Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Environmental stress probed in cardiovascular disease, diabetes

Environmental stress probed in cardiovascular disease, diabetes

September 06, 2007

How environmental stress contributes to cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes is under study at the Medical College of Georgia.

The study, which follows 523 pairs of twins, is funded by a $1.7 million continuation grant from the National Institutes of Health.




"Cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes and their co-morbidity pose an important health challenge to the United States," says Dr. Frank Treiber, vice president for research and principal investigator on the study. "What we're looking at are environmental issues and the role they play in causing these diseases. It's often the combination of genetic and environmental risk factors that is driving the development of these diseases."

Researchers have long thought that environmental stress factors - things like family dysfunction, low socioeconomic status and discrimination - play an important role in cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes, but little is known about physiological factors that link stress to the diseases' development.

"How those factors are related to physiological changes that then cause the development of subclinical disease is unknown at this point," Dr. Treiber says. "A twin study allows you to tease out the genetic contributions by comparing identical and fraternal twins."

MCG researchers have been studying the twin sets since 1997. When they started the study, their average age was 10; they will be 19, on average, as they start the new study.

By comparing identical twins, who share the same genetic material, to fraternal twins, who are, on average, like other siblings in terms of the genetic material they share, researchers can determine whether risk factors such as high blood pressure and insulin levels are due to genetics or environmental factors.

They believe the cumulative impact of stressful environments will predict cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.

Researchers will evaluate them two more times over the next four years, asking about stress factors, including their living environments and how they cope with stress.

"The twin design allows you to assess whether they are experiencing the same environmental factors now as when they were younger and in the same household," Dr. Treiber says. "Early in life, children tend to model their parents' behavior in how they cope with stress and perceive the world. As they've gotten older, they've been exposed to different things, different environments. By comparing them and determining whether they've developed early signs of these diseases, we can tell how much is attributable to genetics and how much is environmental stress."

Past phases of the study have revealed that among both the black and white twins, genetics account for about half of the differences in blood pressure and reactions to stress.

With the current phase, researchers also hope to find out whether the black twins, whose race tends to develop hypertension earlier and more often than whites, are more impacted by stress. One theory is that blacks have a higher risk of stress due to things such as discrimination, unfair treatment and unsafe neighborhoods.

"The value of the longitudinal study is that we'll be able to look at the changes over time," Dr. Treiber says. "Not only the physical changes as they mature, but also the changes in their social and emotional development."

"We have a greater chance to intervene and alter environmental factors, for example by teaching people how to better deal with stress," says Dr. Harold Snieder, MCG adjunct professor of pediatrics, chair of the Genetic Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, and a co-investigator on the study.

Medical College of Georgia



Related Cardiovascular Disease Current Events and Cardiovascular Disease News Articles Cardiovascular Disease Current Events and Cardiovascular Disease News RSS Cardiovascular Disease Current Events and Cardiovascular Disease News RSS
Menopause-cardiology consensus statement on cardiovascular disease and on HRT
A menopause-cardiology consensus statement has called for direct action to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in menopausal women. The statement also concludes that there is little evidence of increased CVD risk in taking HRT.

University of Minnesota invention will help speed development of drug treatments for heart failure
Research conducted by University of Minnesota scientists, in collaboration with Celladon Corporation, has led to the invention of technology to more rapidly identify compounds for the treatment of heart failure.

Multiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive
A string of recent discoveries about the multiple health benefits of vitamin D has renewed interest in this multi-purpose nutrient, increased awareness of the huge numbers of people who are deficient in it, spurred research and even led to an appreciation of it as "nature's antibiotic."

Possible Link Studied Between Childhood Abuse and Early Cellular Aging
Children who suffer physical or emotional abuse may be faced with accelerated cellular aging as adults, according to new research from Butler Hospital and Brown University.

ESC to give talks on Diabetes in three cities in China
As a result of successful events organised last year, a second Joint Scientific Forum, organised by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), two of the most respected professional medical organisations in Europe, will be held from 27-29 November at three venues across China - Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Genetic analysis helps dissect molecular basis of cardiovascular disease
Using highly precise measurements of plasma lipoprotein concentrations determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), researchers led by Daniel Chasman at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, the Framingham Heart Study in Framingham, and the PROCARDIS consortium in Stockholm, Sweden and Oxford, England performed genetic association analysis across the whole genome among 17,296 women of European ancestry from the Women's Genome Health Study.

Night Beat, Overtime and a Disrupted Sleep Pattern Can Harm Officers' Health
A police officer who works the night shift, typically from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., already is at a disadvantage when it comes to getting a good "night's" sleep.

At-risk college students reduce HBP, anxiety, depression through Transcendental Meditation
The Transcendental Meditation technique may be an effective method to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and anger among at-risk college students, according to a new study to be published in the American Journal of Hypertension, December 2009.

Fat collections linked to decreased heart function
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown that fat collection in different body locations, such as around the heart and the aorta and within the liver, are associated with certain decreased heart functions.

