HEARTTALK

Today’s Guest: Dr. Connor Healey
Show Topics: March 30th is National Doctors Day. We can thank Eudora Brown Almond, a doctor’s wife, who, in 1933, led the charge to set aside a special day for MDs. Why? Because they take care of us. Why March 30? Because it was a painless choice; it commemorated the day in 1842 when anesthesia was first used in surgery. Today, Dr. Connor Healey joins us to talk about his path to practicing medicine and the importance of a healthy doctor-patient relationship.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

Researchers at Harvard University found that the ability to do push-ups a way to assess the risk of heart disease among middle-age men. Their study reported that people who could complete more than 40 pushups, there was a 96% reduction in cardiovascular disease incidents compared to those who could complete fewer than 10. The authors suggest that the push-up test is reasonable for clinicians to assess functional status during clinical evaluations by using basic questions regarding activity.

The results of the OPERA (Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation) trial provided strong evidence that fish oil supplementation does not lead to increased bleeding during surgery. Also, higher omega-3 fatty acid levels were associated with a lower risk of bleeding. The study warrants the reconsideration of existing recommendations to stop fish oil or delay procedures before cardiac surgery.

The UC San Francisco personal survey of patients with A-Fib has found that the majority of triggers for the condition are easily modifiable lifestyle choices, starting (in order) with alcohol, caffeine, exercise and lack of sleep. The team’s next step is to launch an app study to systematically test for triggers. As irregular heartbeats can be hard to feel by patients, doctors value the opportunity to detect A-Fib to mitigate the risk of stroke.

A Cleveland Clinic survey of people between the ages of 18 and 73 revealed that many had misconceptions about how a diet affects their heart health. 18% said that their diet had nothing to do with their CV health. 42% believe being overweight wouldn’t affect their heart health if they maintained an exercise routine, without actually losing any weight. Many also don’t know that people only need to lose about 5 percent of body weight to see significant health impacts.

Diet drinks may seem like healthier options than sugary sodas and fruit drinks, but a study from Columbia University found that that women who drank two or more artificially sweetened drinks a day had a 23% higher risk of having any type of stroke, and a 31% increased risk of having a stroke due to clotting in brain blood vessels, compared to women who reported drinking fewer than one beverage a week (or none at all). The area of concern is with artificial sweeteners, like saccharin and aspartame, that may disrupt the body’s ability to control glucose.

Today’s Guest: Denise Nicastro and Danielle Unser-Slater, JDRF, Northeast New York Chapter
Show Topics: Diabetes Alert Day is on March 26, 2019. Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day “wake-up call” that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk. Denise Nicastro is the Director of Development of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Northeast New York Chapter and joins us today to discuss the work the JDRF is doing to find a cure and help families and patients of Type 1 diabetes.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

A team of doctors at Columbia University researched the negative effects of yo-yo dieting in the women who had never been pregnant. The women without a pregnancy history were likely younger and might be those who started weight cycling – lost at least 10 pounds and then regained the weight within a year. The women in the study had an average age of 37 years which the study author noted “the need to identify critical periods for the effect of weight fluctuation on heart disease risk at an early age.”

New research shows that an antiseptic compound found in mouthwash destroys “friendly” oral bacteria that help maintain normal blood pressure levels. Researchers reported that twice daily use of mouthwash is a concern when you consider that 2 out of 3 patients prescribed high blood pressure medication do not have their blood pressure adequately managed and the first thing over 200 million Americans do each day is use an antiseptic mouthwash – which may be doing more harm than good.

Turning off the TV, being active and eating an energy-rich breakfast of milk, cheese and cereals everyday could be the key, suggest researchers in a new study. People who watched more than 21 hours of TV per week were 68% more likely to have high blood pressure and 50% more likely to have diabetes. Researchers found that those who ate a high-energy breakfast tended to have significantly healthier arteries than those who ate little or no breakfast.

Folks with type 2 diabetes who ate five or more servings of tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, pistachios, pecans, macadamias, hazelnuts and pine nuts) had a lower the risk of premature death from heart disease or any other cause by about one-third for people with type 2 diabetes. The study author detailed these nuts seem to help control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating nuts also appears to help dampen inflammation and improve blood vessel health.

A positive or optimistic mind offers a 30% lower risk of developing heart disease. Scientists hypothesize that those who tend to look for the bright side of negative situations can avoid the damage that stress inflicts on the cardiovascular system. Another hypothesis is that people with a positive outlook are more likely to use healthy coping strategies like problem-solving to overcome obstacles and manage stressors, whereas people with a negative outlook tend toward unhealthy coping strategies like self-medicating with food and other substances.

