healthy heart Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Are Millions at Risk? Blood Thinner Linked to Stroke & Heart Attack

The AHA! Team — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 05:30:54 +0000

News Staff via NaturalHealth365 – Blood thinners are an integral part of post-surgery treatment, as well as just a daily part of the lives of millions of Americans who suffer from coagulopathies (clotting disorders). While there are many long-standing blood thinners on the market, we want to focus on one in particular – Ticagrelor (Brilinta) – which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 despite significant concern about its efficacy or the benefits of this drug over already existing anticoagulants. Though many countries outside the U.S. approved the drug, trials in the U.S. showed that the medicine wasn’t as effective as Astra Zeneca indicated. And though it is still a widely prescribed medication for clotting disorders, there is still a significant amount of concern over how effective and safe the drug is. Let’s look at this extremely common drug, the claims against it, and how you can naturally help your cardiovascular health. Was Ticagrelor’s FDA approval based on flawed data? To gain approval from the FDA, a medication has to prove that it’s better than similar medications on the market. This might be because it delivers similar results more cheaply, performs better, or includes something others do not (it does double duty). Ticagrelor is not cheaper – it’s $450/60-day supply or more – so the crux of the argument for approval was that it was better than its cheaper competitors. The trials didn’t reach the threshold for approval, and the drug was denied in 2010 but was approved in 2011. Here, we reach the main concern: the initial trials have been accused of misrepresenting or manipulating data, resulting in unreliable results. Subsequent independent trials indicate good cause for concern, citing difficulty replicating the so-called amazing results that Astra Zeneca reported initially. Is Ticagrelor worth the risk? Studies raise serious concerns Beyond the concerns that the initial approval data was fudged or manipulated, several other independent studies have shown signs that the risk of hemorrhage, stroke, or catastrophic blood clot is more likely in Ticagrelor than in its competitors. A study out of Japan showed that patients on Ticagrelor had a 9% rate of significant incidents (heart attack, stroke, hemorrhage, and death) versus around 6% for the competition. This, along with other studies, had many doctors and medical researchers suggesting that the Department of Justice look into the medication and the path to approval, though ultimately, that line of thinking was seemingly abandoned in 2013. Although the drug is still highly prescribed, the results of these studies and others have had many medical professionals think twice about administering it to their patients. And although the increased risk of cardiovascular events is only slightly higher with this medicine, the incidence rate is still higher. Combined with the sketchy path to approval and questionable methodology in their trials should make you question taking it if it’s been prescribed to you. Supporting heart health without the risks Several whole foods and holistic compounds offer blood-thinning and cardiovascular benefits for those interested in a natural approach. But, of course, you should never stop a blood thinner without doctor supervision and approval. Turmeric/Curcumin This powerful anti-inflammatory compound also has anticoagulant properties. While using turmeric as a spice is beneficial, concentrated curcumin in supplement form is a more reliable way to access its effects. Be sure to take it with black pepper, as its compounds enhance curcumin absorption. Most supplements include both, but it’s important to check. Lifestyle changes Taking care of your overall health is crucial for proper blood clotting and cardiovascular function. Daily exercise – at least 30 minutes – and regular movement like walking can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, improve heart health, and regulate platelet function. Sleep Quality sleep ensures that blood cells function properly and supports blood vessel elasticity and heart health. Whole foods over processed foods Ultra-processed foods are linked to numerous health issues, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and insulin resistance. A diet rich in whole foods – especially fiber-rich vegetables and fruits – can significantly benefit heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids Found in fatty fish like tuna and salmon, omega-3s support heart health, vessel elasticity, and brain function. If fish isn’t a regular part of your diet, supplementing with fish oil, krill oil, or borage oil may offer additional benefits. Herbal and natural supplements Ginkgo biloba promotes circulation and prevents platelet buildup. Garlic and ginger act as natural anticoagulants and reduce inflammation. Hawthorn berry strengthens the heart and improves blood flow. Stress management Chronic stress raises blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Managing stress effectively is crucial for cardiovascular health. Hydration Proper hydration is key to preventing clotting issues. Drinking water throughout the day and especially upon waking up can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Dehydration doesn’t directly cause heart attacks, but it is a significant contributing factor. Get grounded By having your feet touch the Earth, you can help to get rid of static electricity and other environmental electrical charges that surround you. Studies show that grounding can increase the surface charge of red blood cells (RBCs); increase the spacing between RBCs to reduce clumping; and improve blood flow throughout the body. Bottom line: investing in your health naturally is one of the best ways to keep your heart strong and reduce reliance on blood thinners like Ticagrelor. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to avoid a heart attack and stroke, own the Cardiovascular Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: BMJ.com To read the original article click here.

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Tap Into Nature’s Power to Beat a SILENT Epidemic

