Heart Disease Items

Do you know how much you’re drinking?

Most Brits do not realise just how much and how often they are drinking, reveals new survey.

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.

Time for a rethink on trans-fats?

So trans-fats are bad, right? If only it were that simple! There are trans-fats in dairy and beef that scientists believe can actually give you a health boost, protecting you against heart disease and even having anti-cancer properties.

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.

Smoking damages our arteries 'two-fold more than men'

Trying to give up smoking? Smoking causes more arterial damage in women than in men, according to a large European study that looked at the effects of tobacco smoke on atherosclerosis, which is a risk factor for heart disease in later life.

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.

Obesity spike in premature deaths in low income families

You don't need an expensive gym membership to stay active but research has found that, once again, obesity is an important contributor to premature death in women that have never smoked, especially those in low-income groups.

Soluble fibre 'reduces visceral fat by 3.7%'

Whether you are fighting the fat to get into your skinny jeans or to improve your overall health, it pays to know your enemy. Not all types of fat are the same and different approaches in terms of diet and exercise can yield different results.

Research discovers new fat gene

A new study has discovered a hitherto unrecognised 'master regulator' gene which controls the behaviour of fat in the body. The research is the first of its kind and highlights the KLF14 gene as a possible target for future treatments to fight metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

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.

Apple shapes 'not at greater risk of heart disease'

If you are an apple shape - with a tendancy to put on weight around the middle - you are not at a greater risk of heart disease than any other overweight woman. An international study refutes previous claims that waist fat leads to poor heart health.

CV disease in women still under estimated

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is calling for action to reduce the gender disparities which result in women receiving second rate cardiovascular (CV) care. Today, on International Women's Day, studies published online in the European Heart Journal.

Links between cholesterol, blood pressure and memory problems

High cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age is linked to the development of early memory problems, according to a new American study. The study joins the growing list of evidence linking high cholesterol and high blood pressure to the increased risk of early cognitive and memory problems.

Sleep seven hours a night to cut stroke risk

The trend for late nights and early mornings is a ticking time bomb for our health, with lack of sleep linked to heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. A team at the University of Warwick followed up more than 470,000 case studies.

Maternal stroke history linked to women's heart attack risk

Women whose mothers suffered a stroke could be at risk of heart attack as well as stroke, according to new research on family history and heart disease.

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.

Stress and relationship trauma linked to angina

Women trying to 'have it all', shouldering family demands and money worries, are at increased risk of angina and subsequent heart disease.

Milk 'drops risk of heart disease'

Drinking three glasses of milk per day may lead to an 18% decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, scientists say. In addition, drinking milk from early childhood can help protect the bones against osteoporosis and keep teeth healthy.

Belly fat linked to osteoporosis

A bulging waistline may increase a woman's risk of developing brittle bones, scientists claim. Previously, body fat was thought to protect bones. However the fatty tissue found in the midsection can wrapped around internal organs, leading to thinning bones in women.