June 2009 Blog Archive
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Immediate Angioplasty Post Heart Attack
New studies show that performing an angioplasty directly after a person
suffers from a heart attack is the best way to increase survival rates.
Generally after a heart attack most patients are given medications that
increase blood flow and ward off blood clots, then later they have
angioplasty performed. This study aims to eliminate the medication phase and
go straight into angioplasty because evidence claims to show that survival
is higher when doing so.
Forbes said, "After six months, 11 percent of those who had quick
angioplasty had a major adverse cardiac event or died, compared to 17.2
percent of those assigned to standard treatment."
These trials are still in their early stages and require further research
and testing, which is why such tactics have yet to emerge as mainstream
methods post-heart attack.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Possible New Cancer Treatment Test
The New York Times reported today of a possible new cancer attacking
treatment which has come from researchers in Australia. The test has proven
to be promising and effective when tested on animals. Doctors not only in
Australia, but in the US are thrilled at the prospect because later down the
line such treatments could mean patients wouldn't have to undergo
painstaking chemotherapy treatments.
The New York Times article said, "The EnGeneIC researchers said they had
conducted successful safety tests in a large number of monkeys and will
start safety trials in patients with all kinds of solid tumors in three
Melbourne hospitals next month. They said they had discussed licensing their
technology with large pharmaceutical companies and others."
However many doctors are still wary of promoting such treatments too soon as
many in the past have been ineffective on humans after positive trials on
animals. Still the best way to prevent cancers is to have proper
preventative screening methods which promote early detection, especially for
treatable (if caught early enough) cancers like colon cancer.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Peanut Butter and Heart Disease
Who would have thought the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches you ate as a child in elementary school could actually help ward off heart disease. Researchers say that eating peanuts and having peanut butter at least five days a week nearly halves the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. However, the researchers also said that people should be aware peanuts and nuts in general are high in calories. Which is why it is essential to limit the servings of peanuts per day.
The Daily Mail said of the study, "The nuts are thought to lower bad cholesterol, help reduce inflammation in the body and boost the health of blood vessels around the heart. In a report on their findings, published in the Journal of Nutrition, they said the risk was reduced by up to 44 per cent."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Heart Scan Bill Passed in Lone-Star State
Texas Governor Rick Perry signed off on a Texas Heart Attack Prevention Bill just last Friday, giving the industry a necessary boost in confidence and hopefully revenue. The initiative will mandate healthcare benefits and coverage for patients seeking out prevention screenings. Many cardiologists claim that early detection is key to preventing heart attacks and heart disease, which is why this bill is being praised a huge step forward for the heart scan industry.
The details of the legislation have been highlighted in TheHeart.org,
"The final wording of Act HB1290 stipulates that health-benefit providers cover the cost of CT coronary-artery-calcium (CAC) scans and carotid ultrasonography in men between the ages of 45 and 76 and women between the ages of 55 and 76, as well as anyone (at any age) who has diabetes or is deemed to be at intermediate risk or higher for developing CAD, as determined by the Framingham risk score. With the governor's blessing, the act is now poised to go into effect September 1, 2009."
In recent months there has been much opposition against virtual scanning methods. Medicare backed out of covering virtual colonoscopies and heart scans came under scrutiny as well. This will hopefully raise awareness for prevention and offer Texans a financial means to afford such procedures.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Putting in the Effort
Heart disease is still considered one of the leading killers globally. People are now putting in the added effort to lower their 'bad' cholesterol levels, which is generally known to induce cardiovascular disease. 10,000 people in 9 countries were examined and proved to have taken an active role in lowering their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in a number of different ways.
According to Forbes, "73 percent had reached their target level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) -- nearly double the number since the survey was first conducted in 1996-1997. Three-quarters of those surveyed were on a statin drug to lower cholesterol (for an average duration of about two years), while others either used different medications or made only lifestyle changes, such as improved exercise and nutrition regimens, to try to bring down their LDL levels, the researchers found."
Alongside taking added caution in cholesterol levels, such high risk patients are generally urged to get regular heart check-ups. Smokers, diabetics, obese people and those with family history are some of the highest risk candidates, especially when coupled with high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Canadians Take Top Honor
Heart disease deaths are significantly lower in Canada than many other countries. The numbers have dropped nearly one third over the last ten years. It is said that this drop has come due in part to better and more improved heart attack survival treatments, drugs and techniques. However, some would argue prevention tactics have also added to these figures.
Canadian Reuters said, "The decline is likely explained in part by better prevention and in part by better treatments," Dr. Jack V. Tu, a researcher at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto, told Reuters Health. Fewer Canadians are smoking now compared with a decade ago, Tu noted, and there is greater awareness of and better control of high blood pressure and high cholesterol."
