Even in men and women with an optimal cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor profile, the lifetime risk estimate for CVD is greater than 30 percent, and is more than 50 percent for men and women overall

“To date, there have been no published data on the lifetime risk for total cardiovascular disease (including coronary heart disease [CHD], atherosclerotic and hemorrhagic stroke, congestive heart failure [CHF], and other CVD death),” according to background information in the article. “Estimates of lifetime risk for total CVD may provide projections of the future population burden of CVD and may assist in clinician-patient risk communication.”

John T. Wilkins, M.D., M.S., of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, and colleagues conducted a study to estimate lifetime risk for total CVD in separate models for men and women overall and by aggregate risk factor burden at index ages of 45, 55, 65, and 75 years. The study consisted of a pooled survival analysis of data from 1964 through 2008 from five National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded community-based cohorts: Framingham Heart Study, Framingham Offspring Study, Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry Study, and Cardiovascular Health Study. All participants were free of cardiovascular disease at entry into the study with risk factor data (blood pressure [BP], total cholesterol [TC], diabetes, and smoking status) and total CVD outcome data. The primary outcome measure for the study was any total CVD event (including fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease, all forms of stroke, congestive heart failure, and other cardiovascular disease deaths).

Across all index ages, 1.7 percent to 7.9 percent of individuals were in the all optimal risk factor group. In contrast, more than 55 percent of individuals were in the 1 major or at least 2 major risk factor strata at all index ages. At some time during follow-up across all index age groups, approximately 30 percent to 35 percent of individuals experienced CVD events. The researchers found that at an index age of 45 years, overall lifetime risk estimates for total CVD through age 95 years were 60.3 percent for men, and 55.6 percent for women. Women had significantly lower lifetime risk estimates than men at all index ages.

At index ages 55 and 65 years, men and women with at least 1 elevated risk factor (BP, 140-149/90-99 mm Hg; or TC, 200-239 mg/dL; but no diabetes or smoking), 1 major risk factor, or at least 2 major risk factors (BP, 160/100 mm Hg or greater or receiving treatment; TC, 240 mg/dL or greater or receiving treatment; diabetes mellitus; or current smoking) had lifetime risk estimates to age 95 years that exceeded 50 percent. At an index age of 55 years, men with optimal risk factor profiles [BP, <120/80 mm Hg; TC,

Longer survival time free of total cardiovascular disease was experienced by individuals with optimal risk factor levels when compared with participants with at least 2 major risk factors across all index ages. “For example, at an index age of 45 years, individuals with optimal risk factor profiles lived up to 14 years longer free of total CVD than individuals with at least 2 risk factors,” the authors write.

The researchers note that “lifetime risks for total CVD were high regardless of index age, indicating that achieving older age free of total CVD does not guarantee escape from remaining lifetime risk for total CVD.” They add that the finding of a substantial lifetime CVD risk even among individuals with an optimal risk factor profile highlights “the large public health burden and opportunities for prevention of total CVD.”

People who regularly use cocaine socially have stiffer arteries , higher blood pressure and thicker heart wall muscle than non-users

The research was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2012.

Australian researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the effects of cocaine in 20 otherwise healthy adults who chronically used the illegal substance. Compared with 20 non-users, cocaine users had higher rates of multiple factors associated with higher risks of heart attack and stroke:

• 30 percent to 35 percent increase in aortic stiffening;
• 8 mm Hg higher systolic blood pressure; and
• 18 percent greater thickness of the heart’s left ventricle wall.

“It’s so sad,” said Gemma Figtree, M.B.B.S., D.Phil., lead researcher of the study. “We are repeatedly seeing young, otherwise fit individuals suffering massive heart attacks related to cocaine use. Despite being well-educated professionals, they have no knowledge of the health consequences of regularly using cocaine.”

“It’s the perfect heart attack drug,” she said.

The combined effects of greater blood clotting, increased heart stress and more blood vessel constriction put users at high risk of a spontaneous heart attack, said Figtree, an associate professor of medicine at Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney in Australia.

A surge of cocaine-related infarcts at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital led the team to study the incidence of cardiovascular abnormalities in apparently healthy, regular cocaine users.

