Dr. Fiona from Sydney said collective data from 31 previous studies involving 103,268 men and 87,349 women who voluntarily took part in anti-hypertensive treatment trials.

Blood pressure reductions were analogous between the sexes for almost all of the treatment comparisons, the team reports.

Researchers also analyzed that, total of 6,586 strokes, 9,400 cardiovascular events and 3,522 cases of congestive heart failure were recorded during the trials.

On the whole, 41 percent of cardiovascular events and heart failure 32 percent of stroke were observed in women. Death rates with cardiovascular events in both, women and men, were 3.4 percent and 4.4 percent, respectively. Around 40 percent of all causalities occurred in women.

As report mention, both sexes responded fine to blood pressure-lowering agents. “Desired reduction in blood pressures was comparable for men and women in every evaluation made,” the investigators reported.

For the primary results of total main cardiovascular diseases, there was no confirmation that protection level varies in men and women, or that drug regimens belongs to different classes of anti-hypertensive drugs like Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium antagonists, diuretics or beta blockers were more effective in one sex than the other.

This article is the property of http://www.HealthHeap.com
Copying and publishing any article from our site is strictly NOT allowed

In this specific randomized, double-blind study, 11,506 hypertensive patients with high risk for heart problems were assigned to the above mentioned combinations.

Both combinations showed excellent rate for anti-hypertensive activity, the researchers noticed. However, obvious difference between-group was in the initial outcome. Death due to cardiovascular causes, led to early execution of the trial, within 36months.

“The most favorable combination of drug therapy for hypertension is not established, although current U.S. guidelines recommend inclusion of a diuretic,” researchers said.

With respect to better efficacy of amlodipine with clinical outcomes in this trial, they say, “It suggests that approaches, use of thiazide diuretic may be better for some populations. Nevertheless, these results should not cast doubt on the efficacy of diuretics in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.”

“Though the definite advantages may be provided by given drug combination,” the editorialist concludes, “the confirmation is overwhelming that the key feature of treatment is to normalize blood pressure. How this is achieved is less important.”

As well all know, obesity give raise to many health problem such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. According to the researches, cardiovascular diseases are the foremost cause of death in the U.S. In 2002, around 700,000 people died due to accumulative heart disease, nearly half of them were women. This information means that about 30% total U.S. deaths were due to heart disease.

With this information you can understand the evilness of obesity and the need of weight loss pills. American Heart Association (AHA) has already declared the heart diseases as the leading killer of adult females since 1908.

Heart problems

A number of abnormal conditions affect the heart and the vessels provide blood to the heart. Heart diseases include cardiac arrest, chronic artery disease and arrhythmia. The most well known form of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), in which plaque narrow or completely blocks the coronary artery which is the leading cause of heart attack.

BMI Connected to Heart Disease?

Overweight or obesity is well thought-out to be a main risk factor for both CHD and heart attack. Being 20% obese than your standard body mass index (BMI) or more highly increase your risk to develop heart problem, especially if you have a giant belly. The AHA has found that yet, if you have not any health issue, obesity itself increases risk of heart disease. That is why it is uttermost needed to resolve the issue of obesity. According to the survey, herbal remedies such as hoodia gordonii is one of the most potent drug to treat obesity, without any harmful effects.

What to Do

The good thing is, just 10% reduction in your body weight can start to minimize your risk of developing heart disease and other obesity-related health problems. In addition to your weight management, you can lower your chances of becoming heart patient by taking control over to other risk factors such as: controlled blood pressure, reduction in cholesterol level, quitting smoking and getting physical work out of at least 30 minutes.

Eating healthy diet is also a behavior intervention which can take to lower your risk of heart disease. Researchers recommend such diet that contains no more than 30% of daily calories from fat. For instance, if you ate diet of 2,000 calories each day, less than 600 calories should come from fat.

A critical analysis of nine randomized trials, including almost 70,000 hypertensive patients, illustrates that reduction in heart rate due to beta-blockers, increases the risks of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, MI, stroke, and heart failure (p < 0.0001 for all).

Dr. Franz H. Messerli, from Columbia University, said that “pharmacologically induced bradycardia may lead to dyssynchrony between outgoing and reflected pulse wave, thereby increasing central aortic pressure and the hemodynamic burden to the target organs.”

A total of 22 randomized controlled trials were recognized, of which 9 included heart rate data. All told, 34,096 patients received beta-blockers, 30,139 received other antihypertensive drugs, and 3987 received placebo.

Patients treated beta-blocker, attained lower heart rates than did other patients, this heart rate lowering was linked to adverse cardiovascular events. Moreover, the slower the heart rate, the greater the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Norman M. Kaplan, from the University of Texas, comments that the present research “adds another post-mortem explanation for the fall of beta-blockers, showing higher mortality associated with the slower heart rate they induce.”

He adds that “with this addition to the evidence, beta-blockers will surely remain as indicated for heart failure, for after MI, and for tachyarrhythmias, but no longer for hypertension in the absence of these compelling indications.”

This article is the property of http://www.HealthHeap.com
Copying and publishing any article from our site is strictly NOT allowed

Most of these health benefits of fish oil can be endorsed to the presence of Omega 3 essential fatty acids such as Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Other useful essential fatty acids include Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA and Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA.