Prevention methods like virtual heart scans are also touted as key elements to lowering death rates of cardiovascular disease, as they are noted for catching heart disease early on so treatment can be effective.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Colon Cancer and Genetics
Scientists and researchers say they are getting closer to possibly finding a genetic test that would diagnose colon cancer and who will require advanced colorectal cancer screening like virtual colonoscopies. The scientists believe they have found a genetic 'red-flag' that may indicate the likelihood of precancerous cells in its preliminary stages.
Forbes health report said of the findings, "The American Cancer Society estimates that 106,100 new cases of colon cancer and 40,870 cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Nearly 50,000 people are expected to die of the diseases this year. "The gene-based tests are based on the assumption that a tumor will shed cells into the stool," said Dr. Gad Rennert, who wrote a commentary on the study."
The study found colon cancer in nearly 53% of those who's stools were sampled. Doctors find these results promising because it may lead to cheaper more effective screening methods in the future, because genetic testing is generally less expensive than proper colonoscopies.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Socioeconomic Status and Heart Disease
For the first time a study has been released showing findings about socioeconomic status and heart disease. The model examined is about risk factors for heart disease associated with socioeconomic status, and the researchers say it should be considered when patients are being treated.
The United Press International said of the study, "The study, published in the American Heart Journal, finds the current model used to assess risk -- Framingham Risk Scoring -- underestimates the risk of death from cardiac disease, but this discrepancy is cleared up in the statistical analysis when income and education are added to the list of risk factors."
The researchers also noted that this is the first study of its kind. They define low socioeconomic status as a household who brings in at total of $27,000 combined salary. The study noted that there was higher risk of heart disease going untreated in such patients, as the monetary means and education levels were to their disadvantage.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Virtual Colonoscopy Being Heard Again
After Medicare opted out of paying for virtual colonoscopy procedures a few months ago, the industry seemed to have faded slightly. But now reports are coming out saying that the scans are still a viable option and wise choice for quick, easy colon check-ups and cancer prevention. Regardless of the screening method you choose, colon cancer is known to a treatable cancer if caught at it's early stages. For some traditional methods are chosen because they feel it is more comprehensive, while other patients prefer virtual screenings to eliminate the embarrassment and pain involved in traditional forms of removal.
Reuters reported saying, "Computed tomographic colonography has been shown to be better accepted than colonoscopy and has a negligible risk of serious adverse events; thus, it may help increase the low adherence reported for individuals who are candidates for screening, which is the main negative factor affecting its efficacy in reducing mortality from colorectal cancer," Regge's team wrote."
The decision for colon cancer screening should be based on the patients decision and physicians recommendation, because for some both economically and time-wise non-invasive procedures may be the best option, whereas other more high-risk patients prefer the old-fashioned way to check the colon even more in depth.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Psoriasis and Heart Disease
A recent study suggests that people suffering from psoriasis are said to have increased chance of developing heart disease. The research shows that psoriasis has the same adverse affects as significant heart disease inducers like obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. The skin disease affects roughly 2 to 3 percent of the world's population, which is estimated to be about 7 million Americans.
According to a Forbes health report, "The risk appears to stem from the chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis, he explained."This systemic inflammation causes damage to blood vessels, leading to increased risk," he said. The medical lesson of the study is that "it is critical for people who have psoriasis to understand their increased risk and have their other risk factors addressed," he said."
For those of you suffering from psoriasis, alongside going to your dermatologist for treatment, it may be a wise choice to visit a cardiologist and have regular heart scans as the risks for heart disease development seem to be quite high.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Hepatitis C and Heart Disease
A recent study published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal has found a link between Hepatitis C and increased cardiovascular disease rates. In general some infectious diseases have been known to induce heart disease in patients later in life, but this is the largest study around Hepatitis C.
Aidsmap news online said, "However, it is biologically plausible that hepatitis C may increase the risk of disease such as heart attack and stoke as hepatitis steatosis (fatty liver), a common complication of hepatitis C infection, has been associated with increased levels of inflammation and metabolic syndrome."
Interestingly enough the study showed evidence that the patients who developed cardiovascular disease after having Hepatitis C did not have the common causes of heart disease like: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and family history. This is why the researchers believe they need to further study the link between infectious diseases and heart disease to ascertain specifically why heart ailments develop.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Heart Disease and Smoking
We all know the saga surrounding smoking and health issues, the obvious of course being lung cancer and emphysema. But not everyone knows about the other health ailments associated with smoking: heart disease. One of the leading killers of men and women worldwide is heart disease, a problem that if lifestyle permits is quite preventable and treatable.
