HEARTTALK

Today’s Guest: Dr. Heather Stahura
Show Topics: National Wear Red Day is the first Friday in February, where women are encouraged to wear red to raise awareness about heart disease being the number one killer of women. Dr. Heather Stahura joins us today to talk about how heart disease affects women in a larger numbers than men.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

Two studies published in December show that people who eat red meat, but not vegetarians or people who eat only white meat such as chicken, produce more of a chemical called TMAO, which has been shown to raise heart disease risk. They also showed that a diet heavy in red meat can change kidney function, a surprising finding that raises more questions about red meats effects on the body.

CNET tested the new Apple Watch against a traditional EKG. While the Apple Watch can now detect changes in the heart rhythm, to get a definitive diagnosis, doctors need more information. The Apple Watch is the only direct to consumer device with a built-in EKG. But there are other devices, like the Cardioband, the let you take an EKG outside the doctor’s office. Apple Watch competitors like Armour and Fitbit are also working to improve their heart rate monitoring tech as well.

After the running and aerobics boom of the 1970s, large numbers of septuagenarians stuck with it and have been exercising regularly for the past 50 years. In a study at the Human Performance Laboratory at Ball State University, researchers found that, “These 75-year-old  men and women have similar cardiovascular health to a 40 to 45-year-old.” The healthiest group have a history of participating in structured exercise four to six days a week for a total of about seven hours a week.

Heart attack symptoms aren’t the same for everyone, especially women.  In a Twitter post last month, a female nurse shared her story. “Last Sunday I had a heart attack. I had a 95% block in my left anterior descending artery. I’m alive because I called 911. I never had chest pain. It wasn’t what you read in pamphlets. I had it off & on for weeks.” She described feeling what she thought was muscle strain running across her upper back, shoulder blades and equally down both arms.

Finish researchers found that frequent sauna baths were associated with reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. However, it is still unclear as to why saunas are associated with these health benefits. The authors stated that heat therapy helps lower blood pressure but pointed out the cultural differences: there are as many saunas as TV sets in Finland – something hard to achieve in America.

Today’s Guest: Dr. Kate Cabral
Show Topics: Dr. Kate Cabral recently earned the distinction of being the only “board-certified” in cardiology pharmacist in New York state. This is her third visit on HeartTalk. Today we will be discussing some of the questions that come from the conversations she has with heart patients on their medications and prescriptions.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

Patients who undergo heart surgery do not experience major memory changes, either better or worse, when compared with those who have a much less invasive, catheter-based procedure, according to researchers from the University of California, San Francisco. The study examined CABG patients who have issues with memory and thinking skills in the weeks following surgery. Doctors found that patients abilities should gradually improve post-surgery and stress the importance of follow up appointments for up to two years.

A new study shows that heart disease mortality has fallen below cancer mortality at some point in 31 states over the last two decades. While heart disease is still the #1 killer of men and women nationwide, the team believes that a reduction in heart disease mortality rate correlates closely with the reduction in tobacco smoking.

Is there such thing as heart attack season? Researchers in Sweden found that more heart attacks happened on days with temperatures below freezing. When the temperature was above 40 degrees, the rates of heart attack declined. It is possible that the cold air when breathed in the lungs, can stress the body to raise temperatures, resulting in inflammation. Also, the narrowing of blood vessels, can raise blood pressure as possible setups for heart attack.

The VITAL Trial questioned the benefit of omega-3 and vitamin D supplements in reducing risk for heart disease. Studies show that individuals who naturally get these nutrients naturally tend to have better health and lower risk of death. Authors ultimately conclude that daily omega-3 and vitamin D supplements failed to reduce risk of cancer and major heart events in healthy adults after five years.

Altria, the parent company for Philip Morris USA, announced in late December, a $12.8 billion deal to buy a 35% stake in Juul with plans to aggressively help promote the e-cigarette brand. Research shows youth who vape are four times more likely to smoke deadly cigarettes. Juul was the subject of an FDA probe last summer.

