Heart Items

Pick up test results closer to home

The NHS is using new technology to make life easier for patients. New proposals include more choice over GP surgery and hospital treatment, as well as the opportunity to pick up test results closers to work, to fit in with your lifestyle.

Citrus fruits 'help prevent blood-clot related stroke'

Keep that fruit bowl handy for optimum heart health. Scientists have found a large-scale study that concludes that, as well as providing a vitamin C boost, citrus fruits may also help protect the body from a stroke in later life.

Top Seven Superfoods

Are you the type of girl who falls for any gimmick on the market? If it promises to give you soft skin or shiny hair you’re all over it? Well you’re not alone. Most of us fall victim to the gimmick of beauty and health products as we strive to look after ourselves the best we can.

Breast cancer gene 'increases risk of heart disease'

Women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer have genes that are also linked to a greater risk of heart disease, new research shows. A team at St. Michael's Hospital were surprised to discover the genes in question also regulate heart function.

Omega-3 rich fish lowers the risk of poor heart health

If you are not a fish fan, it might be worth considering an Omega-3 supplement. Compared to women who ate fish high in omega-3 weekly, the risk of a heart health incident was 90% higher for those who rarely or never ate fish in a Danish study.

Aim for antioxidants to reduce stroke risk

A diet rich in antioxidants can help protect you from a stroke, regardless of whether or not you or your family have a history of heart disease. A study on Swedish women found that such a diet led to less heart health incidence over 11 years.

Heart attack risk different for men and women

Heart disease is the UK's biggest killer, still, but a new type of scan has identified vital differences in risk factors for men and women. Both are at risk of blockages and coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to fatal heart attacks.

Age, not menopause, increases heart health risk

Several studies have looked at perceived links between the hormonal surge of the menopause and heart disease, the UK's biggest killer. But Johns Hopkins researchers concluded that ageing alone, not the menopause, explains the spike in deaths.

Oestrogen 'key to good heart health post-menopause'

Scientists know that heart disease, the UK's biggest killer, is more likely after the menopause but, until now, there were various theories why. New research has found oestrogen, the female sex hormone, can help keep the immune system in check.

Even moderate exercise protects the heart

Some is better than none but more is better - when it comes to exercise that is! According to a new quantitative review, people who engaged in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity leisure activity had a 14% lower risk of heart disease.

Osteoporosis treatment 'could risk heart health'

Older women at risk of osteoporosis are often prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements. But new research suggests if you are not already taking some form of calcium, such supplements can give your blood calcium levels a dangerous spike.

Safflower oil the latest heart saviour?

Safflower oil, a common cooking oil, is the latest weapon in the fight against heart disease. Scientists have found that a daily dose for 16 weeks can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and also reduce inflammation and insulin sensitivity.

Is obesity connected to heart disease?

You would like Joe Public would be well aware of the link between obesity and heart disease. But it seems not, as one in five do not realise excess weight can lead to a heart attack, says a study commissioned by The Co-operative Pharmacy.

Coffee may lead to reduced risk of stroke in women

A new study has claimed that drinking coffee may lead to a reduced risk of stroke in women. The research found that women drinking more than a cup of coffee a day had a 22 percent to 25 percent lower risk of stroke, compared with those who drank less than a cup a day.

Tackle your blood pressure to prevent heart disease

You can cut your risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure in later life by lowering your blood pressure, new research says.