The various kinds of fish which can be a rich source of fish oil are mackerel, rainbow trout, lake trout, halibut, herring, sardines, oysters, albacore tuna, tuna, turbot, pilchards, anchovies and salmon. The most famous names among these for obtaining fish oil are albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, sardines, lake trout and salmon.

The American Heart Association and some other groups recommend Omega-3s, the main fat found in fish and fish oil capsules, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fish oil not only reduces heart diseases but it also has number of beneficial effects on different organs of the human body which are as follows.

Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), clinical trials have proved that omega 3 is helpful in reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Fish oil, which contain abundant omega 3, therefore, reduces the risk of heart diseases and maintain heart’s rhythm. It lowers the levels of lowdensitylipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol, and increases the highdensitylipoprotein (HDL) levels, which is the good one. Fish oil not only prevents accumulation of triglycerides (TG) but also reduces the level of surplus TG. Preliminary research has shown that fish oil can also be used for the prevention of atherosclerosis in the patients of coronary heart diseases (CHD). Thus fish oil is effective for the treatment of strokes and regular usage of fish oil can be helpful to avoid several sudden cardiac arrests.

Weight Loss

Fish oil also aids in the process of weight loss. Research has shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of physical exertion in reducing weight. Participants who were given fish oil diet manifest grater loss of weight as compared to those who did not consume fish oil diet. Exercise in combination with fish oil had a synergistic effect on the body shape and composition of the patients.

Blood Circulation

It has been proven, that fish oil is capable of improving blood circulation along with reduction in TG and serum cholesterol levels.

Immunity

It is believed that, with regular use of fish oil immunity can be increased thereby enabling you to oppose against common diseases such as cold, cough and flu. Omega three fatty acids present in fish oil benefit the immune system by effecting cytokines and eicosanoids present in our body. Researchers have also studied the effect of fish meal and fish oil on the immune system of pigs and found that, fish oil aided in the growth of the animals. Fish oil is also helpful to patients of lupus, a disease characterized by the attacks of immune system of the body on various organs and tissues. Fish oil reduced the pain and inflammation that may occur in joints, eyes, kidney, heart, blood vessels, lungs, nerves, etc. It also protects against associated fever, skin rashes and fatigue.

Inflammation

Fish oil has an anti-inflammatory property, that’s why it is successful in reducing inflammation in blood and tissues. Patients of chronic inflammatory diseases can take the advantage of fish oil. It is effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, sprue, short bowel syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, which are typical associated with intestine disorder. Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease have difficulty in absorption of vitamins, fats and essential supplements. In ulcerative colitis, fish oil inhibits the accretion of leukotriene on the colon. It should be noted that the anti inflammatory characteristic of fish oil is limited to reducing inflammation. Fish oil provides mild to moderate effect in preventing inflammation.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Research conducted at the Louisiana State University has proven that fatty acids are efficient in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Since fish oil is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA, it helps in Alzheimer disease. Researcher said that, fish provide higher content of omega three fatty acids to patients as it acts as a protective diet during Alzheimer disease and dementia.

Eye Disorders

It is well known that fish oil is good for its ability to improve vision as it contains vitamin A and E. It also helps in avoiding age related macular degeneration.

Skin Care

Fish oil improves the condition of poor and dry skin by making it shinny and glowing. It is useful in treating skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, itching, skin lesions, rashes and redness of skin. In case of psoriasis, the EPA in fish oil restricts the growth of pro-inflammatory agents by producing arachidonic acid. Fish oil can also be applied topically to obtain relief from psoriasis. Regular intake of fish oil capsules helps to retain the moisture of skin.

Pregnancy

Fish oil is highly useful for pregnant women as DHA present in it helps in the development of the eyes and brain of the baby. It may avoid premature births, low birth weight and miscarriage. Research conducted in Denmark, concluded that diet with poor amount of fish resulted in higher risk of premature or preterm babies. Moreover, when pregnant women use fish oil, the born offspring show better coordination between eye and hand. Thus it is essential to consume fish oil in any form during pregnancy for the overall development of the child and well being of the mother. However, cod liver oil, should not be used during pregnancy as it is rich in retinol and vitamin A.

Use with caution

Although fish oil can provide the same benefit as far as Omega-3 fats is concerned. If you do not have any heart disease, 2 or 3 portions of fish a week will fulfill the needed omega-3s, 2 grams a week. If you already have had a cardiovascular episode, you can add some capsules of fish oil to your diet but do not exceed 1 gram a day of Omega-3s.

This article is the property of http://www.HealthHeap.com
Copying and publishing any article from our site is strictly NOT allowed

For men, the gap is not as big as in women. Male smokers have risk of heart attacks about six years earlier than non-smoker men.

“This is not a minor difference,” said Dr. Silvia Priori. “Women need to realize they are losing much more than men when they smoke,” she said.

Dr. Morten Grundtvig and colleagues from Norway based their study on data from 1,784 patients admitted with first heart attack at a hospital in Lillehammer.

