Canada's first stomach corset procedure to help obesity, weight loss

"Five years ago, Morgan Ward went about as far as you can go to lose weight: bariatric surgery, essentially a procedure to reduce the volume of her stomach. It didn't take. Her stomach, stapled and banded to reduce its size, slowly began to stretch back to its old dimensions, and she began to re-gain some of the weight she lost. On Wednesday, Ward, 29, goes back into surgery to undergo a non-invasive procedure that's new to Canada: the endoluminal pouch reduction, essentially an interior corset. She'll become one of the first Canadians to undergo the procedure as part of a clinical trial to see if the new surgery can help obese patients who have regained their weight after traditional stomach-reducing surgery." - Star Phoenix

Statement by American Heart Association president Timothy Gardner, M.D. in response to health proposals in President Obama's budget

February 26, 2009 - We're encouraged that President Obama is committed to putting health care reform on the fast track. We don't have a moment to spare. With more than 10,000 Americans losing coverage each day, it's time to walk the talk and produce results that provide affordable care to all Americans. His plan sets us on a path to achieve that goal. We're also pleased that the health care cuts in the President's budget do not ration or reduce care for patients - but come from achieving greater efficiencies in the health care system. We embrace the President's eight health care principles which aim for affordable high quality care for all, including individuals with preexisting health conditions. The uninsured with cardiovascular disease experience higher mortality rates and far worse health outcomes than their insured counterparts. However, healthcare reform will fall short if we fail to make robust investments in both research and prevention. We know that effective prevention strategies will help Americans adopt healthy behaviors and significantly reduce their risk for developing heart disease and stroke. The President has made his support for prevention and wellness a central focus of his health care principles. But we would also argue that support for biomedical research is critical to advancing scientific breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease. Today, only four percent of the NIH budget supports research on heart disease - the nation's No. 1 killer - and less than one percent of the budget is allocated for the No. 3 killer - stroke. We urge the President and Congress to address this funding inequity moving forward.

TuDiabetes 2nd anniversary and 7000 member press release

TuDiabetes.com, a diabetes social network has issued a press release announcing that they have grown to over 7000 members

Daytime sleepiness provides red flag for cardiovascular disease

Clinicians should be alert to patients reporting "excessive" day time sleepiness (EDS), says the European Society of Cardiology, after a French study found healthy elderly people who regularly report feeling sleepy during the day have a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The Three City study, published in Stroke, by the American Heart Association (Thursday, February 26), found that elderly people who reported excessive day time sleepiness have a 49 % relative risk increase of cardiovascular death (from cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction and heart failure) , compared to those who do not report sleepiness. "Based on this study asking patients the simple question of whether they feel sleepy during the day, is a useful way of identifying a subgroup of elderly patients at higher risk of cardiovascular disease who require a more thorough follow up," said Professor Guy DeBacker, from the Division of Cardiology at the University of Gent, Belgium, and former chair of the European Society of Cardiology Joint Prevention Committee. Professor Torben Jorgensen, from the Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup, Denmark, commented: "The study offers the opportunity to practice prevention by investigating the underlying causes of patient's sleep problems, and then introducing lifestyle changes with the intention of preventing later cardiovascular complications." - EurekAlert

Arthritis barrier to heart patient fitness

Arthritis, common among those having heart disease, may be a barrier for patients to getting needed physical activity, a U.S. government study says. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said adults with both heart disease and arthritis are significantly more likely to be physically inactive than those with heart disease alone. The study, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, said approximately 57 percent of adults with heart disease have arthritis. In the study, about 29 percent of adults with arthritis and heart disease were inactive, compared to 21 percent of people with heart disease alone, 18 percent of those with arthritis and 11 percent of adults with neither condition. "Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce arthritis pain and improve joint function, which in turn can help people with heart disease get more active and better manage both conditions," study co-author Dr. Chad Helmick said in a statement. The researcher used data from the 2005 and 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The findings also show that the prevalence of physical inactivity for adults with both heart disease and arthritis varied substantially from state to state -- ranging from 20.5 percent in Colorado to 50.3 percent in Kentucky - UPI

Researchers isolate and purify mouse heart stem cells

"A pioneering Cornell and University of Bonn study has isolated and purified mouse heart stem cells, settling a debate over whether such cells exist. The findings, published online and in an upcoming issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could allow researchers to better understand whether genes can spur heart stem cells to fully differentiate into new cells after a heart attack" - Physorg.com

'Rapid access cardiology’ for patients at risk of heart attack (UK)

"A new and unique cardiology service for patients most at risk of having a heart attack is to be launched at Barts and The London Heart Attack Centre in Bethnal Green, London, in April. Doctors will for the first time intervene with advanced cardiology procedures at the 'early warning' stage instead of waiting to treat patients who have suffered a full-blown heart attack. The aim is to give east London, which has the most cardiovascular disease in London, a comprehensive round-the-clock specialist cover for the whole spectrum of acute heart attack illnesses. The new 24/7 emergency service will strive to save around 1,800 at-risk patients a year from having heart attacks in the future"

Cardiac rehab for heart patients (Louisiana)

"After a person has a heart attack or heart surgery, getting back into a normal physical routine can be intimidating. In this Healthcast, we show you how cardiac rehab is helping heart patients get back in the groove - while lowering their risk for another cardiac event" - KPLC

Live online chat answers questions about venous disease

The Vascular Disease Foundation's (VDF) next "Ask the Doctor" live chat is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 4pm EST. Dr. Michael A. Vasquez from the Venous Institute of Buffalo and Venous Disease Coalition steering committee member will answer general questions about venous disease live online. VDF's "Ask the Doctor Live Chats" are a free public service to answer questions about various topics relating to vascular disease. The upcoming chat scheduled for this Tuesday will answer general questions about venous disease which include any condition of the veins such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis or blood clots, pulmonary embolism, clotting disorders such as thrombophilia, chronic venous insufficiency and others. For log-in information, please visit http://www.vdf.org/interactive/ask.php or call 888.VDF.4INFO (888.833.4463) with questions. For information about Dr. Michael Vasquez please visit: http://www.venousdiseasecoalition.org/about/bio-vasquez.php - newswise

Cigarette machines to be banned in Scotland

Cigarette vending machines are to be banned in Scotland as part of plans to tackle child smoking. Tobacco displays in shops will also be outlawed under proposed legislation brought forward by Scottish ministers. A registration scheme would also be brought in for retailers, with fines for those who break the rules. - BBC

Philips announces breakthrough in new medical imaging technology

"Royal Philips Electronics has announced the first 3D imaging results obtained with a new imaging technology called Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI). The technology, which uses the magnetic properties of iron-oxide nanoparticles injected into the bloodstream, has been used in a pre-clinical study to generate unprecedented real-time images of arterial blood flow and volumetric heart motion. This represents a major step forward in taking Magnetic Particle Imaging from a theoretical concept to an imaging tool to help improve diagnosis and therapy planning for many of the world’s major diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. The results of the pre-clinical study were published in issue 54 of Physics in Medicine and Biology (2009)."

