Hospitals will get heart data via Bluetooth (USA)

"Trauma doctors in Brevard County will soon be armed with technology that makes life-saving care available to patients before they roll up to the emergency room door. Brevard County Fire-Rescue is implementing Bluetooth technology to transmit electrocardiogram readings from cardiac patients in the field to hospitals so doctors are better prepared to treat them. In about three or four months, more than 93 units, including 40 fire-rescue ambulances, will be equipped with the new technology for rapid transmission of EKG readings. Melbourne and Palm Bay are among seven other fire departments that will benefit from the technology. It will cost about $155,000 to equip ambulances for the new technology, and the entire cost is funded by a Florida Department of Health grant, including server and modem costs for the next five years. Hospitals will set up receiving centers to receive the EKG readings." - Florida Today

Health Canada: important information on changes to heparin potency

Health Canada is informing health care professionals and Canadians of recent changes to heparin manufacturing standards in the United States that will result in a decrease in the potency of certain heparin products by about 10 per cent

The Branson Landing Well Walker program (USA)

"The Branson Landing Well Walker program (Missouri, USA) is sponsored by Skaggs Regional Cardiac Center. This free program is dedicated to helping keep its members healthy, active and living more productive lives. The Well Walker program is designed for people of all ages, body types and fitness levels. The Branson Landing provides 2 miles of beautiful scenery, perfect for walking. Walkers can enjoy unique shopping, entertainment and the peaceful boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo. Registration for the program begins during a kick-off ceremony at Branson Landing square, Thursday, December 3, 2009, 11 a.m. Wear your walking shoes, following registration we'll take a walk together! All registered members receive a welcome bag full of goodies that'll help get your walking program started off on the right foot. If you're unable to attend the Well Walker kick-off ceremony, registration for the program will be available here online later that day or visit Branson Landing Management located on the Landing, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m."

Average dog owner 'gets more exercise than gym-goers' (UK)

The average dog owner gets more exercise walking their pet than someone with a gym membership, a pet health care expert has claimed. Researchers found animal lovers exercise their pet twice a day for 24 minutes each time – a total of five hours and 38 minutes a week. On top of that, the average dog owner also takes their pet out on three long walks each week adding another two hours and 33 minutes to the total. But in comparison, those without a dog spend an average of just one hour and 20 minutes per week exercising by going to the gym or heading out for a stroll or jog. And almost half (47 per cent) of non-pet owners admit they do absolutely no exercise whatsoever. A spokesperson for pet health care experts Bob Martin said the difference between the two was that going to the gym can feel like a chore while dogwalking can be far more enjoyable. "With increasing focus on leading an active healthy lifestyle it seems that owning a dog makes us more healthy," the Bob Martin spokesperson said. "The Government recommends 30 minutes of moderate cardio vascular exercise 3-5 times per week and it's encouraging to see that dog walkers are exceeding this target and enjoying it at the same time." - Telegraph

Salt intake, stroke, and cardiovascular disease: meta-analysis of prospective studies (BMJ)

"During the past century, the evidence for the risks imposed on human health by excess salt consumption has become compelling. The causal relation between habitual dietary salt intake and blood pressure has been established through experimental, epidemiological, migration, and intervention studies. Most adult populations around the world have average daily salt intakes higher than 6 g, and for many in eastern Europe and Asia higher than 12 g. International recommendations suggest that average population salt intake should be less than 5-6 g per day." - BMJ

Bacteria in cigarettes may harm health

"Cigarettes are widely contaminated with bacteria, including some known to harm health, French and U.S. researchers said. Researchers at the University of Maryland in College Park and Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France found cigarettes could be the direct source of exposure to a wide array of potentially pathogenic microbes among smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. "We were quite surprised to identify such a wide variety of human bacterial pathogens in these products," lead researcher Amy R. Sapkota of the University of Maryland School of Public Health said in a statement. "If these organisms can survive the smoking process - and we believe they can - then they could possibly go on to contribute to both infectious and chronic illnesses in both smokers and individuals who are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke." Sapkota and colleagues used DNA microarray analysis to estimate the so-called bacterial metagenome -- the totality of bacterial genetic material present in the tested cigarettes. The findings are scheduled to be published in Environmental Health Perspectives" - UPI

Diabetes rate may double by 2034

If nothing is done, the number of Americans with diabetes will nearly double in the next 25 years and spending on the disease will nearly triple, a new study shows. An aging population combined with a dramatic rise in obesity has created a perfect storm for diabetes in the U.S., researchers say. "A perfect storm is a good way to look at it," study researcher Elbert S. Huang, MD of the University of Chicago tells WebMD. "If things stay the way they are right now we will have massive increases in diabetes incidence in this country over the next two decades." By 2034, as many as 44 million Americans will have diabetes, up from 23 million today, according to the new projections, published in the November issue of the American Diabetes Association journal Diabetes Care. The cost of caring for diabetes patients is projected to rise from $113 billion to $336 annually, and that is before adjusting for inflation. These costs will outpace the increase in cases because more diabetes patients will be older and sicker and will require more expensive medical care, experts say

Diabetes Care - November 2009

Diabetes Care - Volume 32, Number 12, November 2009, is now available from The American Diabetes Association