Today’s Guest: Catrina from Catrina K Fitness
Show Topics: Healthy Weight Week is a time to celebrate healthy living habits that last a lifetime and prevent eating and weight problems. The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight isn’t about short-term dietary changes. Catrina, from Catrina K Fitness, is a personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist. She joins us today to talk about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

A study on the Mediterranean diet released last month found diets based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish may reduce cardiovascular risk by minimizing inflammation, controlling blood sugar and promoting a healthy weight. This study followed nearly 26K US women with an average age of 55 for 12 years – 23% of the women on the diet lower risk for heart events than those who were not.  

An English study explored how body mass index and fat content relate, especially in regard to heart health. The take-home message then, according to authors, is that fat is the driving factor behind increased heart risks. While BMI doesn’t consider fat in its calculations, it’s a useful tool that mirrors the results of fat testing—tests that are far more involved and costly than simply calculating BMI.

The new Heartsense heart monitor is the first of many wearable AI-driven devices that will help reshape healthcare in the near future. This innovative wearable tech gathers real-time sensitive and specific data of the hearts rhythm and streams it wirelessly to the cloud. It connects with your smartphone to offer real-time ECG with an accuracy level of more than 95%. The Heartsense monitor will launch early this year.

Excess waist fat is common in many people with a high risk of heart disease and stroke, according to a recent European study. This study shows that large proportions of individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease have unhealthy lifestyle habits and uncontrolled blood pressure, lipids, and diabetes. Study authors also advised doctors not to assume that having normal BMI means that there is no heart-related issue in an otherwise healthy individual.

Scientists in an international review were especially interested in understanding the relationship between circadian rhythms and eating patterns — called chrono-nutrition — and overall cardiometabolic health. The team found that individuals who went to bed later tended to have less healthful eating patterns. For instance, they generally ate later in the day, at less regular times, and they consumed more alcohol, sugar, and caffeinated products than earlier risers. Night owls were also more likely to skip breakfast.

Today’s Guest: Dr. Connor Healey
Show Topics: One in five people worldwide run the risk of developing congestive heart failure, and this prevalence increases with age. As there is no cure for the ailment, patients can only monitor their health closely with lifestyle changes or medication to prevent their heart function from deteriorating irreversibly. Dr. Connor Healey provides guidance and treatment for congestive heart failure patients.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

Christmas Eve, New Years, midsummer holidays, early mornings (8 a.m.) and Monday mornings all are times for increased risk of heart attack. A Swedish study found that apart from overindulgence in unhealthy food and beverages, emotional stress, and exhaustion during the holiday season have been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks.

Snoring is harmful to heart health in women. Snoring makes the walls of the heart’s main pumping station work harder, this cardiac change affected women more than men. Doctors recommend to ask your partner to observe you and look for phases during sleep when you stop breathing for a short while and then gasp for air.

Eating pumpkin seeds everyday may keep your heart healthy and active. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats and beneficial fibers. You can eat  them as an evening snack without any guilt. A 100 gram serving of pumpkin seeds provide about 560 calories and almost 50% of daily protein requirement.

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine states that compared with nonsmokers, people who smoked regular cigarettes daily nearly triple their heart attack risk, compared with a nearly doubled risk among people who used only e-cigarettes. However, about two-thirds of current e-cigarette users also smoked regular cigarettes. Using both products daily was linked to a nearly fivefold increase in heart attack risk.

People who see vivid pictures of their own arteries getting clogged up with debris may be more likely to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle than individuals who don’t see these images, a recent experiment suggests. Study participants received info on CV risk factors and were shown images of their arteries. After a year, people who had seen the pictures of their own arteries had lower average risk scores for heart disease than they did before they saw the images. As the author put it, “Visual graphics and pictures are more effective, as this trial found; the expression “a picture is worth a thousand words” is hard-wired into us.”