Researchers recruited recreational cocaine users (17 men, 3 women, average age 37) who reported using cocaine at least once a month for the last year. They completed questionnaires about their drug use, cardiovascular risk factors and socioeconomic status.

At least 48 hours after their last cocaine use, volunteers had their blood pressure taken and then underwent cardiac MRIs to assess heart mass and levels of heart and aortic functioning. Researchers performed direct comparisons with similar aged non-users, taking into account history of diabetes, smoking and other drug use.

In the study, investigators observed higher systolic blood pressure and increased arterial stiffness, in association with heart wall thickening.

“Stiffer vessels are known to be associated with elevated systolic blood pressure. As a result, the heart is required to work harder, and its walls become hypertrophied or thicker,” Figtree said.

Researchers didn’t find evidence of earlier silent heart attacks among cocaine users, contrary to previous studies.

The study is the first to document persistent hypertension and vascular stiffness in cocaine users, long after the acute effects have worn off. Previous studies have shown the immediate effects of cocaine on the heart, and primarily among cocaine addicts — not social users.

Although it is currently unclear how repeated social cocaine use causes blood vessels to stiffen, researchers are investigating a signaling pathway that might be activated to cause such a response.

The study outcomes underscore the need for education about the short- and long-term effects of cocaine use to help prevent heart attack and stroke, Figtree said.

As parents, we should make it a point to spend quality time and do things together with our kids.

Many parents want to be close to their children both physically and emotionally. That’s why we try to be with them as much as possible and involve them in any family matters as much as we can.

But there are parents who belong to the old-school notion that parenthood does not include being that close with their kids. They believe that parenting merely includes providing well for their children’s physical and material needs. They are not bad parents; and they love their kids very much too. Maybe they have their own reasons for setting a strong line between them as parents and their children — which may be ideal and advisable in certain aspects.

But if in the past that practice seemed to be common and effective, it may not be the optimal way of dealing with the present generation of children. With the rapid technological advancement, parents should be wise and flexible in raising their kids.

As parents, we need to develop a strong bond with our grade-school kids because of the following reasons:

They are exposed to a broader school world. Because of that, they are beginning to be exposed to a lot of social influences and peer-pressure; so if there’s no strong family bond, they may be easily overcome by more powerful external pressures – which may not be favorable.

They are active and adventurous. Grade-school kids are fond of engaging in different activities. They easily get bored especially if they have nothing to do. So, if the family environment lacks positive interaction among its members, children tend to seek external sources of fun and excitement.

Grade-school kids will soon enter adolescence. If you overlook spending quality time with your children while they are in grade-school, you will soon realize that they have advanced to the teenage years — and are much harder to reach and understand. Parents who have not developed a strong bond with their kids earlier have difficulty dealing with their teenagers. They do not know how to interact with their kids or how to get them do certain things.

Adolescence is a challenging stage for all teens as it is marked with major changes in their world. They need to deal with physical body changes, peer pressure, heavier school responsibilities, and other challenges. Thus, good parental guidance, affection and understanding are even more important to help them cope with their rapidly evolving world.

Be sure to establish a strong bond with your children while they are in grade-school as they are more teachable and trainable. External influences during adolescence tend to be more powerful if your bond with your kids is not well-established. That’s why, adolescents with undesirable family background have a higher tendency to give in to peer pressure and social ills.

If you have grade-school kids, make sure you are spending quality time with them. Quality time has three essential facets, such as length, frequency and value. Make it a point to spend long hours with your kids as frequently as possible, and make each moment really significant and valuable for you and your child.

Women who drink green tea may lower their risk of developing some digestive system cancers, especially cancers of the stomach, according to a study led by researchers from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The study by lead author Sarah Nechuta, Ph.D., MPH, assistant professor of Medicine, was published online in advance of the Nov. 1 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Wei Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, professor of Medicine, chief of the Division of Epidemiology and director of the Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, was the principal investigator for the study.

To determine green tea’s impact on cancer risk, the investigators surveyed women enrolled in the Shanghai Women’s Health Study, a population-based study of approximately 75,000 middle-aged and older Chinese women. During the initial interview participants were asked if they drank tea, the type of tea consumed and how much they consumed. Most of the Chinese women reported drinking primarily green tea.

