When it comes to statins, don't believe the hype Nov 21, 2008
That's because those benefiting from statins had high levels of CRP (a marker for inflammation) rather than high levels of LDL cholesterol, which is usually the criterion for statin prescription. The news stories were based on research published last week in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine and presented, with much fanfare, at the annual convention of the American Heart Association. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Good News and Bad on Cholesterol Levels Nov 20, 2008
NEW ORLEANS (Reuters Health) - Levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol among adult Americans have fallen somewhat since 1980 ... Research presenter Dr. Jerome D. Cohen of St. Louis University, Missouri, told Reuters Health that the falling LDL cholesterol levels may reflect Americans' greater awareness of the dangers of a high-fat diet, but the "skyrocketing triglyceride levels" reflect the increasing prevalence of obesity, which Cohen described as a "a true epidemic." ... The NHANES II data showed that... (MEDLINEplus)
Active Pregnant Women Tend to Stay Healthier Nov 19, 2008
Those who exercised through pregnancy also had a lower resting heart rate and lower levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. They also were more competent exercisers as demonstrated by shorter 2-mile run times. (MEDLINEplus)
Vitamin C is heart's best friend Nov 17, 2008
"This is clearly a line of research worth pursuing. It has recently been suggested by some researchers that people with elevated CRP should be put on statins as a preventive measure. For people who have elevated CRP but not elevated LDL cholesterol, our data suggest that vitamin C should be investigated as an alternative to statins, or as something to be used to delay the time when statin use becomes necessary," said Block. Text. (Times of India)
Central City woman part of Crestor trials Nov 16, 2008
Participants also were supposed to have low LDL cholesterol, below 130, and a high level of C-reactive protein or CRP.. The study was undertaken because half of all heart attacks occur in people with normal or low cholesterol. (Grand Island Independent)
Study: Vitamin C can lower Heart Risks Nov 16, 2008
"This is clearly a line of research worth pursuing. It has recently been suggested by some researchers that people with elevated CRP should be put on statins as a preventive measure. For people who have elevated CRP but not elevated LDL cholesterol, our data suggest that vitamin C should be investigated as an alternative to statins, or as something to be used to delay the time when statin use becomes necessary," said Block. or to post comments. (TopNews)
Doctors debate how best to use preventive cholesterol drug Nov 15, 2008
Gvora said the study creates a dilemma for doctors who have patients with elevated CRP, normal LDL cholesterol (less than 130 milligrams per deciliter) and no other major risks factors that would make them candidates for statin therapy ... On the other hand, there was a 37% reduction in risk in a subset of people in the study who were not overweight, did not smoke, did not have metabolic syndrome and who either were considered low risk by a standard measure of future heart attack risk or who had... (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Crestor Study Will Boost Statin Demand Nov 14, 2008
All had low levels of LDL cholesterol levels -- which would normally argue against putting them on a statin -- and no history of cardiovascular disease ... The Jupiter trial feeds into a growing sense in the cardiovascular community that heart disease is a result of far more than high cholesterol, particularly since half of all heart attacks and strokes occur in apparently healthy people with normal levels of LDL cholesterol ... The study also contributes to the conviction of some cardiovascular... (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Lipoprotein Levels May Predict Women's Hypertension Risk Nov 13, 2008
These particles carry cholesterol and triglycerides throughout the body. Tuesday, November 11, 2008. (MEDLINEplus)
Get your antioxidants from the grocer Nov 13, 2008
Antioxidants are also thought to slow or prevent the buildup of fatty plaques in arteries by preventing damage to LDL cholesterol by free radicals. Research has linked diets high in antioxidant-rich foods to a lower risk of heart attack and certain cancers. (Globe and Mail)
Heart-Protective Dark Chocolate Nov 12, 2008
Antioxidants in chocolate prevented LDL cholesterol from oxidation. Oxidized LDL attracts macrophages that evolve into "foam" cells which eventually migrate and adhere to arterial walls. (Suite101.com)
Obese kids face early heart disease risk Nov 12, 2008
Youngsters most at risk in the study were those who were obese, with body mass index or BMI at or above the 95th percentile, and those who had abnormally high cholesterol levels, including either too much of the so-called bad LDL cholesterol, or too little of the good HDL cholesterol. . (MSNBC -- Health)
