According to a study released by the American Heart Association, statins – the drugs that lower cholesterol – also lower inflammation in blood vessels. When an inflamed plaque bursts in an artery wall, it produces a clot. When the clot blocks blood flow, it causes heart attack or stroke. Patients who had signs of inflammation in their blood vessels and took 20 milligrams daily of the statin drug Crestor had almost 50% fewer heart attacks and strokes. Because this study could change who gets tested for heart disease and how they are treated, it deserves – heartfelt appreciation.
A study of 3,003 multi-ethnic adults reported by the American Society of Nephrology revealed a new appreciation of potassium. It seems the effect of potassium on blood pressure is stronger than the effect of sodium. A low level of potassium correlates with high blood pressure. Regardless of the level of sodium or cardiovascular risk factors, the lower the potassium in the diet, the higher the blood pressure. Although the potassium/blood pressure correlation was stronger in African Americans, a potassium-rich banana a day will help keep the doctor away.
Not smoking will help keep the doctor away too. In 1965 – a year after the Surgeon General reported the dangers of tobacco – 40% of adult Americans smoked. Two decades later that percentage dropped to 30%. In 2008 the percentage dropped below 20%. The major reasons for the continued drop are greater awareness of the risks, limitations on tobacco advertising and better information about quitting. The increasing cost of cigarettes and the fact that more than half the population is affected by smoke-free workplace laws have also helped. Nevertheless, the Center for Disease Control's target of 12% adult American smokers by 2010 seems to be going up in smoke.
Something which definitely has to go is belly fat. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, belly fat nearly doubles the risk of death from cancer, heart disease and stroke. The study also found that a large waist size was more indicative of health risks than body mass index. For women waists over 35" were considered large. For men it was waists over 40". Belly fat is considered more dangerous than other fats because it's located between organs and is more biologically and metabolically active. Doctors recommend 60 minutes of daily exercise to lose belly fat – and to take the fat out of fatal.
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