Cholesterol kids: Rx or exercise? Jul 17, 2008
The report recommends measuring total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and if they are within the desirable range, retesting every three to five years ... Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease ... LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because too much of it in the bloodstream causes the buildup of fatty plaques on artery walls. (Globe and Mail)
PUBLIC HEALTH: The musical fruit Jul 16, 2008
The soluble fiber of legumes helps lower levels of damaging LDL cholesterol in the blood, thus lowering our risk of heart disease. The soluble fiber (picture cloudy, slippery water) and its protein value help to slow down the absorptian of carbohydrates. (Pembroke Mariner, MA)
Substitute Your Way To Healthier Eating Jul 15, 2008
They also bind to fatty acids, enabling them to be excreted, lowering LDL cholesterol levels. MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Mitochondrial Cholesterol Makes Response To Chemotherapy Difficult In Hepatic Cancer Jul 15, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 15, 2008) The mitochondrion is an essential organelle for cell metabolism and for the organisation of the molecular mechanism responsible for cell death. IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS researchers have demonstrated that the increase of cholesterol concentration in the mitochondrial membrane makes the action of chemotherapy difficult in cellular hepatocarcinoma. (Science Daily)
Your Health This Week Jul 15, 2008
Rising C-section rates and cholesterol drugs for kids. - By Sydney Spiesel - Slate Magazine. (Slate)
Should Children Take Statins Jul 13, 2008
Long considered the best way to lower LDL cholesterol, statins are now recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for use in children ... Since 1987 when Merck s lovastatin was first approved by the FDA these medications have been hailed as the most effective way to reduce LDL cholesterol ... Unfortunately, when one examines the mechanism by which statins work, one discovers that these agents not only inhibit the production of LDL cholesterol; they also interfere with the manufacture of... (Suite101.com)
Finding Out How Flavonoids Protect the Heart Jul 13, 2008
But it didn't seem to have an effect on so-called "bad" LDL cholesterol. Soy protein reduced diastolic blood pressure by almost 2 points of mercury and improved bad cholesterol but didn't improve so-called good HDL cholesterol. (MEDLINEplus)
5 Things to Cut Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Jul 13, 2008
LDL Cholesterol under 100. This is the bad kind of cholesterol. (ABC News)
Cholesterol drugs for kids as young as 8 Jul 8, 2008
The screening test, called a fasting lipid profile, measures a child's levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, "good" HDL cholesterol, and blood fats (triglycerides). Doctors believe that before any drugs are prescribed, children need to make diet and lifestyle changes. (Xinhuanet, China)
Ask an Expert About Cholesterol Screening for Kids Jul 8, 2008
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) today called for wider cholesterol screening for high LDL cholesterol in children, and recommended the use of statin drug treatment for children as young as 8 years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) called for wider cholesterol screening in children and the use of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs in children as young as 8 years old. (ABC News)
Good cholesterol helps heart, but study shows it also helps memory Jul 6, 2008
Sunday, 06 July 2008. Page 1 of 3 A new British-French study finds that people with higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL) performed better on memory tests than people with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. (iTWire)
Link found between cholesterol, memory Jul 5, 2008
in maintaining a healthy brain," he said. "Whether this ends up as a clinically useful finding, we won't know for a while (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Your Health: Almonds boost weight loss, health gains Jul 4, 2008
Lower levels of LDL cholesterol reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. Almonds contribute to heart health in another important way. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Research Links Low HDL Levels with Memory Loss Jul 2, 2008
Using statins to lower blood levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol had no effect on memory loss ... Conversely, the relationship between HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease is clear, he said: LDL deposits can accumulate until they block an artery, while HDL helps keep arteries clear of those deposits. (MEDLINEplus)
Fatty Liver Disease Ups Heart Risks for Obese Kids Jul 2, 2008
The team found that children with NAFLD had higher levels of blood sugar, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), triglycerides and higher blood pressure compared with children without NAFLD.. In addition, children with NAFLD had lower levels of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), Schwimmer's group found. (MEDLINEplus)
Health: Coverage Initiative available to low-income adults Jul 2, 2008