Heart and Stroke Foundation honours leading Saskatchewan health researcher

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC) is presenting Dr. Jim Thornhill of Saskatoon with its highest honour, the Award of Merit, at a ceremony in Ottawa this weekend. Dr. Thornhill is being recognized for his outstanding leadership in the field of heart and stroke research, and for his lifelong dedication to improving prevention, treatment and recovery from stroke, benefiting people throughout Saskatchewan and across the country. Dr. Thornhill is Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, and is Special Advisor to the Associate Vice-President Research - Health, University of Saskatchewan /Vice-President Research and Innovation, Saskatoon Health Region. He is also a Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan life member and past board member, and he continues to have direct involvement in leading the development of an integrated stroke strategy for the province.

Maine, USA, to consider putting calories on chain restaurant menus and menu boards

Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree introduced a bill on February 24, 2009 to require menu labeling at chain restaurants. Below is a statement by CSPI Nutrition Policy Director Margo G. Wootan.:

"I hope this year Maine will join New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, OR, and the state of California in passing menu labeling for chain restaurants. If McDonald's, Subway, and Applebee's can provide New Yorkers with nutrition information, shouldn't they do the same for Mainers? People should be provided the nutritional price for what they're ordering as well as the financial price. Otherwise how can they know that a bagel with cream cheese has more calories than two jelly donuts at Dunkin’ Donuts? Menu labeling is a popular, low-cost way to help make a dent in the obesity epidemic and save valuable health dollars in these tough economic times. It now seems hard to believe that not long ago Nutrition Facts labels weren't required on food packages in the grocery store. Similarly, a few years from now, it will be hard to imagine that standardized nutrition information was absent from chain restaurant menus." - CSPI Newsroom

Getting better: Improving stroke services across the UK

"This new report from The Stroke Association brings together twelve case studies of stroke services from across the UK covering the whole of the stroke care pathway. The case studies show what can be achieved when key individuals, often from different organisations, get together to champion the stroke cause. They also identify some of the challenges that will need to be overcome to achieve the improvements in stroke care that we are all so desperate to see."

Heart Disease Treatments (Video)

Various treatments for heart disease are available, which this video clip describes. Reviewed By: Brian Shortal, MD; Randy Reher, MD; Art Schoenstadt, MD; Michal Whiton, MD

Provided by the Heart Health Channel on eMedTV.com

American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions 2009

More than 15,000 top scientists, physicians and other health care professionals from around the world gather each year at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions to share cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. Keep your readers, viewers, and listeners informed of the advances made in fighting this disease that affects nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States, contributes to the deaths of over 220,000 Americans each year and costs our nation more than $174 billion annually - June 5-9, 2009, New Orleans, Louisiana

Big-hearted fish reveals genetics of cardiovascular conditioc

"Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have unlocked the mystery of a puzzling human disease and gained insight into cardiovascular development, all thanks to a big-hearted fish. Mark Kahn, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, graduate student Benjamin Kleaveland, and colleagues report in the February issue of Nature Medicine that a human vascular condition called Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) is caused by leaky junctions between cells in the lining of blood vessels. By combining studies with zebrafish and mice, the researchers found that the aberrant junctions are the result of mutated or missing proteins in a novel biochemical process, the so-called Heart-of-glass (HEG)-CCM pathway." - newswise

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll - February 2009 (USA)

"The first Kaiser Health Tracking Poll of 2009 finds the (USA) public is increasingly worried about the affordability and availability of care, with many postponing or skipping treatments due to cost in the past year and a notable minority forced into serious financial straits due to medical bills. Slightly more than half (53%) of Americans say their household cut back on health care due to cost concerns in the past 12 months. The most common actions reported are relying on home remedies and over-the-counter drugs rather than visiting a doctor or skipping dental care. In the face of the country’s current economic challenges the public's support for health reform remains strong and their trust in President Obama to do the right thing in health care reform is high. The February Kaiser Health Tracking Poll, the first in a series designed and analyzed by the Foundation's public opinion survey research team, examines voters' specific health care issue interests and experiences and perceptions about health care reform" - Kaiser

MidMichigan Health cuts out trans fats beginning March 1

"In a unified effort to help address the public health concern of obesity in Michigan, MidMichigan Health will go trans fat free effective March 1. As a result, trans fats will be eliminated from patient meals, cafeteria menus, catering services, vending machines and gift shop shelves at MidMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Clare, Gladwin and Midland, as well as MidMichigan Stratford Village and Gladwin Pines. MidMichigan Health is a leader among other hospitals and health systems participating is the statewide elimination of trans fats within health care organizations. This movement was initiated by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, with their goal of removing all trans fats from hospitals by Jan. 1, 2010." - redOrbit

Blood thinner Prasugrel approved by European Commission

Prasugrel, made by Eli Lilly and Co. in a joint with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., was approved for heart patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing an artery-opening procedure. The condition includes heart attacks and chest pain. The drug is aimed at decreasing the platelets' capacity to stick or bundle up together, which can result in arteries clogging, which in its turn could lead to a heart attack. The European Commission granted marketing authorization for the blood thinner prasugrel, which will be sold under the name Efient. According to the company, the drug will be launched "in the coming weeks." - eNews

OSU to harness the power of its students – literally

"Every day, thousands of college students determinedly hit the cardio machines, lowering their stress after a tough exam, getting in shape for spring, or working off those chocolate chip cookies that showed up in a care package from home. But now Oregon State University and a private firm are teaming up to harness the fruits of this student labor by capturing the energy from their workouts - literally. OSU will become one of the first universities in the country to tap the kinetic energy generated by people involved in daily workout routines and turn it into a form of renewable energy. Using a new technology developed by a company in St. Petersburg, Fla., called ReRev.com, LLC, OSU has retrofitted 22 elliptical exercise machines in its student fee-funded Dixon Recreation Center and already is collecting the power produced by students and feeding it back into the power grid"

Know your Blood Pressure (UK)

The Stroke Association (UK) writes: "On 18 April 2009 we will be launching our seventh annual Know your Blood Pressure campaign in partnership with Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI). This is one of our most important campaigns as we not only raise awareness of the links between high blood pressure and stroke but also work alongside rotary clubs to offer blood pressure tests to thousands of members of the public."

Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan (CHHS-AP)

The Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan (CHHS-AP) was released on February 24, 2009 in Ottawa by Dr. Eldon Smith Chair of the CHHS-AP and members of the Steering Committee. The CHHS-AP was developed to reduce the growing burden and loss due to cardiovascular disease in Canada. Taking a collaborative and inclusive approach, the development of the CHHS-AP was stakeholder driven. The comprehensive and integrated Strategy covers the full continuum of health (from policy development to end-of-life planing and care) and spans the life course (from birth to death). The development of the Strategy was led by an expert Steering Committee composed of 29-thought leaders from across the country, and chaired by respected cardiologist Dr. Eldon Smith. [Please note that CARG's own Ruth Redden worked in Theme Working Group 6, which dealt with rehabilitation and end of life care]

Get personal to improve heart health

Scare tactics may not be necessary when trying to get patients at risk of heart disease to change their diet or behaviour, a new study has found. Instead, doctors and nurses should be aware of the stage of life their patients are at, and offer them very specific and targeted advice. "The goal is to produce interventions which are sensitive to the lives and social position of those who find themselves at 'high risk' of coronary heart disease (CHD) in later-middle age, and which inspire change rather than inhibit it," say researchers, from Egenis, the ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society at the University of Exeter. High-risk patients will often downgrade their risk in their own minds, yet could still be receptive to the behavioural change which is the purpose of CHD screening, explained Dr Hannah Farrimond, who studied the reaction of patients to being told they were at high risk. Boosting patients' sense of vulnerability does not help, and may even hinder, their efforts to change, the study found. The findings of Dr Farrimond's paper 'Making sense of being at 'high risk' of coronary heart disease', are published in the current issue of the journal Psychology and Health. - EurekAlert

ESC reaffirms advice on cardiovascular risks associated with long-haul flights

Following a review by The Lancet of the medical issues associated with commercial air travel, the European Society of Cardiology has reaffirmed its advice about the risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE), whose risk, according to The Lancet, is increased "up to four-fold" by long-haul flight. Dr Steen Kristensen, Vice-president of the ESC, says: "Long distance flying is associated with an increase in deep venous thrombosis, which in some cases may lead to clotting of the lungs. People who are immobile, pregnant, taking contraceptive pills or have had venous thrombosis in the past are particularly at risk. To minimise the risk it is important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid and to walk (exercise) before and during the flight. The use of compression stockings is for some travelers an important way of preventing deep venous thrombosis." Studies cited by The Lancet suggest that the risk of VTE increases when flight duration exceeds four hours. This raised risk is related to immobility, dehydration, and reduced oxygen in the cabin, as well as to individual risk factors such as obesity, recent surgery and predispositions to thrombosis (thrombophilias). - EurekAlert

Rates of diabetes soar in the UK

"The UK is seeing an explosion of diabetes linked to growing obesity rates, experts are warning. From 1997 to 2003 there was a 74% rise in new cases of diabetes. And by 2005, more than 4% of the population was classed as having diabetes - nearly double the rate of 10 years earlier. The bulk of cases are type 2 diabetes - which is linked to being overweight or obese - the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reports. - BBC

American Heart Association –Heart Ball Gala Video

This is a video that debuted at the American Heart Association 2009 Heart Ball in Baltimore, Maryland:


2009 Baltimore Heart Ball Gala Video from Chip Dizard on Vimeo.

Closing hole in heart may ease migraines

A simple procedure may be the key to relief for some who suffer from frequent and severe migraine headaches. In a new study, researchers found significant improvement of migraines following catheter-based closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) - a slight opening in the wall between the heart's right and left atria. Each of us has a PFO in the womb to divert blood away from the lungs, but it closes for three out of four people after birth, researchers said. Previous studies have already found that when a PFO is closed, whether it's following a stroke or decompression illness, migraines tend to improve in the approximately 75 percent of cases. This was the first study to enroll patients with severe migraine, a large PFO and no history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks. However, the patients did have silent brain lesions, which were revealed on magnetic resonance imaging. Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions, February 2009 - redOrbit

Eggs could reduce blood pressure

"Researchers in Canada are reporting evidence that eggs - often frowned upon for their high cholesterol content - may reduce another heart disease risk factor - high blood pressure. They describe identification of egg proteins that act like a popular group of prescription medications in lowering blood pressure. The report appeared in the February 11 issue of ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. In the new study, Jianping Wu and Kaustav Majumder note that eggs are an inexpensive source of high-quality protein and other nutrients. Egg consumption, however, has decreased during the last 40 years amid concerns about cholesterol. Recent studies do suggest that healthy people can eat eggs without increasing their heart disease risk. Other research hinted that certain egg proteins might have effects similar to ACE inhibitors, prescription drugs used to treat high blood pressure" - redOrbit

February 28, 2009 is the National Day of Dance (USA)

"The fifth annual Day of Dance for Health, a nationwide event scheduled for February 28, 2009, will have 70 communities around the USA simultaneously dancing and learning about nutrition and how important it is to stay active for overall health. Dance lessons will be taught at each venue"

An epistemic community comes and goes? Local and national expressions of heart health promotion in Canada

The objective of this study is to examine the existence and shape of epistemic communities for (heart) health promotion at the international, national, provincial and regional levels in Canada. Epistemic community may be defined as a network of experts with an authoritative claim to policy relevant knowledge in their area of expertise - BMC

Lifestyle greatly influences risk of stroke (UK)

Stroke risk declined in a linear fashion among men and women who adopted from one to four healthy behaviors, investigators here reported. People who did not practice any of the behaviors had more than a twofold increased risk of stroke compared with individuals who adopted all four, Phyo K. Myint, M.D., of the University of East Anglia, and colleagues reported online in the British Medical Journal. The risk-scoring system used by the investigators gave equal weighting to each of the four behaviors -- not smoking, being physically active, moderate alcohol consumption, and eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day (as indicated by vitamin C plasma concentration). "These results provide further incentive and support for the notion that small differences in lifestyle can have a substantial potential impact on risk," the authors concluded - MedPage Today

Cardiac rehabilitation hailed (USA)

"Most have heard the healthy living advice for years: Don't smoke, follow a low-fat diet, exercise regularly and control diabetes to prevent more serious illnesses. But having a heart attack creates a whole new outlook, said Jill Fox, manager cardiac rehabilitation services at Somerset Hospital, PA. 'It takes people off guard,' Fox said. 'They come in looking like the deer in the headlights.' Fortunately, Somerset's cardiac rehabilitation class and similar programs at Windber and Memorial medical centers give patients a fighting chance at a strong recovery and reduced risk of future heart attacks" - The Tribune-Democrat

Scotland extends healthcare IT

The Scottish government has announced a range of telecare and hi-tech projects to support NHS services. The largest of these schemes is the roll out of a programme in Edinburgh and the Lothians of a programme to support 400 patients with long term conditions, including heart failure, diabetes and strokes, backed by GBP700,000 from NHS Lothian and the Scottish government. The extended scheme, which follows trials over the last nine months with about 30 patients in West Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh, aims to allow patients to monitor their own conditions on a daily basis at home. It uses touch screen technology and can test for blood pressure, breathing, blood glucose and oxygen levels - Kable

