The Role of Precision Medicine in Combating Challenges of Heart Disease and Stroke

 

                                                                            

The years following World War II saw a significant impact of heart attacks on middle-aged Americans, particularly returning soldiers. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has played a pivotal role in advancing research in this area.

 The Framingham Heart Study in the 1940s identified key risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including smoking, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

 Subsequent NIH-funded studies tested interventions such as cholesterol and blood pressure lowering drugs as well as lifestyle modifications like physical activity, healthy diet, and smoking cessation. As a result, heart disease deaths have decreased by nearly 70% since 1969.

 While progress has been made, stroke continues to pose a significant threat, striking an American once every 40 seconds. NIH research in the mid-90s led to the approval of the drug tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), which can dissolve stroke-causing clots if administered soon after symptoms appear.

 More recent studies have shown that inserting balloon catheters to remove brain clots can prevent further damage in people suffering major strokes. In addition, NIH's Know Stroke awareness campaign has been instrumental in educating the public about recognizing stroke as a medical emergency and seeking immediate help.

 In spite of these advancements, heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death for both men and women in the United States. NIH-funded scientists are now focusing on precision medicine to better understand and manage the disorders.

 This approach involves integrating molecular data with behavioural, imaging, environmental, and clinical studies to predict, prevent, diagnose, and treat illness based on a person's unique genes, lifestyle, and molecular signatures.

 The emerging role of precision medicine in cardiovascular disease has been a significant development over the past 50 years. Precision medicine takes into account an individual's genetics, lifestyle, and other factors to tailor prevention and treatment strategies.

 This approach has the potential to address the challenges of disease prevention and cure by providing a more granular and integrative understanding of cardiovascular disease at a molecular level.

 The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a part of the NIH, leads and supports research on stroke and cardiovascular disease. NHLBI-supported studies have identified stroke risk factors and paved the way for new interventions to prevent, diagnose and treat these conditions more effectively.

 The institute also supports research investigating potential new treatments to improve outcomes for stroke patients and explore ways to minimize health disparities in stroke treatment and prognosis.

 Conclusion

While significant progress has been made in understanding and managing heart disease and stroke, continued research, particularly in the field of precision medicine is essential to further advance prevention and treatment strategies for these leading causes of death.

How Adequate Sleep Can Protect Against Heart Problems

                                                                                  

Research conducted by Nanjing Medical University in China has revealed that individuals who experience sleep deprivation during the week but make up for it by getting an extra two hours of sleep on the weekends have a significantly lower risk (63%) of suffering from heart attacks or strokes compared to those who do not catch up on sleep.

Adequate sleep, which ranges between seven and eight hours per night, plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of stress hormones on the body, preventing inflammation in blood vessels. The study also found that individuals who sleep fewer than six hours per night during the week have higher rates of cardiovascular disease.

In addition to its cardiovascular benefits, catching up on sleep during weekends has been associated with potential protective effects against depression and obesity. Interestingly, research indicates that while British individuals only manage an average of an extra 15 minutes of sleep on weekends, Finland, known for longer lie-ins, averages 26 minutes of additional sleep.

These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing sufficient sleep and taking advantage of opportunities to catch up on lost sleep. By doing so, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart-related health issues like heart attacks and strokes.

Conclusion

It is crucial for individuals to aim for the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night to promote overall well-being and maintain optimal cardiovascular health.

What Health Conditions Cause Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease characterized by feelings of tension and worried thoughts. Anxiety may occur on its own. It is such a common psychiatric problem in the U.S it affects more than 20 million people every year. It may also coexist with other medical conditions, but certain health conditions could be the primary cause of anxiety. You should suspect an underlying health condition if you haven’t suffered from anxiety in the past and the current episode came on recently and rapidly. Here are some health conditions that may cause anxiety.