Low-income adults with hypertension, diabetes, prediabetes, high LDL cholesterol or metabolic syndrome are now eligible for free care through a county program called the Coverage Initiative. Patients must be ages 21 to 64, provide documents showing they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and generally have monthly income of no more than $1,734 for a single person. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
You Docs: Learning from Russert's death Jul 1, 2008
" Our response: Everyone over age 10 - even we YOU Docs - has plaque. Plaque is fat stuff that's made harder by inflammation and accumulates in your arterial walls. It shouldn't be there. Lousy LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque, but it's high blood pressure and excess blood sugar that often start the process that causes plaque. But again, the key is that you can't test to health; you have to live to health with your food choices, physical activity, blood pressure readings, even flossing and... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Trans Fat Labeling Gets Tricky Jun 30, 2008
According to Sandon, man-made trans fats have been shown to greatly boost levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, helping clog arteries with fatty plaques. Many nutritionists believe trans fats are even more dangerous than saturated fats. (Health-Finder)
Gout may boost heart attack risk Jun 26, 2008
It is thought that having too much uric acid in the blood creates oxidative stress, a state that damages LDL cholesterol, causing it to become oxidized. (Oxidized LDL cholesterol is considered more dangerous because it causes hardening and narrowing of artery walls ... Choose lean cuts of meat, skinless poultry breast and low-fat dairy products to reduce saturated fat, the type that raises LDL cholesterol. (Globe and Mail)
Understanding Cholesterol Jun 25, 2008
An LDL cholesterol of less than 100 is optimal, 100 to 129 is near optimal, 130 to 159 is borderline high, 160 to 189 is high, and 190 is very high. HDL is like a trash collector; LDL is like a trash depositor, said Blumenthal, who teaches heart disease risk assessment. (Fox News)
Drugs Doctors Wont Take And Neither Should You Jun 24, 2008
com - Drugs Doctors Wont Take And Neither Should You. On a Handheld Device. (Newsmax)
8 drugs doctors wouldn't take Jun 23, 2008
While there have been some reports that Avandia use may cause dangerous fluid retention or raise artery-clogging LDL cholesterol, no one is sure if these are the culprits. That's because the results of similar large studies have been mixed. (MSNBC -- Health)
THE YOU DOCS Jun 18, 2008
They raise lousy LDL cholesterol and lower healthy HDL.. Our bottom line: Omega-3s make your physical age younger than your calendar age, so include a handful of walnuts and maybe other nuts in your daily diet; cook with as little fat as possible and use canola oil when you do; include fish oils and avocados in your diet. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Research Shows Why Statins Don't Work for Everyone Jun 18, 2008
The protein, abbreviated as HMGCR, plays a critical role in production of LDL cholesterol, the "bad" kind that clogs arteries, explained lead researcher Dr. Ronald Krauss, director of atherosclerosis research at the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Center in Oakland, Calif ... Statins block LDL cholesterol production by binding to a particular exon when the protein is assembled. (MEDLINEplus)
Quick look at anti-aging fats Jun 16, 2008
" There are two kinds of UNsaturated fats: monoUNsaturated and polyUNsaturated. The ones that help you stay healthy are omega-3 fats (polyunsaturated), found in canola oil, walnuts and walnut oil, avocados and flax oil and seeds. Many people believe other unsaturated fats - such as the omega-9s that are prominent in olive oil and other nuts - also help you avoid aging. Notice a theme in these good fats? Right: They all come from plants, and many plant-based fats are heart-healthy. Watch the... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Not until 'Suzy says so' (2) Jun 15, 2008
It lowers LDL cholesterol too. If you've had radiation, it could offset the damage done by that procedure. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Unexpected Finding Of Molecule's Dual Role In Mice May Open New Avenue To Cholesterol Reduction Jun 14, 2008
Moreover, the lack of XBP1 almost entirely eliminated the "bad" LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream ... Elevated levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol are key features of metabolic syndrome, which confers high risk of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. (Science Daily)
Black Patients With Diabetes Fared Worse Than White Patients Jun 13, 2008
The study found that white patients were significantly more likely than black patients to achieve control of three critical health measures for diabetes patients: hemoglobin A1c, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure. For white patients compared to black patients, 47% were able to achieve control of their hemoglobin A1c levels (<7%), versus 39%; 57% were able to control LDL cholesterol (<11 mg/dL) versus 45%; and 30% were able to control their blood pressure (<130/80 mmHg) versus 24 ... Results... (Science Daily)