BioMedSearch

"BioMedSearch is an enhanced version of the NIH PubMed search that combines MedLine/PubMed data with data from other sources to make the most comprehensive biomedical literature search available. BioMedSearch also provides advanced account features that allow saved searches, alerts, saving documents to portfolios, commenting on documents and portfolios, and sharing documents with other registered users. Registering for BioMedSearch is free"

Thomas Wallace - Obituary

Thomas Glen Edward Ted Wallace 1926 to 2009. It is with sadness that the family of Ted Wallace announces his passing. Ted passed away at RUH on November 21, 2009 at the age of 83 years. Ted leaves to mourn his wife of 48 years, Helen Wallace; daughter, Brenda and husband, Don Reiter; grandchildren, Kyle and Kimberley Reiter; son, Neil Wallace and wife, Marie; brother-in-law, Roger Stacy and wife, Maureen. Ted was born and raised in the Dafoe area and was a farmer and beekeeper until he and Helen retired to Saskatoon in 1994. Upon graduation from high school, Ted enlisted in the army during World War II and was a legion member. After WWII at the age of nineteen, Ted left the army and briefly enrolled in the College of Agriculture in Saskatoon until the death of his father required him to assume responsibility for the farm. During his life, Ted also enjoyed woodworking, cross-country skiing, dancing, golf and curling. Ted and Helen were active members of the vibrant FooteCopeland community. After their retirement to Saskatoon, Ted became an enthusiastic participant in the Coronary Artery Rehabilitation Group (CARG) Program. He has met many friends at CARG and was extremely grateful to the staff and program. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from McClure United Church (4025 Taylor Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N7). In lieu of flowers, donations in Ted's memory can be made to CARG, Saskatoon Field House (2020 College Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2W4) or McClure United Church (address above). Family and friends may send email condolences from the website www.hillcrestmemorial.ca. Arrangements are entrusted to Neysa Gee, Hillcrest Funeral Home, 477-4400

Bottling anger at work can be deadly: Study

"Men who bottle up their anger at being unfairly treated at work are up to five times more likely to suffer a heart attack, or even die from one, than those who let their frustration show, a Swedish study has found. The study by the Stress Research Institutes of Stockholm University followed 2,755 employed men who had not suffered any heart attacks from 1992 to 2003. At the end of the study, 47 participants had either suffered an attack, or died from heart disease, and many of those had been found to be "covertly coping" with unfair treatment at work. The study was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health"

Video: Volunteer Heroes- British Heart Foundation

Meet some of the British Heart Foundation Shops volunteers who talk about what they enjoy most about working in our stores

CARG Newsletter - December 2009

CARG Newsletter - December 2009 is now available

Upstream Diabetes Study

We are looking for volunteers to participate in a study that is testing a new Canadian Diabetes Screening tool. You may have already been approached by a staff member regarding this project, but if you haven't, this could be your opportunity to make an easy $20.00.

Jaime (one of the staff) has been franticly recruiting people to participate in this study. If you are interested please talk to her.

Do you qualify for the study?

- Have to be between the ages of 40 and 74 years
- NOT diabetic already
- NOT pregnant

There are two ways to participate

1. Screening events are being held once a month. They are currently only at the field house but we are planning to expand to Shaw sometime in the near future. Your blood test will be done at this time and you will also receive education on nutrition, physical activity, and action planning. Posters and sign-up sheets will be found on the exercise log tables
2. If you would rather do the blood test on your own time, a lab requisition form can be obtained from Jaime. Before receiving the requisition, a meeting will need to be scheduled to complete the screening tool. After this is completed, a trip to the lab can be completed at your earliest convenience

If there are any questions or concerns, please talk to Jaime during the cardiac program or call 655-4804

Cardiology - a call for papers from The Lancet

"The Lancet is dedicating a special issue to cardiology to coincide with the American College of Cardiology meeting to be held in Atlanta, GA, USA, on March 14-16, 2010. We will consider high-quality original research papers that describe the results of randomised trials and will influence clinical practice. If your work is being presented at the meeting and falls under an embargo policy, please tell us the date, time, and manner of presentation (poster or oral)."

CMAJ - 24 November 2009

The Canadian Medical Association Journal - 24 November 2009, Volume 181, Issue 11, is now available online

Couch kids - the nation's future (British Heart Foundation)

"Four years on from our first 'Couch Kids' report into childhood obesity and children still aren't getting the diet or exercise they need. Our new report shows that despite efforts to get kids more active, a disturbingly high number of young people across the UK aren't reaching the target of 60 minutes physical activity each day. In England for example, 15% of boys and 19% of girls aren't even achieving 30 minutes a day. Urgent action is needed to ensure that children are able to make healthy choices, this action must involve:

* raising awareness of the importance of physical activity
* providing a range of opportunities to get active
* consideration of the barriers to getting active, and
* reducing health inequalities"

Video: How to Check Your Pulse - British Heart Foundation

Ellen Mason, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, shows you how to check your pulse:

Canada's first research chair in cardiovascular disease prevention chosen

"Renowned B.C. kinesiologist and heart disease researcher Dr. Scott Lear is the inaugural recipient of the Pfizer/Heart and Stroke Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Research at St. Paul's Hospital, established in partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU). Funding from this $4.6-million endowed chair will allow Dr. Lear to move his internationally renowned research program into a patient care setting, where he will have daily interaction with clinicians and patients. Working at the Providence Heart + Lung Institute based at St. Paul's Hospital, he will investigate why people get heart disease and what they can do to prevent or manage it" - Providence Health Care