The researchers found that regular tea consumption, defined as tea consumption at least three times a week for more than six months, was associated with a 17 percent reduced risk of all digestive cancers combined. A further reduction in risk was found to be associated with an increased level of tea drinking. Specifically, those who consumed about two to three cups per day (at least 150 grams of tea per month) had a 21 percent reduced risk of digestive system cancers.

The trend toward fewer digestive cancers was strongest for stomach/esophageal and colorectal cancers.

“For all digestive system cancers combined, the risk was reduced by 27 percent among women who had been drinking tea regularly for at least 20 years,” said Nechuta. “For colorectal cancer, risk was reduced by 29 percent among the long-term tea drinkers. These results suggest long-term cumulative exposure may be particularly important.”

Tea contains polyphenols or natural chemicals that include catechins like EGCG and ECG. Catechins have antioxidant properties and may inhibit cancer by reducing DNA damage and blocking tumor cell growth and invasion.

The researchers also asked about other lifestyle factors including the kinds of food eaten regularly, exercise habits, education level and occupation. Women who had ever smoked or who drank alcohol were excluded from the study.

Regular tea drinkers in the study were younger, had higher education, exercised more and consumed more fruits and vegetables. While the researchers adjusted for these factors, they could not rule out an effect from these and other unmeasured lifestyle habits.

The study was conducted in nonsmoking and nondrinking Chinese women to minimize the potential influence of these two risk factors on the results for tea consumption and digestive system cancer risk.

A new study links moderate physical activity in males with better hormone levels and sperm characteristics that favor reproduction compared to sedentary men.

Semen quality at large has dropped in the last 50 years. Amongst other factors, this is due to exposure to external agents and alcohol and tobacco consumption. This decline in sperm properties has caused an increase in reproductive problems.

Therefore, experts have studied the possible relationship between sperm quality and lifestyle habits in males. Published in the ‘European Journal of Applied Physiology’, the new study suggests that men who do moderate physical exercise have better hormone levels and their gonads undergo healthier spermatological processes.

The authors assessed whether there was a difference in the hormonal and seminoligical profiles of physically active and sedentary males. “We have analyzed qualitative semen parameters like the ejaculated volume, sperm count, mobility and sperm morphology,” as explained to SINC by Diana Vaamonde, researcher at the University of Cordoba and lead author of the study.

In addition, an evaluation was made of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the luteinising hormone (LH), testosterone (T), cortisol (C) and the T/C ratio. This offers additional information on the environment needed for the sperm creation process as well as the anabolic or catabolic state of the body.

“Despite the fact that the sample population is not very big (31 men), given the complexity of the analysis, this is the first study that assessed the differences between these parameters in both populations,” states the researcher.

The results conclude that the physically active subjects display better semen values. More specifically, the differences found were in the seminological parameters of total progressive velocity and morphology, in the FSH, LH and T hormones and in the T/C ratio. Hormone data thus supports the hypothesis of a more favorable environment for sperm formation.

Moderate exercise is the key

In 2010, the same researcher published a study showing that the sperm parameters of elite sportsmen (triathletes and waterpolo players) are worse than men who are just physically active. It is possible that the increased strain of training causes a decline in sperm quality.

“Despite that fact that more studies are needed to confirm these findings, we can suggest exercise to improve the hormonal environment and stimulate the sperm process,” adds Vaamonde.

PTSD is a form of anxiety disorder that may occur soon or more than 6 months after a major traumatic event.

A person can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic experience involving the threat of injury or death.

Post-traumatic stress disorder though does not occur in all people exposed to a traumatic experience. Certain factors such as surviving through dangerous events, a history of mental illness, dealing with additional stress or losses after the event, and the like may put an individual at risk for PTSD. But according to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are factors known as resilience factors, which can help reduce the risk of developing the disorder. These factors include: support from family and friends, having a support group after a traumatic experience, feeling good about personal actions during a dangerous moment, having a coping strategy, and being capable of reacting effectively in spite of fear.