The AHA! Team — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:26:53 +0000

News Staff via NaturalHealth365 – High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most highly diagnosed conditions in American adults. Building on the research of the late Michael J. Gonzalez, DSc, NMD, PhD, whose passing shocked the holistic medical field due to complications from knee surgery, we now know that natural approaches to blood pressure management can be remarkably effective. Dr. Gonzalez’s dedication to understanding the role of natural compounds in health, particularly in his comprehensive research on hypertension, has forever left an impact on the field of nutritional medicine and human health. According to research, approximately one-third of adults in the United States have hypertension. It’s no wonder that hypertensive drugs like ACE inhibitors or beta blockers are among the most highly prescribed medications. While there are many different types of blood pressure medications, all have some form of side effect that is traded off for the benefit of lowering high blood pressure. With that said, there are many natural solutions for blood pressure, and a comprehensive study aimed to determine the most effective ones. Why high blood pressure is a silent threat (and why natural solutions matter) High blood pressure is an epidemic in the United States and most Western countries. Coupled with type 2 diabetes, hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease in adults, and usually not diagnosed soon enough to prevent significant arterial damage. Unfortunately, high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms, even at ‘stage 2,’ and modern guidelines have set healthy blood pressure at or under 120/80, which most people exceed. High blood pressure medication falls into a handful of categories, but they all perform the same role of reducing hypertension. All high blood pressure medication has some manner of side effects: fatigue, headaches, dry cough, water retention, constipation, and more. If there were foods that you could eat that had a profound effect on blood pressure, however, most people would opt for that instead of medication. That was the goal of this study referenced above – to find simple natural compounds with an effect on blood pressure without the side effects of medication. The most effective natural solutions that support healthy blood pressure The study looked at 29 potential blood pressure-reducing supplements and foods. Here are 10 of the most promising: Magnesium Magnesium plays a role in proper sleep, mood regulation, bowel motility, and blood pressure regulation. While observational studies show promising results, it’s important to note that clinical trials have shown varying effects. Magnesium can be found in dark chocolate/cocoa, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and various other sources. It’s best to consult a holistic healthcare provider for the proper amount if supplementing. Soy isoflavones Organic, non-GMO soy is a protein-packed alternative that can be consumed as tofu in stir-fry vegetable dishes or added to miso soup. Multiple studies indicate that soy can help reduce blood pressure when eaten regularly. Although, we would strongly recommend that you find a brand that uses “filtered” water – as its main ingredient – due to the chemicals found in most sources of drinking water. Taurine Taurine is an amino acid created in necessary amounts within the human body and through ingesting fish and meat. Research shows it effectively reduces blood pressure, primarily by calming the sympathetic nervous system and enhancing the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels. Potassium Potassium is crucial for proper cardiac function and blood vessel relaxation. It’s readily available in spinach, wild caught salmon, avocado, and bananas. However, if you’re already taking blood pressure medication, consult your doctor before increasing your potassium intake, as some medications can affect potassium levels. Pomegranate juice Research shows pomegranate juice can help reduce blood pressure through its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to increase nitric oxide production. Clinical trials have demonstrated meaningful reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with regular consumption. Melatonin Beyond its role in sleep regulation, melatonin serves as a powerful antioxidant. Studies show it can help lower blood pressure, particularly in people with disrupted sleep patterns. The research suggests this effect comes from its antioxidant properties and ability to improve sleep quality. Garlic Garlic consistently proves its worth in cardiovascular health. Research shows it can help lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production and reducing smooth muscle cell proliferation in blood vessels. It’s also a potent anti-inflammatory agent, contributing to its blood pressure-lowering effects. Fish oil The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, particularly from fatty cold-water fish like sardines, salmon, and anchovies, show significant benefits for blood pressure. The effect is especially pronounced in people with untreated hypertension. These polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce inflammatory compounds and improve blood vessel function. European mistletoe While less common, clinical research shows that European mistletoe extract, when taken consistently for 12 weeks, can significantly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. However, this should only be used under professional guidance. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) This naturally occurring compound, found in grass fed meat, wild caught fish, and nuts, has shown promising results in blood pressure management. Research indicates it reduces oxidative stress and improves nitric oxide availability. Tap into nature’s evidence-based solutions While blood pressure medications may (sometimes) be necessary for a short period of time, nature provides multiple solutions for this common problem. Many whole foods offer profound benefits for blood pressure management and other health advantages. If you can achieve similar results through dietary changes and targeted supplementation, it’s worth exploring these natural alternatives under proper medical supervision. The key is to work with healthcare providers who understand both conventional and natural approaches to create a comprehensive strategy for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Dr. Gonzalez’s research helps remind us that the most effective solutions can sometimes be found in nature when properly understood and applied. Always consult with healthcare providers before changing your blood pressure management strategy, especially if you’re currently taking medication. And, always choose organic foods (as much as possible) to avoid unwanted chemicals. Editor’s note: Discover how to naturally eliminate the threat of a heart attack or stroke, own the own the Cardiovascular Docu-Class presented by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: Restorativemedicine.com To read the original article click here.

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Eating to Reverse Heart Failure