Today’s Guest: Dr. Lance Sullenberger
Show Topics: Traditional Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Top Show Links from 2018

In July we learned that bergamot, garlic and green tea may be a useful alternative to cholesterol-lowering statins. Researchers wanted to provide treatment options for patients who can’t take statins due to side effects, like muscle pain. Experts also believe the addition of supplements could complement existing treatments. The study authors also stressed that natural remedies cannot replace statin therapy, which is a tried-and-true way to lower cholesterol and risk for heart events.

Maintaining a consistent blood pressure is important for patients with hypertension (high blood pressure), based on a study release in February that found fluctuation in blood pressure is associated with a twofold increase in risk for heart events. Findings suggest that all patients with hypertension should carefully monitor their blood pressure levels to ensure that their blood pressure is both low and consistent between readings.

n March, we learned that the Kardia Band, a smartwatch app designed for patients with atrial fibrillation, was shown to correctly identified 93% of abnormal heart rhythms in participants wearing the watch. A few months later, Apple announced the new Heart monitor feature in their new Series 4 Watch which also made ECG’s available to PDF’s for doctors and would call 911 in emergency situations.

A Dutch study published in May found that adults living within roughly a half-mile from a fast food restaurant were significantly more likely to develop heart disease than those living further away. It’s estimated that the number of McDonald’s outlets increased by 20% globally in the past decade. According to authors, findings should serve as a warning about the public health dangers of the fast food trend.

An update published in June focused on percutaneous coronary intervention — a nonsurgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart. PCI was first introduced in 1977 as an alternative to open heart surgery, but carried high risk of complications and didn’t always work. Over the years PCI has been improved making it more safe and effective. Today, it’s estimated that about 60% of patients having a heart attack will receive PCI, with the remainder undergoing open heart surgery or receiving medication alone.

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September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. If you’re like most Americans, you have no idea what atrial fibrillation is or how to identify it. A 2014 survey showed that fewer than 20% of people could, “correctly identify medical conditions such as sleep apnea and diabetes as risk factors for atrial fibrillation.”
In a recent study on the effect of alcohol and the development of heart disease, doctors found an elevated risk of heart disease for moderate drinkers over the age of 55. Their finding: “It may be that the older group experienced lifestyle changes, such as retirement, which are known to co-occur with increases in alcohol intake.”
A new study suggests that people with high levels of LDL (“the bad”) cholesterol early in life may experience an increased risk of death related to cardiovascular disease. LDL cholesterol leads to lipid buildup in the arteries, which can affect the blood flow to and from the heart. As the former president of the American Heart Association put it, “This research highlights the need to educate Americans of any age on the risks of elevated cholesterol levels.”
A recent clinical trial tested the effectiveness and safety of using an innovative drug called the “triple pill” for the treatment of high blood pressure. This drug combines low doses of three existing drugs for blood pressure. 70% of the people taking the triple pill were able to lower their blood pressure which doctors say will make a difference to current therapy for hypertension.
The “monster” radish, originally cultivated on an Japanese island centuries ago, was tested to see if its antioxidants helps significantly reduce blood pressure. This 69 pound radish did produce more nitric oxide than is smaller cousins and could be helpful someday in slowing down cardiovascular disease or prevent it from beginning.

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September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. If you’re like most Americans, you have no idea what atrial fibrillation is or how to identify it. A 2014 survey showed that fewer than 20% of people could, “correctly identify medical conditions such as sleep apnea and diabetes as risk factors for atrial fibrillation.”
A Healthline survey of people with type 2 diabetes found that baby boomers (adults 53 and older) reported positive outlooks on their efforts to manage their disease. Younger adults (ages 18-36) reported that they often hide their condition, feel negatively judged, and delayed seeking health care because of the cost for treatment.
In August, a woman in Vermont was the first person to die from a rare complication of Lyme disease (Lyme carditis) that affected her heart. Experts say that people shouldn’t be overly alarmed about contracting this condition which has only been reported in 1% of lyme disease cases in the past 17 years. However, people who live in tick-heavy areas should still be cautious when outside to limit their exposure of tick bites.
The keto diet has become one of the most popular methods this year to shed excess weight and improve health. Nutritionists are now looking at the benefits of a low fat, high carb, and moderate protein diet to your heart’s health. The challenge for most people is eating less than 50 grams of carbs per day by avoiding bread, fruit, and starchy vegetables.
If you’re a woman who has a heart attack, your gender — and the gender of your doctor — may be factors in whether or not you survive. Recent research shows women having heart attacks will wait longer to go to the hospital and that because women present differently for heart attacks than men at the hospital, male doctors may not recognize and treat it with the same urgency.