Tumors

A tumor is a swelling of a part of the body caused by abnormal growth of tissue when cells multiply more than they should. A tumor of the adrenal gland for example produces excess adrenaline which is known to cause symptoms of anxiety including headache. In addition to anxiety, a dysfunction of the adrenal gland may include, fatigue, disorientation, fast heart rate and trouble concentrating. Doctors can help determine the primary cause of the problem.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalances can also cause anxiety symptoms. For example, an overactive thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Excessive amounts of thyroid hormone in the system increases the rate of metabolism, a fast heart beat and restlessness. In addition, there may be increased sensitivity to heat and unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms in addition to anxiety, consult a physician who can help assess the function of your thyroid gland. Diabetes is a condition caused by inadequate production of insulin in the body. An individual with uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes may present with sweating, blurred vision, anxiety and confusion.

Nervous system disorders

Many disorders of the nervous system present with anxiety in addition to other symptoms which characterise the disorder. A medical condition like Alzheimer’s is often associated with anxiety in addition to memory problems. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder characterised by tremors and some degree of anxiety.

Electrolyte imbalance

Electrolyte imbalance can occur when you lose large amounts of body fluids. Low sodium level in the body called hyponatremia is a common sequelae of fluid loss.  Fluid loss can result from persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, sweating or high fever. Not drinking or eating enough and some chronic respiratory problems such as emphysema may also lead to electrolyte imbalance. Certain medical therapies disrupt the electrolyte balance and long term exposure to organophosphate insecticides may cause anxiety and restlessness.

Nutritional causes

Deficiency of vitamin B12 may arise from malabsorption in the gut or following gastric bypass surgery. Anxiety is a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. Excessive intake of caffeine in coffee, energy drinks and boosters may provoke anxiety especially if it is habitual.

Infections

An infectious disease such as Lyme disease can trigger anxiety symptoms if left untreated and it spreads to the nervous system. Lyme disease is caused by tick bite and it is characterised by a skin rash, headache, fever and fatigue.

Final thoughts

Many health conditions present with anxiety in addition to other symptoms which may be directly attributed to that condition. If you haven’t suffered from anxiety in the past and the current episode came on recently and rapidly, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will evaluate your condition and determine if there is an underlying medical condition which has triggered the state of anxiety.     

Does moderate drinking increase longevity in the elderly?

                                                                  

There has been a long drawn debate on whether light-to-moderate intake of alcohol increases longevity especially later in life. Only a few studies have been done on alcohol and longevity but a cohort study carried out by Piet Aden Brandt et al (2020) in Netherlands indicated that the highest probability of reaching 90 years was found for those drinking 5 - < 15g of alcohol per day when compared to abstainers.

Wine intake was positively associated with longevity, especially in women. In men, liquor was positively associated with longevity with the reverse being the case in women. The study added that the results pointed towards a negative association between binge drinking and longevity.

A long standing belief that moderate alcohol intake in older adults led to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death was debunked by a study carried out by Burton et al (2018) published in the Lancet. The study concluded that no level of alcohol consumption improves health. What makes the relationship between alcohol intake and longevity difficult to define is the effect other factors that impact on health have on longevity. Besides, the drinking habits of individuals change from time to time.

Various studies on the subject indicate that consumption of alcohol is still a major risk factor for the global burden of disease. Even the indications of potential cardiovascular benefits linked with low-to-moderate consumption of alcohol were obtained from epidemiological studies. Long-term heavy alcohol consumption induces damage on the heart muscle.

In addition, alcohol may be associated with cancer, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Research suggests that alcohol may increase oestrogen levels and therefore enhance development of breast cancer. Alcohol may also disrupt DNA activity with the possibility of developing cancer of the colon, oesophagus, mouth, liver and breast.

Alcoholic beverages are often high in calories, so heavy consumption may contribute to weight gain which can gradually progress to obesity. It is an established fact that obesity creates its set of health problems which may include diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Burton et al (2018) are of the opinion that alcohol abstinence is what minimises an individual’s risk. Their argument is hinged on the fact that the estimated protective effect of alcohol consumption for ischaemic heart disease and diabetes, particularly in women, are cancelled-out by associations with cancer.  They concluded that small reductions in the harm done by low levels of alcohol consumption are offset by the increased risk of other diseases including cancer.