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:39:20 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – An entire issue of a cardiology journal dedicated to plant-based nutrition explores the role an evidence-based diet can play in the reversal of congestive heart failure. It is a hopeful sign of the times when an entire issue of a cardiology journal is not just dedicated to nutrition, but to a plant-based diet in particular. Dr. Kim Williams, past president of the American College of Cardiology, starts his editorial with a quote attributed to the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer: “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” He goes on to write that “the truth (i.e., evidence) for the benefits of plant-based nutrition continues to mount.” We’ve got the evidence. The problem is the “inertia, culture, habit, and widespread marketing of unhealthy foods. Our goal must be to get the data out to the medical community and the public where it can actually change lives—creating healthier and longer ones.” That’s essentially my life’s mission in four words: Get the data out. Based on what we already know in the existing medical literature, “plant-based nutrition…clearly represents the single most important yet underutilized opportunity to reverse the pending obesity and diabetes-induced epidemic of morbidity and mortality,” meaning disease and death. As I discuss in my video How to Reverse Heart Failure with Diet, the issue featured your typical heart disease reversal cases, including a 77-year-old woman with such bad heart disease that she couldn’t walk more than half a block or go up a single flight of stairs. She had severe blockages in all three of her main arteries and was referred to open-heart surgery for a bypass. However, instead of surgery, “she chose to adopt a whole-food plant-based diet, which included all vegetables, fruits, whole grains, potatoes, beans, legumes and nuts.” Even though “she described her previous diet as a ‘healthy’ Western one,” within a single month of going plant-based, “her symptoms had nearly resolved”—and forgot about walking a block. “She was able to walk on a treadmill for up to 50 min without chest discomfort or dyspnea,” becoming out of breath. Her cholesterol dropped about a hundred points from around 220 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L) down to 120 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L), with an LDL under 60 mg/dL (1.5 mmol/L). Then, four to five months later, she must have started missing her “chicken, fish, low-fat dairy and other animal products” and “returned to her prior eating habits.” Within a few weeks, with no change in her medications or anything else, her chest pain returned, and she went on to have her chest sawed in half after all. After the surgery, she continued to eat the same diet that had contributed to causing her disease in the first place, then went on to have further disease progression. Another case featured in the journal has a happier ending. It started out similarly: A 60-year-old man with severe chest pain after walking just half a block decided to take control of his health destiny and switched to a whole food, plant-based diet. “He described his prior diet as a ‘healthy’ diet of skinless chicken, fish, and low-fat dairy with some vegetables, fruits, and nuts”—a diet that had been choking off his heart. Within a few weeks, he experienced the same amazing transformation—from not being able to exercise at all to walking a mile, then being able to jog more than four miles (6.4 km), completely asymptomatic, off all drugs, without any surgery, and off to live happily ever after. Now, of course, case reports are just glorified anecdotes. What we need is a randomized controlled trial to prove that heart disease can be reversed with lifestyle changes alone. Guess what? There was one published three decades ago, proving angiographic reversal of heart disease in 82 percent of the patients. Their arteries opened up without drugs and without surgery. So, these case reports are just to remind us that hundreds of thousands of individuals continue to needlessly die every year from what was proven to be a reversible condition decades ago. The conventional use of case reports, though, is to present novel results in the hopes of inspiring trials to put them to the test. For example, consider this case report on a plant-based diet for congestive heart failure—not simply coronary artery disease. In this case, the heart muscle itself was so weakened that it couldn’t efficiently pump blood. It was only able to eject about 35 percent of the blood in the main heart chamber with every beat, whereas, normally, the heart can pump out at least 50 percent. And that’s exactly what the patient’s heart was able to do just six weeks after switching to a whole food, plant-based diet, which he chose to do instead of getting his chest cracked open. The researchers wrote: “To our knowledge, this is the first report of an improvement in heart failure symptoms and left ventricular ejection fraction following adoption of a plant-based diet.” It may be the first, but it isn’t the last. Another case: A 54-year-old woman, obese and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, presented with swelling ankles due to her heart failure. She switched from her regular diet of chicken and fish to whole plant foods. She started eating more healthfully, lost 50 pounds, and reversed her diabetes—meaning she had normal blood sugars on a normal diet without the use of diabetes medications. Her heart function normalized, too, going from an abysmal ejection fraction of just 25 percent up to normal, as you can see below and at 5:00 in my video. Since it wasn’t a randomized controlled trial, all we can say is that her improvements coincided with her adoption of a whole food, plant-based diet. But, “given the burden of heart failure [as a leading cause of death], its adverse prognosis,” meaning it usually worsens progressively, “and the overall evidence to date, a plant-based diet should be considered as part of a multifaceted approach to heart failure care.” We already know it can reverse coronary artery disease, so any heart failure benefits would just be a bonus. Now, we just need good strategies for healthcare “practitioners to support patients in plant-based eating.” Shown below and at 5:42 in my video are some excellent suggestions to pause and reflect on. Doctors, for example, can “use the Plant Rx pads produced by the Plantrician Project” and prescribe a good website or two, like NutritionFacts.org, as seen below and at 5:50 in my video. “While it is certainly true that many people would be resistant to fundamental dietary changes, it is equally true that millions of intelligent people motivated to preserve their health are now taking half-way measures that may provide only modest benefit—choosing leaner cuts of meat, using reduced-fat dairy products… Most of these people have neither the time nor the training to evaluate the biomedical literature themselves. Don’t they deserve honest, forthright advice when their lives are at stake? Those who wish to ignore this advice, or implement it only partially, are at liberty to do so.” Do you want to go smoke cigarettes? Bungee jump? It’s your body, your choice. It’s up to each of us to make our own decisions as to what to eat and how to live, but we should make these choices consciously, educating ourselves about the predictable consequences of our actions. Did I say reverse coronary heart disease? As in reverse the number one killer of men and women? I’ve got a lot of videos on the topic, and How Not to Die from Heart Disease is a good place to start. Check out the Plantrician Project at plantricianproject.org. I am a proud supporter. Key Takeaways A cardiology journal dedicating an entire issue to plant-based nutrition indicates increasing recognition of its health benefits, moving from ridicule and opposition to acceptance as a valuable approach. Past president of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Kim Williams, emphasizes that evidence supporting the benefits of plant-based nutrition is substantial, particularly in preventing and reversing diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Several case studies highlight remarkable health improvements in patients who switched to a whole food, plant-based diet, including reversing severe heart disease symptoms and diabetes, although some reverted to the diets that contributed to their heart disease in the first place and went on to have further progression of their disease. We’ve known for more than three decades that lifestyle changes alone can reverse the progression of heart disease in 82 percent of patients—without drugs or surgery. Challenges remain in promoting plant-based diets, including patient resistance and misinformation. Strategies are needed for healthcare practitioners to actively support and educate patients about the benefits of a plant-based diet. To read the original article click here.

