Open New Avenue To Cholesterol Reduction Jun 14, 2008
(May 16, 2008) Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arterial blood vessels that is often known as hardening of the arteries ... 21, 2003) An enzyme found only in the liver and intestines may play a crucial role in the development of hardening of the arteries -- or atherosclerosis, a research team from Wake Forest University Baptist. (Science Daily)
Japan salutes LSU doctor Jun 9, 2008
Strong's work showed that smoking can lead to atherosclerosis, more commonly known as hardening of the arteries, a risk factor for heart attacks. This happens because cholesterol deposits accumulate and thicken along arterial walls, making circulation increasingly difficult. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Leg Bypass Surgery Outcome Poor in Diabetics May 27, 2008
Patients with severe limb ischemia and diabetes, Malmstedt concluded, bear a "heavy burden of disease" from multiple manifestations of both hardening of the arteries and diabetes complications. "Treating this group of patients is a challenge and requires collaboration of a broad range of specialties to be successful.". (MEDLINEplus)
Childhood Cancer Survivors Prone to Early Heart Trouble May 20, 2008
Compared to the healthy brothers and sisters, the survivors of childhood cancer were almost six times more likely to report congestive heart failure; about five times more likely to report having had a heart attack or valvular heart disease; more than six times likelier to have pericardial disease (the pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart); more than eight times as likely to have had an angiography; and 10 times more likely to have atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.... (MEDLINEplus)
Childhood Cancer Survivors Face Risk Of Heart Problems Later May 17, 2008
Two percent had hardening of the arteries, 4 percent had heart failure, 1 percent suffered a heart attack and 4 percent had a valve problem. Doctors have long known that certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation can harm the heart, but it has been seen as a relatively small price to pay for beating cancer and cancer itself may damage the heart. (KWTX.com, TX)
Pot belly linked to heart disease May 16, 2008
The authors looked at men and women who underwent medical tests and imaging scans to identify the early signs of atherosclerosis - the narrowing and hardening of the arteries linked to the development of cardiovascular disease. Body shape important. (Yahoo News -- Heart Disease & Cardiovascular Disorders)
HEALTH NOTES / Managing for the long run May 16, 2008
I had a friend who bought an old Rolls Royce with hardening of the arteries. In the early Rolls there was an oil tank that had a network of tubes running to lubrication points all over the car. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Heart Disease Starts Early in Life May 16, 2008
"It also predicts adult vascular stiffness." That is a formal medical term for what most people call hardening of the arteries. "These observations give a compelling reason for pursuing preventive, personalized intervention strategies at an early age in order to evaluate obesity and underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors," Berenson said in a statement. (MEDLINEplus)
Marijuana may up heart attack, stroke risk May 14, 2008
Chronic pot smoking linked to hardening of the arteries, study finds ... High levels of triglycerides can contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls, raising the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. (MSNBC -- Health)
US faces obesity epidemic: Research May 14, 2008
Obese adults also had more silent vascular disease (blood vessel disease that causes no symptoms); they had more atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and thicker heart walls. Discuss this story with other readers. (India Times)
Beta Blockers Raise Stroke, Death Risk After Surgery May 13, 2008
In the study, 8,351 patients at 190 hospitals across 23 countries who were at risk for atherosclerotic disease [hardening of the arteries] and undergoing non-cardiac surgery were randomly selected to receive a beta blocker or a placebo. The beta blocker was given two to four hours before surgery, and continued for 30 days after the procedure. (Health-Finder)
US obesity rates alarmingly high May 13, 2008
Obese adults also had more silent vascular disease (blood vessel disease that causes no symptoms); they had more atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and thicker heart walls, even after adjusting for "traditional" risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Given the higher amount of silent blood vessel disease with obesity, Burke said "one could worry that this will cause us to reverse our 50-year decline in cardiovascular disease mortality due to the obesity... (Reuters India)
Poor Kidney Function Tied to Faster Heart Changes May 13, 2008
Dr. Michel Chonchol, of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, and colleagues examined associations between different levels of kidney disease, the thickness of neck arteries -- an indicator of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) -- and cardiovascular events in 3364 individuals. At the outset, 551 subjects (16. (MEDLINEplus)