New heart disease test could become routine Nov 12, 2008
Statins lower LDL cholesterol and inflammation. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Eat Well, Be Fit: Learn the difference between good and bad fats Nov 12, 2008
Eat Well, Be Fit: Learn the difference between good and bad fats - Needham, MA - Needham Times. Eat Well, Be Fit: Learn the difference between good and bad fats. (Needham Tab, MA)
/R E P E A T -- Audio clips via CNW - Study uncovers overlooked risk factor that may be key to saving Canadians from heart attacks and strokes/ Nov 10, 2008
QUICK SEARCH BY ORGANIZATION. FREE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES. (Canada Newswire)
Presentations at AHA expand on clinical utility of deCODE's DNA-based tests Nov 8, 2008
This level of risk is comparable to the risk due to highest quintile LDL cholesterol and is as common, with about 25 percent of the general population carrying the high-risk markers. In the Sunday morning session, deCODE will review the latest findings on these 9p21 variants in MI and other cardiovascular conditions for which these SNPs are risk factors, including abdominal aortic aneurysm and intracranial aneurysm. (EurekAlert!)
Lifestyle Controls Enzyme Regulatin... Nov 4, 2008
Lifestyle Controls Enzyme Regulating Cell Aging: Healthy Diet and Exercise Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk Factors. Lifestyle Controls Enzyme Regulating Cell Aging. (Suite101.com)
Are you running yourself to death? Nov 4, 2008
Over the years, studies have shown that regular exercise decreases everything from high LDL cholesterol to high blood pressure. Risks of running a marathonThe problem. (MSNBC -- Health)
Researchers find nuts reduce disease Nov 4, 2008
"Consumption of pistachios significantly reduced multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including a decrease in LDL cholesterol," said Sarah Gebauer, a recent recipient of a PhD from Penn State, who helped conduct the study. Results showed the two diets included in the study that included pistachios lowered LDL cholesterol or "bad" cholesterol and suggested a 9 to 12 percent decrease in the risk for cardiovascular disease. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Your Health: Psyllium fiber, niacin, other ways could help lower high cholesterol (3) Nov 2, 2008
Fish oil can reduce both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Q:Once my wife and I had children, I began to get several colds every winter. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Key Blood Test Protein May Not Cause Heart Disease Oct 31, 2008
A number of studies have found an association between high blood levels of CRP and increased risk of heart disease and stroke -- the same sort of association that led to suspicions that high blood levels of LDL cholesterol might help cause those problems. Years ago, the cholesterol theory was proved by controlled trials that showed that lowering cholesterol levels by dietary changes or drug treatment decreased the risk of heart disease and stroke. (MEDLINEplus)
Don't handcuff scientists Oct 20, 2008
One of these companies was Merck, whose researchers demonstrated by the early 1980s that a statin could lower LDL cholesterol in the blood of healthy volunteers without side effects ... Despite a well-established association between high LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular complications, researchers worried that reducing blood cholesterol would cause side effects, because cholesterol is an essential component of body cells ... Prior to the discovery of statins, the only way to lower blood... (Boston Globe)
Breakfast Gets Fit with Pecans Oct 17, 2008
Pecans also contain oleic acid, which can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels, keeping the heart fit. Scott Peacock, executive chef of Watershed Restaurant in Decatur, Ga. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
THE YOU DOCS Oct 8, 2008
While some say this mighty bean lowers heart-threatening LDL cholesterol, reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer, keeps bones strong and cools menopausal hot flashes, there's just as much evidence that soy does none of these ... Recent evidence: Women who ate soy in place of red meat lowered their blood sugar and lousy LDL cholesterol. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
YOU Docs: What you should know about soy Oct 7, 2008
While some experts say that this mighty bean lowers heart-threatening LDL cholesterol, reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer, keeps bones strong and cools menopausal hot flashes, there's just as much evidence that soy does none of these ... Recent evidence: Women who ate soy in place of red meat lowered their blood sugar and lousy LDL cholesterol. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Coconut helps with Crohn's Oct 7, 2008