Kelowna General Hospital initiates cardiac angioplasty surgeries (Canada)

"For the first time in B.C. - outside of the Lower Mainland or Victoria - angioplasty procedures where a microscopic balloon is introduced into an artery, inflated, and a stent put in to keep the artery open have been performed at Kelowna General Hospital. Last week, the first 10 angioplasties were completed here, a milestone that brought Health Minister Kevin Falcon to town Friday to make the announcement. He said the phased-in cardiac program at KGH, which will feature heart surgery starting in 2012, is on budget and four months ahead of schedule" - Kelowna Capital News

Canadians are taking the "reduced sodium" message to heart - new study suggests how to support further change

"In a large-scale cross-Canada survey to assess Canadians' knowledge and behaviours regarding sodium intake, University of Alberta researchers Anna Farmer PhD, MPH, RD and Diana Mager PhD, RD found that the majority of Canadians believe they consume too much sodium, that most are aware that too much sodium can lead to health problems, but only half are actually doing something about it. The researchers found that Canadians were somewhat knowledgeable about the potential health risks of too much sodium; most linked high salt intake with high blood pressure, and a majority believed that the Canadian diet is too high in salt. On the other hand, less than half of respondents were aware of how much salt is too much. Despite that gap in Canadians' knowledge, about half of the survey participants were actually doing something to reduce sodium consumption, reporting that they never add salt either at the table or in their food preparations" - Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research

Video: Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm - Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Surgeon Kevin Greason, M.D., discusses thoracic aortic aneurysms. Topics include an overview, diagnosis and treatment options, including endovascular repair of the condition

World Diabetes Day - YouTube Channel

World Diabetes Day has a channel on YouTube

CMAJ - 10 November 2009

The Canadian Medical Association Journal - 10 November 2009, Volume 181, Issue 10, is now available online

Sam Allardyce to undergo surgery (UK)

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce will miss his side's next three matches in order to undergo an operation on a coronary artery, the club has revealed. Allardyce, who turned 55 last month, "complained of brief episodes of chest discomfort" according to the club. His treatment involves an angioplasty - an operation to widen the artery using an artificial tube called a stent. "Sam is very disappointed, but his well-being is of prime consideration," said Rovers chairman John Williams. "We all appreciate that Premier League football is a stressful business and prevention is always better than cure." - BBC

17 million Euro boost for cardiac renal unit (Ireland)

A 17 million Euro funding allocation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) which will allow the equipping and phased opening next year of a new 151-bed cardiac renal facility at Cork University Hospital (CUH) has been warmly welcomed by both hospital management and medical staff. CUH general manager, Tony McNamara, told The Irish Times that confirmation of the 17 million Euro funding was particularly welcome given the current economic climate as it would have a major impact on the quality of service to both renal and cardiac patients. "This is a huge achievement in the current economic climate - it will enable us to look at the phased opening of the centre, starting initially with the transfer of renal services which are already located on the CUH campus," according to Mr McNamara. "The new centre will have a total of 35 haemodialysis stations, including 30 for routine dialysis, three for high dependency patients and two for isolation patients - that's up from the current number of 22 and one isolation unit"

Innovative heart surgery unveiled in Scotland

"A pioneering technique which could save thousands of patients from having heart surgery has been performed in Scotland for the first time by one of the world's leading cardiologists. The method of opening blocked arteries, which was devised in Japan, was demonstrated to dozens of doctors from across the country at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank. A 69-year-old man was the patient used on Wednesday to demonstrate the new technique. He was suffering from chronic total occlusion, which means a blocked artery. Instead of having to undergo bypass surgery, which could mean up to ten days in hospital and three months recovery, the new procedure could mean the man will go home on Thursday and back to normal by the end of the week. The man was wide awake as one of the world's leading cardiologists, Professor Masahiko Ochiai, inserted tiny wires into his leg and up to his heart. Two hours later, the operation was finished and was hailed a complete success" - STV

Chilling brains using nose-pumped coolant aids in cardiac care

"Chilling the brains of cardiac-arrest patients as they are raced to the hospital may help reduce neurological damage, a study found. The device used is expected to be sold in Europe in March. The trial of 182 patients showed that 37 percent treated with the device, which pumps coolant through prongs inserted in the nose, were in good neurological condition when discharged from the hospital, compared with 21 percent with standard care. The research was presented at the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Florida. The device, made by closely held BeneChill Inc. of San Diego, is designed for use during resuscitation instead of after, working to limit brain damage faster. The company-funded study was done in medical centers across Europe" - Bloomberg

Single-sex Cardiac Rehab helps depressed women (USA)

A motivational women-only cardiac rehabilitation program helped reduce symptoms of depression in women with coronary heart disease, a U.S. study has found. Depression, which is more common in female heart disease patients than in males, can interfere with adoption of lifestyle changes meant to improve health and willingness to attend cardiac rehabilitation. "Women often don't have the motivation to attend cardiac rehab, particularly if they're depressed," lead author Theresa Beckie, a professor at the University of South Florida's College of Nursing in Tampa, said in a news release from the American Heart Association" - The Palm Beach Post

Hamptons Marathon contributes to Cardiac Rehab Renovation at Southampton Hospital (USA)

"Co-founders of the Hamptons Marathon, Amanda Moszkowski and Diane Weinberger, recently donated $20,000 raised through their third annual event to Southampton Hospital, New York. The funds will be used for a renovation of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. The event, which is held annually in East Hampton, attracted more than 1,300 participants for the 26.2-mile run. Next year's event will be held on October 2."