Show Topics: More than 3 million cases of ischemic heart disease are diagnosed every year in the United States. Also known as coronary artery disease, this form of heart disease damages the heart’s major blood vessels. While a majority of ischemic heart disease patients are over the age of 60, people between the ages of 40 and 60 are also affected with a growing number of younger patients being diagnosed as early as 19 years old. Dr. Brion Winston will discuss the preventative measures you can take today to assess your risk and work to limit your risk of developing ischemic heart disease.

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A comprehensive analysis of published studies and clinical trials has found no benefit to cardiovascular health from multivitamin and mineral supplement use. The study authors suggest that people focus instead on proven ways to promote heart health. “These include a heart-healthy diet, exercise, tobacco cessation, controlling blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and when needed, medical treatment.”
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine in California found that lower leg bioimpedance was tied to a higher risk of heart failure. The Stanford team also developed a formula that accurately predicts a person’s risk of developing heart failure in the next 8 years. It brings together leg bioimpedance, age, sex, and whether or not the individual has a history of heart attack.
A new study shows the many ways in which depression negatively affects your health and highlights the benefits of exercise for relieving depression and keeping your heart healthy. The team found that participants with high fitness levels at midlife had a 56 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease after receiving a diagnosis of depression.
California reversed its course on “soda bans” this summer voting to ban local taxes on soda for the next 12 years. Initially California cities had taxed soda as a health measure. One study found a 20% reduction in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in low-income neighborhoods in the year after the San Francisco Bay Area’s tax took effect in 2014.
Foods that combine fats and carbs appear to send the human brain haywire, creating rewards above and beyond what people get from foods that contain either ingredient alone, researchers reported last month. This is why processed foods like pizza, burgers and pasta with creamy sauces trigger our brains to overeat.

Show Topics: Today is National Parents Day. As we honor all parents for their role in their child’s life, we also salute those working parents who have two full-time jobs. All careers have their unique levels of stress and time constraints. This afternoon, Drs. DeTommasi and Phelan will address the balance they manage as cardiologists and parents.
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Today is National Parents’ Day, which honors all parents on the fourth Sunday in July. National Parents’ Day was established in 1994 when President Bill Clinton signed a Congressional Resolution into Law for: “recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.”
Researchers from China have claimed that eating one egg per day can “significantly” reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Scientists found that eggs are a source of protein and micronutrients. Egg eaters were 28% less likely to die from a hemorrhagic stroke and 18% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
Sitting for too long can cause heart and memory problems, as well as increase your risk for cancer and diabetes. Scientists recently discovered that people who sit more than 10 hours a day (not too hard to do for a person who spends 7 to 9 hours at a desk) have above-normal levels of proteins in their blood called troponin that heart muscle cells release when they’re damaged.
A University at Buffalo-led team has developed a computer security system using the dimensions of your heart as your identifier. The system, which was three years in the making, uses the geometry of the heart, its shape and size, and how it moves to make an identification. “No two people with identical hearts have ever been found,” the study’s lead author said. And people’s hearts do not change shape, unless they suffer from serious heart disease, he said.
New research found that adults over 45 who drank an average of 24 ounces or more of sugar-sweetened beverages every day had more than double the risk of dying from heart disease over a 6-year study period than those who averaged an ounce or less of sugar-sweetened beverages daily. Researchers excluded anyone with heart disease or type 2 diabetes, to make it easier to link sugar consumption and death risk during the study period.