News that’s close to heart

Heart disease continues to be a top killer in Canada and the U.S., but better prevention, treatment and management means that more people are lowering their risk and increasing their chance of survival.

Still, there’s always room for improvement. February is Heart Month, and the push is on to help people become better informed — and stay informed — about how to protect themselves. Here’s a quick look at some of the latest news about heart health.

Prevent heart burn, cause another heart attack?

That’s the question on people’s minds lately after a recent article in the online version of the Canadian Medical Association Journal . The results showed that people who were taking certain proton pump inhibitors in conjunction with the blood-thinner Plavix have a higher risk of a having a second heart attack. Essentially, some heart burn medications neutralize the effect of the blood thinner.

Which ones are under fire? Omeprazole (Losec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and rabeprazole (Pariet) could have been responsible for five to fifteen percent of recurrent heart attacks in Canada, according to researchers. The alternative — researchers recommend switching heartburn medications. No link was found between pantoprazole or H2 receptor antagonists (like Pepcid and Zantac) and an increased risk of a recurrent heart attack.

(Read the full story on CBC News).

Dangerous drug combinations prompt new guidelines

A warning to people taking a combination of ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) for hypertension: two isn’t necessarily better than one. Heart and Stroke Foundation researchers found that taking one of each wasn’t much more effective than just taking one type of medication — and the side effects outweighed the minimal benefits. The combination didn’t offer any additional protection against strokes or heart attack, but can put a strain on the kidneys and cause other ill effects like fainting and elevated potassium levels.

So what should patients on this combination of drugs do? Margaret Moy Lum-Kwong, director of the High Blood Pressure AIM Strategy of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, offered this advice for patients in a recent news report: “If you are on this particular combination treatment for high blood pressure do not stop taking your medication. Instead go directly to your doctor for an alternative treatment.” (Read the full story here).

Most people unaware of risks of third-hand smoke

If you smoke and no one else is in the room, are you still putting others at risk? While it’s well known that first and second hand smoke increases a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke, many people aren’t aware of the dangers of third hand smoke (the toxic chemicals from cigarettes that cling to hair, clothing and upholstery). This residue can spell trouble for children who are constantly exposed to contaminated surfaces and put things in their mouth — and they are at an important stage in their development.

So what’s the take home message? Exposure to any form of smoke can be hazardous. Researchers recommend that parents should take more action to prevent smoking in their homes and in other enclosed spaces like the car, even when children aren’t present. (Read more here).

Lower income can mean increased risk of death

More money = better survival rates? Yes, according to a Heart and Stroke Foundation study in B.C. Researchers found that heart disease patients living in lower-income areas had a higher risk of dying from a chronic disease than people in higher income neighbourhoods — up to twice as likely, in some cases. In general, the poorer the neighbourhood, the greater the risk of dying of cancer or another chronic disease. However, those in lower income brackets were no more or less likely to die of heart disease.

According to the report on the Foundation website, investigators are still trying to figure out the causes. “Additional stressors in the environment” could be one cause, but more research is needed to determine all the factors. (See the full report here).

Wealthy men are heavier men

The size of a man’s wallet may also affect the size of a man’s waist — and his risk for heart disease and diabetes. A Statistics Canada survey found that high income men had a higher body weight and were twice as likely to be overweight as people in the lowest income brackets. One of the culprits — more meals in restaurants.

How does this affect the heart? Restaurant meals can be a disaster for a healthy diet due to the high levels of sodium, fat and calories in the rich food and large portion sizes. Weight and salt intake are known risk factors for heart troubles.

However, the findings don’t apply to the ladies. Women, who tend to be more body-image conscious, are more likely to opt for lighter fare and work out. (For full details, see The Globe and Mail).

Obese kids have adult arteries

If you think age is “just a number”, you may be right in a way you didn’t expect. New research from the Kansas City School of Medicine found that children and teenagers who are obese may have arteries that are older than they are — by as much as 30 years.

The study used imaging technology to look at the carotid arteries in the neck of seventy boys and girls who are obese and found that they had thicker arteries than was normal for their age. Researchers also found that the children had high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (known as “bad” cholesterol) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (“good” cholesterol). In other words, overweight and obese children may be at a risk for heart disease at an early age.

Can this danger be reversed? Doctors are hoping so. Future research will see if the risks decrease with exercise and weight loss. In the meantime, the research once again points to the necessity of a healthy diet and exercise. (See the full story here).

More screen time, less exercise for teen girls

More proof that our technology is affecting our activity levels: a recent study out of Australia found that girls who spent more than two hours a day in front of a screen (computer, TV or otherwise) weren’t as fit as girls who had less screen time.

In the study, fitness tests and questionnaires were given to 2750 boys and girls in grades eight to ten. Girls who didn’t spend as much time in front of a screen had better cardiovascular performance on a running test and their heart rates returned to normal much faster. The results of the tests also suggest that girls are more at risk than boys.

The bottom line: the Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends trading some of that inactive tech time for some physical activity — at least 60 to 90 minutes a day, most days of the week. (See the full article here).

Exercise for better brain function

Here’s another reason to stay fit: Regular exercise is also good for the brain. Researchers in Alberta studied 42 women over the age of 65 and looked at their heart health, blood flow to the brain, and capacity of the brain’s blood cells. Not only did the active women have lower blood pressure (by about 10 percent), they also had a higher response in the brain (5 percent) and scored 10 percent higher on cognitive tests.

In short, a fit heart translates to better blood flow to the brain, which in turns improves mental functions. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends at least 30 minute of physical activity most days of the week for adults (regardless of their age). (Read more).

Whole grains lower heart failure risk

Still thinking low-carb diets are the solution? Think again. A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that eating plenty of whole grains is associated with a lower risk of congestive heart failure.

The study look at more than 14,000 adults aged 45 to 64, and researchers calculated the participants’ risk based on the difference in what they ate (i.e. if they ate more grains, nuts, red meat, etc). During 13 years of follow-up, over 1100 hospitalizations occurred due to congestive heart failure. Researchers adjusted for factors such as calorie intake and demographics and found that people who ate more whole grains had less risk.

On the other hand, the risk of congestive heart failure increased for people who ate more eggs and high-fat dairy. So should people shun these foods altogether? No, according to researchers. Occasional indulgences didn’t have a significant effect on risk. (Read more.)

The bottom line: While doctors and researchers continue with clinical trials and treatments, everyone can be proactive about their health by eating a balanced diet and getting more exercise. To keep tabs on the latest news and announcements, visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation website.

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