Saskatoon Lions Support Coronary Artery Rehabilitation Group - Judy Junor, MLA

This is the member statement made by Judy Junor, MLA, on the floor of the Saskatchewan Legislature on November 12, 2009: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last Friday, November 6, Saskatoon Downtown Lions Club generously presented CARG, the Coronary Artery Rehabilitation Group, with a cheque for $3,600. CARG is a self-help, volunteer, non-profit group dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle for persons with cardiac problems, with the assistance of cardiac specialists. CARG offers group support and fellowship, an opportunity to participate in a supervised exercise program, and continuing educational and supportive events. This recent donation of 3,600 will be used to purchase stationary bikes at the new Shaw Centre. I'd like to thank the president of CARG, Dr. Mohindar Sachdev; vice-presidents, Dennis Johnson, Peter Scott; and volunteer, Antoinette Honoroski. In particular I'd like to recognize my constituent, Dan Danaher, first vice-president of CARG. The Saskatoon Lions Club, CARG's most recent donor, has been providing quality community programs in our community for decades, including blind bowling, blind skiing, diabetes awareness, the sled dog track meet, and the Saskatoon Speed Skating Club, just to name a few. They also operate the Lions eye bank, Lions guide dogs, and the Lions Band. I would like to thank Mike Slonowski, Marlene Korpan, and Bob Belke from the Saskatoon Downtown Lions Club for their dedication and contribution. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in thanking the Saskatoon Lions Club for their generosity, and in thanking the executive and participants of CARG for making us aware of our need to be heart-smart. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

Life After Stroke Awards 2010 (UK)

"Do you know someone directly affected by stroke? Whether they are a stroke survivor, carer or volunteer, let them know how remarkable they are and nominate them for a Life After Stroke Award. As the only national charity solely concerned with helping everyone affected by stroke The Stroke Association recognises the huge and overwhelming impact a stroke can have. Every day The Stroke Association witnesses people displaying immense courage and determination as they work to overcome the effects of stroke, as well as great patience and persistence in overcoming disabilities and relearning old skills. The Stroke Association also sees people showing true compassion and commitment to encouraging others to rebuild their lives by providing them with the support they need. It is for this reason that The Stroke Association organises the Life After Stroke Awards. The 2010 Awards will be held at Claridge's in central London on 15 June 2010 and are an opportunity to formally recognise and celebrate the achievements of these remarkable people. Those chosen to receive an award will be invited to stay in a central London hotel the evening before, and to attend the award ceremony at the venue to accept their award from a celebrity supporter of The Stroke Association"

Philips' Ambient Experience relaxes heart patients

"Cardiac patients undergoing procedures at the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) starting Thursday may find themselves either immersed in a Disney World setting or the African Savannah, with accompanying audio playing in the background. It's part of a testbed project by the center involving Philips' Ambient Experience to soothe patients through the intimidating clinical process of preparation, examination, treatment, and post-procedure. The Ambient Experience takes patients on a multimedia ride, letting them personalize the lighting, projected images, and sounds in the examination or lab room. The 10 themes can be selected via a menu on a wireless touch-screen tablet, with more themes on the way. Once picked, the patient's choice is projected on the walls and ceilings and through TV screens, wrapping the user in a multi-sensory setting of his or her own choosing"

Heart disease was rife among affluent ancient Egyptians

"Heart disease plagued human society long before fry-ups and cigarettes came along, researchers say. The upper classes of ancient Egypt were riddled with cardiovascular disease that dramatically raised their risk of heart attacks and strokes. Doctors made the discovery after taking hospital X-ray scans of 20 Egyptian mummies that date back more than 3,500 years. The scans revealed signs of atherosclerosis, a life-threatening condition where fat and calcium build up in the arteries, clogging them and stiffening their walls. On a visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo, one of the researchers had been intrigued by a nameplate on the remains of Pharaoh Merenptah, who died in 1,203BC. The plate said the pharaoh died at the age of 60 and suffered diseased arteries, arthritis and tooth decay. The US and Egyptian experts got permission to examine the mummified pharaoh and others that were on display or stored in the museum's basement...The findings were announced at a meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando and are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association - Guardian

Meditation 'eases heart disease' (USA)

"Heart disease patients who practise Transcendental Meditation have reduced death rates, US researchers have said. At a meeting of the American Heart Association they said they had randomly assigned 201 African Americans to meditate or to make lifestyle changes. After nine years, the meditation group had a 47% reduction in deaths, heart attacks and strokes. The research was carried out by the Medical College in Wisconsin with the Maharishi University in Iowa. It was funded by a GBP2.3m grant from the National Institute of Health and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute" - BBC

Saskatoon Health Region adds to H1N1 vaccination program

Saskatoon Health Region is expanding its H1N1 vaccination program to include community health workers and adults with medical conditions, including cancer patients. Starting immediately, pharmacists, pharmacist-technicians, personal care home employees and all health region employees and doctors who haven't been vaccinated will have access to the H1N1 vaccine at Prairieland Park, said a news release issued by the health region. As of Sunday, adults between 35 and 65 years of age who have diabetes, asthma or chronic lung diseases, blood or neurological disorders, heart, kidney, liver or renal diseases or who are immune compromised can join the queue at Prairieland. And on Monday, cancer patients currently receiving radiation or chemotherapy will be immunized