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Uncontrolled Hypertension: The Old ‘Silent Killer’ is Alive and Well

The AHA! Team — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:53:13 +0000

Florida Atlantic University via EurekAlert! – In the United States and worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading avoidable cause of premature death and disability. Primarily heart attacks and stroke, cardiovascular disease accounts for more than 900,000 annual deaths nationally and about 10 million deaths globally. Uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and heart attacks. Prevention and management of cardiovascular disease involves therapeutic lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise and adjunctive drug therapies of proven benefit. In a commentary published in The American Journal of Medicine, researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine and colleagues alert health care providers that the old “silent killer” is alive and well. “Health providers should be aware that uncontrolled hypertension is one of the most common, serious and increasing conditions in their patients,” said Stacy Rubin, M.D., senior author and an assistant professor of medicine, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. “Health providers urgently need to control blood pressure and should be mindful that sudden cardiac death accounts for 50% of deaths from cardiovascular disease and is the first symptomatic event in about 25% of cases. Moreover, for 76% of stroke patients, the initial presenting symptom is the stroke itself.” The authors note that controlling hypertension is effective and, at least in theory, straightforward. Landmark U.S. study in the 1970s, about 50% of patients were aware of their high blood pressure Before the Hypertension Detection and Follow Up Program, a landmark study conducted in the 1970s in the U.S., only about 50% of patients were aware of their high blood pressure. Of those, only 50% were actively treated. Of that group, only 50% received effective treatment. Therefore, only one-eighth of all patients were effectively treated. Today, these figures show that 54% are aware of their high blood pressure, 40% are actively treated and 21% are actively controlled. Guidelines have been developed in many countries worldwide and all tend to emphasize the need for strict control. According to the latest guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, healthy individuals should have a systolic blood pressure of 130 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or less, and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or less. “With these latest definitions, hypertension affects about 45% of the U.S. adult population,” said Panagiota “Yiota” Kitsantas, Ph.D., co-author and professor and chair of the Department of Population Health and Social Medicine, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. “Another clinical challenge is metabolic syndrome, which includes central adiposity, high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated fasting blood glucose and hypertension.” Metabolic syndrome is a chief risk factor for heart attacks and stroke in the U.S. The authors caution that metabolic syndrome is a chief risk factor for heart attacks and stroke in the U.S., which is the heaviest society in the world. “For patients with metabolic syndrome, we believe that angiotensin converting enzyme or ACE inhibitors or their more potent next generation drugs, the receptor blockers, are the first drug of choice,” said Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Dr.PH., co-author, and corresponding author, the first Sir Richard Doll Professor of Medicine, senior academic advisor, and a professor of preventive medicine in the Department of Population Health and Social Medicine, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. “These drugs have beneficial effects on heart attacks, stroke, and kidney disease, another major consequence of untreated hypertension.” Making positive lifestyle changes like losing weight, being more physically active, and cutting down on salt intake has been shown to be beneficial for managing blood pressure. For those whose blood pressure is above 130/80, a combination of these lifestyle changes along with medications can safely and effectively lower blood pressure. Medications are typically started for individuals whose pressure remains above 140/90 despite these lifestyle changes. The authors suggest that both health providers and patients should be aware of the variability of blood pressure from day-to-day and from morning to night. As such, effective treatment is complicated by the health provider’s need to produce an algorithm to each of their patients. In addition, the patient must take an active role in monitoring their blood pressure. For this reason, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend the Omron blood monitor, which is used to measure blood pressure levels at home. Health providers should counsel their patients to check their blood pressure each morning and night “Health providers should counsel their patients to check their blood pressure each morning and night and whether to administer a particular drug or its dose, which should be adjusted accordingly based on the average of three readings taken about five minutes apart,” said Hennekens. “While uncontrolled hypertension remains alive and well in the U.S. and worldwide, strict attention to these issues by health providers has the potential to ‘kill the old silent killer.’” Co-authors are Barry R. Davis, M.D., Ph.D., professor emeritus of biostatistics and data science, University of Texas – Houston School of Public Health; Jared Greenwald, a high school and pre-medical student; John Dunn and Alexandra Matarazzo, both second-year medical students at FAU; and Katerina Benson, a second-year pre-medical student at FAU. Hennekens served as principal investigator (PI) of the Coordinating Center for the landmark National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) funded Trials of Hypertension Prevention multicenter randomized trials for both phases I and II. Davis served as PI of the Coordinating Center for the landmark NHLBI funded Anti-Hypertensive and Lipid Lowering to Prevent Heart Attack multicenter randomized trials. – FAU – Journal The American Journal of Medicine DOI 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.07.005 To read the original article click here.

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Wearable Heart Monitor Increases Diagnosis of Irregular Heart Rhythm