Thoughtful words help couples stay fighting fit
Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system.
More Cardiovascular Disease Current Events and Cardiovascular Disease News Articles
Reverse Heart Disease Now: Stop Deadly Cardiovascular Plaque Before It's Too Late

Reverse Heart Disease Now: Stop Deadly Cardiovascular Plaque Before It's Too Late
by Sinatra (Author), James C. Roberts M.D. (Author), Martin Zucker (Contributor)

While most books focus solely on the role of cholesterol in heart disease, Reverse Heart Disease Now draws on new research that points to the surprising other causes. Two leading cardiologists draw on their collective fifty years of clinical cardiology research to show you how to combine the benefits of modern medicine, over-the-counter vitamins and supplements, and simple lifestyle changes to have a healthy heart.

Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, Single Volume (Heart Disease (Braunwald) (Single Vol))

Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, Single Volume (Heart Disease (Braunwald) (Single Vol))
by Peter Libby MD (Author), Robert O. Bonow MD (Author), Douglas L. Mann MD FACC (Author), Douglas P. Zipes MD (Author)

Dr. Braunwald's masterwork returns ... bringing you the definitive guidance you need to overcome any challenge in clinical cardiology today, using the best approaches available! Hundreds of world authorities, many of them new to this edition, synthesize all of the recent developments that are revolutionizing practice - from the newest findings in molecular biology and genetics to the latest imaging modalities, interventional procedures, and medications. The expertise of the book's contributors, the scope of its coverage, and its richly illustrated, user-friendly format all make this the ultimate reference for the practicing cardiologist.

Locate the answers you need fast, thanks to a user-friendly, full-color design, complete with more than 1,500 color illustrations.Glean clinically...

  Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases
by Elsevier Masson Sas



Understanding Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Cardiovascular disease kills more American women than all forms of cancer combined, yet the perception remains that cardiovascular disease is a greater threat to men's health. This program focuses on the risks women face with cardiovascular disease, ways of reducing these risks, as well as new wide-ranging treatments for heart disease. Dr. Robert Robbins, MD, and Dr. Marcia Stefanick, Ph.D, deliver cutting-edge information on the state of research, the newest studies, and the latest treatments for cardiovascular disease in women. Dr. Robbins is the Director of the Stanford Institute for Cardiovascular Medicine. The Institute fosters and expands upon ongoing research, from the genetics and development of cardiovascular diseases to novel techniques for transplantation and restoring...

  Cardiovascular Disease:Introduction [VHS]
Starring: Informed



Lww Cardiovascular Disease 2nd Edition Anatomical Chart Laminated-9915PL1.5

Lww Cardiovascular Disease 2nd Edition Anatomical Chart Laminated-9915PL1.5
by Anatomical Chart Company

Lww Cardiovascular Disease 2nd Edition Anatomical Chart Laminated, This Second Edition of the Anatomical Chart Company's Cardiovascular Disease chart includes a complete update of the images and some new diseases. The chart illustrates the cardiac cycle, conduction system, and electrocardiogram (ECG) and shows anterior, posterior, and cutaway view of the heart as well as the location of coronary arteries. It also illustrates and explains the following diseases: coronary heart disease, polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), Kawasaki's disease, angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), cerebrovascular accident (stroke), aortic aneurysm, left ventricular hypertrophy, and congestive heart failure.

Botanic Choice Hearty Heart Bottle (Pack of 2)

Botanic Choice Hearty Heart Bottle (Pack of 2)
by Botanic Choice

If you're looking for a comprehensive heart formula, look no further than Hearty Heart. This exclusive formula contains eight highly researched, well-documented, heart-supporting nutrients including policosanol, odor-controlled garlic, folic acid, CoQ-10 and more, for superior heart health. One easy-to-swallow daily capsule provides: Cayenne Pepper Powder 100 mg. - Contains free radical scavengers to help preserve the strength of arterial walls. Policosanol 10 mg. - Supports normal cholesterol already within the normal range. PureGarĀ® Odor-Controlled Garlic 200 mg. - Helps maintain cholesterol and blood pressure already within the normal range. (min of 10,000 ppm allicin potential) Vitamin E 100 IU. - Guards against free radical damage. Folic Acid 600 mcg. - Helps...

Gary Null's Overcoming Cardiovascular Disease Naturally

Gary Null's Overcoming Cardiovascular Disease Naturally
Starring: Ph.D. Gary Null
Also With: Roland Marconi (Editor)

Cardiovascular disease is not only preventable, but can be reversed and even eliminated. Find out from experts in the fields of Eastern and Western Medicine, as well as practitioners of natural healing how non-invasive therapies are used in the prevention and treatment of our nation's most deadly disease.

Cardiovascular Disease Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad

Cardiovascular Disease Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad
by MyHeritageWear.com

The Cardiovascular Disease Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Cardiovascular Disease Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Cardiovascular Disease Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness!

  Cardiovascular Disease and Women
by SportsWorkout.com

Research indicates that women have unique signs and symptoms for heart disease and suggests that they may also have different risk factors for heart disease. Cardiovascular Disease and Women reviews the key factors concerning women and heart disease, incl

© 2009 BrightSurf.com