RSS Feeds

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Nanotechnology

Cancer

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

Respiratory infections linked to increased heart attacks and strokes

December 06, 2007

A new study, which appears today in the online edition of the European Heart Journal, has found strong evidence that recent respiratory infections increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, both of which are more common in the winter.

It has for some years been recognised, using information from death certificates, that there is an excess of deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke during the winter months, over and above those directly attributable to deaths from respiratory disease. More direct evidence has been necessary.

The authors of this study applied to the British Heart Foundation for funding to enable them to undertake further research to confirm or refute the findings of previous studies based on information from general practice which showed that respiratory infections were a strong risk factor for stroke.

The group, led by Tim Clayton and Tom Meade of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine's Medical Statistics Unit, carried out a clinical case-control study in a general practice database, the IMS Disease Analyzer Mediplus database (IMS), which is used widely in epidemiological research. It contains details of some two million patients registered with approximately 500 GPs.

They found a doubling of risk of both heart attack and stroke in the week following respiratory infection, which reduced over time so that there was little excess risk beyond one month. Risk did not depend on age or gender and for heart attack was seen at every level of preceding risk, whether this had been low or high. There was also some evidence of an association between recent urinary tract infection and subsequent heart attack or stroke.

The researchers say that the benefit of reducing respiratory infection, either through ensuring high immunisation rates or by treating and preventing infection, may be substantial.

Tim Clayton comments: 'These data add to the growing body of evidence linking respiratory infection with subsequent risk of cardiovascular events. However the absolute risk of such an event to an individual with respiratory infection remains low'.

Dr. Mike Knapton, Director of Prevention and Care at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the study, says: 'We recommend that anyone with heart disease has the flu jab. Influenza is a serious infection, particularly in patients with heart disease such as heart failure, and it could even trigger a heart attack.

''Flu is a potential killer and heart patients are offered the flu jab for free, no matter what their age. We strongly recommend they take up the offer to give themselves protection against the flu'.

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Related Respiratory Infection Current Events and Respiratory Infection News Articles

Respiratory Infection Current Events and Respiratory Infection News RSS

CWRU research finds first oral bacteria linking a mother and her stillborn baby
Yiping Han, a researcher from Department of Periodontics at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, reports the first documented link between a mother with pregnancy-associated gum disease to the death of her fetus.

Aggressive infection control protects cancer patients from acquiring H1N1 influenza
Despite a 100-fold increase in H1N1 influenza cases in the Seattle area during spring 2009, an aggressive infection control program to protect immunocompromised cancer patients and thorough screening measures resulted in no corresponding increase in H1N1 cases among the total patient population at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, according to a new study by researchers and physicians at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the SCCA.

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."

MedImmune to present data on RSV and influenza at 2009 AAP National Conference and Exhibition
MedImmune announced today it will present four abstracts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2009 National Conference & Exhibition that add to the company's growing body of research on the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on children, as well as pediatric infectious disease prevention.

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis have increased incidence of other chronic illnesses
Patients who suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) also tend to suffer from other chronic illnesses, like asthma, hypertension, and arthritis.

Low birth weight linked to long-term respiratory problems
Infants who weigh less than five and a half pounds at birth often enter the world with a host of medical complications, including respiratory problems.

UTSA infectious disease researchers advancing vaccine against Valley fever
Medical mycologists in The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID) and the Department of Biology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) have significantly advanced the fight against San Joaquin Valley Fever, a respiratory infection of humans, commonly called Valley Fever, which is caused by the Coccidioides fungus.

Sodium channel blocker shows promise as a potential treatment for cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis patients may benefit from a new therapy that increases airway hydration, preventing the buildup of mucous, which is a key factor in the disease, according to researchers at Parion Sciences in Durham, N.C.

MedImmune presents new data showing burden of RSV disease
MedImmune today announced results from a recent study it sponsored, performed by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, CA, assessing risk factors for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection requiring medical treatment in infants born at 33 weeks gestational age [GA] or later.

Gene Associated with Reduced Mortality from Acute Lung Injury
Researchers at National Jewish Health and the University of Colorado Denver have discovered a gene that is associated with improved survival among patients with acute lung injury.

More Respiratory Infection Current Events and Respiratory Infection News Articles

