Chocolate linked to lower stroke risk
Stockholm, Sweden - Chocolate lovers may have another excuse for indulging. A new study shows that consuming chocolate on a regular basis is associated with a reduced risk of stroke [1].
New data on women studied in the Swedish Mammography Cohort found an inverse association between chocolate consumption and total stroke and a trend to reductions in both hemorrhagic stroke and cerebral infarction subtypes.
Read the full story here: http://www.theheart.org/article/1301181.do
First study to quantify benefits of exercise on CHD risk
Boston, MA - The first meta-analysis to specifically examine the dose-response relationship between physical activity and risk reduction for coronary heart disease (CHD) has found that those engaging in the equivalent of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week—the basic minimum as recommended by 2008 US federal guidelines—had a 14% lower CHD risk, and those who achieved 300 minutes per week had a 20% lower risk of CHD, compared with those who were sedentary.
Read the full story here: http://www.theheart.org/article/1259775.do
Boost Potassium to Reduce Your Risk of CVD
A study conducted in Naples, Italy found that, “…higher dietary consumption of this mineral is associated with lower rates of stroke, and could also reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and total CVD.” Lisa Nainggolan’s article found on theheart.org also compares the impact of increased potassium intake by 1.64 g per day to reducing sodium intake by 5 g per day. According to the study, the power potassium’s blood pressure lowering effects offers good protection against a stroke.
Please read the full story at: http://www.theheart.org/article/1190147.do
Obesity and Increased Risk of Fatal CHD Events
Lisa Nainggolan’s recent article, New from WOSCOPS: Obesity Independently Associated with CHD Death, highlights the results of the West of Scotland Prevention Study. Most notably, the study found, “A 60% increased risk for fatal CHD events in men with a BMI of 30 and above.”
To read more about this important study, visit: http://www.theheart.org/article/1185153.do
Projections on the Cost of Cardiovascular Disease
The American Heart Association predicts that cardiovascular disease will affect at least 40% of the American population by 2030, according to Michael O’Rordian’s January 2011 article available online at theheart.org. This increase will triple the cost of treatment for all types of cardiovascular disease, raising the total amount to over $800 billion. “At present, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US, and accounts for 17% of overall health expenditures,” writes O’Rordian.
Prevention and early detection are crucial to ensuring that these statistics do not become your reality. SafeHeart’s cardiovascular screens test for early risk of stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and can identify problems even before symptoms appear.
To read O’Rordian’s article in its entirety, please visit: http://www.theheart.org/article/1176761.do
Important Imformation for Medicaid Patients
Through a state-funded program that runs through December 31, 2010 ONLY, Medicaid will be accepted for FIVE tests for heart attack, stroke and aneurysm risk by SafeHeart Health Screens of Hattiesburg!
Don’t wait – take advantage while you can!!
Hattiesburg, MS – May 5, 2010 – DON’T DELAY!! MEDICAID WILL BE ACCEPTED for a limited time only for FIVE tests for heart attack, stroke, aneurysms, atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease. These are done in 10 MINUTES -no needles or disrobing- by SafeHeart of Hattiesburg!! The price for all 5 tests is usually $129, but for a limited time, though a special state-funded program, Medicaid will be accepted if you have FULL MEDICAID BENEFITS coverage.
WHERE:
- Greater Meridian Health Clinic, Meridian, MS, June 11, 2010, 9am until 4pm.
- Jackson Medical Mall, Jackson, MS, on June 18, 2010, 10am until 5pm.
- Highland Community Hospital, Picayune, MS, June 23, 2010, 8am until 5pm.
- Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Greenwood, MS, June 28, 2010, 8am until 5pm.
- Singing River Services, Gauthier, MS, July 9, 2010, 9am until 4pm.
- Donal Snyder Community Center, Biloxi, MS, July 29, 2010, 9am until 5pm.
Appointments are recommended because space is limited so call toll-free 1-866-548-3006 or 601-450-5483 to schedule or for more information.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT IN MISSISSIPPI?
