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EHJ paper underlines need for improved links between cardiologists and psychiatrists

A Finnish study published in the European Heart Journal found that combining antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs increases the risk of sudden cardiac death during an acute coronary event. The study suggests a need to improve screening for cardiovascular risk factors in psychiatric patients and avoid combining these medications.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 15, 2011

NIH study finds stroke risk factors may lead to cognitive problems

A recent study by the National Institutes of Health has discovered a correlation between high blood pressure and stroke risk factors with cognitive impairment. The research, which followed over 30,000 participants, found that age, left ventricular hypertrophy, and high blood pressure were independent predictors of cognitive decline.

Acute kidney injury in hospitalized diabetic patients linked to chronic kidney disease

A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that hospitalized diabetic patients who experience acute kidney injury are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The research followed 4,082 patients with diabetes over 10 years, revealing that multiple episodes of acute kidney injury inc...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 1, 2011

Researchers identify potential risk factors for severe altitude sickness

A large study found that exercise-related responses, such as oxygen desaturation and heart rate changes, are independent risk factors for severe altitude sickness. Taking acetazolamide can reduce some of these risks, particularly among young adults, women, and those with a history of migraine or previous high-altitude illnesses.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 29, 2011

Hard times during adolescence point to health problems later in life

A study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that experiencing social stressors during adolescence and young adulthood can lead to increased disease risk factors in middle age. The researchers analyzed data from 822 participants and discovered a significant link between early adversity and allostatic load, a measure of phys...

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 27, 2011

European studies on risks of hepatocellular carcinoma

Research from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study found that 47.6% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases were associated with smoking, while chronic hepatitis B and C infection was the strongest risk factor. The study also highlights the importance of quitting smoking to reduce liver cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 21, 2011

Bad eggs and oil slicks

A study suggests that punitive damages should be calculated based on a company's financial worth to effectively deter corporate wrongdoing. Research highlights cases where increased penalties led to behavioral changes, such as BMW's policy shift after being forced to pay $4 million in punitive damages.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Private Law·DateOct 14, 2011

UK doctors still undertreating major risk factor for stroke

Research finds UK doctors are underdiagnosing and undertreating atrial fibrillation, a major risk factor for stroke, despite improvements in stroke prevention. The study analyzed data from the General Practice Research Database and found that only one in four patients with AF were prescribed preventive anticoagulant treatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateOct 12, 2011

Detecting glaucoma before it blinds

Researchers have analyzed and ranked various risk factors for open angle glaucoma to enable earlier screening. The study found that certain factors such as age, smoking history, visual field test results, and Cup-to-Disk ratio significantly increase the risk of developing OAG.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateOct 6, 2011

Living alone is associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related deaths

A Finnish study published in PLoS Medicine found that people living alone are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of increased alcohol availability, leading to a substantially increased risk of alcohol-related mortality. The study analyzed data from over 80% of Finland's population between 2000 and 2007 and discovered a greater incr...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 20, 2011

Autism, intellectual disabilities related to parental age, education and ethnicity, not income

A new study published in Autism Research found that parental age, maternal ethnicity, and paternal age are associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID), while household income has no significant link. The research also identified demographic risk factors such as male gender and...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAutism Research·DateSep 16, 2011

Smoking after menopause may increase sex hormone levels

A recent study found that postmenopausal women who smoke have higher androgen and estrogen levels than non-smoking women. Smoking cessation appears to reverse this effect, suggesting a potential mechanism by which tobacco smoke influences chronic disease risk through hormonal mechanisms.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 31, 2011

Program helps high school students overcome depression and thoughts of suicide

A study published in Journal of School Health found that a suicide prevention program significantly reduced teen suicidal behaviors, with significant decreases in considering, planning, and attempting suicide. The Surviving the Teens program taught self-confidence and positive behavior to help teens cope with stress and depression.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of School Health·DateAug 12, 2011