Final thoughts

Although light-to-moderate intake of alcohol will probably do no harm, it may not help you live longer. There are several other factors that can impact on your ability to live long. If you enjoy alcohol consumption, do so moderately. Don’t consume alcohol because you think it will make you live longer. While low-to-moderate consumption of alcohol each day may not have substantial impact on blood pressure, binge drinking is associated with transient increases in the blood pressure. Binge drinking is a definite NO. Adults who choose to drink should follow the recommendations of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Health benefits of indoor rowing

                                                                               

                                       Abandoned boat- Courtesy of Pixabay

Rowing is a sporting activity many people love and enjoy, but it can also help burn significant amounts of calories. However, you don’t have to get in the water these days for a rowing experience, thanks to modern technology. The introduction of rowing machines has changed all that. You can now exercise in the comfort of your own home with the aid of rowing machines that give users a live outdoor reality.

According to studies conducted by Harvard Medical School, a person weighing 155pounds can burn 369 calories within half an hour by vigorously exercising on a stationary rowing machine. If you are thinking of starting a new workout plan or supplementing your existing exercise regime, you should seriously consider indoor rowing. It has distinct benefits.

Rowing Has Low Impact

It is a low impact activity suitable for all ages above 11 years. It takes you through the full range of motions ranging from extension to flexing of the arms and legs. If you have ever sustained an injury exercising in one of the high impact sports, you will be totally blown away by the smooth flowing exercise routines of indoor rowing. The range of motions puts minimal pressure on your muscles and joints so there is little or no chance of getting injured.

Save Time with Rowing

With today's demands of the modern world, people are so busy they hardly find time to exercise or engage in any form of fitness activity. Perhaps you are a business executive with a busy schedule or a working parent who must get home on time to look after young children, indoor rowing offers a fantastic opportunity for you to save valuable time. You can access online videos that will help you train within the comfort of your home. There are also online training programs that teach the basics of indoor rowing and provide guidance on more advanced techniques.

Reduce Stress Levels with Indoor Rowing

Rowing blends the tranquillity of flowing water with the rhythm of motion. This combination provides the elements for calming the mind and invigorating the body. Rowing can cut down your stress level and help you focus your mind.

Full Muscle Engagement

Rowing is a great fitness concept. It works 85% of the muscles from nine major muscle groups. From your hand holding the oars to your feet on the footboard, all the muscles of the body contribute to the rowing stroke. Unlike sporting activities such as cycling where certain muscles are disproportionately utilised, rowing engages a lot more muscle mass, and yields higher exercise benefit.

How Rowing Compares with Treadmill

It is a great alternative. While the treadmill focuses mainly on the lower part of the body, rowing enables you to work both the lower and upper parts of your body. In addition, rowing works the abs with each stroke. Rowing machines also tend to be more affordable than treadmills.

Final Thoughts

Rowing is a great way to exercise while having some fun. It has many advantages too. For example, if you own a rowing machine, you can fold it up when it is not in use, a great benefit for those living in small apartments. Rowing machines are quieter than treadmills, and if you live in an apartment where people live below yours, go for a rowing machine.  

Your health and climate change

Climate change refers to the shifts in the earth’s climate and weather systems due to an imbalance in the carbon levels in our atmosphere. According to the World HealthOrganisation (W.H.O), climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health, namely clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through better choices of energy-use, transport, food we can significantly improve our health outcomes. One notable way of reducing carbon emissions is to use solar panels in your homes and businesses. If you are a homeowner living in the U.S you are in luck because you can get the world's best solar panels installed on your home for $0 down payment. 