Exercise powerful for stroke and colon cancer prevention

Two important studies show that exercise is a powerful intervention for disease prevention, and is underutilized for health maintenance. According to the study from Dutch researchers, exercise can cut risk of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke significantly. In a second study, the scientists point to findings that exercise as an intervention that can prevent colon cancer - EMaxHealth

Didget system for the Nintendo DS

"Nintendo DS owners will find another use for their highly versatile portable console, with a new game developed for that platform that aims to help diabetic children monitor their condition. Known as the Didget system, it was specially designed to encourage young people to test their blood sugar levels regularly. Results can be downloaded onto the console, where they are then rewarded with game points. Those suffering from type 1 diabetes will need to test their blood every few hours, and the Didget helps you keep on time/track." - Ubergizmo

British Heart Foundation - Hearty Lives

"Where you live in the UK has a dramatic effect on your chances of dying early from heart disease. In some local authorities, people living in one ward can be five times as likely to die from heart disease as those living just half a mile away. We are devoting a major new £9 million programme to tackling these inequalities in heart disease, giving those born into these areas a greater chance of living to see their grandchildren grow up, and better support if they do develop heart disease" - British Heart Foundation

Family Medicine Forum 2010 (Canada)

"Family Medicine Forum 2010 combines the annual scientific assemblies of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the British Columbia College of Family Physicians (BCCFP) and the annual workshops of the CFPC's Sections of Teachers and Researchers. Family Medicine Forum (FMF) is attended by over 2000 family physicians, family medicine teachers, researchers, residents, medical students, nurses, nurse practitioners and many other health care professionals every year. FMF is the premier family medicine conference in Canada - our delegates come not only for the great variety of CME offered, but for the opportunity to network with their colleagues and friends from across the country" - October 14–16, 2010 - Vancouver, BC, Canada

American Heart Association - Scientific Sessions 2009

Scientific Sessions, November 14-18 2009, Orlando, Florida, USA, is structured around seven cardiovascular cores that reflect the evolution of scientific investigation and practice; include and integrate basic, clinical, population and translational science; and will increase interaction among attendees. Our goals in organizing this year's Scientific Sessions are listed below:

* To present recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke for physicians, scientists (basic, clinical population and translational), nurses and healthcare professionals.
* To present new clinical research advances through the Late-Breaking Clinical Trials sessions.
* To provide a forum for the exchange of new research by scientists/investigators working in cardiovascular disease and stroke.
* To provide an opportunity, in various forums including small groups, for attendees to interact with experts in question-and-answer sessions related to daily practice and public health issues.
* To provide, through the Cardiovascular Seminars, How-To Sessions, Daytime Seminars and Sunday Morning Programs, a review of current patterns in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
* To provide attendees, through the Plenary Sessions, an opportunity to learn about state-of-the-art cardiovascular research and how it applies to clinical practice.

Fat collections linked to decreased heart function

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have shown that fat collection in different body locations, such as around the heart and the aorta and within the liver, are associated with certain decreased heart functions. The study, which appears online in Obesity, also found that measuring a person's body mass index (BMI) does not reliably predict the amount of undesired fat in and around these vital organs - ScienceDaily

Zoll Medical pumps out iPhone App for CPR training

Zoll Medical, a maker of cardiac defibrillators and other products for the critical care market, says that it has released a CPR training app for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Kryptonite glue helps breastbone heal after surgery (Canada)

A glue that rapidly bonds with bone can speed up recovery of the breastbone after surgeons intentionally break it during open-heart surgery, researchers in Calgary have found. As part of a pilot study, cardiac surgeon Dr. Paul Fedak of Foothills Medical Centre and the University of Calgary used the adhesive polymer, called Kryptonite, on more than 20 patients. "If we can change what people are doing to benefit patients around the world and this really does change the standard of care, then I know we've done something really significant with this work, and that would be the ultimate goal," said Fedak. The new adhesive heals the breastbone in hours, instead of weeks, after surgery, without sticking to surrounding tissues. Patients reported far less pain and discomfort after surgery and did not need as much strong pain medication, such as narcotics, the team found. - CBC

UK first for Barts and The London NHS Trust - Patient research to benefit from cutting edge heart scanner

"A new chest scanner, the first of its kind in the UK, will allow doctors and researchers at The London Chest Hospital to spot heart problems that were previously undetectable. The scanner is a major step forward, enabling experts at Barts and The London Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, which is funded by the National Institute for Health Research, to explore the best ways to treat heart disease and other cardiac conditions. It delivers crystal-clear pictures of the heart, allowing earlier detection of heart problems. It is also the fastest in the UK, thereby exposing patients to the lowest possible dose of radiation. The Siemens Definition Flash CT is regarded as state-of-the-art by clinicians because of its unique ability to perform a detailed scan of the entire heart in just 250 milliseconds - less than half a heart beat. Image quality is still high, even if a moving object is being scanned, such as the heart. Previously, radiographers using older equipment had to slow the patient’s heart with beta blockers and request that the patient hold their breath for the duration of the scan, in order to achieve sufficiently high-quality clinical images. Funding for the machine came from a £3.8 million award for biomedical research into cardio-vascular disease from the NIHR which has designated Barts and the London NHS Trust and Queen Mary, University of London, a Biomedical Research Unit in advanced cardiac imaging."

