Boston, MA – Sugary drinks are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) as well as some adverse changes in lipids, inflammatory factors, and leptin, according to a new analysis of men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, reported by Dr Lawrence de Koning (Children’s Hospital Boston, MA) and colleagues online March 12, 2012 in Circulation [1].

“Even a moderate amount of sugary beverage consumption—we are talking about one can of soda every day—is associated with a significant 20% increased risk of heart disease even after adjusting for a wide range of cardiovascular risk factors,” senior author Dr Frank B Hu (Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA) told heartwire. “The increased risk is quite substantial, and I think has important public-health implications given the widespread consumption of soda, not only in the US but also increasing very rapidly in developing countries.”

The increased risk is quite substantial, and I think has important public-health implications given the widespread consumption of soda.

The researchers did not find an increased risk of CHD with artificially sweetened beverages in this analysis, however. “Diet soda has been shown to be associated with weight gain and metabolic diseases in previous studies, even though this hasn’t been substantiated in our study,” says Hu. “The problem with diet soda is its high-intensity sweet taste, which may condition people’s taste. It’s still an open question whether diet soda is an optimal alternative to regular soda; we need more data on this. ”

Hu says water is the best thing to drink, or coffee or tea. Fruit juice is “not a very good alternative, because of the high amount of sugar,” he adds, although if diluted with water, “it’s much better than a can of soda,” he notes.

And Hu says although the current results apply only to men, prior data from his group in women in the Nurses’ Health Study [from 2009] were comparable, “which really boosts the credibility of the findings.”

Inflammation could be a pathway for impact of soda upon CHD risk

Hu and colleagues explain that while much research has shown a link between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and type 2 diabetes, few studies have looked at the association of these drinks with CHD.

Hence, they analyzed the associations of cumulatively averaged sugar-sweetened (eg, sodas) and artificially sweetened (eg, diet sodas) beverage intake with incident fatal and nonfatal CHD (MI) in 42 883 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up study. Beginning in 1986 and every two years until December 2008, participants answered questionnaires about diet and other health habits. A blood sample was provided midway through the study.

There were 3683 CHD cases over 22 years of follow-up. Those in the top quartile of sugar-sweetened-beverage intake had a 20% higher relative risk of CHD than those in the bottom quartile (RR 1.20; p for trend
Adjustment for self-reported high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and diagnosed type 2 diabetes only slightly attenuated these associations, which suggests that drinking soda “may impact on CHD risk above and beyond traditional risk factors,” say the researchers.

Consumption of artificially sweetened drinks was not significantly associated with CHD (multivariate RR 1.02; p for trend=0.28).

Intake of sugar-sweetened drinks, but not artificially sweetened ones, was also significantly associated with increased triglycerides and several circulating inflammatory factors—including C-reactive protein, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor-necrosis-factor receptor 1 (TNFr1)—as well as decreased HDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]), and leptin (p<0.02).

“Inflammation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic disease and could represent an additional pathway by which sugar-sweetened beverages influence risk,” say Hu et al.

Cutting consumption of soda is one of easiest behaviors to change

Hu says that one of the major constituents of soda, high-fructose corn syrup, is subsidized in the US, making such drinks “ridiculously cheap” and helping explain why consumption is so high, particularly in lower socioeconomic groups.

Doctors should be advising people with heart disease or at risk to cut back on sugary beverages; it’s almost a no-brainer.

“Doctors should set an example for their patients first,” he stresses. “Then, for people who already have heart disease or who are at high risk, physicians should be advising them to cut back on sugary beverages; it’s almost a no-brainer, like recommending that they stop smoking and do more exercise. The consumption of sugary beverages is a relatively easy behavior to change.”

And although this particular study included mostly white subjects and there are few data on the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the consumption of soda in people of other ethnicities, there are data on its effect on type 2 diabetes in these groups, he says.

“It has been shown for minority groups—such as African Americans and Asians—that they are more susceptible to the detrimental effects” of sugary drinks on diabetes incidence, he notes.
The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Source
1.    de Koning L, Malik VS, Kellogg MD et al. Sweetened beverage consumption, incident coronary heart disease and biomarkers of risk in men. Circulation 2012; DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.111.067017. Available at: http://circ.ahajournals.org.

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Minneapolis, MN – The burden of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the female population is highlighted in a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association [1].

“This statement is a careful effort to consolidate what is known on PAD in women. And current data clarify that PAD actually affects more women than men. This bursts the myth that this is a disease of men,” chair of the writing group, Dr Alan T Hirsch (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis), commented to heartwire.

The statement, entitled “Call to action: Women and peripheral artery disease,” is endorsed by the Vascular Disease Foundation and its Peripheral Artery Disease Coalition and was published online February 15, 2012 in Circulation.

Hirsch said: “This is a call to action for awareness of PAD as a real problem in women. In 2012, there continues to be a pandemic of PAD. The AHA felt it was important to highlight the gender basis of this pandemic.”

He explained that although there have been past epidemiological studies, it hasn’t really been clear how many women vs men PAD affects.

This bursts the myth that this is a disease of men.

Hirsch added that although there are as many doctor office visits for PAD as for stroke in women, only 25% of women are even aware of PAD. “There needs to be a focus on greater information being made available so that this risk and impact is known.”

He said this can be done in several ways, including:

• Empowering the patient. “Patients should think about PAD if they have pain in their legs and should mention PAD to the doctor.” Hirsch said it was important to try to reach women in this regard, as they also manage the healthcare needs of their families.
• Better educate the doctor about PAD. “All clinicians need to think beyond muscles and joints when dealing with any form of leg discomfort.”
• Educate doctors about the ankle brachial index (ABI) test. “It is not difficult to perform an ABI, but doctors don’t do this test enough.”

Women often have atypical symptoms

In the same way that women often have atypical symptoms of heart attack, they also often have atypical symptoms of PAD, Hirsch explained. “Women with any leg symptoms on exertion should be alert to the fact that it could be PAD. Classic symptoms include cramping pains and overt discomfort in the muscles on exercise. Atypical symptoms include any discomfort in the legs or in the heel that is present at rest or during exercise or may not be confined to the muscle.”

He noted that in contrast to the progress made in coronary heart disease in recent years, with MI fatality rates coming down dramatically, PAD has not enjoyed the same success. “It is not decreasing in prevalence, amputations are continuing at the same rate, and costs are increasing.

“PAD is the poor relation of heart disease. Thirty years after we have known about the risks, we are still not controlling this disease adequately. There is a persistent focus on the pectoral region in cardiovascular disease,” Hirsch commented.

He added: “In North America, there are at least eight to 12 million people with PAD, but most don’t know they have it. In the Medicare population (adults over 65) 15% to 25% have PAD, but only 2% have ever had an ABI. This needs to change.”

Points made in the AHA scientific statement include the following:

• Although the age-dependent prevalence of PAD in adult women is lower than for men, the total population burden of PAD appears to be higher.
• There appears to be a trend toward higher event rates for women than for men with an ABI
• Women (and particularly black females) are more likely than men to experience graft failure or limb loss. There is therefore a need to identify women with or at risk for PAD, especially black women, to lower cardiovascular ischemic event rates, loss of independent functional capacity, and ischemic amputation rates.
• In a US survey, 75% of adults had no awareness of PAD as a disease, and those at highest risk for PAD (the elderly and minorities) were the least informed.

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

Read the full story here: http://www.theheart.org/article/1259775.do

Please read the full story at: http://www.theheart.org/article/1190147.do

To read more about this important study, visit: http://www.theheart.org/article/1185153.do

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.

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.

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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.