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How solar panels reduce climate change

Increase in greenhouse gas emissions is primarily due to human activities such as burning of fossil fuels to obtain energy. Solar panels utilise the energy from the sun instead of burning fossil fuels. Electricity generated by solar panels can replace or supplement that provided by your utility company. Not only will you make hefty savings on your electricity bill, you will be contributing to saving hundreds of thousands of lives in additional deaths per year, malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea all due to climate change. If you live in the United States

Effects of climate change on health

The overall effects of climate change on health are overwhelmingly negative according to the W.H.O. Extreme heat caused by climate change contribute significantly to increased deaths from cardiovascular diseases especially among the elderly. The levels of pollen and other air-borne allergens increase due to extreme heat and this triggers or aggravates respiratory conditions such as asthma which afflicts millions of people all over the world.

Climate change increases exposure to vector borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. The Aedes mosquito vector of dengue and the Anopheles mosquito which transmit malaria are both highly sensitive to climate conditions. Climate change also widens significantly the geographical range of diseases transmitted through cold-blooded animals and snail-borne diseases such as Schistomiasis.

Climate change causes extreme weather conditions and rising sea levels. Since more than half of the world’s population live within the precinct of the sea, rising sea level is a major concern. Thousands of people are forced to abandon their homes for higher grounds. This in turn exposes them to a range of health conditions including communicable diseases. Resulting floods contaminate fresh water supplies and compromise hygiene. The risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera increases and the area becomes breeding ground for disease carrying insects such as mosquitos. Rising water levels also destroy homes, disrupts medical supplies and health services.

Paradoxically climate change can also cause drought in some geographical areas. This leads to water scarcity, drought and famine. Lack of access to safe drinking water increases the risk of diarrhoeal diseases. Drought and resulting water shortage leads to a decrease in the production of staple foods especially in poor areas.

How you can help

Although some people are more vulnerable than others, no one is spared from the adverse consequences of climate change. How can you help in reducing the impact of climate change? Power your home with renewable energy, invest in energy-efficient appliances, reduce water waste, buy better bulbs such as LED light bulbs, make your space more energy efficient by ensuring that it is adequately sealed to prevent drafts.

Health benefits of reading books

Many people love to read. It is undoubtedly a pleasurable experience for most but the benefits go beyond the enjoyment, and some of those benefits can last a lifetime. One of such benefits is the positive effect reading can have on the body and mind. Students who read books regularly are known to develop large vocabularies especially if they start at a young age. Such students have an edge with standardized tests at college admissions and job interviews. It has never been easier to access standard textbooks and reference materials because it is now possible to buy digital versions of standard school books, novels, reference books and other types of books at deep discount to their print versions.

Alleviation of depression

Depression often makes people feel isolated and estranged from others. Reading fiction books sometimes reduces this feeling by connecting the reader with characters in the book. They literarily get swept up with imagined experiences as they dive deeper into the stories. Literary stories help explore the inner lives of characters in books and readers are able to understand the feelings and beliefs of others better. Self-help and how to books also come in handy when trying to learn strategies that can alleviate symptoms of depression.

Stress Reduction

Stress levels can build up very quickly when attempting to resolve challenges, especially if constrained by time. This is most evident among students preparing for major exams and executives working on time bound projects. Reading for only half an hour can help reduce the feelings of psychological distress. Which is why reading is helpful as part of a regular sleep routine.

Effects of reading on the brain

Reading builds a complex network of circuits in the brain. The more one reads, the stronger and more sophisticated those networks become. Reading books and solving difficult problems keep the mind engaged and improves cognitive function. This is particularly important for seniors because engaging in mentally stimulating activities makes it less likely that they will develop diseases such as dementia.

They can survive for longer and in good mental health even after retirement. Seniors should be reading whatever books they can get their hands on. In times past, getting books into remote regions was a herculean task but this is no longer the case. Just about anyone can access vast library of books on any subject digitally. Developing a reading culture educates people and helps them live longer in good physical and mental health.