11 ways to stay active in winter (Canada)

11 ways to stay active in winter: "Some of the most common excuses you may say to yourself over the next few months may range from, "It's too cold to work out!" to "It's the holiday season, I'm too busy for activity!" Yes, it's tough to get motivated when the wind is howling or the snow is blowing, but don't give up all thoughts of staying active - indoors or out. All you have to do is spend just a little time planning to help you get through the winter months ahead" - Heart and Stroke Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center launches new cnter for cardiac safety and innovation (USA)

The University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, has announced the creation of a new center that will assist researchers studying the electrical activity of the heart with the goal of improving drug safety, understanding cardiac arrhythmias, and developing new electrocardiograph technologies. The Center for Quantitative Electrocardiology and Cardiac Safety - funded by a $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health - brings together an international network of academic researchers, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and government regulators

'No fasting' for cholesterol test (UK)

"Patients may not need to fast before having their cholesterol tested, a major report has found. After analysing data from 300,000 people, Cambridge researchers found results were just as accurate if the patient had eaten before the test. For decades patients have been told to fast for 12 hours prior to a test. It is hoped the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, may inform new guidelines for doctors in the UK. Cholesterol tests have long been a key part of assessing a patient's risk of cardiovascular problems, and those who turned up having eaten breakfast were required to make a fresh appointment. It had been thought that the body needed enough time to digest food in the system and to clear any fatty particles from the blood in order to produce an accurate reading of so-called "bad" cholesterol - or low-density lipoprotein (LDL). But data from 68 long-term surveys in 21 countries suggests this is not the case - BBC

Dirty air, heat, cold may all trigger heart attacks

"Extreme temperatures and heavy air pollution boost heart attack risk, according to a major new study. And on days when the air is extra dirty and the temperature is unusually hot or cold, the effects are likely to be particularly bad, given that temperature and pollution seem to harm the body in different ways, Dr. Krishnan Bhaskaran of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the UK, the lead author of the research, told Reuters Health. Several studies have linked changes in temperature to increases in deaths due to any cause, as well as heart disease mortality, Bhaskaran and his team note in their reports. But looking at heart attacks - not just deaths from heart disease - could offer a more accurate picture of the overall health risks of temperature changes and air pollution, they say, and might also offer clues to why they may trigger heart attack in high-risk people. In two separate reports, the researchers reviewed 19 studies on temperature and heart attack and 26 examining air pollution and heart attack" - Reuters

Does your child know what to do in an emergency?

"You've probably heard stories about kids calling 9-1-1 when they realized something was wrong with an adult family member. Those kids learned how to respond to emergencies - and so can your children. Thankfully, the Heart&Stroke CPR Anytime™ Family & Friends™ Personal Learning Program kit is available to teach your whole family how to recognize the signs of distress and respond accordingly. The $35 kit comes complete with a mannequin, a bilingual 22-minute instruction DVD and reference manual so that you can learn how to do CPR in the comfort of your own home. Not only does the kit give instructions on how to help an adult who is in cardiac arrest (not breathing, heart stopped beating) until emergency personnel arrive, but you can also learn how to give CPR to a child. Says Sandra Zambon, Manager, National CPR Anytime Program, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada: 'My 5-year-old son saw the DVD and does CPR on the mannequin and his older sister's dolls. Although, he may not be doing the chest compressions as deeply as required, he knows what to do and to call 9-1-1.' More reasons why you should consider investing in a kit:

* 80% of cardiac arrests occur at home and in public places.
* 35% to 55% of cardiac arrests are witnessed by a bystander - usually a family member or friend.
* Less than 5% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital survive.
* Death from sudden cardiac arrest is not inevitable. If more people knew CPR, more people would reach the hospital alive and more lives could be saved" Heart and Stroke Foundation

American Heart Association launches quality improvement program for healthcare professional offices

"The American Heart Association has launched a new program to improve the quality of patient care in the healthcare professional office setting. Get With The Guidelines®-Outpatient is the latest in a series of the association’s quality improvement initiatives. It builds on the success of nearly 10 years experience in quality improvement and over two million lives touched through the Get With The Guidelines suite, including Get With The Guidelines®-Coronary Artery Disease, Get With The Guidelines®-Heart Failure and Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke"

Women's cardiology pioneer receives American Heart Association's 2009 Women in Cardiology Mentoring Award

"C. Noel Bairey Merz, M.D., an internationally recognized authority on women's heart health, will receive the American Heart Association's 2009 Women in Cardiology Mentoring Award at the organization's Scientific Sessions 2009, to be held in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center November 14-18. Bairey Merz is director of the Women's Heart Center and the Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiac Center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. She also holds the Women's Guild Endowed Chair in Women's Health and is a professor of medicine at Cedars-Sinai. Since 1997, Bairey Merz has served as chair of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute-sponsored multicenter study, Women's Ischemic Syndrome Evaluation (WISE). The ongoing study investigates the diagnoses and treatment of women's heart disease, often uncovering differences between the genders when it comes to heart disease symptoms and treatments"

Less than 1 in 3 Toronto bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest try to help: Study

"Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital working in conjunction with EMS services, paramedics and fire services across Ontario found that a bystander who attempts cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can quadruple the survival rate to over 50 per cent. But Dr. Laurie Morrison and the research team at Rescu have found only 30 per cent of bystanders in Toronto are willing to help, one of the lowest rates of bystanders helping others in the developed world."