The AHA! Team — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:48:55 +0000

Duke Health – Wearable, long-term continuous heart monitors helped identify 52% more cases of atrial fibrillation compared to usual care, but that did not lead to a reduction in hospitalizations due to stroke, according to a study led by the Duke Clinical Research Institute. The findings, reported Sept. 1 at the European Society of Cardiology meeting and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, provide inconclusive data about whether atrial fibrillation screening lowers stroke rates. The COVID pandemic led to an early halt of the study before fully enrolling, so it did not have enough participants to establish definitive results about stroke. “Atrial fibrillation is often undiagnosed and can increase the risk of ischemic stroke, which is largely reversible by oral anticoagulation,” said lead author Renato Lopes, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of medicine and member of the Duke Clinical Research institute. “We still need definitive evidence that diagnosis of atrial fibrillation through systematic screening can lead to subsequent treatment with oral anticoagulation and therefore, lower stroke risk,” Lopes said. The study enrolled approximately 12,000 patients in the U.S. who were at least 70 years old with no history of atrial fibrillation. Roughly half the patients were randomly assigned to receive a long-term (14 days) continuous monitoring device, and the other half usual care. Over a median of 15 months of follow-up, the study reported a 52% increase in the number of cases of atrial fibrillation diagnosed among the device-wearers compared to those in usual care. There was no increase in rates of hospitalization for bleeding, and no significant reduction in the rate of hospitalizations for all stroke compared with usual care. The study was originally designed to enroll 52,000 patients, which would have given it the power to determine whether screening reduces the numbers of strokes. A large study population is needed because strokes occur in a subset of patients with atrial fibrillation. “Despite the inconclusive results, we have a lot of lessons learned that might inform future studies” Lopes said. He said the study’s design, which enabled patients to be enrolled and screened online in a virtual format with self-applied patch devices in their homes with only remote support, could be duplicated in future studies. In addition to Lopes, study authors include Steven J. Atlas, Alan S. Go, teven A. Lubitz, David D. McManus, Rowena J. Dolor, Ranee Chatterjee, Michael B. Rothberg, David R. Rushlow, Lori A. Crosson, Ronald S. Aronson, Michael Patlakh, Dianne Gallup, Donna J. Mills, Emily C. O’Brien, and Daniel E. Singer. The study received funding support from the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer Alliance. To read the original article click here.

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Intravenous Iron Benefits Patients with Heart Failure & Iron Deficiency

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:11:10 +0000

Duke Health – Despite numerical improvements in mortality, hospitalizations, and exercise ability, data did not reach the pre-specified level of statistical significance DURHAM, N.C. – More than half of all patients with heart failure experience iron deficiency, which is associated with worse symptoms, poor quality of life, and diminished exercise ability. A new study led by Duke Health researchers with global collaborators finds an intravenous iron treatment provides a measure of benefit to these patients, but the results are nuanced. More than half of all patients with heart failure experience iron deficiency The study is published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress on Aug. 26. It evaluated the intravenous drug, ferric carboxymaltose, by looking at data on mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and exercise capacity from more than 3,000 global study participants over a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. While the results didn’t meet the study’s higher threshold for statistical significance, the therapy demonstrated a numerical improvement across mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and exercise capacity. The research team also noted results from a pre-specified pooled analysis with two previous studies of ferric carboxymaltose in heart failure, all comparing the drug to placebo for a fuller look at the available data. “In the broader review using all three studies, we saw a 14% reduction in cardiovascular deaths and total cardiovascular hospitalizations and a 12% reduction in cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization events overall across data from more than 4,500 participants collectively,” said Robert Mentz, M.D., corresponding author of the study, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, and member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute. “As a practicing heart failure cardiologist, I have felt comfortable prescribing intravenous iron for patients with heart failure prior to this study given the known benefits on improvement in quality of life and exercise capacity,” Mentz said. “Now that we have these results, we have important additional data that show this therapy has potential benefits on clinical outcomes, which could help a broad group of patients with heart failure and iron deficiency across the globe.” The study was funded by American Regent, Inc., which manufactures ferric carboxymaltose, and is part of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. In addition to Mentz, study authors include Jyotsna Garg, Frank W. Rockhold, Javed Butler, Carmine G. De Pasquale, Justin A. Ezekowitz, Gregory D. Lewis, Eileen O’Meara, Piotr Ponikowski, Richard W. Troughton, Yee Weng Wong, Lilin She, Josephine Harrington, Robert Adamczyk, Nicole Blackman, and Adrian F. Hernandez. To read the original article click here.

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Pumpkin Spice MCT Oil Powder! 3 Ways to Enjoy Today