Apples may prevent hardening of arteries May 5, 2008
Access to Millions of Visitor Simple Sign Up - Start Immediately. Published: May 5, 2008 at 12:33 AM. (United Press International)
More limb amputations among Chicago blacks May 2, 2008
Almost all people who have amputations are smokers, which can cause hardening of the arteries and blood clots. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Race)
Chocolate May Reduce Pregnancy Complication Risk May 2, 2008
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is rich in a chemical called theobromine, which stimulates the heart, relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels, and has been used to treat chest pain, high blood pressure, and hardening of the arteries, Dr. Elizabeth W. Triche of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut and colleagues write. Preeclampsia, in which blood pressure spikes during pregnancy while excess protein is released into the urine, has many features in common with heart disease,... (MEDLINEplus)
The DNA of antioxidants Apr 19, 2008
"What you want to measure is antioxidant concentration in a localized part of the body, like the surface of your arteries where antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which accelerate atherosclerosis [hardening of the arteries]," Vinson says. A simpler insurance policy. (CNN -- Health)
Your Health Check -- Heart attack: Are you at risk? Apr 18, 2008
When this happens in the limbs, we call it claudication; in the heart it's called angina, but in both the culprit is the same -- atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. The physical manifestation of angina is usually a dull pressure discomfort in the mid to upper chest, but can also be referred to the neck, the arms (usually left), the region of the jaw, or the upper mid-back. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Heart health concerns? You can still get cracking Apr 17, 2008
While there is compelling evidence that high cholesterol intakes can cause hardening of the arteries in rabbits, pigs and mice, there's little evidence that this is so in humans ... (Small, dense LDL particles are more often associated with hardening of the arteries than large, "fluffy" LDL particles. (Globe and Mail)
Study Debunks Heart Attack-Male Baldness Link Apr 11, 2008
Some have suggested that baldness in men is related to increased levels of the hormone androgen, and that this hormone may also play a role in the development of coronary atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries" within the heart, Shahar and his team note in their report, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. One previous study found that vertex baldness, or loss of hair at the top of the head, was strongly linked to heart attack risk; in fact, the balder men were on top, the... (MEDLINEplus)
Arteries Improve When Cholesterol, BP Drop Apr 10, 2008
When people with type 2 diabetes lower their cholesterol and blood pressure levels, they may be able to reverse hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the No. 1 cause of heart attack, stroke and death, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. (WNBC.com, NY)
Cholesterol, blood pressure control may reverse atherosclerosis in adults with diabetes Apr 9, 2008
Aggressively lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels below current targets in adults with type 2 diabetes may help to prevent and possibly reverse hardening of the arteries, according to new research supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health. Hardening of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, is the number one cause of heart disease and can lead to heart attack, stroke, and death ... To assess the impact of the... (EurekAlert!)
New Patch Might Help Smokers Quit without Weight Apr 8, 2008
"We know it contributes to both the blocking of the arteries, also to thrombosis, or blood clotting and smoking directly contributes to those two processes and that's what leads to the hardening of the arteries, and that's what leads to strokes," he said. But, the biggest danger, he says, may be to those who have multiple risk factors. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Scientists Explore The Role Nanoparticles May Play In Disease Apr 7, 2008
6, 2008) Two Mayo Clinic researchers who study the role nanoparticles may play in hardening of the arteries and in the formation of kidney stones, will lead a symposium on how these super-small particles may affect the body s physiology ... Dr. Miller has been studying the link between atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and nanoparticles which calcify within the arteries. (Science Daily)
Mixed Results For Weight Loss Drug, Rimonabant, On Slowing Progression Of Coronary Disease Apr 6, 2008
4, 2008) The anti-obesity medication rimonabant showed mixed results in slowing progression of coronary artery disease in patients with abdominal obesity and pre-existing coronary disease, according to a new study. "Abdominal obesity, even in the absence of type 2 diabetes, is associated with a constellation of metabolic and physiological abnormalities that amplify the risk for atheroslcerotic cardiovascular disease," the authors write in background information for the article. (Science Daily)