Staying Alive to the Bee Gees

Kapiolani Hosptial ER doctor Alson Inaba was published in the American Heart Association Journal on an internationally acclaimed CPR method he came up with, based on the song 'Stayin Alive?' This led to national media coverage in the Chicago Tribune, Canadian Press and even on Jay Leno's show. It was back in 2005, Dr. Inaba discovered that using the tempo of the Bee Gees' 1977 disco classic 'Stayin Alive' helps people perform CPR at the recommended 100 chest compressions per minute. After his concept was published in the American Heart Association Journal in September 2006, 'Stayin Alive' has been adopted by the AHA and training centers around the world as the method to teach and conduct CPR - KGMB

Statins can stimulate cardiac muscle cell regeneration, improve heart function

Statins, used widely to treat elevated cholesterol, have been shown to prevent progression of coronary narrowing and to have other beneficial effects on the heart, such as reducing inflammation, that are independent of cholesterol. Now, adding to this list of multiple effects, researchers at the University at Buffalo have shown that the drug pravastatin, one of the oldest statins, may be able to prevent the development of heart disease by regenerating diseased heart muscle. In a paper published in the January 2009 issue of Circulation Research, the investigators report that pravastatin mobilizes bone marrow progenitor cells - blood stem cells that are able to transform into many different types of cells - which infiltrate the heart and develop into cardiac muscle cells, or myocytes, improving cardiac function - University at Buffalo

Anger management: The key to staying heart healthy?

New research published in the March 3, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology finds that anger-induced electrical changes in the heart can predict future arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). - Physorg.com

Sister to Sister Foundation to hold Women's Heart Health Fair

One in four women in the United States dies of heart disease each year - more than all types of cancer combined, including breast cancer. However, studies show that only a third of American women consider themselves at risk for heart disease. To increase awareness about the risks of heart disease in women, the Baltimore chapter of the Sister to Sister Foundation is holding its fifth annual Women's Heart Health Fair on 24 February at the Baltimore Convention Center. Founded in 2000, Sister to Sister is a national nonprofit organization committed to educating women about healthy lifestyle changes that can reduce their risk of heart disease. Baltimore is one of 13 cities across the country that runs a Sister to Sister campaign. - Baltimore Sun

Straight to the heart

Chef Doug Essers donned his tall white hat and fired up an electric wok for a heart-healthy cooking demonstration at Vista Medical Center East, Illinois. The hospital's executive chef tossed fresh zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms and carrots into hot olive oil flavored with a little crushed garlic and audience members eagerly sampled the low-fat, sodium-free Herb Garlic Vegetable Stir Fry over rice. Essers, who was hired by Vista to take "cafeteria food to the next level" shared his top two tips for healthy eating: "Take the salt shaker off the table and read labels carefully." - Lake County News Sun

2009 Greater New Haven Start! Heart Walk

2009 Greater New Haven Start! Heart Walk - Sunday, May 17, 2009 - Light House Park, New Haven, CT, USA - Event Goal is $400,000

Heart attack? Call this emergency helpline (India)

"Imagine a heart patient experiencing pain in the chest with no medical care available close at hand. How does one administer first-aid while awaiting professional help? It is exactly for such emergencies that the Asian Heart Institute (AHI) launched a 24-hour heart helpline number (126-126) which was launched by Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, Governor SC Jamir and actor Akshay Kumar."

Nature's way to work out

"Few gym-goers would ever think of swapping their trainers, running shorts and T-shirts for wellies, a waterproof hat and Barbour. But there's a range of gyms where the latter is standard kit. In these fitness centres, sweaty cardio halls are swapped for open countryside, and exercise bikes and cross-trainers replaced with scythes. Welcome to the "green gym"." - Telegraph

Changing diet key to heart health

A lot of Canadians still don't understand that diet can make a big difference in lowering their bad cholesterol to a healthier level, says registered dietitian Leslie Beck. "The studies show many Canadians aren't eating that well and for some it doesn't become a reality until they've had a scare at the doctor's office when told their cholesterol is sky high," she says. The prolific author of eight nutrition books with a new one just released is convinced that people can lower their risk of high blood pressure, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart attacks by changing their unhealthy eating habits. The release of Beck's Heart Healthy Foods For Life: Preventing Heart Disease Through Diet and Nutrition (Penguin, $24) coincides with February Heart Month by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. - Halifax Herald

Heart health myths debunked

"Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, so it's crucial that people get their facts straight about it. And all-too-often, says cardiologist Dr. Nieca Goldberg, conventional wisdom is way off the mark. In the last part of the weeklong series "HeartScore," on The Early Show Saturday Edition, Goldberg talked about some of the leading myths, and the actual facts. As its title makes clear, Goldberg is the author of "Dr. Nieca Goldberg's Complete Guide to Women's Health." She is also director of the NYU Women's Heart Center"

Process for expansion and division of heart cells identified

"Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (GICD) and the University of California, San Francisco have unraveled a complex signaling process that reveals how different types of cells interact to create a heart. It has long been known that heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) actively divide and expand in the embryo, but after birth this proliferative capacity is permanently lost. How this transition occurs has not been known. In the current issue of the journal Developmental Cell, the scientists show that the secret to this switch lies in the cells that surround the muscle cells, known as fibroblasts, which send signals that tell cardiomyocytes to divide or get bigger in size. Manipulation of these signals may be able to induce cardiomyocytes to divide again for regenerative purposes after heart attacks" - GEN

2nd Annual Healing Little Hearts Fundraising Event

The second annual Healing Little Hearts fundraiser to benefit pediatric heart research at Children's Hospital in Boston, MA, will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Funds raised through the event will specifically support research into the development of a tissue engineered heart valve replacement that grows with the child

CARG Newsletter - March 2009 edition

The March 2009 issue of the CARG Newsletter is now available

Baby heart transplant raises questions on UK rules

Heart transplant baby Sarah Cox would not be alive today if UK rules were rolled out throughout Europe - Telegraph

World Diabetes Day theme 2009-2013

The theme for World Diabetes Day for 2009-2013 is Diabetes Prevention and Education. This broad and long-term theme will allow all diabetes stakeholders to take part in the campaign. The broadest possible alliance of stakeholders is required to make World Diabetes Day a global success. World Diabetes Day is an official United Nation's World Health Day. It is celebrated every year on November 14. The date was chosen because it marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin in 1921. World Diabetes Day was created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991, in response to concern over the escalating incidence of diabetes around the world. The International Diabetes Federation leads the World Diabetes Day campaign – develops the themes, runs the global website, creates all the materials and drives the global outreach.