Today’s Guest: Amy Klein, CEO, Capital Roots
Show Topics: March is National Nutrition Month. Capital Roots works to reduce the impact of poor nutrition on public health in New York’s Capital Region by organizing community gardens, providing healthy food access, offering nutritional and horticultural education for all ages and coordinating urban greening programs in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and southern Saratoga Counties.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

A study published in Hypertension investigated whether women or men benefit more from a low-salt diet to lower blood pressure. In a study using mice that were give a high-salt diet for one week, a high-salt diet resulted in higher blood pressure in females. The study provide evidence that aldosterone, a hormone in the body that regulates salt and water, a good target for treatments for females suffering from conditions such as obesity and high blood pressure.

Having gestational diabetes (GDM) during pregnancy can make you twice as likely to get heart disease. Doctors believe that there are other risk factors associated with GDM, including higher levels of blood fats, increased inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Each of those were present in women who had GDM as early as three months after delivery, meaning the disorder gains attention during pregnancy.

23 and Me has a new Type 2 diabetes risk report. The goal, according to a release from the company, is to help customers learn about their genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes early enough to seek proactive medical care and make lifestyle changes. The report will be offered with the Health and Ancestry test. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among people with type 2 diabetes.

Is Cheez Whiz Healthy? The processed food contains high levels of a fatty acid called CLA, which has been linked to burning fat and fighting cancer. Nutritionists point out that while CLA is found in Cheez Whiz, the other ingredients in the Whiz counteract any potential health benefits. The best food sources of CLA are beef and full-fat dairy, where it is found naturally. People with diabetes or heart disease, or people on blood-thinning medication, should not take CLA supplements because it increases cholesterol levels and inflammation.

If you are on the blood thinner warfarin, you should talk with your doctor before using CDB for any potential medical benefits. Cannabidiol, or CBD, has become popular as an alternative treatment believed to help with everything from inflammation issues, anxiety, and lower blood pressure. However, for patients taking warfarin, a case was reported on the risk of the CBD interacting with the anticoagulant to be much higher than expected, leading to bleeding risk, making the effect of CBD on your medication unpredictable. TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR about ALL supplements you are taking with your prescriptions.

Today’s Guest: Dr. Dr. Kevin Woods
Show Topics: National Nutrition Month is celebrated during the month of March, to focus our attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Dr. Kevin Woods was award the distinction of Master Clinician, while at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, DC. The award is presented to physicians who make lifelong commitments to caring for patients and educating young and future physicians. He joins us today to discuss heart healthy diet and lifestyle changes you can make this month.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

UK researchers wanted to find out if aspirin prevents cardiovascular disease in people between 53-74 and what the risk of bleeding was that required hospitalization. Their findings suggest that although regular aspirin use will prevent cardiovascular disease in people who have never had a heart attack, it won’t reduce the odds of dying if you do have one and comes with a significant risk of bleeding. Your body weight is a factor on aspirin’s effectiveness, it’s best to talk with your doctor about YOUR specific diagnosis.

Following the simple 7 health factors and lifestyle behaviors that are associated with cardiovascular health are physical activity, diet, weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and tobacco use – can also drastically reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Study participants at Ohio State University College of Medicine, who were in the recommended, ideal ranges for at least four of the seven factors had a 70% lower risk of developing diabetes over the next 10 years.

A study by Canadian researchers found that climbing stairs at short intervals throughout the day can improve cardiovascular health and may even add years to your life. They call it “exercise snacking,” the technical term is sprint interval training (SIT), which can be effective when done as a single session with a few minutes of recovery between each intense burst of exercise, only requiring about 10 minutes of exercise total. One of the co-authors noted, “Vigorously climbing a few flights of stairs on your coffee or bathroom break during the day seems to be enough to boost fitness in people who are otherwise sedentary.”

Kenley Jansen, the Los Angeles Dodgers closer, opened up about his second heart operation in six years. The 31-year-old dropped 25 pounds since a heart procedure in November, after he experienced an atrial fibrillation episode last season. He said his doctor is confident the issues are behind him, even if he’s not completely cured. He is off blood thinners and has been cleared to pitch this year.  

The Heart Foundation is lobbying for infrastructure improvements around Australian schools, like crosswalks and walking paths, to make walking to school safer, easier and more appealing to children and their families. Currently, 19% of Australian school children reach the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day, according to The Heart Foundation.