AHA Publisher — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 08:00:45 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Sometimes, you just can’t get enough of a good thing. Take Pumpkin Spice. Simply, pumpkin spice is a mix of nourishing, delicious spices that provide a taste and aroma perfect for Autumn, Winter, and the Holidays. Next, take MCT Oil Powder. This incredibly healthy fat and brain-boosting nutrient should be an everyday part of an energizing, healthy diet. Put them together, and get more good things: Pumpkin Spice MCT Oil Powder! This decadent Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder flavor is delicious and incredibly healthy. Here’s how to use it (3 ways!), and why you should. Keto Zone® Pumpkin Spice MCT Oil Powder – 3 Ways HOLIDAY PUMPKIN SPICE BREAD Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour 1 scoop Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Pumpkin Spice) 3 tablespoons cup granulated keto-friendly sweetener 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup organic canned pumpkin puree 3 large eggs, organic Instructions: Prepare a loaf pan (9″×5″) by greasing with butter or lining with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients until completely smooth. Pour mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake on the oven’s center rack for 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool COMPLETELY. Then, separate the bread from the pan by scraping along the sides with a knife. Pop the loaf out onto a serving plate. To store, cover loosely overnight on the countertop, or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Makes 12 servings. Enjoy! Nutrition info (per slice): 118 calories, 10 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 2.5 grams net carbohydrates, (6 grams carbohydrates, 3.5 grams fiber), 4 grams protein Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: 8 ounces organic cream cheese 4 ounces organic butter (grass-fed) 1 1/2 – 2 cups keto powdered sweetener 1 scoop Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Pumpkin Spice) Instructions: Set the cream cheese and butter on counter and allow to warm to room temperature. Using a hand mixer, beat all ingredients until smooth. Add a bit of water or almond milk, as needed, to get to desired consistency. Adjust sweetener to preference. Enjoy on pies, breads, desserts, or in coffee! Nutrition info (per 2 tablespoons): 90 calories, 10 grams fat, 7 grams saturated fat, 1 grams net carbohydrates, (1 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber), 1 grams protein Pumpkin Spice Mocha Ingredients: 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, organic if possible 1 scoop Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Pumpkin Spice) 1 scoop Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder (French Vanilla) 8 ounces strong coffee 1/2 cup almond milk, heated Instructions: Stovetop: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, mix 1/2 cup water, pumpkin puree, Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Pumpkin Spice), and Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder. Heat and stir until melted and combined to form a syrup, about 1-2 minutes. Microwave: Combine all ingredients in a large microwavable mug. Stir well. Heat on high in 30-second intervals, and stirring in between, until melted and combined to form a syrup. Typically, it will take 1.5-2 minutes, or 3-4 intervals of heating and stirring. Add coffee and heated milk to syrup. Stir very well or place in a blender to combine and froth. Of note: when blending hot liquids in a blender, make sure to allow the steam to vent while blending by opening lid slightly. Blend with care at low speed. Make sure to not allow the hot liquid to explode out of the blender. Nutrition Info: 192 calories, 16 grams fat, 8 grams net carbs (14 grams carbs, 6 grams sugars – naturally occurring, 6 grams fiber), 28 grams protein 7 Proven Benefits of MCT Oil Powder 1. SUPPORTS HEALTHY HEART AND CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION Medium-chain triglycerides in MCT oil have been shown to improve cholesterol profiles by decreasing LDL cholesterol, decreasing the number of LDL particles, and increasing HDL cholesterol (1, 2). There are three primary ways MCT oil improves cardiovascular health. First, MCTs improve cholesterol profiles by decreasing LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol). In turn, this improves the total cholesterol ratio. In one recent study, 17 overweight women were given MCTs for 27 days. When tested, their LDL cholesterol decreased, HDL increased, cholesterol ratio improved, and plasma glutathione increased (a powerful natural antioxidant). Researchers stated that their cardiovascular risk profile was improved (3). In another 2018 study, 96 adults consumed butter, coconut oil, or olive oil. When tested, LDL remained unchanged with coconut oil and olive oil. HDL significantly increased with coconut oil. This change improved the cholesterol profile in the coconut oil group (4). 2. FIGHTS INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES Inflammation is at the center of most chronic diseases, and is linked to heart disease, diabetes, cognitive degeneration, and more. MCTs can reduce inflammation in the body. In 2014, 30 adults with high cholesterol and inflammation consumed MCTs for 30 days. When retested, scientists found significant reductions in LDL, increases in HDL, and reductions in C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation) (5). 3. SUPPORTS BRAIN HEALTH, ENERGY AND FOCUS When you’re in ketosis, and you consume MCT oil, your body is able to produce increased ketones. Currently, scientists are studying the effects of ketones, like those from MCTs, in preserving healthy brains and inhibiting degradation from aging (6). Additionally, researchers have found that ketones are usable fuel for the brain in those with Alzheimer’s disease, similar to young healthy brains. (7). In Alzheimer’s disease, there’s an impairment in the use of glucose by the brain. Utilizing ketones in the brain rather than glucose may result in memory improvements and brain function (8). Here’s what researchers found: Ketones are associated with many benefits, including reduced brain degradation from aging and improved brain function (9). 4. PROMOTES HEALTHY WEIGHTS Amazingly, MCTs can promote healthy weights and BMIs. This is great news since even moderate weight loss can improve cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugars, and inflammation. What’s more, since MCTs and fats, in general, improve satiety you also won’t feel too hungry even while trying to lose weight (10, 11). 5. ENCOURAGES OPTIMAL BLOOD SUGARS MCTs can improve blood sugars and decrease insulin output, thereby improving health and fat metabolism (12). In fact, MCTs can help reduce the risk of diabetes by: Decreasing insulin resistance Providing an alternate energy source to carbohydrates Preserving beta-cell health (decline in these cells contributes to diabetes) Promoting weight loss In one recent study, scientists concluded that MCT oils provided benefit to beta cells in both mice and humans. One key to combating diabetes is improving the health of these cells (13). Additionally, a 2016 animal study showed that MCTs improved both insulin resistance and inflammation. (14). While more human studies are needed, MCT oil powder is a promising supplement to help improve diabetes outcomes. 6. SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION Amazingly, MCTs can fight unhealthy yeasts while supporting an increase in healthy bacteria and absorption in the digestive tract (15). Unhealthy yeasts plague many people and cause a myriad of digestive and health issues. Digestive diseases can affect the body in many ways, including: Poor absorption, stunted growth, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and low energy Direct digestive symptoms such as constipation, bloated, and cramping Declining digestive tissues with the risk of ulcers, hemorrhoids, decreased healthy bacteria growth, fungus and yeast overgrowth, and diverticular diseases MCT oil powder eases digestion, since bile isn’t needed to digest MCTs. In fact, MCTs go from the intestines directly to the liver, and the body quickly uses them as energy or storage. MCTs can nourish those who can’t digest nutrients well. In one 2018 study, MCT supplementation decreased intestinal candida overgrowth in preterm infants. The candida decreased during supplementation, then increased again once it was stopped (16). MCTs can improve healthy bacteria levels, fat-soluble vitamin absorption, and energy metabolism (17). 7. PROMOTES YOUTHFUL ENERGY AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE If you’re looking for a fuel that increases energy, MCTs are one such fuel. Once delivered to the liver from the intestines, MCTs increase energy output in the mitochondria, which are the energy producers in cells (18). In addition, athletes typically look for ways to decrease lactate levels. When recreational athletes consumed MCTs, they experienced lower lactate levels during moderate and intense workouts than they did with other fats. This may lead to improved endurance and performance (19). Other researchers found that MCTs reduce high-temperature exercise performance issues and improve overall performance (20). Bottom Line It’s never a bad time to add more pumpkin spice to your life. Enjoy our delicious Keto Zone® Pumpkin Spice MCT Oil Powder with these 3 recipes this year. And, let us know your favorite ways to enjoy it! To read the original article click here.