People suffering from PTSD can manifest a number of symptoms. These symptoms are divided into three main categories which the NIMH calls as:

Re-experiencing symptoms

This group of symptoms includes frequent reliving of the traumatic event to the point that it affects the person’s daily routines. The affected person can experience the following:

• Flashback episodes in which the event seems to take place again and again
• Recurrent painful memories of the traumatic event
• Recurring dreams of the event
• Physical reactions to scenarios that bring back memories of the event

Avoidance symptoms

A person suffering from PTSD may also tend to shun things that remind him/her of his/her traumatic experience. These avoidance symptoms may result in a change in the affected person’s day-to-day routine For instance, after surviving a plane crash, a jetsetter may avoid air travel altogether. These symptoms can be manifested as:

• Avoidance of places, events, or objects that bring the experience to mind
• Feelings of emotional numbness
• Feelings of intense guilt, depression, or anxiety
• Loss of interest in activities that the individual previously found enjoyable
• Inability to recall significant aspects of the traumatic event
• Feelings of detachment

Hyperarousal symptoms

This group of symptoms occurs on a constant basis rather than being triggered by things that serve as reminders of the traumatic experience. These symptoms are capable of making the individual feel stressed and angry. Moreover, these symptoms may disrupt a person’s daily activities like sleeping, eating or performing a task that requires concentration.

These symptoms may be manifested in the form of:

• Immediate and intense reaction to things that the affected person find startling
• Feelings of tension or edginess
• Sleeping problems
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Difficulty concentrating

In addition to the above symptoms, PubMed Health also mentions the following which are typical symptoms of anxiety, stress and tension:

• Agitation or excitability
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fever
• Palpitations
• Headache
• Paleness

After going through a traumatic event, it is natural for people to experience some of the symptoms mentioned above. At times, a person may suffer from a condition known as acute stress disorder (ASD) manifested by a number of serious symptoms that disappear after a few weeks.

When the symptoms persist after more than a few weeks and develop into an ongoing problem, they may be indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder. According to Mayo Clinic, PTSD symptoms usually begin to show within three months of exposure to a traumatic experience. However, some people suffering from PTSD do not manifest any symptoms for weeks or even months. And in a few cases, PTSD symptoms may not show until years after the traumatic event.

Insomnia and sleep apnea are turning us into major health service consumers, causing us to be less productive at work, and may even lead to serious accidents.

If you can’t sleep at night, you’re not alone. Around ten per cent of the population suffer from insomnia, where you have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently at night, and still feel tired when the morning comes.

– When you feel tired and indisposed, your performance at work suffers, says Børge Sivertsen, professor at UiB’s Department of Clinical Psychology and senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Sleep apnea is a more severe problem, affecting four to five per cent of the population. Sufferers can stop breathing for up to 40 seconds several times during the night, putting a huge strain on the heart. As a result, they have many micro-awakenings that stop them from reaching deep sleep.

Bad night, bad day

According to the sleep scientist, a recently-published study from the United States puts the annual losses from insomnia alone at 63.2 billion US dollars annually. Only a third of this was due to actual absence from work; two thirds was due to a loss in productivity while at work.

– An Australian study found that about two per cent of Australia’s GDP is lost due to sick leave caused by insomnia and sleep apnea disorder. This shows how common these diseases are and how much they affect work, Sivertsen says.

Danger on the roads

In their own ways, each sleep disorder also has a strong impact on accident statistics. For example, truck drivers have sedentary jobs, and this increases the risk of developing obesity and sleep apnea.

– The disease is a major cause of the many traffic accidents on American roads, Sivertsen says.

As for insomnia, drug use can cause problems. Sivertsen’s studies show that sedatives can cause users to feel less rested during the daytime.

– Sleep medication may work in the short term, but after six weeks of use we noticed a decrease in deep sleep. Sleep may be uninterrupted, but you may not necessarily get quality sleep, he says.

Testing every treatment there is

Sleep disorder sufferers are often major health care users, which leads to an increase in social costs.

– When you feel bad, you will try every treatment there is. There is an over consumption of alternative methods amongst insomnia sufferers. They often consume too much alcohol and visit their General Practioners, psychologists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors more often.

