Better Health Research » Heart Disease

Insulin Resistance May Lead To Artery Problems

Donna Parker — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:00:27 +0000

Patients who have developed diabetes or insulin resistance disorders may have an increased risk of blocked arteries, according to a study published in Cell Metabolism.

While previous studies have shown that insulin resistance can affect the liver, muscles and fat, a team of researchers used mice to see how the disorder affects the arteries. Using animals that were prone to atherosclerosis, a condition that causes fat to build up on the artery walls, the team found that these animals would become sicker if their artery linings couldn’t absorb insulin.

The researchers discovered that the mice that suffered from insulin resistance experienced hardening of their arteries. Also, the study showed that mice diagnosed with atherosclerosis had a higher risk of suffering from heart disease and stroke—which are both complications that are prevalent among diabetes patients.

The team concluded that this study helps scientists better understand insulin resistance.

In 2007, approximately 23.6 million people in the United States were diagnosed with diabetes, with more than 5.7 million cases yet to be diagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Vitamin D Could Prevent Heart Disease from Occurring

Donna Parker — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:07:04 +0000

People who are concerned about their heart health may want to consider taking nutritional supplements such as vitamin D as a way to lower their risk for heart disease, as a new study reveals that the nutrient can potentially protect the organ from damage.

According to researchers from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute, adding vitamin D to one’s diet could potentially prevent heart disease. The scientists found that individuals who were supplementing the vitamin into their diets in order to take care of a deficiency also decreased their risk for developing heart disease.

In addition to helping heart health, the researchers also point out that vitamin D can be used to treat numerous other ailments.

"Vitamin D replacement therapy has long been associated with reducing the risk of fractures and diseases of the bone," said Dr. J. Brent Muhlestein, MD. "But our findings show that vitamin D could have far greater implications in the treatment and reduction of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions than we previously thought."

Obesity May Increase Risk of Death in Colon Cancer Patients

Donna Parker — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:03:53 +0000

Obese individuals may want to consider adopting an alkaline diet – rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains – as a new study suggests that obesity can bring a greater risk of death among colon cancer patients.

According to findings published in the journal, Clinical Cancer Research, obese patients with colon cancer have a greater risk of either death or relapse compared to individuals who maintain a healthy weight.

Researchers found that obese men had a stronger risk than obese women, but there was an overall 35 percent increase in the risk of death related to colon cancer in patients who were excessively overweight.

The scientists said that they were not too surprised by the findings, as multiple studies have shown that obesity increases the risk factor for other problems with an individual’s health.

"More studies are now demonstrating that obesity plays a role as an independent risk factor for poorer patient prognosis that is unrelated to stroke or heart disease," said Dr. James Abbruzzese.

Beta-Blockers May Lead to Heart Failure

Donna Parker — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:00:22 +0000

It may be a good idea to look into nutritional supplements for heart conditions, as researchers have recently found that certain heart medications may have a harmful effect on the organ.

In a new study published in Circulation Research, it was found that beta-blockers that only target the beta-receptors may undermine the functions of the heart and put the organ in jeopardy.

However, beta-blockers that target both the alpha- and beta-receptors still offer the most benefits for cardiac patients.

Patients with heart disease usually have higher levels of catecholamines, which activate beta-receptors. When patients take beta-blockers, it causes the heart to produce a more efficient pump, but ultimately this process could lead to heart failure.

Alarmingly, the researchers report that this has been the treatment for cardiac patients for the past 50 years without fully understanding the molecular consequences.

Study leader Kevin Xiang feels that this study is key if people still continue to use beta-blockers as a treatment.

"It definitely will help people along the way to understand how to further manipulate this system. Beta blockers are still the most commonly used drug for heart disease," Xiang said.

Study Finds Enzyme Causes Clogged Arteries

Donna Parker — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Researchers in London have found an enzyme responsible for causing clogged arteries.

They say matrix metalloproteinase-8 enzyme (MMP8) plays a crucial role in raising blood pressure and causing abnormal build-up of cells in the arteries—both of which increase the risk of heart disease.

"Our research tells us that this enzyme plays a crucial role in the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries which causes heart disease," said Shu Ye from the University of London.

The study, appearing in the journal Circulation Research, tested two groups of mice, one of which was genetically altered to not produce the MMP8 enzyme. Both groups were fed a Western-style diet high in fat and cholesterol. The mice which lacked the enzyme had clearer arteries and lower blood pressure.

Tests on humans found that out of 2,000 patients undergoing artery testing, 25 percent had a similar version of the gene for MMP8. They also had more clogged arteries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.

Natural solutions that help avoid clogged arteries and heart disease include natural supplements that lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as a healthy lifestyle, a low-fat diet and plenty of exercise.