Today’s Guest: Dr. James O’Brien
Show Topics: Two technology announcements at the beginning of this year are innovating how we diagnose heart attacks and the cause of stroke, using smartphones. Dr. James O’Brien specializes in arrhythmia management and cardiac electrophysiology and joins us to today to talk about heat beat monitoring and how technology is helping save lives.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

A new report from Florida State University found that community cardiac education programs in rural areas – work . “With Every Heartbeat is Life,” a six-week heart healthy program, addressed major cardiovascular disease risk factors. Participants reported making better food and lifestyle choices as well as having an increased awareness for heart attack symptoms. Recognizing signs of a heart attack can help people seek medical assistance sooner, especially in rural areas where the hospital and emergency medical services may be farther away than in urban settings.

Swapping out regular sugar for high-quality honey in your diet may improve different aspects of heart health, as it has been shown to reduce several risk factors for heart disease. A 30-day study found that honey helped decrease levels of total and “bad” LDL cholesterol while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. While honey may be a better option than refined sugar, it should still be consumed in moderation to prevent adverse effects on your health.

A tendon that stretches between your heel and your calf may tell you something about your cardiovascular health. Researchers found that people with thicker Achilles tendons have more significant coronary artery disease and are at higher risk for a heart attack than those with thinner tendons. It’s unclear, however, exactly why this artery was thicker in these individuals, and researched will continue to explore this science.

Originally designed in the 1920s to treat epilepsy, the ketogenic — or “keto” — diet has become one of the most popular weight loss trends over the past couple of years. Fitness expert Jillian Michaels blasted the Keto diet in the January edition of Women’s Health, saying it’s a bad for your body to cut out carbohydrates, “you are starving yourself. Macronutrients serve a very important purpose for your overall health and well-being. Each and every one of them,” she said.

Three 2018 in-vitro studies on the dangers of e-vaping point to the concerns with inflammation and toxicity when smoking e-cigarettes. Two studies found that exposure can cause an inflammatory response in immune system and in certain types of white blood cells. The third study found that exposure to flavoring additives in e-cigarettes can harm blood vessel cells in the heart, which are known to play a role in long-term heart health. Data from 2018 shows that roughly 10.8 million American adults are currently using e-cigarettes, and more than half of them are under 35 years old.

AliveCor, the same company behind the Kardia products, wants to help people diagnose heart attacks with their smartphones. Their new app is capable of determining whether or not a person is having an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), or heart attack, with nearly the same accuracy as a standard 12-lead ECG. The app uses a strip that patients place their fingers on for scanning. You can view the reading on the app or it can be sent to the cloud for review.

Apple and Johnson & Johnson are teaming up on a study to determine whether the latest Apple Watch, in conjunction with an app from the pharmaceutical company, can accelerate the diagnosis of a leading cause of stroke. Their study will start later this year, focused on US adults over 65 who wear the Apple Watch Series 4. In a statement, J&J said, “the goal is to identify early on AFib and prevent stroke by combining the physical know-how from Apple.”

Today’s Guest: Dr. Lance Sullenberger
Show Topics: When you look at the leading causes of death in America, heart issues always rank near the top. But if you ask a random sampling of Americans to tell you what they’re doing to protect their hearts, you’ll get some pretty weak and uneducated answers. Dr. Sullenberger joins us to talk about the innovations in technology and treatment of heart disease as well as simple steps you can do to monitor your risk.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

The Sydney Morning Herald shared different forms of exercise that can benefit heart health, from aerobic exercise where the body relies on its oxygen intake (like sprinting), to slower-paced anaerobic exercise where stored energy in the muscles is utilized. The report stated the key is to get your heart rate up. Aim for regular exercise of moderate intensity at least three times a week for at least 20 to 30 minutes at a time.

The pegan diet is a style of eating inspired by two of the most popular diet trends — paleo and vegan. According to its creator, the diet promotes optimal health by reducing inflammation and balancing blood sugar. Although a diet full of organic fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed, pasture-raised meats may seem great in theory, it may be inaccessible for many people. With that in mind, with a focus on 75% of food coming from fruits and vegetables with the rest divided among meats, eggs, and healthy fats, such as nuts and seeds – we’ll be following this diet closely in 2019.

A new sleep study suggests there is a connection between how much sleep you get  and how well you sleep and the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that doctors characterize by plaque buildup in the arteries. The study found that after the exclusion of other risk factors for heart disease, participants who slept under 6 hours every night had a 27% increase in the risk for atherosclerosis when the researchers compared them with people who slept between 7 and 8 hours each night.