Fish oil can reduce both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. We are sending you our Guide to Cholesterol and Heart Health with more information about these medications so you can discuss them with your doctor. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Your Health: Advair contains steroid that may cause bruising, wounds to users (32) Sep 25, 2008
Bad LDL cholesterol was not significantly different. Q:An elderly relative was struggling with insomnia and tried Tylenol PM. She took it for several days and developed severe psychological side effects, including hallucinations. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Preventing Heart Disease In Women Sep 24, 2008
Reduce Your Risk of a Heart Attack With a Heart Healthy Diet. It's a little-known fact that more women than men die of heart disease each year in the US. Heart disease kills more American women than all forms of cancer combined. (Suite101.com)
Not all fat is alike Sep 24, 2008
Omega-3 fatty acids are one type of polyunsaturated fat that is especially heart healthy and can significantly lower LDL cholesterol ... Health effects: Polyunsaturated oils can lower your LDL cholesterol but may also lower your HDL cholesterol ... Health effects: Raises LDL cholesterol and lowers HDL cholesterol. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
SFBR wins $18.8 million research grant to study cardiovascular disease Sep 23, 2008
One study focuses on determining how cells in the lining of arteries, particularly endothelial cells, vary in their response to disease-causing stimulants such as LDL cholesterol ... Scientists will also search for networks of genes that influence physiological risk factors, such as LDL cholesterol and obesity, instead of searching for one disease influencing gene at a time. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
YOU Docs: The numbers for working out Sep 23, 2008
Web Search powered by YAHOO. The numbers being tossed out right now about how many minutes you should work out sound more like an auction for the queen's underwear than organized goals. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Cholesterol drug linked to amnesia Sep 23, 2008
I have normal LDL cholesterol but low HDL, as low as 26. With diet and exercise, I can get my HDL to the mid-30s, which is not great. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Forbes Medi-Tech Provides Update on Nasdaq Listing Status Sep 20, 2008
Source: Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 19, 2008) - Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. (TSX: - ; NASDAQ: - ; "Forbes" or "Company") announced that the Company received a Nasdaq Staff Deficiency Letter dated September 19, 2008 indicating that the bid price for its common stock has closed below the minimum of U.S. $1. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Health Center urges residents to check cholesterol Sep 19, 2008
LDL cholesterol (commonly known as bad cholesterol) creates the main source of buildup and blockage in the arteries ... An LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 is considered optimal ... If your LDL cholesterol level is high, you can make some changes to decrease it. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Cholesterol Linked to Prostate Cancer Sep 19, 2008
On a Handheld Device. SIGN UP FOR FREE NEWS ALERTS. (Newsmax)
Marathoners Show Higher-than-Expected Heart Risks Sep 18, 2008
In general, the runners did have fewer traditional risk factors for heart disease; on average, they weighed less, had lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, higher "good" HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure. This raises the possibility that marathon running itself contributes to calcium buildup in some people -- but that is an unlikely scenario, according to study leader Dr. Stefan Mohlenkamp, of the West-German Heart Center Essen. (MEDLINEplus)
Ageing Of Cells Could Be Controlled By Clean Living Sep 17, 2008
"Bad" LDL cholesterol and measure of stress - intrusive thoughts decreased with the increase in telomerase activity. With aging, telomeres which engulf the end of chromosomes shorten and cells become vulnerable to death. (TopNews)
Clean living 'slows cell ageing' Sep 16, 2008
Increases in telomerase activity were linked with decreases in "bad" LDL cholesterol and decreases in one measure of stress - intrusive thoughts. The researchers say it is too early to tell if the boost in telomerase levels will translate to a change in telomere length. (BBC News)
Researchers focus on mitochondria to help fight ailments Sep 15, 2008
Researchers who uncovered the mechanism behind a rare genetic disorder that causes people to get heart attacks at an early age illuminated the role that LDL cholesterol played in heart disease. "What those rare cases pointed to is the idea that the cholesterol pathway could influence heart disease," Mootha said. (Boston Globe)