Science Daily said of the smoking and heart disease findings, "The study, which will be presented June 11 at The Endocrine Society's 91st annual meeting in Washington, D.C., found that nicotine in cigarettes promotes insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic condition that raises blood sugar levels higher than normal. People with pre-diabetes are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that smokers who are pre-diabetic have blood glucose levels higher than normal, but not high enough for diabetes, a known risk factor for heart disease."
The same researchers who will be presenting the findings this week believe that in the near future a drug will be made to reduce or eliminate the dangers of nicotine. Until then of course high risk heart disease patients like smokers, the obese, diabetics and those with family history should consider getting scans regularly to prevent and detect any early signs of cardiovascular disease.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Chemicals from Plastic may Induce Heart Problems
Bisphenol A (BPA) the chemical found in clear plastic bottles may be linked to causing heart problems in women. The issues that researchers have found are arrhythmia and irregular heartbeat, especially heightened among women who are generally more susceptible to cardiac issues than their male counterparts.
A Forbes health report said, "Researchers for one of the studies to be presented this week concluded that estrogen and BPA cause heartbeat irregularities in heart cells isolated from rats and mice."Basically, it's very clear that BPA is acting like estrogen," said study co-author Scott Belcher, an associate professor of pharmacology at the University of Cincinnati. "If we give estrogen at physiological concentrations, then add BPA, it's actually a synergistic effect. It's not like adding the two together. It's worse."
Millions of pounds of BPA are used in products all over the world, many of which are in common materials we use daily. High risk patients like those with family history, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol are urged to get scanned and regularly checked, and it seems that women should also be getting heart scans and check-ups.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Colon Cancer Down Under
Colon cancer is coming to Australia, and no not like the Swine Flu. In fact 'bowel cancer' as the Aussies prefer to call it, is being publicized around Sydney. Physicians in Sydney are hoping to raise awareness and even a bit of fear among Sydney-siders and a nation that is generally quite passe and breeds 'no worries.' A local doctor is bringing colon cancer to the limelight by setting up a display in the heart of city highlighting the dangers of colon cancer.
News.com.au (Daily Telegraph) said, "Prof Newstead spoke on Tuesday at an event in Sydney's CBD, where a giant inflatable colon allowing people to walk through and see the cancer's "polyp" warning signs. Prof Newstead is calling on Australians aged over 50 to speak to their GP about having a test for bowel cancer, while those with a family history of the disease should do so from 40. It is estimated two Australian deaths from bowel cancer could be prevented each day if those in at-risk groups were screened every two years."
Nearly 14,000 Australians are diagnosed with colon cancer each year, and a large percentage actually die from it. Professor Newstead is hoping to alarm his fellow countrymen and also show them how they can prevent it, and call for early detection, which generally dramatically increases chances of survival.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Fast Food and Colon Cancer
Fast food is being blamed for an increase in colon cancer among younger demographics. Traditionally, colon cancer has been a disease of the fiftysomethings, but research shows that patients under 50 are seeing a rise in numbers. A diet of too much may be the culprit of such alarming news as well.
The Sydney Morning Herald had an article on the figures, "However the study, published by the American Cancer Society yesterday, found incidence rates of colorectal cancer in those aged 20 to 49 increased 1.5 per cent a year in men and 1.6 per cent a year in women between 1992 and 2005. The researchers said rising levels of obesity, and changes in diet towards more fast food, red and processed meat, and less milk over the past three decades might have contributed to the increase in colorectal cancer among young adults observed in the study."
Similarly physicians and researchers believe alcohol plays a role in the stats as well. Younger people generally consume more alcohol on a regular basis. Alcohol consumption coupled with poor eating habits may be some of the primary causes for the cancer. Lifestyle, exercise, eating and early detection are key to preventing colorectal cancer, it is a common disease, but it is considered one of the most treatable if caught early enough.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Diabetes and Heart Disease
Cardiologists are finding that type 2 diabetes patients with heart disease have better chances of treatment from medicine as opposed to invasive heart surgery. Compliance and consistency with heart medications is also key to preventing heart attacks and stroke in such patients. Generally Type 2 Diabetes patients have serious risk of developing such ailments, and are considered high-risk. Such high risk patients according to physicians should get regular heart scans for early detection and prevention methods.
USA Today said, "It's the first time any randomized clinical trial has shown a reduction in non-fatal heart attack rates in stable patients with diabetes and heart disease," says cardiologist Robert Frye, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic and a study chairman. "The study reinforces that for people with diabetes and mild heart disease, medical therapy works, and works very well," Zonzsein says."
