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A new zest for life

Research shows that treating subclinical hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone improves symptoms, cholesterol levels, and reduces heart disease risk. Patients experience increased energy, weight loss, and improved quality of life.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 29, 2007

New insights into chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis

A study of coronary artery surgery survivors found that patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus had more chronic inflammatory cell infiltration in their aortic walls. Smoking was also independently associated with increased inflammation, particularly in the inner adventitia.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMay 25, 2007

'Bigger the baby, the better' axiom is incorrect

A recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the relationship between birth weight and future heart disease risk is not as strong as previously thought. The research suggests that other risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, have a greater impact on heart health.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 17, 2007

Unfair treatment boosts heart attack risk

A study of over 8,000 British government workers found that unfair treatment increased the risk of a heart attack or angina, with those in the highest category being 55% more likely to have serious heart disease. Women and lower-income individuals were also disproportionately affected.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMay 14, 2007

Having elevated risk factors in young adulthood raises risk of coronary calcium later on

A new study by NHLBI found that elevated risk factors in young adulthood significantly increase the risk of developing coronary calcium, a predictor of heart disease. Young adults with above-optimal levels of risk factors are two to three times more likely to develop coronary calcium than those with lower levels.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 16, 2007

Emergency responses greatly increase risk to firefighters of dying on duty from heart disease

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that fire suppression and other emergency firefighting duties significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease deaths among firefighters. The study revealed a 10-100 times higher risk of dying from CHD while putting out fires compared to non-emergency duties.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 21, 2007

Study examines genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified several genes involved in Alzheimer's disease development, with the GALP gene showing potential in reducing brain cell tangles, a hallmark of the disease. The study, which tested over 17,000 gene variants in 4,000 volunteers, aims to provide a knowledge base for new treatments and diagnostic tests.

SourceCardiff University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMar 5, 2007

Dietary copper may ease heart disease

A study found that feeding mice copper relieved heart disease and restored proper heart function, even when the animals' hearts were continually stressed. Increasing copper intake, especially in those pre-disposed to heart disease, might reduce mortality rates associated with this condition.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 5, 2007

Living in poor neighborhoods raises risks for heart disease and stroke

A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that living in poor neighborhoods significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers analyzed data from over 1.9 million people and found that those living in high-deprivation neighborhoods were 1.9 times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2007

Healthy eating is at a supermarket near you

A University of Bristol study found that grocery store tours are an effective way to increase nutritional knowledge and promote healthy eating habits. The tours, led by a nutritionist or dietician, provided evidence-based dietary advice and encouraged participants to make changes to their diet.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalACSMʼs Health & Fitness Journal·DateJan 8, 2007

PTSD may increase heart disease risk in older men

A prospective study found that higher levels of PTSD symptoms are associated with an increased risk of non-fatal and fatal coronary heart disease in older male veterans. The study analyzed data from 1,946 men enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJan 1, 2007

Incidence of stroke decreases over last 50 years

The study found a significant decline in stroke incidence over the past 50 years, with lifetime risk decreasing from 19.5% to 14.5%. However, age-adjusted stroke severity remained unchanged, and mortality rates only decreased in men, highlighting the need for greater primary prevention efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 26, 2006

Treating obesity vital for public health, physicians say

The increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome, a state characterized by cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure, is a growing concern. Physicians emphasize the need for aggressive treatment and lifestyle modifications to prevent serious health problems.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateDec 1, 2006