Researchers found that, the average age is 72 in non-smoker men when they got first heart attack and 64 if they smoke. On the other hand women had first heart attack at an average age of 81 if they didn’t smoke, and at age 66 if they did.

After adjusting other risk factors for heart attack such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, researchers conclude that the difference for women was about 14 years and for men, about 6 years.

Grundtvig said that smoking enhance the chances of early menopause, leaving them least protected against heart diseases. With growing rates of smoking in women, compared with declining rates in men, Grundtvig said that doctors expect to see increased heart attacks in women.

“Smoking might erase the natural advantage that women have,” said Dr. Robert Harrington, a professor of American College of Cardiology.

“The difference in how smoking affects women and men is deep,” Harrington said. “Unless women don’t smoke or quit, they risk ending up with the same dreadful diseases as men, only at a much earlier age.”

This article is the property of http://www.HealthHeap.com
Copying and publishing any article from our site is strictly NOT allowed

Green tea, which originates in China but is now consumed all over the world, is made with pure leaves, and has undergone little oxidization during processing. Polyphenol content of green tea has antioxidant property that can help to prevent cancer.

Green tea also made 20% of drug-resistant bacteria susceptible to one of the cephalosporin antibiotics. These are important antibiotics that new drug resistant strains of bacteria have evolved to resist. There is also a suggestion that it can increase endurance in exercise by improving fat metabolism. But the actual benefits of drinking tea are not certain. Most research about tea’s benefits is based on epidemiological studies.

The researchers show that, tea acts at the cellular level by inhibiting inflammatory pathways to reduce inflammation, the study published in the open access journal BMC Medicine. They also said that, tea extracts reduce the interval of radiation-induced skin damage by up to 10 days in patients who received radiation treatment. Green tea extracts are more effective than black tea extracts in some patients of skin damage.

According to Dr Mervat Kassem from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Alexandria University in Egypt “We tested green tea in combination with antibiotics against 28 disease causing micro-organisms belonging to two different classes, in every single case, green tea enhanced the bacteria-killing activity of the antibiotics.”

Cardiovascular

Researchers have found that, the use of green tea rapidly improves the function of (endothelial) cells lining the circulatory system. Endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis. While black tea has been associated with improved short and long-term endothelial performance. Another study has already shown that green tea reverses endothelial dysfunction in smokers.

The evidence shows that regularly drinking green tea may reduce heart attack risk. But there is a contradictory fact on black tea consumption and heart attack risk reduction. It still needs further research to prove that, if drinking tea over long periods might positively affect cholesterol levels, blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

Cancer

The research claims that green tea polyphenol content has antioxidant properties that can help prevent cancer.  It still needs research whether regular black tea consumption influences cancer rates. Early lab tests with white tea indicate it may protect against colon cancer in particular but it requires more research.

Bone health

Previous studies have indicated that regular tea consumption might improve bone mineral density in older people. The recent research indicates that, green tea could be beneficial in reducing inflammation related to arthritis and slowing cartilage breakdown.

Memory

Recent studies found that old people in Japan who drank green tea daily showed reduced risk of memory complexity, than those who didn’t drink tea on a regular basis. While there is still much to study about benefits of tea, the possible benefits seem to be in the cup, not in supplements or tea extract capsules.

Dr Vlachopoulos says “Tea consumption has been associated with reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in several studies. Green tea is consumed less in the Western world than black tea, but it could be more beneficial because of the way it seems to improve endothelial function. In this same context, recent studies have also shown potent anticarcinogenic effects of green tea, attributed to its antioxidant properties.”

This article is the property of http://www.HealthHeap.com
Copying and publishing any article from our site is strictly NOT allowed

Though, the risk is still there, if the person develops migraines with aura, this migraine-protective gene in fact boosts their stroke risk.

“There is a reduced connection of migraine with aura with this gene, but if you have migraine with aura, the risk of stroke is multiplied,” said author, Dr. Tobias Kurth, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

While, using data from over 25,000 white women who took part in the Women’s Health Study, Tobias and his team came to know that around 18 % of the women have history of migraine.

Among the group, almost 40 % said they had migraines initiated with an aura. An aura is a visual disturbance, for instance, seeing flashing lights.
During the follow-up of 12 years, 625 women had cardiovascular diseases, such as a stroke, according to the study.

The researchers found that, women who carried a particular form of the gene MTHFR 677C; a gene that had been recommended by previous research as a possible bond between migraine (with aura) and stroke. They found that 11 % of them carried this gene variant.

However, the MTHFR 677C variant alone does not appear to increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders in women with the gene and a history of migraine with aura.

Kurth said “at the moment, we’re not suggesting genotyping for women with migraines with aura. The consequences (of having this gene) are completely unclear at present.”
Kurth also noted that researchers can’t explain the effect of this gene for men from this study.

In another expert’s opinion “the problem here is they’re trying to find the exact gene, and they’re getting estimations, but to isolate the exact gene is very difficult. This might be an association rather than a direct cause, so until more research is performed, screening isn’t justified,” said Dr. Keith Siller, medical director of the Comprehensive Stroke Care Center at New York.

This article is the property of http://www.HealthHeap.com
Copying and publishing any article from our site is strictly NOT allowed