Lifestyle 'doubles stroke risk'

Unhealthy lifestyles are associated with more than double the risk of a stroke, a UK study has reported. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, not taking enough exercise and eating few vegetables and little fruit contribute to the chances of a stroke, it found. Just a small proportion of the 20,000 adults studied had healthy enough lifestyles to protect against the condition, researchers said. Strokes cost the UK GBP7bn a year, the British Medical Journal article added. - BBC

Campaign announced to improve cardiac rehabilitation program at Person Memorial, NC

Roxboro Savings Bank was all heart Thursday while celebrating an 86-year milestone at its South Main Street branch. The bank's leaders invited Person Memorial Hospital, NC, administrators to a fund campaign kickoff in honor of the community's 85 years of support for the bank. Roxboro Savings used the occasion to put out an $85,000 match challenge for donors to the hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program. Bank officials said it was all about the heart: the bank's place in the heart of Roxboro, and how customers are the heart of their bank. Even for practical reasons, bank leaders said doing something positive toward keeping their customers around for many more healthy years made sense. - Person County Life

Cardiac rehabilitation jump-starts recoveries (USA)

Making hearts, minds and bodies stronger to all work together. That's the philosophy behind cardiac rehabilitation, said Genny Falzone. And she should know. As a cardiac rehabilitation nurse, Falzone has worked with thousands of patients recovering from heart attacks, open heart surgery, stents and bypasses. And she was one of the driving forces behind the changing face of cardiac rehabilitation in the Wyoming Valley Health Care System, Pennsylvania, about 13 years ago. "Around 1995, we started a whole new continuum of care for heart patients," she said. "Nurses along with cardiologists and surgeons began developing programs to help patients. We tried to nurture and create an environment that will help recovery. "With the whole cardiac rehabilitation team working together, we got the patients up and moving faster to prevent them from pulmonary complications, we started educating them on what to expect, included their family members in the recovery process and helped the hospital by having a shorter stay per patient." Another goal was to help patients deal with the emotional stress of undergoing heart surgery and facing rehabilitation by having many of the same rehab practitioners work with the patient during recovery - timesleader.com

Surgeon hopes to inspire folks over 40 to get moving

"No matter how many times we promise ourselves to change unhealthy habits, it seems we continually falter, lured by the couch, the TV and a big bag of snacks. Adults of a certain age could always use a little inspiration. Vonda Wright is happy to oblige. Wright is an orthopedic surgeon who advises and studies aging athletes, including competitors in the Senior Olympics. She also runs a program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center that gets aging couch potatoes on their feet and into a 5K walk or run in 12 weeks. She's the author of a new book, Fitness After 40: How to Stay Strong at Any Age."

Code Red promotes Heart Safety Month in Chicago

Chicago-based Code Red, LLC is a national training center for the American Heart Association and in connection with Heart Safety Month launched their on the ground campaign for education. Code Red is offering CPR/First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training for individuals, corporations, companies and various groups throughout the nation (USA). Currently, Code Red is focusing on individuals that work within the Chicago loop and surrounding areas. Individual and corporate training classes are available at Code Red and they are offering specials for classes booked in February in recognition of Heart Safety Month. As part of the message for Heart Safety Month, Code Red aims to educate the public on the major risks involved because heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest are the leading causes of death in United States - NewswireToday

Prompt treatment speeds heart-attack victim's recovery

Randy Ray was on his way to the hospital in January when he started feeling some chest pain. But the 51-year-old Somerset, PA, man was not coming in for an examination or testing. He was headed to work. 'I got my morning coffee and I started having a pain in my chest and jaw,' Ray said. Like many heart attack victims, Ray first tried to ignore the symptoms and went on to work in the engineering department at Somerset Hospital. The pain soon became more severe, and Ray broke out in a sweat. That's when he decided to stroll up to the emergency department. 'They brought me right back to the exam room,' Ray said. A shot of nitroglycerin and other treatment had Ray’s pain under control, and he was sent to Somerset’s catheterization lab the next morning. - Tribune Democrat

CARG Executive 2008-2009

Top left to right: President:Larry Mullen; Secretary: Ann Marie Smith; Treasurer: Mohindar Sachdev; Membership Chair: Curt Weberbauer; Ist Vice President: Terry York

Bottom left to right: 2nd Vice President: Dan Danaher; 3rd Vice President: Dennis Johnson; Members at large: Blake Adamson; Howard Hrehirchuk, Peter Scott

Bridge City Boogie 2009

The mission of the Bridge City Boogie 2009 is to promote and foster a culture of wellness in Saskatchewan through the ongoing development of Saskatoon's premier run / walk event. This year's event takes place June 14, 2009. There is also a Facebook group for the event

Heart Attack Test

"Researchers say they have a test that can tell if you're having a heart attack in just minutes rather than the current test that takes hours. And as this ScienCentral News video explains, they discovered it by studying patients who need heart attacks."

Obesity on the job (Canada)

"Obesity in the workplace is a growing phenomenon, with repercussions for both workers and their employers. International studies have found that the combination of a sedentary job and poor eating habits often leads to obesity, which can put the heart at risk and pave the way for a litany of other diseases. Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gall bladder disease, and some cancers. As well, obese workers have a substantially higher prevalence of metabolic, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and respiratory disorders" - Statistics Canada

Former MSU great Van Pelt dies

Brad Van Pelt, who turned his brilliant sports talents into a lustrous career at Michigan State and in the NFL, died Tuesday of an apparent heart attack in Harrison, Michigan. Van Pelt was 57. He was a 14-year NFL linebacker (1973-86) and five-time Pro Bowler of such stature that he was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Van Pelt's best years were the 11 seasons he played for the New York Giants when he was part of the vaunted Crunch Bunch phalanx of linebackers that included Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson and Brian Kelley. He later played for the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns before retiring at the end of the 1986 season - The Detroit News

Late stenting not better days after heart attack

"The concept of better late than never does not apply when it comes to reopening blocked heart arteries, researchers reported. A new international study found that when doctors try to use stents to prop open a closed artery days after an untreated heart attack, patients do no better long-term than patients who simply received drugs and other nonsurgical treatment. In at least one out of three heart attacks, surgeons fail to reopen the blocked artery responsible right away, in part because many heart attack victims do not seek treatment for many hours or days, when heart muscle may already be damaged. "Our study specifically addresses the question of whether, with a complete blockage, there is any benefit, now that the dust has settled after the acute heart attack, to opening the artery anyhow," said Dr. Daniel Mark of the Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina, who led the study. "I think our comprehensive answer to that is the benefit is very small and it's not worth the extra cost of doing the procedure." Earlier results from the Occluded Artery Trial or OAT showed that, four years after the heart attacks, the rate of death, heart failure or a subsequent heart attack was not reduced by a late attempt at removing the blockage. The new quality-of-life data, reported in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, show more reasons why opening an artery too long after a heart attack may be a waste of time and effort" - Khaleej Times