Recently, bone broth soup has enjoyed a boost in popularity. Researchers were interested in how cooked bones might release proteins which might block particular enzymes known to be involved in heart disease. They found that dry-cured ham bones [used in] stews and broths could have a positive impact on heart health and a possible reduction of high blood pressure.

People who are bullied or exposed to violence on the job were 59% more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease or hospitalized for heart attacks or strokes than individuals who don’t deal with these challenges at work, a European study suggests. Severe stress contributes to high blood pressure, mood disorders like anxiety or depression or fuel unhealthy behaviors like smoking or eating and drinking too much, the study authors note.

Today’s Guest: Dr. Donna Phelan
Show Topics: National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day is February 22nd. As many as 11 million Americans have heart valve disease (HVD) — a potentially disabling and deadly disease — yet 3 out of 4 Americans know little to nothing about HVD. Dr. While heart valve disease can be can be disabling and deadly, available treatments can save lives, making education and awareness particularly important. Donna Phelan has a special area of interest in echocardiography and non-invasive cardiology and joins us today to talk about detection and treatment options for HVD.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

A simple new tool helps show the potential lifesaving benefits of diabetes treatment, based on a recent study that tested a model for predicting heart risks in patients with type 2 diabetes. Known as the DIAL (diabetes lifetime-perspective prediction) model, this tool uses a patient’s medical data to predict things like a patient’s risk for developing heart disease in the next ten years is 50% based on their existing health and treatment plan. The tool is free and available online.

Not all blood pressure measurements are created equal, based on a recent paper that reviewed the pros and cons of different ways we screen patients for hypertension. The authors discussed in-office, home, and ambulatory monitoring. Regardless of which assessment is used, according to authors, the key goal is to get an accurate measure of patients’ blood pressure. That helps ensure that all patients with any form of high blood pressure is both diagnosed and treated, while minimizing the number of patients that could be wrongly diagnosed.

If you’re experiencing frequent heart palpitations at night, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor. If you feel an irregular pulse, a fluttering sensation in your chest, or a fast or pounding heart rate – those are typical symptoms that could be brought on this time of year by caffeine, cold medicines, alcohol, chocolate, stress, fever, too much exercise (like snow shoveling), or changes in blood pressure or blood sugar.

The Microbiome Diet is a new, trendy weight loss diet based on eating and avoiding certain foods in the hopes of restoring gut health. It’s also claimed to offer other benefits, such as a faster metabolism and weight loss. The diet is split into three phases, the first two lasting almost a month, the third for life. Each phase eliminates processed and fried foods, sugar and artificial sweeteners, trans and hydrogenated fats.

A study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, found that a type of specialized immune cell could make a real difference to the risk of hypertension. Researchers zeroed in on macrophages, a type of white blood cell that forms part of the immune system. They found that macrophages can ensure that blood vessels properly relax, which helps lower blood pressure. The teams’ next steps will be to investigate the role of macrophages in people living with hypertension.

Today’s Guest: Dr. Robert Benton, Dr. Heather Stahura, Dr. Lance Sullenberger, and Maryellen King, NP
Show Topics: February is American Heart Month. In 1963, more than half of the deaths in the United States were caused by cardiovascular disease. Today heart disease is the number one cause of death in our country. However, with advancements in technology and clinical research, cardiac innovations today provide doctors better tools in the areas of detection and treatment.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

The history of investigating coronary disease began with Leonardo da Vinci in the mid 1400’s. By the 1900’s doctors began to experiment with procedures that are still commonly used to evaluate or confirm the presence of coronary artery disease and to determine the need for further treatment.

“Silent heart attacks” account for 45% of heart attacks and strike men more than women. This is especially concerning to patients with diabetes and nerve damage, who cannot sense the pain that signals a heart attack.

Statin drugs lower blood cholesterol levels much more effectively than any diet or drug regimens that were available before the discovery of stains in 1976.

Since the late 19th century, surgeons have been performing cardiac surgery. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality statistical brief, published in March 2014, about 213,700 Americans have a CABG procedure every year. The need for CABG surgeries is expected to expand by just over 5% in the seven years due to stress, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy habits.

Earlier this month, the American Heart Association (AHA) published a bold statement: Nearly half of American adults are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. The reason for the jump lies in the new guidelines for high blood pressure. In 2017, the AHA and American College of Cardiology lowered the acceptable healthy level of blood pressure from 140/90 mm Hg to 130/80 mm Hg.