Medical research awards honor work on statins, bacteria and bits of RNA Sep 15, 2008
Since then, statins have become among the most widely prescribed drugs to treat high levels of LDL cholesterol. Falkow, 74, was honored for his discoveries that grew out of an extraordinary ability to imagine himself as a bacterium so he could view the world from the microbial perspective. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
5 Pioneering Scientists Win Lasker Medical Prizes Sep 14, 2008
Since then, statins have become among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States, taken by an estimated 25 million Americans to treat high levels of LDL cholesterol. Dr. Falkow, 74, was honored for his discoveries that grew out of an extraordinary ability to imagine himself as a bacterium so he could view the world from the microbial perspective. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Pistachios May Lower "Bad" Cholesterol Sep 13, 2008
The key question: Would one or two daily servings of pistachios pack a punch against LDL cholesterol ... The pistachio study included 28 adults whose LDL cholesterol level was higher than the optimal range ... LDL cholesterol level dropped by 9% during the month that participants ate a daily serving of pistachios and by 12% when they had two daily servings of pistachios. (CBS News)
Intensive Diabetes Program Has Lasting Effects Sep 13, 2008
4 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol, and 1 percent reduction in hemoglobin A1c seen in the study would translate to about $1,800 less in annual direct medical costs per patient. The Why WAIT program is "mostly covered by medical insurance," Hamdy and his team point out in their report. (MEDLINEplus)
New food map shows Scotland has unhealthiest diet in Britain Sep 11, 2008
Leading dietician Jacqui Morrell said: "This latest research is very worrying. "High saturated fat consumption raises blood cholesterol, particularly 'bad' LDL cholesterol which is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. "Heart disease is the UK's No1 killer, which has ushered 2.6million of the population into intensive care, accounts for 208,000 deaths and costs the economy 7.9 billion a year.". (Glasgow Daily Record)
Marbling: the good fat Sep 10, 2008
Relax, Smith would tell them: "No human studies have ever shown that supplementing the diet with beef increases LDL cholesterol. However, studies have shown that oleic acid supplements can decrease LDL.". When doctors warn you away from beef that is not lean, they are probably thinking about external fat, which is typically trimmed off to a constant level for all grades of beef. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
Cholesterol Drugs Lower Stroke Risk in Older People Sep 5, 2008
Atorvastatin as beneficial in those over 65 as in younger patients, study says. Wednesday, September 3, 2008. (MEDLINEplus)
No Definitive Link Seen between Vytorin and Cancer Sep 4, 2008
"The recent, unexpected findings of the SEAS study raised concern that the use of the selective cholesterol-absorption inhibitor ezetimibe, which lowers LDL cholesterol through mechanisms different than statin medications, was associated with increased risk of cancer," said Gregg Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles ... "Prior large-scale randomized trials and pooled analyses have clearly shown that the lowering of LDL cholesterol with statin... (MEDLINEplus)
Statins help older people fight stroke too Sep 4, 2008
It lowered LDL cholesterol by about 61 points in the group of older patients and by about 59 points in the younger age group. Stroke is the No. 3 killer in the United States behind heart disease and cancer. (Globe and Mail)
Taking stairs instead of lift 'could save your life' Sep 1, 2008
3 per cent and levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol by 3. 9 per cent, the researchers found. (Economic Times)
A controlled trial of protein enrichment of meal replacements for weight reduction with retention of lean body mass Aug 28, 2008
05) as estimated by BIA. There were no significant differences in lipids nor fasting blood glucose between groups, but within the HP group a significant decrease in cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was noted at 12 weeks. This was not seen in the SP group. (Nutrition Journal)
Low Cholesterol Associated With Cancer In Diabetics Aug 27, 2008
26, 2008) Low levels of LDL cholesterol as well as high levels are associated with cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes, found a new prospective cohort study ... Researchers from the Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and The Chinese University of Hong Kong conducted a study of 6107 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes and found a V-shaped risk relation between LDL cholesterol and cancer in patients not receiving statin therapy ... "LDL... (Science Daily)