Foetal heart rate monitor warning (UK)

"Doctors are warning expectant parents that at-home foetal heart rate monitors should be used only for "fun" and not as an alternative to medical advice. The devices, which pick up the sound of the baby's heartbeat, can give "false reassurance", the British Medical Journal reports. They can also cause unnecessary anxiety in untrained hands, doctors warn. The Royal College of Midwives said the availability of the devices was of concern to their members" - BBC

British Heart Foundation - Red for Heart 2010

"Dress up, dress down, bake, paint, collect, run, dance... Everyone's going Red for Heart for National Heart Month this February. It's all in aid of the British Heart Foundation and we’d love you to join in. What will you do? Join National Wear Red Day on Friday 26 February, 2010 at work or school. Bake red cakes. Paint your face red. Anything goes as long as it's red!"

Heart unit to cut waiting times (Wales)

"A new GBP1.2m heart unit has been opened at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, Wales. The 31-bed cardiac care unit is designed to cut waiting times for patients with heart problems. After seeing a consultant, patients will be reviewed on the same day instead of having to make an appointment at a clinic. The unit, which treats patients with heart and respiratory problems, has put key services under one roof. The unit is also designed to speed up the diagnosis of patients. Health Minister Edwina Hart, who opened the unit, said it helped support assembly government strategies to improve cardiac services in Wales. "The new facilities at the Princess of Wales Hospital are a great step forward in achieving this improvement," she said. "It builds on an already well-established cardiac care centre providing further improved services to patients." The hospital has already undergone improvements to cardiac care, with length of stays on the cardiology ward reduced" - BBC

Phosphorus level in human body linked with heart disease

"Higher blood level of phosphorus in the human body may predict a heart disease, according to a new study released Thursday in the United States. By analyzing nearly 900 healthy adults, researchers at the Providence Medical Research Center in Spokane found the link between phosphorus level and coronary artery calcification (CAC), an early sign of hardening of the arteries. "Even small increases in the blood level of phosphorus predicted an increased risk of progressive CAC in these apparently healthy adults," said Dr. Katherine R. Tuttle, a lead researcher in the study, which was released online Thursday and to be published in the December issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. The study found that all the participants who developed CAC had higher blood level of phosphorus. The association between phosphorus level and CAC is strong even after the researchers have adjusted for other factors, the study noted. Researchers also found that people with lower kidney function - even if not below the normal range - were more likely to have progressive CAC"

Dentists urged to look for cardiac risk (Sweden)

"Dentists can play key roles in identifying people at risk of fatal heart attacks and referring them for further evaluation, doctors in Sweden suggest. Dentists are encouraged to use HeartScore, a computerized system that calculates the risk of a person dying of a heart attack within a 10-year period, the European Society of Cardiology said in a release Thursday. HeartScore measures cardiovascular disease risk in people ages 40-65 by factoring the person's age, sex, blood pressure and smoking status. People with HeartScores of 10 percent or higher, meaning they had at least a 10-percent risk of having a fatal heart attack or stroke within a 10-year period, were told by dentists to see a doctor about their condition. Using HeartScore, which was tested in Sweden, dentists can identify patients who are unaware they need medical intervention, the American Dental Association said in a release Thursday. Dentists "may find themselves in an opportune position to enhance the overall health and well-being of their patients," the association said" - UPI

World Diabetes Day - November 14 2009

World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign of the diabetes world. It was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the alarming rise in diabetes around the world. In 2007, the United Nations marked the Day for the first time with the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution in December 2006, which made the existing World Diabetes Day an official United Nations World Health Day.

Saskatoon Health Region - Patient Safety Week

Saskatoon Health Region celebrates Canadian Patient Safety Week, November 2-6, 2009. In this video, see highlights of some of the initiatives the Health Region is undertaking to improve patient safety:

What's keeping you from learning CPR? (Canada)

"Picture this: You're at home or at work, and someone you know - your grandfather or your co-worker - suddenly collapses. You realize that he has stopped breathing and his heart has stopped beating. In other words, he is in cardiac arrest, a serious medical emergency. Would you know what to do? Given the fact that 80% of the approximately 40,000 cardiac arrests in Canada occur at home or in public places, you may be faced with this very real scenario. In fact, 35% to 55% of cardiac arrests are witnessed by a family member, co-worker or friend. When a person is in cardiac arrest, seconds count. The first thing anyone should do is call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. If CPR is performed, the likelihood of someone surviving until emergency personnel arrive is 30%. CPR used in combination with an Automated External Defibrillator increases survival rates to 50% or more." - Heart and Stroke Foundation

Study reveals second pathway to feeling your heartbeat

"A new study suggests that the inner sense of our cardiovascular state, our 'interoceptive awareness' of the heart pounding, relies on two independent pathways, contrary to what had been asserted by prominent researchers. The University of Iowa study was published online this week in the journal Nature Neuroscience by researchers in the department of neurology in the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and the graduate programs in neuroscience and psychology. The researchers found that, in addition to a pathway involving the insular cortex of the brain - the target of most recent research on interoception - an additional pathway contributing to feeling your own heartbeat exists. The second pathway goes from fibres in the skin to most likely the somatosensory cortex, a part of the brain involved in mapping the outside of the body and the sense of posture. The UI team also confirmed the widely held belief by researchers that the insula and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) regions of the brain are important, but not necessary, for a person to feel his or her own heartbeat. The insula helps with such higher-order functions as self-awareness, while the ACC is believed to regulate heart rate" - Science Centric