There May be a New Excuse to Enjoy Candy Bars

Donna Parker — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:00:08 +0000

The cocoa found in chocolate may be good for heart heatlh, according to a new report from usnews.com.

The article cites a study in which 42 men and women were put on a diet that included 40 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with skim milk daily. The participants, who had an average age of 70, were at high risk for heart disease due to various health reasons including diabetes, smoking and high blood pressure.

It was found that after a month, the subjects showed lower levels of inflammatory markers that are associated with heart disease, leading the researchers to believe the cocoa helped lower it.

Dietitians are quick to caution that while chocolate may be beneficial, too much of it isn’t a good thing.

"If including cocoa and small amounts of chocolate in an otherwise healthful eating plan helps people enjoy what they eat and stick with that plan, then these things can fit," dietitian Conne Diekman told usnews.com.

Health website WebMD concurred with this notion, saying that cocoa may help keeping your blood vessels relaxed, which eases blood pressure and helps circulation.

‘Superfruit’ may improve health of obese, according to study

Donna Parker — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Mangosteen juice, known as an all-natural anti-inflammatory, may prevent the development of heart disease and diabetes in obese individuals, according to a new study.

The study’s results, published in the Nutrition Journal, suggest that the exotic fruit juice can lower the C-reactive protein level (CRP), which is a measure of inflammation.

According to lead researcher Dr. Jay Udani, inflammation is a predictor of cardiovascular disease and a precursor of metabolic syndrome.

He said the findings are significant because reducing inflammation in obese people is a treatment goal, and a natural treatment, like drinking mangosteen juice, may be preferable to other treatments that could cause side effects.

According to MangosteenBasics.com, the tropical fruit has many health benefits. Mangosteen fruit is rich in antioxidants and contains fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C as well as iron.. It also contains xanthones, which are chemical substances that benefit the immune system as well as the general well being of the body and mind.

Mangosteen juice is available at natural food stores and via alternative medicine websites. It is also available as a nutritional supplement.

Study finds green tea may help reduce risk of certain cancers

Mark McGhee — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Researchers in Japan have said drinking green tea may be an important health resource to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

The study appearing in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests drinking five or more cups of the antioxidant-rich beverage can reduce the risk of developing blood cancer by 42 percent. The same amount of green tea was also associated with a 48 percent lower risk of lymph system cancer, according to Reuters.

Researchers followed 19,749 men and 22,012 women with no previous history of cancer over a period of nine years for the study.

WebMD notes that previous research has linked the tea to fighting heart disease, lowering cholesterol and preventing diabetes and dementia.

"Taken altogether, the evidence certainly suggests that incorporating at least a few cups of green tea every day will positively affect your health. It’s not going to cure anything and it shouldn’t be consumed as a drug, but it can complement the rest of the diet," Tufts University scientist Dr. Diane McKay tells WebMD.

Researchers involved with this study say further work is needed to confirm the health benefits of drinking green tea, and to determine whether daily consumption might prevent certain cancers.

Study: Eating rice can reduce risk of diabetes, other chronic diseases

Mark McGhee — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Adding rice to your diet may help improve your overall diet and help you avoid some common chronic diseases, according to a new study.

Research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association has found including rice as part of a healthful, balanced diet may be linked to better eating patterns, which can reduce the risk of developing diseases like obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The study suggests people who eat rice also eat more vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood and fiber, which leads to higher consumption of several key nutrients, including folic acid, potassium and iron that are contained in rice products. Rice eaters also consume less added sugar and less total fat and saturated fat than non-rice eaters.

"We know that rice is the foundation of a healthy diet for much of the world, especially in Asia and the Mediterranean. This study documents for the first time a similar pattern among rice eaters in the U.S. and that they appear to manage their weight better than non-rice consumers," said Iowa State University researcher and study co-author Dr. Helen Jensen.

Proper diet is a key health resource to prevent many diseases, especially heart disease and diabetes. Researchers say their findings suggest adding rice to the diet can improve overall nutrition and be a key preventive medicine strategy.

Study links diet to better mental health

Donna Parker — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

A new study has found eating a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce the risk of becoming depressed, according to Reuters.

"Individuals who followed the Mediterranean diet most closely had a greater than 30 percent reduction in the risk of depression than whose who had the lowest Mediterranean diet scores," said the study’s authors.

While they admit it’s not clear why mental health could be affected by what you eat, researchers say elements of the diet may improve blood vessel function, fight inflammation and repair oxygen-related cell damage. These factors could all reduce the chances of developing depression.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and red wine. Those who follow that regime also reduce their red meat consumption and eliminate saturated and trans-fats in favor of more heart-healthy fats like canola oil or olive oil.

Affecting your mood isn’t the only potential benefit of this style of eating. A 2007 U.S. study found the diet to be an important health resource for men and women to lower their risk of death from both heart disease and cancer.