LDL Cholesterol Tied to Increased Cancer Risk in Diabetics Aug 26, 2008
MONDAY, Aug. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Low or high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a Chinese study that noted the increasing evidence of an association between type 2 diabetes and cancer risk. The study included 6,107 diabetes patients. (MEDLINEplus)
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Won't Cause Cancer Aug 22, 2008
The analysis did find a relationship between low levels of LDL cholesterol -- the "bad" kind that clogs arteries and that statins attack -- and a higher incidence of cancer. However, the team concluded that statins, per se, "lack an effect on cancer risk across all levels of on-treatment LDL cholesterol." ... An association between low levels of LDL cholesterol and cancer is no surprise, said Dr. Daniel Steinberg, professor emeritus of medicine at the University of California, San Diego. (MEDLINEplus)
Knowing Food's Glycemic Effect Aug 19, 2008
Some of the causes of organ damage are the increased oxidative stress due to higher free radical production, oxidation of LDL cholesterol, an increase in arterial plaque build-up, and decreased arterial wall flexibility. In some instances, high blood sugar might induce heart arrhythmia, perhaps enough to be fatal3. (Suite101.com)
Statins Help Obese People After Bypass Surgery Aug 19, 2008
While statins are prescribed to lower blood levels of LDL cholesterol, the effect seen in the study probably had a different cause, Wee said. "We know that statins do more than lower cholesterol," she said. (MEDLINEplus)
Forbes Medi-Tech Announces Sale of Pharmaceutical Assets Aug 18, 2008
Source: Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.. Company Focuses on Building Its Revenue-Generating Nutraceutical Business. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Doctors Fall Short on Heart Disease Prevention Aug 12, 2008
For a 50-year-old man at high risk for heart disease, only 59 percent of family doctors and 56 percent of internists correctly identified the guideline-based goal of keeping "bad" LDL cholesterol below 100 milligrams per deciliter. Similarly, for a 78-year-old woman at high risk for heart disease but no obvious symptoms, only about half of family doctors and internists were in accordance with guidelines to order a stress test should she develop chest pain or shortness of breath. (MEDLINEplus)
Program stresses Good food for everyone Aug 8, 2008
A small 2002 study from the University of Toronto found that when subjects , average age of 69, ate a handful of almonds every day for a month, their LDL cholesterol dropped by about 4. 4 percent. (Atlantic News-Telegraph, IO)
Breakfast Eggs Increase Weight Loss 65 Percent Aug 6, 2008
They found that blood levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides, did not vary compared to baseline cholesterol blood levels in subjects who ate either the bagel or egg breakfasts. These findings add to more than 30 years of research that conclude that healthy adults can enjoy eggs without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease. (Newsmax)
Dietician: Cant get rid of this fat Aug 1, 2008
Like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, trans fat also raises LDL cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Armentor said the American Heart Association recommends no more than 1 percent of a person s calories come from trans fat. (New Iberia, LA)
* DOH will not impose trans fat ban Jul 28, 2008
Taipei Times - archives. Enter your search terms. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
16 in military died of electrocutions Jul 26, 2008
The oils have been linked to LDL cholesterol. (Bloomberg News). (Boston Globe)
Q&A: What foods have high levels of trans fats? Jul 26, 2008
Trans fat, like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, raises the LDL cholesterol that increases your risk for CHD. Americans consume on average 4 to 5 times as much saturated fat as trans fat in their diets ... Saturated fat and trans fat raise LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. (Los Angeles Times)
California becomes first state to ban trans fats Jul 26, 2008
The oils have been linked to LDL cholesterol that clogs the arteries. New York began a ban on trans fats in all restaurants in December 2006. (International Herald Tribune)
Athlerosclorosis and Heart Health - Sponsored by Crestor - How New Heart-Scanning Technology Could Save Your Life - TIME.com Jul 24, 2008
If a cardiac scan shows your doctor that you have mild coronary artery disease, then, in addition to trying to get your LDL cholesterol level under 70 mg/dL, he or she is probably going to put you on a daily aspirin regimen and make sure your blood pressure is nice and low. "Conversely," says Cannon, "if you have a scan and you're normal, you don't have to start taking five different medications.". (Time.com)
