Health
New Blood Test Method Could Predict 30-Year Heart Disease Risk, Study Reveals
A groundbreaking study published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2024 offers a fresh perspective on assessing long-term heart disease risk.
Traditional methods typically rely on cholesterol levels, particularly LDL or “bad” cholesterol, to gauge cardiovascular health. However, this new research suggests that incorporating additional biomarkers can significantly enhance the accuracy of these predictions.
Dr. Paul Ridker, the study’s lead author and director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, emphasizes that relying solely on cholesterol levels overlooks crucial risk factors.
“We have other biomarkers that tell us about other kinds of biological problems our patients who are destined to have cardiovascular disease are likely to have,” Ridker explains.
The research identified two additional markers—lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), and C-reactive protein (CRP)—as significant predictors of heart disease. These markers, along with LDL cholesterol, can provide a more comprehensive risk assessment.
Study Details and Findings
The study analyzed data from nearly 30,000 U.S. women enrolled in the Women’s Health Study between 1992 and 1995. At the study’s start, participants had their LDL cholesterol, Lp(a), and CRP levels measured.
Over the 30-year follow-up period, approximately 3,600 participants experienced serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, or death from heart disease.
Dr. Ridker’s team found that high levels of each marker were individually linked to increased risk. Women with elevated LDL cholesterol had a 36% higher risk of heart disease, while high Lp(a) levels were associated with a 33% increased risk.
Elevated CRP levels indicated a 70% higher risk.
When all three markers were considered together, women with the highest levels were 1.5 times more likely to suffer a stroke and over three times more likely to develop coronary heart disease over 30 years compared to those with the lowest levels.
Implications for Heart Disease Prevention
Traditionally, heart disease risk assessment has focused on well-known factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The addition of Lp(a) and CRP testing could uncover less obvious risk factors that are not addressed by lifestyle changes alone.
Dr. Rachel Bond, director of women’s heart health at Dignity Health, advocates for one-time Lp(a) testing, noting that high levels, once identified, remain a lifelong risk factor. Post-menopausal women might consider retesting due to potential changes in Lp(a) levels.
Dr. Steven Nissen, chief academic officer of the Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, stresses the importance of early intervention.
“Although exercising, eating well, and not smoking are all crucial, people with elevated levels of Lp(a), LDL, and CRP will likely require medication,” he says. He suggests that the combined use of these biomarkers could lead to earlier and more effective treatment strategies.
Study Limitations and Future Directions
While promising, the study has limitations. The participant pool was predominantly white, which may affect the applicability of the findings to more diverse populations.
Additionally, the study’s methodology included stopping Lp(a) measurement once it reached a certain threshold, potentially underestimating its risk.
Dr. Kunihiro Matsushita from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlights that while CRP is an important marker, it might not be the best predictor of cardiovascular risk.
He suggests further research to explore the optimal combination of biomarkers for predicting heart disease.
This new approach to heart disease risk assessment represents a significant shift in cardiovascular health management.
By incorporating multiple biomarkers into routine blood tests, physicians can gain a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of an individual’s long-term risk. As Dr. Ridker aptly notes, “Physicians will not treat things they don’t measure.”
This enhanced diagnostic method could pave the way for more personalized and effective prevention strategies in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
Health
Banana Spider Venom May Cure Erectile Dysfunction
Brazilian researchers are investigating the potential of banana spider venom as a novel treatment for erectile dysfunction.
The Banana Spider’s venom, which is notorious for inducing painful, prolonged erections in its bite victims, is currently being employed to create a synthetic molecule that may provide relief for males who are affected by this condition.
Three decades ago, the Ezequiel Dias Foundation (FUNED) scientists initiated a study of the venom’s effects after observing that patients who were bitten by the arachnid frequently experienced priapism, a painful and persistent erection.
The molecule derived from the venom induces the release of nitric oxide, a critical chemical that enhances blood circulation and relaxes blood vessels, thereby enabling erections.
According to Maria Elena, a professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), this discovery could be particularly advantageous for men who have recently undergone prostate removal, a procedure that frequently results in erectile dysfunction.
The wandering or armed spider, also known as the banana spider, is one of the most venomous arachnids in the world.
Researchers are meticulously extracting its venom for medical purposes at banana plantations in South America, as well as in urban and rural regions of Brazil’s Minas Gerais state.
Brazil’s regulatory agency, Anvisa, has authorized the initial phase of clinical trials, as the treatment has demonstrated substantial potential.
The term “banana spider” is employed to refer to a variety of spiders that are frequently observed on banana plants. These consist of the venomous Brazilian wandering spider and a few innocuous species from the genus Cupiennius.
Although it is feasible that either of these parasites could enter Canada via banana shipments, the Cupiennius variety is more prevalent.
Banana Spider North America
Numerous householders confuse them with Brazilian wandering spiders, which possess comparable characteristics and deliver highly lethal bites. It frequently necessitates the assistance of an expert to differentiate between the two spider species.
It may be challenging for homeowners to identify banana spiders in their residences, as they do not produce webs. While transporting fruit, pests may be present on the exterior of bananas or within the containers that contain them.