According to the American Heart Association, Mississippi ranks #1 in the nation in deaths from heart disease and stroke, and one in five of these deaths are people under the age of 65. Yet 50% of all heart attack victims and 80% of all stroke victims have no warning – their first symptom is often the heart attack or stroke. People don’t want to wait until it’s too late, nor should they have to.
SafeHeart offers five separate screens, which can provide people important information about their cardiovascular health. These include: a carotid artery ultrasound screen; an abdominal aorta aneurysm ultrasound screen; a peripheral artery disease screen; an atrial fibrillation screen; and a carotid intima-media thickness ultrasound screen.
- Carotid Artery Disease Screen
The Carotid Artery Disease Screen uses ultrasound and Doppler technology to screen for plaque buildup and blockages in the carotid arteries. Carotid artery disease is the leading cause of stroke.
- Carotid Intima Media Thickness Screen
The Carotid Intima Media Thickness Screen uses ultrasound technology to obtain a measurement of the thickness of the wall of the carotid arteries. Carotid artery thickness (CIMT) is a validated non–invasive method to assess for early atherosclerosis. An abnormal CIMT is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm Screen
The Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm Screen uses ultrasound technology to evaluate for an abnormal enlargement of the abdominal aorta. Aortic aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until advanced when a rupture can be a catastrophic event.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease Screen
The Peripheral Vascular Disease Screen measures the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) to evaluate for decreased circulation to the lower extremities. Persons with abnormal ABI and peripheral vascular disease have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Atrial Fibrillation Screen
The Atrial Fibrillation Screen evaluates the presence of atrial fibrillation, a common and often asymptomatic abnormal heart rhythm, which can lead to blood clot formation in the heart chambers leading to increased risk of stroke. Approximately 15% of strokes are a result of atrial fibrillation.
All five screens take only 10 minutes to administer and the entire process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The screens are painless (no needles) and require no disrobing. The high quality data is interpreted by board-certified vascular specialists, after which the results are sent to the individual’s home within approximately 2 weeks. These non-invasive tests provide peace of mind and allow individuals to take charge of their vascular health.
According to Dr. Gregory Vickers, Medical Director for SafeHeart in Mississippi, “By offering these CVD screens, we are arming individuals in our community with the ability to control their vascular health before it controls them. The screens will help an individual recognize potential health problems and obtain treatment before they become life-threatening.”
Call SafeHeart at 866-548-3006 to schedule an appointment, or for any questions about the screens or Medicaid coverage.
SafeHeart Health Screens is a Mississippi-based company specializing in non-invasive vascular screenings, with a focus on screening asymptomatic individuals who wish to be proactive about their cardiovascular health. SafeHeart Health Screens understands that one of the keys to healthy living is preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD); and the key to preventing CVD is the early recognition of disease and disease symptoms. For more information, please visit www.safehearthealthscreens.com.
Screenings to target heart problems
From the Greenwood Commonwealth:
Greenwood Leflore Hospital will host a series of screenings next month to alert people to potential heart problems.
SafeHeart Health Screens, a Mississippi-based company, will offer five health screens on June 28 for $129. The service will be free for
Medicaid patients.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://gwcommonwealth.com/articles/2010/05/24/news/top_stories/05242010news02.txt
“Safe Heart Screening sheds light on Mississippi’s health woes” on WLOX
By Ashley Conroy – email
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Heart attack and stroke are often called the “silent killers,” because they can strike with no warning. A group out of Hattiesburg called the Safe Heart Health Screens is trying to change this.
They travel around the state to administer a series of five tests that check anything from an aneurysm to clogged arteries.
“When they come to us and have these five screens, they’re getting something that they can’t just go to their doctor and say I want to have all five of these screens done,” said Safe Heart Technician Susan Myrick.
Robert Wilson walked into the Safe Heart Health Screening to be proactive about this health. His great aunt died suddenly of an aneurysm. Wilson said she had no idea anything was wrong.
