Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is highly prevalent, tends to worsen over time, and is associated with advancing age. Worsening diastolic function can be detected even in apparently healthy persons, the conclusion by the authors of a recent article published in JAMA. Randomly selected participants 45 years or older (N = 2042) underwent clinical evaluation, medical record abstraction, and echocardiography (examination 1 [1997-2000]). Diastolic …
“Pump Head”
Decreased Oxygen blood levels in the brain during heart surgery correlates to increased risk of suffering from the mental impairment dubbed “pump head”.Heart surgery patients in whom a heart-lung machine was used often find their brain function slipping for months or years afterward. Studies have shown that 20-40% of patients set to undergo CABG surgery already had some degree of …
PCI vs. CABG outcomes in Washinton State
In a large comparative study, interventions for CAD were compared. From 1999-2007 more than 150000 interventions were performed in Washington State. During that period, the volume of PCI procedures increased by 71%, while simultaneously, CABG diminished by almost 40%. In final analysis, PCI was almost five times more likely to happen than CABG. For patients undergoing CABG, the prevalence of, …
The MASS II Study
MASS II [i] is a small, single-center study designed to compare the long term effects of Medical Therapy (MT), Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) among patients with stable angina, multivessel CAD and preserved ventricular function. Patients selected were appropriate candidates for all 3 therapies. In MASS II 611 patients were randomly assigned to CABG (n=203), …
The Courage Trial – Optimal Medical Therapy with or without PCI for Stable Coronary Disease
Optimal Medical Therapy with or without PCI for Stable Coronary Disease, William E. Boden, M.D.,and others, NEJM april 12, 2007. This study was performed to evaluate and compare optimal medical therapy with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In patients with stable coronary artery disease, it remains unclear whether an initial management strategy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), combined with intensive pharmacologic therapy …
Rice & Risotto
One of the health benefits of rice is GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). It is an amino acid found in common everyday health foods, such as peaches, green snap beans, and rice. GABA provides a number of health benefits: Lowers anxiety, increases the sleep cycle giving deeper rest, lowers blood pressure, and improves other cardiovascular functions. Rice is low in …
Pasta
Pasta has been a part of family traditions from weeknight meals to holiday feasts. From hearty lasagna to delicate pasta salad, the recipe possibilities are endless. Make pasta tonight and create a family tradition that will last for years to come. Pasta is very low in sodium and non-egg varieties are cholesterol-free, providing an excellent source of folic acid and …
Poultry
There is a clear difference between eating red meats (like beef) and white meats (like chicken or turkey). Studies have shown that the formation of N-nitroso compounds in the large intestine (associated with an increased risk of colon cancer) is much more likely to occur from eating red meats like beef than white meats. Comparison of Meat, Poultry, & Seafood …
Meat
All meats are high in protein, contain all of the essential amino acids, and are a good source of zinc, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, niacin, vitamin B6, choline, riboflavin and iron. Meat is very low in carbohydrates and does not contain dietary fiber. The fat content of meat can vary widely. Meat is the most naturally occurring, well balanced, easily …
Fish
The role of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils help prevent coronary artery disease. Studies showed that patients with previous myocardial infarction (heart attack) had a 30% reduction in risk of dying over 2 years by eating three fish meals a week. Comparison of Meat, Poultry, & Seafood Recommended 3 oz. Serving (Skinless, Lean, Trimmed and Broiled or Roasted ) …