There are three, research-backed ways to improve your heart health. 1) Daily activity or exercise for 20 minutes that raises your heart rate. 2) A plant-based diet that is high in fiber, like the Mediterranean Diet or DASH diet, that avoids processed foods. 3) Setting aside ten or fifteen minutes a day to relax and lower our stress levels.

Today’s Guest: Dr. Robert Benton
Show Topics: February 7th through the 14th is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. While it only affects 1 in 110 (about 40,000) babies born in the US, a congenital heart defect (CHD) is one of the most common types of birth defects. For many forms of CHD, surgery is not a cure. Congenital heart disease is a lifelong condition requiring specialized care, and often additional surgeries and medications are needed later in life. Dr. Benton is the Chief of Cardiology at Samaritan Hospital and joins us to talk about the close to 4 million Americans living with CHD.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

Women wait 37 minutes longer to seek treatment for heart attack compared to men, based on results of a Swiss study. The study author cites the delay for women is that they don’t experience the classic pain in the chest and arm symptoms. Women often have back, shoulder, or stomach pain. The author said any moderate to severe discomfort including pain in the chest, throat, neck, back, stomach or shoulders that lasts for more than 15 minutes warrants a call to 911.

The Jackson Heart Sleep Study found that sleep apnea could make it harder for African-Americans to get blood pressure under control. Among participants with high blood pressure, those with moderate or severe sleep apnea were twice as likely to have resistant hypertension than those with no sleep issues. What this study confirms, according to authors, is the link between sleep apnea and hard-to-treat hypertension.  

An article published in the American Journal of Public Health states that sweating induced by saunas may be beneficial for people with conditions such as COPD, congestive heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease. Saunas may also help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and can be advantageous for muscle recovery after sports. The report recommends that healthy people not sit in a sauna for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time and talk with their doctor about sauna usage.

According to a recent study, spirulina may help to reduce blood pressure. It’s a blue-green algae that contains high levels of protein, iron, and other nutrients that some research has shown it to have anti-inflammatory properties, help control levels of glucose and lipids in the blood. In lab test, the active molecule in digested spirulina measured a drop in blood pressure in mice.

The British Heart Foundation has identified two biomarkers that could help in the diagnosis of a heart condition that raises the risk of stroke. One is a hormone secreted by the heart called brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the other is a protein responsible for phosphate regulation called fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23). The study authors said the biomarkers have the potential to be used in blood tests for people with atrial fibrillation.

Today’s Guest: Dr. Jeffrey Uzzilia
Show Topics: February is American Heart Month. We use this month to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it — both at home and in the community. Dr. Jeffrey Uzzilia joins us today to discuss how we can fight heart disease: the number one killer of men and women in the United States.

HEART NEWS AND TRENDS

A paper published on the importance of promoting heart health to children, highlighted the fact that unlike many other diseases, we actually have control of many risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk, such as obesity, inactivity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Teaching kids about healthy habits could help prevent these risk factors later in life.

Can you make up missed sleep the next night? The simple answer is yes. According to a study from 2016, it takes four days to fully recover from one hour of lost sleep. Additionally, many Americans who lose sleep do so chronically instead of just once in a while. This creates a “sleep deficit,” making it harder to catch up on sleep and increasing the likelihood of sleep deprivation symptoms. According to the National Sleep Foundation, we need about 7.1 hours of sleep per night to feel good, but 73% of us fall short of that.

Eating a heart-healthy diet has show benefits for people with MS. Oregon researchers are looking into the alpha-lipoic acid that’s naturally found in dark leafy greens, broccoli, yams, potatoes, red meat, and over-the-counter-supplements. Scientists are studying if the antioxidant can help a patients think and walk better.

Millions of people live with high blood pressure, which can place them at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. For this condition, doctors typically prescribe blood-lowering drugs. A new British study found in a trial that when they looked specifically at people with high blood pressure, they saw that exercise was as effective as most blood-lowering medication. The team urges patients to stay on their meds but also talk with their doctor about activity and exercise programs.

A new study examined the relationship between loss of income and heart health. The team found that stressful events can contribute to obesity, which is a risk factor for heart disease, as well as high blood pressure. Having a lower socioeconomic status has also been connected to poorer heart health, since people with low or unstable incomes tend to smoke more, get less regular exercise and see their doctors less frequently, all of which can add to the risk of heart problems. The authors noted that it makes sense for physicians to ask about life changes during visits.

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.