Pine Bark Reduces Heart Risks in Diabetics Jun 12, 2008
Previous studies had shown that Pycnogenol benefited the heart, but what makes the study results compelling is Pycnogenol simultaneously lowered blood glucose, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in patients. Furthermore, this is the first study that suggests that Pycnogenol might also be beneficial in protecting kidney function in diabetics. (Newsmax)
Obama's doctor says he's fit to lead May 30, 2008
His total cholesterol was 173 (normal is under 200); his bad or LDL cholesterol was 96 (normal is under 130); and his good, or HDL, reading was 68 (normal is over 40). An electrocardiogram showed no signs of a heart problem. (Boston Globe)
Your diet could probably use some bulking up May 29, 2008
When consumed, soluble fibre forms a gummy texture that binds to cholesterol in the gut, helping to lower LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream ... Clinical studies also show that psyllium, in combination with a low-fat diet, helps lower elevated LDL cholesterol. (Globe and Mail)
A Look at McCain's Health Records May 23, 2008
His so-called bad or LDL cholesterol is a healthy 123. But his so-called good or HDL cholesterol is 42, below the recommended 60. (Newsmax)
Metabolic syndrome can't predict heart risk: study May 22, 2008
Yet its failure to take into account other well established risk factors for heart disease such as age, "bad" LDL cholesterol and smoking meant it was flawed, Sattar said. "It (metabolic syndrome) is a criteria that might medicalise a quarter of the population, which is really quite unhelpful," he added. (Scientific American)
Oxidized LDL Cholesterol Linked to Metabolic Syndrome May 22, 2008
TUESDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Higher levels of LDL cholesterol "packets" that have undergone oxidation are associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a constellation of conditions that can lead to heart attack and stroke, a new study finds. Previous studies with animals and cell models have linked metabolic syndrome to oxidized LDL cholesterol, the "bad" kind that can build up and block blood vessels ... Severely oxidized LDL cholesterol is quickly eliminated from... (MEDLINEplus)
Erectile Dysfunction May Signal A Broken Heart May 21, 2008
ScienceDaily (May 20, 2008) Erectile dysfunction is always a matter of the heart, but new research shows that more than romance is at stake. Two new studies of men with type 2 diabetes found that erectile dysfunction (ED) was a powerful early warning sign for serious heart disease, including heart attack and death. (Science Daily)
The ABCs of smart snacking May 14, 2008
Their high fat content turns out to be over 66 percent monounsaturated fat (the kind that helps reduce bad LDL cholesterol) and they re also high in calcium, vitamin E, and fiber. B: Baked snack foods. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
New Study Shows How Genes Control Blood Proteins Important To Health May 12, 2008
An obvious example is cholesterol: high blood levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and low blood levels of "good" HDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease. Previous studies have shown how cholesterol levels are not only influenced by diet and lifestyle but are also under strong genetic control. (Science Daily)
American Kobe-style beef has replaced the real Japanese thing (98) May 11, 2008
It has high levels of oleic acid, the fatty acid in olive and canola oils that has been shown to lower bad LDL cholesterol. "The health aspect of this animal is what should be the standard for the U.S. cattle herd," Yamamoto said. (North County Times)
Macadamia Nut Health Benefits May 10, 2008
Reductions where seen in total blood serum cholesterol, total blood triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol ... At the end of the study, their total and LDL cholesterol levels had decresed by 3. (Suite101.com)
High Fructose Corn Syrup May 7, 2008
It is said to contribute to the rise in obesity, increase in diabetes and purportedly blamed for causing an increase in cholesterol numbers, especially the less favorable LDL cholesterol. While scientists are studying the ills of HFCS, they are hesitant to come to a. (Suite101.com)
New cholesterol drugs face tough regulatory climate May 6, 2008
And while he acknowledges the need for drugs that further lower bad HDL cholesterol, or raise good LDL cholesterol, he worries that drugmakers "are taking on riskier drugs to find incremental benefit.". That may be the case with Merck's recently rejected Cordaptive, which combines the well-known HDL raiser niacin with a novel agent designed to reduce the uncomfortable flushing that makes it difficult for patients to tolerate niacin at high enough doses to achieve a therapeutic benefit. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Soy Protein Beneficial in Type 2 Diabetics May 2, 2008
Compared with controls, patients who ate soy protein showed significantly lower levels of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. In addition, circulating C-reactive protein levels, which signal inflammation in the body, were reduced as were levels of well known urinary markers of kidney disease. (MEDLINEplus)
Abbott profit up on drugs sales Apr 19, 2008