Suffolk misses out on life-saving unit (UK)

"Heart attack victims in Suffolk have been denied life-saving care after Ipswich Hospital lost out on a specialist treatment centre. This is the latest in a line of set backs for the hospital which last year saw its head and neck cancer surgery move to Norwich and is currently facing the threat of having pancreatic cancer surgery moved to Cambridge. Doctors made a bid for a Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Centre (PPCI) centre - which improves heart attack survival rates - to be established at the hospital in Heath Road. However the East of England Specialised Commissioning Group decided the specialist centres should be placed in Basildon in Essex, Papworth in Cambridgeshire and Norwich, but none in Suffolk" - EADT24

Snooks Eaglin dies, aged 72

Snooks Eaglin, the New Orleans rhythm & blues guitarist known for his dexterous finger-picking and boundless repertoire, died Wednesday afternoon of a heart attack. He was 72

Red About You - new blog

Red About You - "this blog, supported by the South Central Affiliate of the American Heart Association, chronicles the stories and life of women in Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas who have been affected by heart disease and heart failure"

Face of Cheerios (USA)

"Dolores Marino, an Apple Valley resident for four decades, nearly died in 2006. Now she's the face of Cheerios' heart awareness campaign, plastered on 8 million cereal boxes in stores and homes across the country. 'The irony of my story is that I have been a nurse for more than 25 years,' Marino, 61, said. 'I take care of patients. Never in my wildest imagination would I have predicted open-heart surgery for myself.' About 20 years ago, Marino attended a health fair put on by nursing students at Victor Valley College. She paid $25 to have lab work done, and found out she had high cholesterol. When she was in her mid-50s, Marino learned she also had high blood pressure." - Freedom Communications, Inc.

New genomic markers associated with risk of heart disease and early heart attack

Five short reports published simultaneously by the journal Nature Genetics have for the first time identified clusters of genetic markers associated with heart attack and coronary heart disease. - Science Daily

53-year-old undergoes India's first keyhole multiple bypass

Dr Naresh Trehan conducted India's first keyhole multiple bypass surgery on Suman Singhal (53) at the Indraprastha Apollo hospital last week. It took him less than four hours to perform the scarless surgery, without cutting any bone of the patient. Conventionally, the breastbone is cut to reach the heart. Singhal, from Uttar Pradesh, was diagnosed with multiple blockages. Trehan and team put five grafts in her blood vessels through a three-inch incision, using the minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting method and octopus stabilisers. The stabilisers are reusable tissue stabilisers with collapsible pods that enable insertion into and removal from the thoracic cavity through a port, eliminating the need for an incision for the stabiliser's insertion. "It is the first of its kind surgery. It will benefit patients, especially women. One cannot see the scar as it is below the breast," said Dr Trehan, senior cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at Apollo.

Drinking tea can reduce strokes

"A new study in the United States has found out that drinking three or more cups of tea per day can reduce the risk of stroke. "By drinking three cups of tea a day, the risk of a stroke was reduced 21%," said Lenore Arab, professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine. The professor also said that the more you drink, the better your odds of staving off a stroke. Drinking three more cups can drop another 21%. The effect was found in tea made from the plant Camellia sinensis, not herbs, Arab said. Researchers speculate that the anti-oxidant epigallocatechin gallate or the amino acid Theanine in tea may be what helps. Some studies show anti-oxidants help prevent coronary artery disease, daily news reported Friday. "If we can find a way to prevent the stroke, or prevent the damage, that is simple and not toxic, that would be a great advance," Arab said" - PressTV

"Embrace Telemedicine" urge Eucomed and EHRA

Eucomed, the voice of medical technology in Europe has urged European Healthcare systems to break down the existing barriers to telemedicine. At the Czech Presidency's ministerial Conference: 'eHealth for Individuals, Society and Economy', Markus Siebert, Chair of Eucomed's Cardiac Rhythm Management Telemonitoring Group described remote device monitoring as safe, economical and clinically effective and urged healthcare systems across Europe to embrace the technology"

It's Big Bike Season in Canada!

In April 2009, the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Big Bike will hit the streets of Canada, making its way through more than 200 communities across nine provinces, in an effort to raise over $7 million to support vital life-saving heart and stroke research. Below is information about the ride in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Yours truly will be riding it!

In-flight health issues 'on rise'

"Growing numbers of older passengers and ever longer flights mean the likelihood of health problems in the skies is increasing, US researchers suggest. From blood clots to flu pandemics, both travellers and authorities should be aware of the risks - and seek to minimise them - a Lancet review urges. An ageing population means passengers are boarding planes with existing health problems, researchers warn. Extended flight times could also increase the risk to health, they say. The review of the many studies into the health risks of flying found an overall association between air travel and venous thromboembolism (VTE), which occurs when a blood clot in a leg vein travels through the body to the lung" - BBC

Surgeons send 'tweets' from operating room

"It's 7 a.m. at Henry Ford Hospital, and surgeons are preparing to remove a cancerous tumor from a man's kidney. It's potentially a risky surgery, but everything's ready: The doctors and nurses are in the operating room, the surgical instruments are sterilized and ready to go, and the chief resident is furiously Twittering on his laptop. That's right - last week, for the second known time, surgeons Twittered a surgery by using social-networking site Twitter to give short real-time updates about the procedure" - CNN

Twelfth Congress of Chest Pain Centers

The goal of the Twelfth Congress of Chest Pain Centers is to deliver up-to-the-minute, practical education in cardiovascular disease management to all emergency medicine and cardiology physicians and nurses, EMS personnel, and other interested healthcare professionals. The diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease has undergone monumental changes over the past few years. Advances in pharmacology and technology have transformed the way current clinical practice is viewed. Participants can attend in-depth day-long workshops or choose from over 40 different lectures, debates and panel discussions presented by nationally recognized experts - April 29 to May 2, 2009 - Memphis, TN, USA

Heart Disease and women - video

Who's Who in America's cardiologist Dr. Bruce Charash says there are two important points that every woman needs to know about heart disease. Find out what they are in this video:


Heart disease and women from Marquis Who's Who on Vimeo.

21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day

The American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day, "wake-up" call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association encourages people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they, or their loved ones, are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Observed on the fourth Tuesday of every March, the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day is Tuesday, March 24, 2009.