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80% of Americans Have Less Than Optimal Cardiovascular Health, New Study Finds

AHA Publisher — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – It is shocking to discover that merely one in five Americans have optimal heart health. The American Heart Association recently published this startling finding. Researchers determined the country’s population lacks sufficient cardiovascular health in the context of the Life Essential 8 scoring system for cardiovascular health. The system’s calculations are based on information provided by more than 23,000 participants in nationwide surveys. The surveys, administered between 2013 and 2018, asked questions pertaining to health. The results revealed that more than three-quarters of the United States have less than optimal heart health. In addition, heart health scores changed based on mental health, household income, ethnicity, race, gender, and age. Overwhelming Majority of Americans Suffer From Poor Heart Health Now that word is spreading about the country’s heart health crisis, the focus shifts to improving heart health. Healthy sleep that stretches out for seven to nine hours along with a nutrient and vitamin-packed diet are both essential to heart health. The little-known truth is that sufficient sleep is necessary for both brain and cardiovascular health. Exercise, blood lipids, body mass index, blood pressure, and even blood glucose also play a role in heart health. The Life Essential 8 score for heart health is determined by adding the scores for the metrics listed above and dividing that total by eight. Study Draws Startling Conclusions The fact that the Life Essential 8 heart health scoring system reveals that 80% of adults score at a moderate or low level is concerning. However, some critics question whether the researchers evaluated the health data of enough individuals. The data used in the study stems from United States National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys, including more than 13,000 adults between the ages of 20 and 79 and almost 10,000 kids, tweens, and teens. The results reveal kids, tweens and teens enrolled in the study scored 65.5 on the Life Essential 8 scale. The adults enrolled in the study had a disappointing 64.7 score on the same scale. However, it must be noted that the score for the younger participants in the age range of two to 19 factored in alterations in the context of age, including body mass index, physical activity, and dietary intake. Interestingly, a low 0.45% of American adults achieved a perfect score on the Life Essential 8 system. Nearly 20% of adults in the United States have elevated heart health, 62% have moderate, and 18% have low. Adult women scored better than men, with an average of 67 compared to the men’s average of 62.5. What Are the Causes of Heart Disease? There is plenty of discussion about whether the COVID-19 jab causes heart problems. Several jab-related health issues have arisen, including some pertaining to cardiovascular health. Heart inflammation, myocarditis, and pericarditis have increased in frequency after the vax was administered. Additional causes of heart problems include excessive consumption of alcohol, sedentary behavior, obesity, poor diet, and diabetes. Embrace the Challenge of Preventing Heart Disease If you are willing to change your lifestyle and diet, you will significantly reduce the chances of heart problems. Avoid any known toxins plus consume a wide variety of vegetables and fruit. Of course, as much as possible, choose organic varieties to avoid those unwanted toxins. In addition, reduce your alcohol intake, eliminate nicotine and engage in at least light to moderate physical activity for a minimum of 20 minutes daily. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com To read the original article click here.

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Eating More Plant Foods May Lower Heart Disease Risk in Young Adults, Older Women