Secondary Navigation. By Ransdell Pierson Wed Apr 16, 9:47 AM ET. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Cooks Corner: Sweet & Healthy Apr 16, 2008
The Brewton Standard - Lifestyles. Serving Brewton & East Brewton and the people and communities of Eastern and Central Escambia County since 1906. (Brewton Standard, AL)
DASH Diet Feeds a Healthier Heart Apr 16, 2008
By Apr 15th, 2008 Category. Researchers who studied the dining habits of almost 89,000 women over a period of 24 years have concluded that those who routinely consumed a diet as close as possible to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet were at significantly less risk for coronary heart disease and stroke than the women in the study who deviated the most from the DASH dietary guidelines. (MedHeadlines)
Finding the right balance and diet that works for you Apr 16, 2008
It is actually a smart move to monitor your progress while following any type of diet; keep tabs on your HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides in your blood check and body fat percentage in your body composition check. Thirdly, the diet should elicit vitality and allow you to feel adequately full all the time. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Smoking, Drinking, Cholesterol May Be Alzheimer's Risk Factors Apr 16, 2008
It's not possible to conclude from the study that LDL cholesterol, the "bad" kind that clogs arteries, is responsible for the relationship, she said. In the 1960s and 1970s, when data on the participants were gathered, no distinction had been made between LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, the "good" kind that helps keep arteries open. (Health-Finder)
Statins Reduce Blood Pressure Apr 15, 2008
Statins, of course, are known to lower LDL cholesterol levels, but lower LDL cholesterol levels are not generally linked to lower occurrence of stroke, said Golomb. However, lower blood pressure is strongly related to lower stroke risk, and these findings provide one means by which statins may reduce rates of stroke and other cardiovascular events in patients. (Newsmax)
High Cholesterol May Boost Survival in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Apr 12, 2008
Dr. Vincent Meininger and colleagues found that patients with ALS often have a "hyperlipidemic" profile and survival is better when they have a high ratio of "bad" LDL cholesterol to "good" HDL cholesterol. "These results," Meininger told Reuters Health, "raise the question of using a fat diet for ALS patients, and to avoid using cholesterol lowering drugs -- mainly statins.". (MEDLINEplus)
Controlling Cholesterol, Blood Pressure Helps Diabetics Apr 10, 2008
"People with diabetes, our goals are changed. In terms of blood pressure lowering, we want them to have a much lower blood pressure than the non-diabetic patient. We want them to have a much lower bad cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol as compared to the non-diabetic patient. Why -- because we assume they already have blocked arteries," said Dr. Mock. Dr. Mock says high blood pressure can also result in kidney failure and the need for dialysis -- another reason to be compliant with doctor's orders. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Aggressive Cholesterol, Blood Pressure Treatment Shows Some Benefit Apr 10, 2008
"Until now, clinical trials have meant taking a drug and escalating the dose and comparing the reduction in heart disease. Our goal was to target people at high risk and test lower targets for both risk factors hypertension and LDL cholesterol. What we showed is that you can reach those lower targets safely." ... To achieve the LDL cholesterol target, a blood level of 70, "I would still consider using ezetimibe [a second-line, cholesterol-lowering drug] in people who cannot tolerate statins and... (MEDLINEplus)
Nut Butter Nutrition Facts Apr 9, 2008
In fact, foods high in good fats help the heart by lowering LDL cholesterol, while raising levels of heart-protective HDL. Nut butters contain healthful monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and do not contain harmful trans fatty acids. Nuts and Diabetes. (Suite101.com)
Drugs that don't work: tough pill to swallow Apr 5, 2008
Final results of a clinical trial showed the drugs reduced LDL cholesterol, but failed to slow the buildup of artery-clogging plaque, suggesting theyll do little or nothing to prevent heart attacks ... When that was followed by Avandia, which raised questions about the assumed benefits of lowering blood sugar, and later by Vytorin and Zetia, which challenged the benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol it rocked the medical world, Krumholz said ... Instead of relying on ultimate outcomes ... (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
Pieces coming together in Parkinson's, cholesterol puzzle Apr 5, 2008
CHAPEL HILL In 2006, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers published a study that found people with low levels of LDL cholesterol are more likely to have Parkinson's disease than people with high LDL levels ... Low levels of LDL cholesterol are clearly associated with good cardiovascular health ... When followed for about ten years, the incidence of Parkinsons disease increased with decreasing levels of LDL cholesterol. (EurekAlert!)