Safety is always the most prudent course of action, despite the low probability of encountering a Brazilian wandering spider or banana spider in North America. Avoid touching or attempting to eliminate pests from fruit.
South and Central America are the habitats of Brazilian wandering spiders. These spiders occasionally travel to other countries via produce shipments. For the most part, these parasites reside in the Amazon, where they encounter minimal human interaction.
Cupiennius banana spiders are more prevalent in Central America. While the likelihood of their exportation to North America on banana crops is minimal, it is not impossible. These pests remain concealed during the day and emerge at twilight. Banana spiders are most active during the initial three hours of the night.
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Health
Five Minute Timer Workout Fitness Crazy Going Viral
Finding time for exercise in the hectic environment of today can seem impossible. Now enter the creative Five Minute Timer Workout, a fitness craze drawing both fitness buffs and working professionals alike in interest.
Perfect for people with a busy schedule, this quick, high-intensity exercise is meant to optimize benefits in little time. Participants set a timer for five minutes and complete a set of exercises, alternately every minute, in a straightforward but effective manner.
Among these are squats, burpees, push-ups, jumping jacks, and planks. The brief length guarantees that people stay involved and motivated all through the exercise and pushes their limitations.
The Five Minute Timer Workout is advised by experts to be included into daily activities since it may readily fit into a break at work, the morning rush, or even at home during family time.
For those wishing to improve their general well-being, short bursts of high-intensity exercise also show benefits for cardiovascular health, metabolism, and mood enhancement.
Five Minute Timer Workout advances
Already praising this training style for its adjustability and simplicity, fitness trainers are Personal trainer Lisa Thompson advises “you can do it anywhere, whether at the gym, in your living room, or even at the park”. “You can modify the exercises to fit your particular need, thus it’s ideal for all degrees of fitness.”
The Five Minute Timer Workout advances mental resilience and discipline in addition to physical health. Participants who commit to only five minutes of concentrated exercise can develop a sense of accomplishment that motivates them to seek lengthier exercises going forward.
Many fitness apps and web sites, as they become more and more popular, are now providing guided Five Minute Timer Workouts with video demos and customized programs. This accessibility helps people to take control of their health independent of their past level of exercise.
The Five Minute Timer Workout is destined to become a mainstay in fitness programs all over as more individuals understand the advantages of brief, intensive workouts.
Set the timer and get ready to sweat—five minutes is all you need to make a difference—if you’re seeking for a quick, efficient, and interesting approach to improve your fitness journey! Why not try the movement for those who might want to join it? Get your timer, pick your preferred workout, and see personally how changed you are!
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Health
Flu Cases Start To Increase As Americans Get Ready For The Holidays
(VOR News) – In a report that was released on Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) verified that the flu season is presently in full swing, with the number of cases of the virus increasing across the United States. This information was included in the study. The research was published in the United States of America.
Infectious diseases expert Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University has indicated that thirteen states, including Tennessee and Louisiana, have reported high or extremely high levels of illness that is similar to the flu.
The flu virus has hit Tennessee and Louisiana.
When compared to the amount that was reported the previous week, this statistic is more than twice as large as the one that came before it.
There has been a consistent increase in the number of flu-related visits to emergency rooms and lab test confirmations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has recorded consistently climbing numbers. The fact that this has occurred implies that the beginning of what might be a difficult winter for respiratory infections has arrived.
Immediately following that, Dr. Schaffner went on to make the following observation: “The flu has been on the rise, but it has reached an all-time high in the entire past week.” The virus has been increasing in prevalence.
During the same time period, Louisiana is witnessing a rise that is comparable to the one that occurred previously.
According to Dr. Catherine O’Neal of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, “just this week is really that turning point where people are out because of the flu,” she told AP News. We have a serious influenza outbreak going on right now. At the moment, our region is experiencing a serious influenza outbreak.
The phrases “I can’t come to work because of the flu” and “Where can I get a flu test?” are ones that parents are heard talking about their children. Examples of the kinds of things that parents say include the ones listed here.
This Season’s Low Flu Vaccination Rates Concern Doctors.
As of the seventh of December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that just 41% of adults and children had been vaccinated against the influenza virus. This information was provided by the CDC. In addition, the percentage of youngsters who had received vaccinations had dropped from 44% the year before.
There is a significant disparity between the immunization rates for COVID and those for other viruses, with the former coming in at 21% for adults and the latter coming in at 11% for children who are infected with the bacteria.
Vaccination against influenza is something that medical professionals and other professionals working in the field of public health are actively urging to everyone, particularly in the days leading up to Christmas get-togethers.
The following is a statement that was made by Dr. Schaffner: “All of those gatherings that are so heartwarming and fun and joyful are also an opportunity for this virus to spread from person to person…” Because there is still time to get vaccinated, you should not think twice about getting vaccinated.
In spite of this, the Louisiana Department of Health issued a statement on Friday declaring that it was dropping its recommendation that individuals receive vaccines against the influenza virus and COVID-19. The statement claimed that the recommendation was being withdrawn. This recommendation was mentioned in the press release that was issued.
The most current position that the department has taken is that individuals should consult with their physicians in order to determine whether or not the shots are suitable for them. This was said in a letter that was written by an official.
SOUREC: USN
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