Friday, June 05, 2009
AIDS and Heart Disease
Recent studies have shown a link between the AIDS virus and cardiovascular
disease. In fact the research shows as significant of a link as diabetes,
obesity and family history have on developing heart disease. Hardening and
thickening carotid arteries ultimately leads many HIV and AIDS patients with
serious chances of heart attack and stroke. Physicians are recommending
that such patients be treated as high risk patients, who require testing,
scanning and preventative medications like cholesterol lowering pills.
Bloomberg said, "Ultrasound imaging studies of 433 people infected with the
human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, found more hardening and thickening in
the carotid artery, compared with those not infected, said Carl Grunfeld,
professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco and
an endocrinologist at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. At least 1
million people with HIV and many more in the developing world need to start
thinking about their heart," Grunfeld said in a telephone interview."
The study appeared today in the journal AIDS, which also mentioned that over
1.1 million people in the US have HIV, so it's vital that such studies are
taken seriously and have further research and investigation done on them.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Hormone Therapies and Lung Cancer
Researchers have found a link between female hormone therapies and increased
risks of lung cancer. Post-menopausal women and those going through
menopause generally take hormone's to ease the hot flashes and struggles
associated with menopause.
WebMD said, "New findings from the landmark Women's Health Initiative study
show that women with non-small cell lung cancer are 59% more likely to die
from the disease if they take combined estrogen and progestin. The risk was
particularly high for smokers: There was one avoidable death from non-small
cell lung cancer for every 100 women who both smoked and took hormone
therapy over eight years, the study showed."
Lung cancer has always been considered one of the most fatal cancers,
however doctors have urged high-risk patients (smokers especially) to get
checked via virtual scans regularly with hopes of early detection and
prevention. This may mean that post-menopausal women who took hormone
therapies should also get checked.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Avastin Struggles
Avastin the so-called colon cancer wonder drug may be in for a blow as
studies show the drug has not effectively treated post-surgery patients from
getting colon cancer. The drug completely wore off right as patients
stopped taking it. Researchers were thrilled at the prospects of Avastin a
few months ago, as trials showed hope for patients in their early stages of
cancer treatment, however the recent results are not as good as they had
initially hoped.
Reuters reported, "The trial was designed to show whether use of Avastin
plus chemotherapy for six months, followed by six months of Avastin alone,
results in more patients being cancer free after three years compared with
just treating them with chemotherapy. "As patients come off treatment, the
events come back," Bishop said. "The one-year duration of treatment was
insufficient to derive clinical benefit."
The findings have been presented at the American Society of Clinical
Oncology where more research will also be presented about the new trials.
Avastin is known to cost over $4,000 so now physicians are still encouraging
the use of preventative measures like virtual colonoscopies for early
detection of colorectal cancer.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Wine Worries
Studies show that colorectal cancer risks are increased with daily alcohol
intake. For those of you wino's who are health conscious you may want to
take note of these recent developments. Generally physicians have
associated high risk candidates as smokers, high consumption of red meat,
people with diabetes and a family history of the cancer. Colon cancer
claims the lives of tens of thousands of people annually and is considered
one of the most treatable cancers if caught early enough.
Sydney Morning Herald said, "But for alcohol we found that the risk was 60
per cent, and what's classified as the highest intake isn't very much." Dr.
Huxley said many Australians would be shocked to learn that having more than
one alcoholic drink daily - or more than seven across a week - was shown to
significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer."
It seems as if the link is strong between alcohol and colon cancer, so for
those of you foodies who enjoy the pleasure of your pallet with wine, it may
be a wise choice to keep an eye on your colon health with virtual
colonoscopies.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Tomato Pill Perks
Researchers are saying that a tomato supplement pill may be able to ward off
heart disease. Ateronon, the tomato pill, is said to block out 'bad
cholesterol' LDL from the arteries - which is a key instigator of heart
attacks and strokes. Researchers however warned patients at high risk of
heart disease and those currently on medications for high cholesterol or
blood pressure to continue as advised by their physicians because these
findings are still at the early stages. The prelimary results have a
promising prospect, however much more research and experimentation is
required.
BBC News reported on the pill saying, "Professor Anthony Leeds, trustee of
the cholesterol charity Heart UK, said: "The new lycopene product Ateronon
represents an entirely new approach to the treatment of high blood
cholesterol and opens up the exciting possibility." He said the preliminary
findings were "very promising".
It is vital that high-risk patients maintain their regular regiment of
eating healthy, excericse, taking their medications while also getting
regular yearly heart scans to prevent from blocked arteries and heart
attacks.
