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Waiting for essential diagnostic tests

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients waiting for cardiac catheterization experienced a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. The study documented 109 cases of major cardiac events among 8030 patients, resulting in 50 deaths during a median wait time of 27 days.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 25, 2002

Statins benefit older people

A recent study found that pravastatin treatment reduced coronary death, non-fatal heart attack, and fatal or non-fatal stroke by 15% in adults aged 70-82. The benefits were most pronounced for reducing death from heart disease, with a nearly 25% relative risk reduction.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 21, 2002

Healthy diet index study discloses dramatic reductions in chronic disease risk

Researchers analyzed data from two large studies and found that individuals with the highest adherence to dietary guidelines had significantly lower risks of chronic diseases. Men in the highest-scoring quintile of the AHEI had a 20% reduced risk of developing major chronic disease, while women had an 11% reduced risk.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 21, 2002

Breakthrough in hormonal breast cancer therapy

Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has been shown to be more effective than tamoxifen in reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence, hot flushes, and thromboembolic events. The treatment also reduces the incidence of endometrial abnormalities and vaginal bleeding, providing a significant benefit for postmenopausal women with early...

Good news about oral contraceptives

A new study of over 10,000 women nationwide found no increased risk of breast cancer from taking birth control pills. Meanwhile, similar studies suggest oral contraceptives may reduce the risks of uterine and ovarian cancers by as much as 40%.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 26, 2002

More good news on the health benefits of almonds

Six studies presented at the 2002 Experimental Biology conference support almonds' role in lowering 'bad' cholesterol and protecting against cell damage. Eating a handful of almonds daily may significantly reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels, and even lower risk of heart disease by up to 10%.

Nicorandil could improve outcome for angina patients

A randomized trial found that nicorandil reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with stable angina, including deaths due to coronary heart disease and non-fatal heart attacks. The study showed a significant reduction in acute coronary syndromes and all cardiovascular events compared to the placebo group.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 11, 2002

Support for colorectal cancer screening

A UK trial suggests that flexible sigmoidoscopy is a suitable tool for population screening of colorectal cancer, with high attendance rates and low perforation risks compared to colonoscopy. The study's findings highlight the need for tailored approaches to screening, taking into account individual risk factors and efficiency.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 11, 2002

Abstaining smokers fare better after surgery

A study found that preoperative smoking intervention significantly reduces postoperative complications in patients undergoing hip and knee replacement. Smoking cessation or reduction leads to fewer wound-related and cardiovascular complications, with a significant decrease in hospital stay duration.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2002

Hormone progestin protects against ovarian cancer

A study led by Joellen Schildkraut at Duke University Medical Center found that oral contraceptives with higher levels of progestin may be more protective against ovarian cancer than those with lower progestin potency. Higher progestin levels were associated with a significant reduction in risk, even for short periods of use.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 1, 2002

Mayo Clinic study finds prophylactic mastectomy reduces breast cancer risk in highest-risk group of women — carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

A Mayo Clinic study found that prophylactic mastectomy reduced the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations by 89.5% to 100%. The study followed 26 high-risk women for 13.4 years without developing breast cancer, despite predicted risks of 6-9 cases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 6, 2001

Success of HIV therapy may discourage safe sex

A recent study found that men who believe in the effectiveness of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in preventing HIV transmission are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. The study suggests that behavioral interventions targeting these men are needed to promote safe sex practices.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateNov 2, 2001

Researchers find that sustained-release fluoride significantly reduces risk for vertebral fractures

A 42-month study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that sustained-release sodium fluoride safely reduces the risk for vertebral fractures and increases spinal bone mass in older women with osteoporosis. The treatment combination also reduced bone resorption when adequate calcium and vitamin D were provided.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 24, 2001

Pregnant women should take extra precautions to protect their fetuses while driving or riding in cars, say researchers at the University Of Pittsburgh’s Center For Injury Research And Control

Researchers found motor vehicle crashes cause 82% of traumatic fetal deaths, with young mothers aged 15-19 at highest risk. The study suggests incorporating fetal deaths into data systems and conducting prevention research to reduce crash risks.

Physical activity over a lifetime could reduce risk of breast cancer

Research suggests that lifetime physical activity can significantly reduce breast cancer risk, particularly among women engaging in moderate-intensity occupational and household activities. The study found that vigorous activity had little impact on risk reduction, highlighting the importance of frequency and duration of total activity.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 27, 2001

Newborn lung treatment poses risk of intestinal perforation

A new study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that early postnatal doses of dexamethasone may increase the risk of intestinal perforation in extremely low birth weight infants. The treatment was not shown to prevent chronic lung disease or improve survival rates.