 Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, Missouri compared cognitive behavior therapy and supportive stress management. Continue reading Treating depression after coronary artery bypass
Category Archives: Heart Disease
Measurable benefits of berries in people
The results of this study by researchers in Finland are important because they reflect actual risk factors for heart disease. Continue reading Measurable benefits of berries in people
Causes of death in the United States
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston studied dietary, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors.
Toping the list were smoking and high blood pressure. Continue reading Causes of death in the United States
Consumer Alert: Libimax
 The ingredients are listed here.
But, oops. Nature & Health Co. forgot to mention it also contains tadalafil (Cialis), a prescription drug used to treat impotence (aka erectile dysfunction). Continue reading Consumer Alert: Libimax
Music therapy for patients with heart disease?
Some changes are reported.
But from a practical perspective, the benefits of music are unclear, according to this Cochrane review. Continue reading Music therapy for patients with heart disease?
A pithy review of omega-3 fatty acids
 Dr. Eric Chan and Dr. Leslie Cho from the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio waste no words in an excellent review. Continue reading A pithy review of omega-3 fatty acids
How might black tea protect against heart disease?
 Researchers from the University of L’Aquila, in Italy report it improves blood vessel reactivity, while reducing stiffness. Continue reading How might black tea protect against heart disease?
Conflicting data on the value of exercise in heart failure
Results from the HF-ACTION study were reported during the American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans. And now in JAMA here.
In both cases, the results were negative before the data were adjusted. Continue reading Conflicting data on the value of exercise in heart failure
Searching for the correct dose of vitamin D
In adults, vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. And adequate doses might reduce the risk of certain cancers and type 1 diabetes.
The current recommendation of 5 mcg (200 IU) may be too little, according to researchers in Maine and South Carolina. Continue reading Searching for the correct dose of vitamin D
Delaying the onset of diabetes
Diet combined with exercise can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes up to 14 years, according to researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia and the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, China. Continue reading Delaying the onset of diabetes
Non-pharmacological treatments for breathlessness
 Here are the results of a Cochrane review of non-drug options in advanced stages of malignant and non-malignant diseases. Continue reading Non-pharmacological treatments for breathlessness
Benefits and risks of vegan diets
 Veganism is a diet and lifestyle that excludes using animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.
Dr. Winston Craig from Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan reviews both, and makes recommendations. Continue reading Benefits and risks of vegan diets
Effect of omega-3 in patients with cardiomyopathy
 Researchers at the University of Brescia in Italy studied the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and frequent or repetitive ventricular arrhythmias. Continue reading Effect of omega-3 in patients with cardiomyopathy
Added benefits of fish oil combined with exercise
Researchers from the University of South Australia in Adelaide define the added benefits of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to regular aerobic exercise. Continue reading Added benefits of fish oil combined with exercise
Rebuttal to the AHA omega-6 advisory
The American Heart Association (AHA) advisory on the benefits of omega-6 fatty acids is summarized here. Considering all the press about omega-6 and the negative effects of the typical US diet on the omega-3:-6 ratio it was surprising to see.
Ms. Evelyn Tribole (photo), a registered dietitian from Newport Beach, California, emailed her thoughts about the AHA advisory. They’re reprinted below. Continue reading Rebuttal to the AHA omega-6 advisory
Heavy marijuana use leads to high triglyceride levels
 ApoC-III is a risk factor for heart disease. The increased levels observed in marijuana users might explain, in part, the heart and cerebral abnormalities seen in tokers. Continue reading Heavy marijuana use leads to high triglyceride levels
Effects of acupuncture on cardiac arrhythmias
 Researchers from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis have reviewed the literature.
There’s good news and a challenge to future researchers. Continue reading Effects of acupuncture on cardiac arrhythmias
Benefits of omega-6 fatty acids
 There are those who recommend substantial reductions in omega-6 fatty acid intake. Now, the American Heart Association (AHA) says, “enough already.” Continue reading Benefits of omega-6 fatty acids
Multivitamins: Little value in postmenopausal women
 Multivitamins have little or no influence on the risk of common cancers, cardiovascular disease, or total mortality in postmenopausal women, according to the Women’s Health Initiative study. Continue reading Multivitamins: Little value in postmenopausal women
Atrial fibrillation in marijuana smokers
“Whenever a young patient without predisposing factors develops AF (atrial fibrillation), the possibility of marijuana smoking should be examined as a potential cause.”
After searching the medical literature, 7 case reports were identified for review. Continue reading Atrial fibrillation in marijuana smokers