Sugar may decrease life expectancy

"A spoonful of sugar might help your life expectancy go down, new research suggests. US scientists found that adding just a small amount of glucose sugar to the bacteria diet of laboratory worms cut the creatures' lifespans by a fifth. The effect was traced to insulin signalling pathways - which exist in humans as well as simple worms. This raised the possibility that "glucose may have a lifespan-shortening effect in humans" the researchers wrote in the journal Cell Metabolism. On the other side of the coin, glucose is a vital source of energy without which cells cannot function. The tiny worm Caenorhabditis elegans is a standard laboratory tool often used in studies of metabolism. Scientists led by Dr Cynthia Kenyon from the University of California at San Francisco, carried out experiments in which worms were fed small amounts of glucose. They found that giving sugar to the worms reduced their normal lifespan by about 20 per cent. Glucose affected insulin signals and genes and proteins previously shown to extend lifespan in C. elegans. In particular, a sugary diet blocked the transport of glycerol, part of the process by which the body produces its own glucose. Dr Kenyon said the findings may have implications for new diabetes drugs now in development that inhibit glycerol channels" - Press Association

FDA won't accept Merck's application for new drug (USA)

"U.S. regulators won't accept drugmaker Merck's application for a new combination cholesterol pill that includes rival Pfizer's Lipitor, the world's top-selling drug. Merck & Co. disclosed the rare move by the Food and Drug Administration in a regulatory filing on Monday. The company had said about 2 1/2 years ago that it planned to make and market a cholesterol pill combining Pfizer Inc.'s Lipitor with Zetia, a cholesterol pill Merck jointly sells with partner Schering-Plough Corp. In September, Merck applied to the FDA for approval of its combo pill. But Merck says the FDA refused to file the application and instead is requiring more data on the manufacturing and stability of the drug. The FDA hasn't responded to requests for comment." AP

Heart Insight - November 2009

Heart Insight is a free quarterly magazine published by the American Heart Association and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, for patients, their families and caregivers. November 2009 Vol 3. Issue 4 now available online

February is Heart Month in Canada

Heart and Stroke Foundation writes: "Every year, tens of thousands of people across Canada put their hearts into making a difference to the lives of others by participating in the Heart and Stroke Foundation's largest grassroots fundraising initiative - Heart Month. Some demonstrate their generosity of spirit by donating to our worthy cause. Some experience the great satisfaction that comes with raising funds using our easy online fundraising tools. And others enjoy volunteering their time to meet with friends and neighbours as they rally support for our cause through door-to-door fundraising. Whether it's time or money you're able to contribute to Heart Month, we invite you to experience the joy of giving by helping us raise funds for vital life-saving research. Great things happen when you put your heart into it. Make a difference, get involved today". Choose your Province:

AB, NWT & NU
B.C. & Yukon
Manitoba
New Brunswick
NFLD & Labrador
Nova Scotia
Ontario
P.E.I.
Quebec
Saskatchewan

Statins may worsen symptoms in some cardiac patients

Although statins are widely used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular disorders, new research shows that the class of drugs may actually have negative effects on some cardiac patients. A new study presented at CHEST 2009, the 75th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), found that statins have beneficial effects on patients with systolic heart failure (SHF), but those with diastolic heart failure (DHF) experienced the opposite effect, including increased dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance - Physorg.com

Saskatchewan Chronic Disease Management Collaborative II (Canada)

"Saskatchewan residents with depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will soon be receiving better care as a result of a major learning program aimed at doctors and other health providers. The 18-month initiative, called the Saskatchewan Chronic Disease Management Collaborative II, will give health care professionals strategies for applying the best available medical evidence when treating these two chronic conditions. Participants will also learn how to redesign their scheduling systems to make it easier for patients to get appointments. Fifty-four primary care practices - involving 47 family doctors and 170 other care providers - are participating in the initiative, which is being led by the province's Health Quality Council"

Video report: Cardiac Stem Cells (USA)

"There is a new avenue for repairing damage caused by heart attacks. Local doctors are experimenting with using patients' own stem cells to make their sick hearts healthy again. Carlos Amezcua has the video report"

National Stress Awareness Day (UK)

National Stress Awareness Day (UK) is Wednesday 4 November 2009. "Stress can be an insidious build up of many pressures and challenges. Most people are now aware that the big issues in life can be exciting for some and too demanding for others, resulting in stress - redundancy and moving home are just two examples. This year's campaign is 'Stressing the Positives'"

BHF Podcast: Heart Drugs

BHF Podcast: Heart Drugs - Get the lowdown on the different medicines for the heart

Aspirin 'only for heart patients' (UK)

"The use of aspirin to ward off heart attacks and strokes in those who do not have obvious cardiovascular disease should be abandoned, researchers say. The Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) study says aspirin can cause serious internal bleeding and does not prevent cardiovascular disease deaths. It says doctors should review all patients currently taking the drug for prevention of heart disease. The Royal College of GPs says it supports the DTB's recommendations. Low-dose aspirin is widely used to prevent further episodes of cardiovascular disease in people who have already had problems such as a heart attack or stroke. This approach - known as secondary prevention - is well-established and has confirmed benefits. But many thousands of people in the UK are believed to be taking aspirin as a protective measure before they have any heart symptoms"- BBC