Blood pressure compound may benefit brain tumor patients

"A widely used blood pressure medication may be the key to preventing brain function loss common after radiation treatment, according to a newly published study by researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. The findings offer the hope of an improved quality of life for cancer patients. Using a rat model, the study drew on a hypothesis from previous studies that a compound similar to the anti-hypertensive drug losartan can prevent the cognition loss that has been closely-associated with radiation therapy for brain tumor treatment. The findings, recently published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, appear to validate the hypothesis in rats and researchers are optimistic that the same theory could easily be applied in a human clinical trial setting because the drug used has a long-established safety profile in patients who have taken it to treat high blood pressure." - newswise

Cherries help heart, help prevent diabetes

Cherries, a super fruit, may reduce factors associated with heart disease and diabetes, a U.S. researcher suggests. Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at University Southwestern Medical Center and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, says the fruit's red color is a cue to its antioxidant and health benefits. "Cherries are particularly high in quercetin, a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory compound," Sandon says in a statement. "While apples are the top source of quercertin in the typical American diet, gram for gram, cherries pack just as much of this valuable nutrient." Fresh cherries or apples have about 3 milligrams of quercetin per 7-ounce serving. However, processing concentrates quercetin, so there's about twice the amount of the compound in juices and other processed offerings, Sandon says. "Cherries are available year-round in dried, frozen and juice form, so they're easy to incorporate into your daily diet," Sandon says. - United Press International

ECO 2009 - The 17th European Congress on obesity

The 17th European Congress on Obesity (ECO) will take place at the RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from Wednesday 6 May to Saturday 9 May 2009. Excess body weight is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer, making obesity one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. With global rates in adults and children on the rise, the condition is considered one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century. ECO 2009 provides a unique European forum for presentations of exciting new research from scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists and public health specialists. About 2,500 scientists, doctors, nurses and public health policy experts are expected to attend. The European Association for the Study of Obesity welcomes the interest of the media in obesity issues and is happy to provide full assistance to journalists attending ECO 2009. A media centre with computing, fax, photocopying and free international phone and Internet connections will be available. English-speaking press officers will be on hand to assist you. NB: the official language of ECO 2009 is English and all press materials will be in English

CMAJ 17 February 2009, Volume 180, Issue 4 online

The Canadian Medical Association Journal 17 February 2009, Volume 180, Issue 4, is now available online

Smoking kills regardless of class (UK)

Being female or rich offers no defence against the ill heath caused by smoking, according to a new study. Researchers from Glasgow University and NHS Scotland looked at the impact of smoking on the survival rates of 15,000 men and women over a 28-year period. They found smokers of all social classes had a much higher risk of premature death than even the poorest non-smokers. The survival advantage women normally have over men was also cancelled out. The study, one of the first to examine the long-term impact of smoking on older men and women, was carried out by Dr Laurence Gruer and Dr David Gordon from NHS Health Scotland, and Professor Graham Watt and Dr Carole Hart from Glasgow University. Their findings are being published in the British Medical Journal online and conclude "in essence, neither affluence nor being female offers a defence against the toxicity of tobacco" - BBC

Potato chips, french fries may harm heart

"Polish researchers suggest that acrylamide from foods such as potato chips may increase the risk of heart disease. Marek Naruszewicz of the Polish Society for Atherosclerosis Research in Szczecin, Poland, and colleagues say that acrylamide has been linked to nervous system disorders and possibly to cancer. After ingesting large amounts of potato chips providing about 157 micrograms of acrylamide daily for four weeks, the study participants had adverse changes in oxidized low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, inflammatory markers and antioxidants that help the body eliminate acrylamide - all of which may increase the risk of heart disease. The findings are published in the March issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." - redOrbit

HealthTransaction Network (USA)

"HealthTransaction Network has begun operations with the first national, electronic healthcare transaction network in the United States. The long-awaited program, started by electronic-transaction entrepreneur Joseph Wolfson, came to life last week with the launch of low-cost basic services at community health-care facilities, a new technologically advanced identification card, and an electronic transaction network to facilitate transactions between consumers and healthcare providers. With the launch of this unique Network, individuals can now get discounted healthcare services at five regional hospital systems and urgent-care centers throughout the Western New York region that participate in the new electronic network. Through the new HealthTransaction Network, consumers can now access routine physical examinations, eye care, dental exams, mammograms, blood pressure screenings, prescription drugs and other services that might otherwise be out of their reach. Services are provided on a pay-as-you-go basis, with no billing or insurance" - redOrbit

Take the Red Pledge!

The Red Pledge Contest is held by Bayer Inc. The Contest will run on the Internet until April 30, 2009. The Contest is open to residents of Canada, excluding the province of Quebec, who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence. Ten prizes are offered. Each prize consists of one Tiffany & Co. round lock sterling silver charm bracelet, of an approximate value of $325

British Heart Foundation's photostream on flickr

The British Heart Foundation's photostream on flickr has almost 2,000 pictures. You can subscribe to all the new updates via the RSS feed

Severe migraine sufferers 'more at risk of heart attack or stroke'

"Suffering from severe migraines makes women significantly more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke, a new study suggests. Scientists found that those who experienced blurred or difficult vision during the painful headaches and carried certain genes were twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke. The findings could indicate that doctors should monitor patients with the condition more closely. Around nine million people Britain regularly suffer from migraines, with an estimated 80 per cent thought to have an attack at least once a month. Around one in four are thought to have migraine with aura, whose symptoms can include flashing lights, black spots or zig-zag patterns in front of their eyes, as well as debilitating head pain. The researchers found that migraine with aura sufferers who also carried certain genes were twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as women who never got migraines" - Telegraph

VAP Cholesterol Test helps in search for new heart disease drugs

"Using the VAP Cholesterol Test from Atherotech, Inc., University of Maryland researchers have found an association between a rare gene mutation and heart protection. The information reported in a recent study could help in the development of heart disease risk-lowering drugs and also demonstrates the value of advanced lipid profile testing in the identification of individuals at increased risk of heart disease. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) of fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels was performed as part of the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention (HAPI) Heart Study. The results, published in the highly respected journal, Science, identified a specific gene mutation (APOC3 R19X) present in 5 percent of a Lancaster County, Pa., Amish community. This rare genetic occurrence prevents the production of a protein (apoC-III) that leads to increased rates of atherosclerosis" - Yahoo

Sudden cardiac death rare in young athletes

"The rate of young athletes in the United States dying of sudden cardiac failure is relatively rare, on par with the same age group being involved in a lightning-related death, researchers say. According to a study published in the journal Circulation, 1,866 U.A. athletes, ages 8 to 39, died suddenly or survived cardiac arrest from 1980 to 2006. Cardiovascular disease killed more than half those athletes, with one in three being linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that results in an enlarged heart that can often be detected by a routine electrocardiogram (ECG)" - HealthDay

