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Clinical trials rate coronary magnetic resonance angiography as equal to X-ray angiography

A clinical trial of 109 patients found that coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) accurately diagnosed coronary artery disease with an accuracy rate of 72% and specificity of 87%. The non-invasive test eliminates radiation exposure, infection risk, and hospital stay time, making it a promising diagnostic tool.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 26, 2001

Smoking increases likelihood of impotency

A study by Northwestern University researchers found that men who smoke are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction due to the negative effects of smoking on blood vessels. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in former smokers was similar to that of never-smokers, highlighting the long-term risks of tobacco use.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 3, 2001

UCSF researchers study effectiveness of integrating medical care with addiction treatment

A UCSF study found that patients with substance abuse-related medical conditions benefit from integrated medical and addiction treatment, leading to improved abstinence rates and reduced inpatient use. The two-year study showed no significant differences in total abstinence rates between the integrated and independent care groups.

Arteries in children of premature heart-attack victims show stiffening, thickening at an early age

Researchers found that children with a parent who had a premature heart attack showed structural and functional abnormalities in their arteries as young as 6 years old. These changes included thickened vessel walls and decreased reactivity, which can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 19, 2000

Elderly smokers also benefit from quitting

A recent study review suggests that elderly smokers who quit can significantly reduce their risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and coronary artery disease. Additionally, quitting at an older age can still lead to improved life expectancy and a lower risk of smoking-induced mortality.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateAug 29, 2000

How safe is the wait?

Patients awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Ontario face higher mortality risk compared to the general population. However, a new study found that those on the waitlist may actually have similar or decreased vital risk when compared to patients living with coronary artery disease.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 20, 2000

Lowering 'bad' cholesterol as good or better than angioplasty for mild coronary artery disease

The study found that aggressively lowering 'bad' cholesterol with atorvastatin reduced ischemic events by 36% compared to balloon angioplasty, delaying cardiac events in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Researchers concluded that this therapy is a safe and effective initial strategy for reducing ischemic events.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 7, 1999

HbA1 Predicts Coronary Artery Disease In Female But Not Male Type 1 Diabetics, Says University Of Pittsburgh Researcher

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that HbA1 levels predict mortality from coronary artery disease in women with Type 1 diabetes. However, this association was not seen in men with the same condition. The study analyzed data from over 600 subjects and suggests a gender-specific link between hyperglycemia and CAD risk.

UCSF Study Finds Men And Women Express Similar Willingness To Undergo Invasive Cardiac Procedures

A new UCSF study reveals that women are as likely as men to agree to a doctor's recommendation for an invasive cardiac procedure after testing positive for heart disease. The study also found that men and women reported similar willingness to accept recommendations for coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 9, 1999

Life In Womb Determines Adult Health

A lifetime of poor health can start with conditions in the womb, according to Cornell University researcher Peter W. Nathanielsz. He argues that adults may suffer diseases due to incompletely formed organs during vulnerable periods of development. The book emphasizes the importance of prenatal care and nutrition for future generations.