Sivertsen wants insomnia treatment to become more accessible, and to include cognitive behavioral therapy.

– Several recent studies show that the Internet can be used to offer good and cost-effective methods of treatment. This is particularly true in areas where sleep centers are few and far between, he suggests.

Regular physical activity may help older people reduce their chances of getting dementia.

In a new study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, older, non-disabled people who regularly engaged in physical activity reduced their risk of vascular-related dementia by 40 percent and cognitive impairment of any etiology by 60 percent.

The protective effect of regular physical activity remained regardless of age, education, changes in the brain’s white matter and even previous history of stroke or diabetes , researchers said.

The findings are based on a prospective multinational European study that included yearly comprehensive cognitive assessments for three years. The results are part of increasing evidence that regular physical activity promotes brain health, researchers said.

“We strongly suggest physical activity of moderate intensity at least 30 minutes three times a week to prevent cognitive impairment,” said Ana Verdelho, M.D., lead author of the study and a neuroscience researcher at the University of Lisbon, Santa Maria Hospital in Portugal. “This is particularly important for people with vascular risk factors such as hypertension, stroke or diabetes.”

The analysis included 639 people in their 60s and 70s; 55 percent were women and almost 64 percent said they were active at least 30 minutes a day three times a week. The activity included gym classes, walking and biking.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise for optimal health.

Researchers performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests at the beginning and end of the study to gauge white matter changes in the brain, an indicator of possible cognitive decline.

“Damage of the cerebral white matter is implicated in cognitive problems including depression, walking difficulties and urinary complaints,” Verdelho said. “White matter changes are very common in older people and mainly associated with vascular risk factors like hypertension and stroke.”

Throughout the study, researchers asked participants in phone interviews and clinical visits about depression, quality of life and performing everyday activities.

At the end of the follow-up, 90 patients had dementia, including 54 with vascular dementia in which impaired blood flow to the brain causes cognitive decline, and 34 patients met criteria for Alzheimer’s disease. Another 147 patients developed cognitive impairment, but not dementia.

Researchers have found a link between the fatty acids in olive oil and hunger reduction according to a new study.

Oleic acid, a fatty acid found in olive oil, is at the heart of the new findings. Researchers injected the oleic acid into mice and essentially the acid reacted in the body in a satiating manner. The mice ate less and appeared fuller for a longer period of time.

The oleic acid converts in the body into OEA, oleoylethanolamide. OEA is a fat messenger. In order to test whether the oleic acid or the OEA was the root cause of the hunger reduction, the researchers took the study one step further and injected mice genetically altered to produce no OEA with the oleic acid. These mice did not experience a reduction in hunger.

Researchers are hoping the results of this study can one day lead to medications to aid in weight loss or weight gain as needed by the patient.

The doctors associated with the study noted that increasing the daily intake of olive oil in order to curb hunger may not be the best idea. Olive oil contains just as much fat and calories as traditional oils and those calories can add up quickly to produce weight gain not weight loss.

Researchers have found a possible link between eating dark chocolate and lowering the inflammation of arteries.

C Reactive Protein (CRP) is measured to determine the risk factors present for cardiovascular disease. The higher the levels of CRP in the blood, the more inflammation in the arteries and thus the higher the chance of cardiovascular disease.

In the study, nearly 5,000 healthy men and women participated. The study group were all n good health. The researchers asked the participants about their eating habits, with dark chocolate consumption being the primary goal of the questionnaire.

After the questionnaire results were tallied, a total of 1317 people fit for the chocolate study. The patient pool divided into two groups. One group consumed chocolate within the last year and the other group consumed an average of 5.7 grams of dark chocolate daily.

The CRP levels of the dark chocolate patient pool measured 1.10 mg/L. The CRP levels of the remaining patients measured 1.32 mg/L. After taking factors such as age, diet and exercise practices into consideration, the dark chocolate patients remained with the lower CRP levels overall.

Further reported was the amount of dark chocolate needed to measure the lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Eating up to 20 grams of dark chocolate every 3 days keeps the heart healthy. Eating more than 20 grams every three days does not increase the health benefits and may lead to a reversal of the dark chocolate heart health.