More Boomers taking care of their parentsLocal groups now offer support for emotional toll on caregivers Apr 5, 2008
"Back then, they called it 'hardening of the arteries,' or 'senility,' " Mondadori said. "They didn't call it Alzheimer's back when my mother was diagnosed. But that's what she had. Alzheimer's.". (Hoboken Reporter, NJ)
Nationwide, pet obesity is on the rise — Lodi is no exception Apr 5, 2008
"We've seen many birds come in with hardening of the arteries, strokes and fatty liver disease," said Turner. Turner recommends pet birds be put on a balanced diet of feed such as Harrison's diet, ZuPreem or Rowdybush, and a mixture of fruits and vegetables. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Doubts linger about anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin Apr 3, 2008
The clinical tests showed that Vytorin did not reverse arteriosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, even if it did reduce cholesterol levels ... The target of the clinical trial in Europe with 720 patients that had genetic-linked high cholesterol levels was to determine whether Vytorin was more efficient than Zocor in reducing hardening of the arteries due to an atheromatous plaque. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Diabetes drug to reduce heart disease Apr 1, 2008
CHICAGO: A Japanese diabetes drug is the first to help reduce the hardening of the arteries, according to study released Monday, potentially opening up a new way to treat the debilitating disease ... Until now no diabetes drug has proved effective in reducing atherosclerosis, known as hardening of the arteries, said Steven Nissen, head of cardiology at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and the study's lead author. (India Times)
Managing Stress Can Lower Heart Death Risk Mar 30, 2008
Heart conditions in the study included irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries"), and atherothrombosis (blood accumulation leading to clotting). Researchers asked patients about their feelings and moods, sleep patterns, irregularity in bowel or stomach functions and other stress markers. (Health-Finder)
Putting weight behind dementia warning Mar 29, 2008
As is high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, sleep apnea, bone problems like osteoporosis, and hip and back problems. Heck, in women, excess fat can even lead to male pattern balding and excess facial hair because it ups the levels of male hormones in their system. (Greenwich Time)
Calcium Scans Help Predict Coronary Risk Mar 28, 2008
These scans look for calcification -- hardening of the arteries caused by high blood fats and calcium deposits that can eventually cause blood vessel blockage. The scan is a potential competitor for much less expensive tests for coronary risk, such as blood cholesterol and blood pressure readings. (MEDLINEplus)
Reduced Lung Capacity Accelerates With Diabetes Mar 27, 2008
A panel of diabetes and heart experts agreed that LDL ("bad") cholesterol was still an important risk factor, but that after LDL cholesterol levels were brought under control, ApoB (a measure of the number of LDL particles in the blood that cause hardening of the arteries) should also be tested and treated to target levels in people at high risk. The statement emphasizes the need to examine all factors for heart disease, to continue to focus on lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk for type... (PR Newswire)
Stroke and osteoporosis screening coming to Colonial Heights Mar 26, 2008
They help identify potential health problems such as blocked arteries and irregular heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and hardening of the arteries in the legs, which is a strong predictor of heart disease. A bone density screening to assess osteoporosis risk is also offered and is appropriate for both men and women. (Petersburg Progress Index, VA)
Hispanics With Clogged Arteries At Greatest Risk Of Stroke, Heart Attack, Study Shows Mar 23, 2008
"It is a non-invasive marker that can help doctors identify the beginning stages of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, that is also associated with increased risk of stroke.". The study was supported by the Gilbert Baum Memorial Grant, the Goddess Fund for Stroke Research in Women, and grants from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (Science Daily)
Artery Plaque Boosts Hispanics' Odds for Stroke Mar 21, 2008
"It is a non-invasive marker that can help doctors identify the beginning stages of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, that is also associated with increased risk of stroke," Rundek said. HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
How Diabetes Drives Atherosclerosis Mar 18, 2008
Experts once believed that atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, developed when too much cholesterol clogged arteries with fatty deposits called plaques ... 21, 2003) An enzyme found only in the liver and intestines may play a crucial role in the development of hardening of the arteries -- or atherosclerosis, a research team from Wake Forest University Baptist ... 18, 2006) New research suggests one reason vegetables may be so good for us -- a study in mice found that a mixture of five... (Science Daily)
Diabetes epidemic expands: Blame “metabolic syndrome”? Mar 15, 2008