Natural trans fats have health benefits, University of Alberta study shows Apr 3, 2008
For example, in the long-term trial, total cholesterol was lowered by approximately 30 per cent, LDL cholesterol was lowered by 25 per cent and triglyceride levels were lowered by more than 50 per cent.. Because VA is the major natural trans fat in dairy and beef products, comprising more than 70 per cent of the proportion of natural trans fat content in those products, the findings support a growing body of evidence that indicates natural animal-based trans fat is different than harmful... (EurekAlert!)
Schering's Hassan Says Turnaround Career Prepares Him for Vytorin Travail Apr 2, 2008
There are many patients who can't lower their levels of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol enough without using higher doses of other drugs and may benefit from use of Vytorin, he said. Also, the study was small and targeted a unique patient population that may not be representative. (Bloomberg -- US)
Experts Speak On Vytorin Study Apr 2, 2008
In my opinion, it should only be used in patients who have failed to achieve target LDL cholesterol levels with maximum-dose lipid-lowering therapy, or those who are unable to tolerate these medications due to adverse side effects ... Both are big [proponents] that HDL cholesterol plays an important role, and as such, increases (especially with niacin) are needed to reduce atherosclerosis more than can be achieved with LDL cholesterol reduction alone ... I find it very hard to believe that... (Forbes -- Business)
Now what? Cholesterol drug study fallout Apr 1, 2008
said initially it made sense to think that lowering LDL cholesterol would prevent heart disease ... Both Vytorin and Zetia alone lowered LDL cholesterol known as the "bad" cholesterol which doctors have long believed was a good way to prevent heart disease. (MSNBC -- Health)
Premature Delivery Linked to High Cholesterol in Moms Later Apr 1, 2008
"Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were elevated in women who'd had a preterm birth, before 34 weeks," said study author Janet Catov, an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Catov said it's hard to know yet whether there's something in the pregnancy or preterm delivery that triggers the high cholesterol, or if it's the high cholesterol that may have something to do with the preterm delivery. (MEDLINEplus)
Doubt cast on 2 drugs used to lower cholesterol Mar 31, 2008
LDL cholesterol, the harmful kind, is known as a risk factor for heart disease, and so doctors have generally assumed that lowering LDL cholesterol would reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But proving that a drug actually cuts those risks requires an expensive, multiyear clinical trial involving 10,000 or more patients. (International Herald Tribune)
Cholesterol Drug Controversy Continues Mar 31, 2008
SUNDAY, March 30 (HealthDay News) -- A divided cardiology community is trying once again to make sense of a trial showing that a drug can lower levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and yet give no apparent benefit to people at high risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. The drug, Vytorin, combines a well-known statin -- simvastatin -- with ezetimibe, which also lowers LDL cholesterol, but in a different way ... "The drug [Vytorin] does lower LDL cholesterol very effectively. The... (Health-Finder)
Genes That Reduce 'Bad Cholesterol' And Protect Against Atherosclerosis Identified Mar 18, 2008
In a new study on mice the research group has shown that the accumulation of the plaque that causes myocardial infarction and stroke can be prevented if levels of the "bad" LDL cholesterol are reduced before atherosclerotic plaque has progressed beyond a particular point. The group has also identified a network of 37 genes that lowers levels of blood cholesterol and brings about the beneficial effect. (Science Daily)
Self-Management Program Helps Diabetics Mar 17, 2008
Decreases in laboratory measures (mean) for hemoglobin A1C (a laboratory test showing average blood sugar control over the previous two to three months), LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure over the initial year of the program ... 7 percent of participants achieving National Cholesterol Education Program goals for LDL cholesterol. (Health-Finder)
10 per cent cholesterol fall `would save thousands of lives' Mar 16, 2008
The study by Sydney researchers has found that a small, 10 per cent drop in "bad" LDL cholesterol could be achieved in just a few weeks, primarily by cutting back on saturated fats and exercising more. The shift would save 3000 people annually who would otherwise be dead from heart attack, cardiovascular disease or ischaemic stroke, the researchers at the George Institute for International Health found. (New Zealand Herald)
Bye, bye trans fats Mar 15, 2008
Thu Mar 13, 2008, 05:20 PM EDT. The board of the Boston Public Health Commission approved a regulation that restricts all food service establishments from serving food or beverage containing artificial trans fat or partially hydrogenated oil that raises the risk of heart disease. (West Roxbury Transcript, MA)