How to get heart healthy at work

"If you regularly load up on oatmeal for breakfast, eat salmon for dinner and jog using a heart rate monitor on the weekends, you probably think you're pretty heart smart. But if during the work week you're stressed out, constantly hunched over your computer and eating erratically, experts say, you're not doing enough. It's estimated that one in three American adults has one or more types of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association's 2008 statistics. If you want to avoid becoming one of them or, worse, one of the nearly 2,400 Americans who die each day from cardiovascular disease, you've got to find ways to make your work life heart healthy, too" - Forbes

Richard Madeley reveals his heart in National Heart Month

TV presenter Richard Madeley has revealed that he had often worried that he might die before the age of 50 because of a history of heart disease in his family. His Dad, aged just 49, died of a heart attack when Richard was 21. For National Heart Month Richard wanted to reveal his own heart - to get the UK thinking about their own heart health. Richard had an echocardiogram, also known as an echo, undertaken at Kings College Hospital, London by Research Registrar Amit Bhan. Richard said: "I was initially a bit apprehensive about having the heart scan. But after my dad died suddenly of a heart attack at just 49, I've always been aware of how important it is to look after your heart health. "The scan itself only took 15 minutes, but it felt like a lifetime as the doctor examined the screen closely for any early indications of the disease. I waited to hear the outcome and was relieved to hear that all was well. - British Heart Foundation

Heart pill to erase bad memories

Scientists believe a common heart medicine may be able to erase fearful memories from the mind. The Dutch investigators believe beta-blocker drugs could help people suffering from the emotional after effects of traumatic experiences. They believe the drug alters how memories are recalled after carrying out the study of 60 people, Nature Neuroscience reports. But British experts questioned the ethics of tampering with the mind - BBC

Becel Love Your Heart benefit concert (Canada)

On April 23 2009, the Becel Love Your Heart Benefit Concert will bring together some of North America's top female recording artists, including Diana Krall and Chantal Kreviazuk in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation's The Heart Truth. By registering your PIN found on specially-marked packs of Becel, you and a guest can attend a Cineplex or Empire Theatre near you for the simulcast of this concert. For each PIN activated on loveyourheart.ca, Becel will donate $1 to the Heart and Stroke Foundation's The Heart Truth on your behalf, to a maximum of $100,000. You can find a PIN for 2 free theatre simulcast tickets inside specially marked packs of Becel

Women's heart attack symptoms differ from men's

What image comes to mind when you picture someone having a heart attack? For most people, the classic illustration is a man dramatically clutching his chest while falling to the ground. While chest pain is typically involved, the person suffering the heart attack easily could be a woman. And for some women, the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack may be more subtle or slightly different than what men experience. Cardiologist Dr. Taylor Weatherbee, who practices at Blount Memorial Hospital, TN, says that women need to watch for any unusual symptoms, which may or may not involve chest pain. "Women who are having a heart attack may only experience nausea, feel a little weak or have a burning sensation in the chest that they attribute to heartburn. If a woman thinks a symptom is unusual for her, then she needs to get assessed in the emergency room." - Daily Times

'Heart Affair' offers information on how to protect your heart

"Harriett Marshall tries to keep a healthy heart. Her grandmother and cousin both died of heart attacks. Their deaths encouraged Marshall to change her eating habits and to exercise regularly, she said. "I don't eat a lot of fried foods," Marshall said. "I bake most of my meats, eat vegetables and drink a lot of water. I try to get out there and walk often, too." At 78, Marshall thinks she's in good health. She goes to the doctor and to community health programs. Last week, Marshall attended the first annual "Community Go Red Luncheon: It's a Heart Affair," organized by the Jackson, TN, chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., a national humanitarian organization. The program, a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, educated women about heart disease and its risk factors in the activity center of Macedonia Baptist Church." - jacksonsun.com

Residents aren't taking heart health seriously (USA)

"Heart disease is Wyoming's No. 1 killer. But the state spends 12 times more money on cancer prevention and research. And residents may hear messages to use less salt, eat healthy and exercise more, but the advice isn't always a priority as people juggle families, jobs and bills. Even those who know they are at risk for diabetes or cardiovascular disease may not know what they can do to prevent a heart attack, said Dave Ivester of the state Department of Health's heart disease and stroke prevention program. And those with diagnosed disorders may not know how to keep their symptoms under control. "A lot of us are guilty," he said. "We don't go to a doctor unless we're ill." One piece of legislation in the general session of the Legislature aimed to provide $150,000 for a diabetes and cardiovascular disease outreach effort. But it did not meet the House deadline for consideration on first reading." - Wyoming News

Cardiac nurse helps keep hearts pumping for patients (USA)

"Melinda Taylor has a tender heart for caring for people with tender hearts. Taylor, who has worked for the past five years as a cardiac rehabilitation nurse at Freeman Neosho Hospital, Ohio, USA, was busy Friday morning keeping a watchful eye on a room full of patients. It is a job she loves. Taylor has worked as a nurse for 14 years, and now on a daily basis she cares for people who have had heart surgery, heart attacks and those who suffer from chest pain" - The Times-Reporter

Take it to heart (USA)

"Ida Plutro works out at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at HealthPlex, Fairmont General Hospital, WV, where she learns to take care of her heart through exercise and education classes. Like other heart patients, she does exercises on specialty equipment such as bicycles, step, treadmill and rower while her blood pressure and pulse are monitored. 'This gives me energy. Sometimes I'm lethargic. I work for 40-45 minutes three times a week, and I come home rejuvenated. And when I can’t go, I miss it. I'll try to keep it up as long as I can.'" - timeswv.com

Heart Health: Second chances: Two north central Wisconsin women re-evaluate life after heart attacks

"Cynthia Pulver, 50, of Wausau and Linda Proft, 51, of Merrill have a lot in common. Both women have grown children, they love to spend time with their grandchildren and they work in the insurance industry. And they both have made strides in improving their health following heart attacks at mid-life. Proft had a heart attack in August 2006 at age 49; Pulver had two heart attacks shortly before Christmas. Each had multiple stents implanted to prop open blocked arteries. Both women quit smoking the days they had their heart attacks and they credit the long process of cardiac rehabilitation with helping them improve their lifestyles to reduce their risks of having more heart attacks." - Wausau Daily Herald

Happy Valentine's Day from the Heart and Stroke Foundation

"Make 2009 your healthiest year yet! This Valentine’s Day, think of your heart and make a commitment to living a healthier lifestyle. Here are our Valentine's gifts to you, to help you get started: FREE subscription to our monthly e-newsletter, He@lthline, full of healthy ideas and information. FREE Heartbeats - weekly lifestyle motivations, ideas and information delivered by e-mail, text message or RSS feed. Our Heart Truth campaign's Heartbeats is designed to help you achieve simple lifestyle changes that will boost your health and energy levels over the coming weeks and months. FREE heart healthy recipes every day of the year - Heart and Stroke Foundation