"The approach has been that high blood sugar is the bad guy, but it's probably beyond that, because several studies have failed to show significant reductions in cardiovascular events just by controlling blood sugar. People with diabetes have a constellation of abnormalities. Patients with type 2 have very high insulin levels, and that in itself can affect the cardiovascular system, making the kidneys absorb more salt, making the blood pressure go up, and changing the metabolism of cholesterol."... (Why Files)
Alcohol 'quickly' cuts heart risk Mar 9, 2008
The results came from a study of 7,500 people taking part in a trial to look at risk factors for atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries. For carefully selected individuals, a 'heart healthy diet' may include limited alcohol consumption even among individuals who have not included alcohol previously. (BBC News)
Arthritis Medications Reduce Risk Of Heart Attacks And Strokes, Study Suggests Mar 8, 2008
Rheumatoid arthritis is a known risk factor for hardening of the arteries and so can lead to stroke and heart attacks occurring in sufferers ten years earlier than in people without the condition. However, earlier studies have shown that treating rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, may reduce this risk. (Science Daily)
Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs May Lower Heart Attack, Stroke Risk Mar 8, 2008
People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints, face a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, because it can lead to hardening of the arteries. Heart attack and stroke can occur 10 years earlier than in people without the condition, the researchers said. (MEDLINEplus)
New potential drug target for the treatment of atherosclerosis Mar 5, 2008
Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries" is a chronic disease in which high cholesterol levels coupled with inflammation lead to the build-up of fatty deposits, called plaque, on the inner walls of arteries. Eventually these plaques can limit blood flow, leading to angina, or they may rupture, resulting in blood clots that block arteries and cause heart attacks or strokes. When the researchers fed an experimental drug that turns on PPAR delta to genetically altered mice that develop the... (EurekAlert!)
Low-fat beats low-carb in diets to reduce heart disease: experts Mar 4, 2008
The higher fat content of a low-carbohydrate diet may put dieters at an increased risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), say the study's authors ... "The higher fat content of a low-carbohydrate diet may put dieters at an increased risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) because low-carbohydrate diets often reduce protection of the endothelium, the thin layer of cells that line the blood vessels of the circulatory system," said David Gutterman, Northwestern Mutual's... (CBC Prince Edward Island)
Russian CSUB Swimmer Died From Heart Disease Mar 2, 2008
-- After forensic studies, the Kern County Coroner has determined that Russian swimmer Alexy Belyy, 26, died from heart disease and hardening of the arteries. The coroner determined Belyys condition as hyper-trophic and artero-sclerotic cardiovascular disease. (KERO 23, CA)
New study shows low-fat diets more likely to reduce risk of heart disease than low-carb diets Mar 1, 2008
The higher fat content of a low-carbohydrate diet may put dieters at an increased risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) because low-carbohydrate diets often reduce protection of the endothelium, the thin layer of cells that line the blood vessels of the circulatory system. The reduced production from the endothelium of nitric oxide, a specific chemical, puts the vessel at higher risk of abnormal thickening, greater clotting potential, and cholesterol deposition, all part of the... (EurekAlert!)
Pot belly linked to heart disease Feb 28, 2008
The authors looked at men and women who underwent medical tests and imaging scans to identify the early signs of atherosclerosis - the narrowing and hardening of the arteries linked to the development of cardiovascular disease. Body shape important. (Yahoo News -- Heart Disease & Cardiovascular Disorders)
Punjabis more prone to heart attacks Feb 25, 2008
The research paper, read by Dr Ritu Sharma from the Department of Bio-chemistry, Government Medical College, revealed that in a survey conducted on 522 coronary artery disease patients and 300 normal individuals, it was found that the low activity of the enzyme was leading to the hardening of the arteries. The enzymes shortage, due to genetic reasons, is responsible for the low anti-oxidant potential of HDL and more production of oxidised LDL, leading to hardening of arteries, the major reason... (Chandigarh Newsline)
Latest food trend: Listen to your gut Feb 24, 2008
Oats have anti-inflammatory effects, and hardening of the arteries is an inflammatory process. Oats are rich in anti-oxidants, help lower blood pressure and help in weight management. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Nutrition Q&A Feb 23, 2008
All cruciferous vegetables are powerful antioxidants which reverse high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. True or false. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