AHA Publisher — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:12:34 +0000

American Heart Association (AHA) via Newswise – Eating more nutritious, plant-based foods is heart-healthy at any age, according to two research studies published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access journal of the American Heart Association. In two separate studies analyzing different measures of healthy plant food consumption, researchers found that both young adults and postmenopausal women had fewer heart attacks and were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease when they ate more healthy plant foods. The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations suggest an overall healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes and non-tropical vegetable oils. It also advises limited consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, red meat, sweets and sugary drinks. One study, titled “A Plant-Centered Diet and Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Disease during Young to Middle Adulthood,” evaluated whether long-term consumption of a plant-centered diet and a shift toward a plant-centered diet starting in young adulthood are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in midlife. “Earlier research was focused on single nutrients or single foods, yet there is little data about a plant-centered diet and the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Yuni Choi, Ph.D., lead author of the young adult study and a postdoctoral researcher in the division of epidemiology and community health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in Minneapolis. Choi and colleagues examined diet and the occurrence of heart disease in 4,946 adults enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Participants were 18- to 30-years-old at the time of enrollment (1985-1986) in this study and were free of cardiovascular disease at that time. Participants included 2,509 Black adults and 2,437 white adults (54.9% women overall) who were also analyzed by education level (equivalent to more than high school vs. high school or less). Participants had eight follow-up exams from 1987-88 to 2015-16 that included lab tests, physical measurements, medical histories and assessment of lifestyle factors. Unlike randomized controlled trials, participants were not instructed to eat certain things and were not told their scores on the diet measures, so the researchers could collect unbiased, long-term habitual diet data. After detailed diet history interviews, the quality of the participants diets was scored based on the A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS) composed of 46 food groups at years 0, 7 and 20 of the study. The food groups were classified into beneficial foods (such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains); adverse foods (such as fried potatoes, high-fat red meat, salty snacks, pastries and soft drinks); and neutral foods (such as potatoes, refined grains, lean meats and shellfish) based on their known association with cardiovascular disease. Participants who received higher scores ate a variety of beneficial foods, while people who had lower scores ate more adverse foods. Overall, higher values correspond to a nutritionally rich, plant-centered diet. “As opposed to existing diet quality scores that are usually based on small numbers of food groups, APDQS is explicit in capturing the overall quality of diet using 46 individual food groups, describing the whole diet that the general population commonly consumes. Our scoring is very comprehensive, and it has many similarities with diets like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Healthy Eating Index (from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service), the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet and the Mediterranean diet,“ said David E. Jacobs Jr., Ph.D., senior author of the study and Mayo Professor of Public Health in the division of epidemiology and community health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in Minneapolis. Researchers found: During 32 years of follow-up, 289 of the participants developed cardiovascular disease (including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, heart-related chest pain or clogged arteries anywhere in the body). People who scored in the top 20% on the long-term diet quality score (meaning they ate the most nutritionally rich plant foods and fewer adversely rated animal products) were 52% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease, after considering several factors (including age, sex, race, average caloric consumption, education, parental history of heart disease, smoking and average physical activity). In addition, between year 7 and 20 of the study when participants ages ranged from 25 to 50, those who improved their diet quality the most (eating more beneficial plant foods and fewer adversely rated animal products) were 61% less likely to develop subsequent cardiovascular disease, in comparison to the participants whose diet quality declined the most during that time. There were few vegetarians among the participants, so the study was not able to assess the possible benefits of a strict vegetarian diet, which excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy and eggs. “A nutritionally rich, plant-centered diet is beneficial for cardiovascular health. A plant-centered diet is not necessarily vegetarian,” Choi said. “People can choose among plant foods that are as close to natural as possible, not highly processed. We think that individuals can include animal products in moderation from time to time, such as non-fried poultry, non-fried fish, eggs and low-fat dairy.” Because this study is observational, it cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship between diet and heart disease. Other co-authors are Nicole Larson, Ph.D.; Lyn M. Steffen, Ph.D.; Pamela J. Schreiner, Ph.D.; Daniel D. Gallaher, Ph.D.; Daniel A. Duprez, M.D., Ph.D.; James M. Shikany, Dr.P.H.; and Jamal S. Rana, M.D., Ph.D. The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health; Healthy Food Healthy Lives Institute at the University of Minnesota; and the MnDrive Global Food Ventures Professional Development Program at the University of Minnesota. In another study, “Relationship Between a Plant-Based Dietary Portfolio and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Prospective Cohort Study,” researchers, in collaboration with WHI investigators led by Simin Liu, M.D., Ph.D., at Brown University, evaluated whether or not diets that included a dietary portfolio of plant-based foods with U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved health claims for lowering “bad” cholesterol levels (known as the “Portfolio Diet”) were associated with fewer cardiovascular disease events in a large group of postmenopausal women. The “Portfolio Diet” includes nuts; plant protein from soy, beans or tofu; viscous soluble fiber from oats, barley, okra, eggplant, oranges, apples and berries; plant sterols from enriched foods and monounsaturated fats found in olive and canola oil and avocadoes; along with limited consumption of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol. Previously, two randomized trials demonstrated that reaching high target levels of foods included in the Portfolio Diet resulted in significant lowering of “bad” cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), more so than a traditional low-saturated-fat National Cholesterol and Education Program diet in one study and on par with taking a cholesterol-lowering statin medication in another. The study analyzed whether postmenopausal women who followed the Portfolio Diet experienced fewer heart disease events. The study included 123,330 women in the U.S. who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative, a long-term national study looking at risk factors, prevention and early detection of serious health conditions in postmenopausal women. When the women in this analysis enrolled in the study between 1993 and 1998, they were between 50-79 years old (average age of 62) and did not have cardiovascular disease. The study group was followed until 2017 (average follow-up time of 15.3 years). Researchers used self-reported food-frequency questionnaires data to score each woman on adherence to the Portfolio Diet. The researchers found: Compared to women who followed the Portfolio Diet less frequently, those with the closest alignment were 11% less likely to develop any type of cardiovascular disease, 14% less likely to develop coronary heart disease and 17% less likely to develop heart failure. There was no association between following the Portfolio Diet more closely and the occurrence of stroke or atrial fibrillation. “These results present an important opportunity, as there is still room for people to incorporate more cholesterol-lowering plant foods into their diets. With even greater adherence to the Portfolio dietary pattern, one would expect an association with even less cardiovascular events, perhaps as much as cholesterol-lowering medications. Still, an 11% reduction is clinically meaningful and would meet anyone’s minimum threshold for a benefit. The results indicate the Portfolio Diet yields heart-health benefits,” said John Sievenpiper, M.D., Ph.D., senior author of the study at St. Michael’s Hospital, a site of Unity Health Toronto in Ontario, Canada, and associate professor of nutritional sciences and medicine at the University of Toronto. The researchers believe the results highlight possible opportunities to lower heart disease by encouraging people to consume more foods in the Portfolio Diet. “We also found a dose response in our study, meaning that you can start small, adding one component of the Portfolio Diet at a time, and gain more heart-health benefits as you add more components,” said Andrea J. Glenn, M.Sc., R.D., lead author of the study and a doctoral student at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and in nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto. Although the study was observational and cannot directly establish a cause-and-effect relation between diet and cardiovascular events, researchers feel it provides a most reliable estimate for the diet-heart relation to-date due to its study design (included well-validated food frequency questionnaires administered at baseline and year three in a large population of highly dedicated participants). Nevertheless, the investigators report that these findings need to be further investigated in additional populations of men or younger women. To read the original article click here.

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