	Management of Respiratory Tract Infections by John G Bartlett (Author) Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD. Pocket guide provides a quick reference to diagnosing and treating infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Includes current information on effective antibiotic therapy, sinusitis, and pneumonia. Previous edition: c1999. Softcover. DNLM: Respiratory Tract Infections.
	Treat Ear and Respiratory Infections Without Antibiotics Starring: Dr. Mary Ann Block Directed By: Joan Anderson In this unique video, Dr. Mary Ann Block demonstrates gentle techniques based on the century-old philosophy of osteopathic medicine which she taught in medical school. This technique helps to drain ears and upper respiratory tract and boost the immune system without antibiotics. Dr. Block explains, in easy to understand terms, what you can do at home to treat and help prevent future infections. In this video you will learn: the underlying causes of chronic ear and respiratory infections, effective treatments you can do at home, powerful techniques Dr. Block taught to students in medical school, how to help prevent recurring infections, ways to help stay healthy and support the immune system, and how to stop the vicious cycle of: infections, antibiotics, immune system suppression, more...
	Petalive Respo-K (125 Tablets) - Natural Remedy For Pet Colds, Congestion, Sneezing And Respiratory Infections by Petalive Respo-K is a safe, non-addictive 100% natural homeopathic remedy registered with the FDA and formulated especially for pets to improve respiratory health and strengthen immunity to help prevent the recurrence of secondary infections of the sinuses or lungs. Presented in convenient tablet form, Respo-K can be crushed, sprinkled on the tongue, or taken whole, and is easy to administer without fussing or fighting.
	PetAlive KC-Defense for Pet's Kennel Cough and Respiratory Infections by PetAlive Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that often affects animals that are kept in a confined space such as boarding kennels, dog shows or veterinary hospitals. Symptoms include a persistent dry hacking cough or bouts of deep harsh coughing often followed by gagging, which may produce a foamy mucus. As part of a holistic approach to treating your pet, natural remedies can help to build and strengthen your pet's immune system, encourage the elimination of toxins and generally improve the overall health of your animal. Natural remedies can also help to relieve specific symptoms such as upper respiratory infections and coughs without the accompanying toxin build-up caused by conventional treatments. Use PetAlive KC-Defense in the treatment of acute Kennel Cough and...
	PetAlive Respo-K Tablets, 125-Count Bottle by PetAlive PetAlive Respo-K is for the acute treatment of colds and respiratory infections in pets and to reduce symptoms of sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and nose; decrease recovery time from respiratory infections; strengthen your pet's immune system and prevent recurrence and prevent secondary infections of the sinuses or lungs. Natural remedies can help to safely reduce your pet¿s unpleasant symptoms during an upper respiratory tract infection, cut recovery time and also strengthen the immune system to prevent recurring infection.
	Treat Ear and Respiratory Infections WITHOUT Antibiotics! [VHS] Starring: Dr. Mary Ann Block, Joan Anderson Directed By: Joan Anderson
	Respiratory Infections (A Hodder Arnold Publication) by Antoni Torres (Author), Santiago Ewig (Author), Lionel Mandell (Author), Mark Woodhead (Author) The aim of the volume is to provide an authoritative and international treatise bringing together current knowledge in the field of respiratory infection. The book will be organised by presentation rather than causative organism, a differentiating feature from the existing competition, and will be divided into four parts -- 'General Issues', 'Community-acquired Infections', 'Nosocomial Infections' and 'Respiratory Infection in Immunocompromised Patients'. Each chapter will conclude with a summary highlighting practical 'take-home' messages regarding patient management for the reader. It will be highly illustrated, including colour plates where appropriate. The principal market will be pulmonologists with a specialist interest in this area and infectious disease specialists, but that the...
	3M 1860 Health Care N95 Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask, Standard, Box of 20 by 3M Features of the 3M Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask: Designed to help provide respiratory protection for the wearer. Has a filter efficiency level of 95% or greater against particulate aerosols free of oil. Fluid resistant - aids in reducing the potential exposure of the wearer to blood and other body fluids. Adjustable noseclip, braided headbands, and soft nose foam. Disposable. May be worn in surgery. Can fit a wide range of face sizes. This product meets CDC guidelines for Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure control. As a respirator, it is intended to reduce wearer exposure to certain airborne particles including those generated by electrocautery, laser surgery, and other powered medical instruments. As a surgical mask, it is designed to be fluid resistant to...
	No More Amoxicillin: Preventing and Treating Ear and Respiratory Infections Without Antibiotics by Mary Ann Ann Block (Author) This revolutionary book shows why Amoxicillin--one of the most overprescribed drugs of our time--can jeopardize a child's health, and why common ear and respiratory infections can and should be treated through safer and more effective means.
	Scout Out 8 oz Ear Infection, Colds, Flu, Coughing, Respiratory, Bronchitis, Repiratory, Fever, Congestion. Child Safe. by Trilight,Inc. Alcohol free.This is one of our Cherokee Heritage formulas and a BIG seller. In his Cherokee Heritage line, he called it "Antibiotic Tonic". We like to think of it as an antibiotic alternative. This powerful formula contains many herbs that strongly support immune function. It is a favorite among many (our family included) for chronic infections or deeper stages of colds and flu. If you have product questions we can be reached by calling 530-292-1236 from 9-3:30 PST M-TH. Lyle's Note:This is the one I take when I admit that I'm SICK! Take it for about 3 days past when your feeling better. Drop all dairy and sugars while your getting well. Herbs are processed in Trilight's CA FDA approved facility, a licensed Organic food handler. Complete list of...