“And all of a sudden one morning, she had an aneurysm in her stomach and she died. She died instantly on the spot,” remembered Wilson.
The American Heart Association reported that Mississippi ranks number one in the nation for death from heart attack and stroke. It also said 50 percent of all heart attack and 80 percent of stroke victims have no warning.
Dr. Charles O’Mara from Baptist Medical Hospital said there are ways to minimize risk of becoming a statistic.
“Primarily lifestyle considerations like healthy diet, maintaining a satisfactory weight, treatment of high blood pressure,” said Dr. O’Mara.
Wilson said he wants to change his lifestyle because of that advice. “So now I’m in the process of working out and trying to get myself back, at least half way, the way I used to be.”
These screenings are also part of a state-funded Medicaid program where any Medicaid recipient in Mississippi can receive the services for free.
The program will last through the Safe Heart Health Screening until December 31, 2010.
However, for others the screening would cost $129 dollars. This group is coming back to the Jackson Medical Mall on June 18th.
View the video for this story.
Most stroke patients don’t recognize symptoms
Oxford, UK - About 70% of patients who suffer a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) don’t correctly recognize their symptoms, and 30% delay seeking medical attention for over 24 hours, a new study concludes [1].
Delays in seeking treatment were unrelated to age, sex, social class, or educational level, the study also found, suggesting that public-awareness campaigns targeting specific groups are unlikely to have significant benefit, said lead author, Dr Arvind Chandratheva (University of Oxford, UK).
“What you need is a national media campaign that highlights that any symptoms that are sudden onset, particularly with face or arm weakness and speech disturbance, should necessitate urgent medical attention,” Chandratheva said.
To view the rest of the article, click: http://www.theheart.org/article/1069863.do. This article will require you to create a user account at theheart.org. Registration is free.
Health screenings could save your life
By Thad Angelloz
Published in the Houma Today Monday, August 3, 2009 at 11:06 a.m.
HOUMA – A health screening could save your life. It did for Houma native Martha LeBlanc.
After learning one of her co-workers had gone to a health screening, she decided to book an appointment. And what did the screening show? A 50 percent blockage in one of her carotid arteries.
“It was an absolute relief that they caught it when they did,” the 57-year-old said. “Because of that I was able to go to Cardiovascular Institute of the South for additional tests. They continue to monitor me every six months. I can’t say enough good things about the screenings.”
Hattiesburg, Miss.,-based SafeHeart Health Screens has scheduled five-step cardiovascular tests from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. The battery of tests costs $129.
The mobile-testing unit has been used to bring life-saving techniques to residents in south Louisiana, including LeBlanc.
“We’ve begun to see that more and more companies and businesses that are providing this sort of testing for their employees because it doesn’t take long and can ultimately save their lives,” said Karen Wilkins, CEO of SafeHeart Health Screens.
SafeHeart also is conducting a health fair Wednesday for all Terrebonne Parish government employees.
J. Dana Ortego, parish risk-management director, said more than 40 different health-care providers will available to the employees, giving them an opportunity to ask questions and learn about health issues.
Wilkins said routine screenings conducted by an employer benefit the employee, in addition to the company or agency.
“They found two men who had a severe-enough blockage in their carotid arteries that they were sent straight to the emergency room,” Wilkins said after conducting a health screening for a Mississippi company.
Wilkens said half of the people who die from heart disease never experience warning signs.
Wilkins and LeBlanc added that the five tests are painless and only take a few minutes.
“You’re in and out,” LeBlanc said. “They do a great job of making it as relaxing as possible.”
All test results are interpreted by board-certified doctors. Patients can expect results in about 14 days. Abnormal results are forwarded to the patient’s doctor.
“It’s worth your time to find out if you have something that needs to be monitored further, and this is an excellent way to do that,” Wilkins added.
Appointments are recommended, though walk-ins also may be accepted. To make an appointment, call 866-548-3006 or visit www.safehearthealthscreens.com.
