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Heartburn Drugs Linked to Kidney Damage in 50% of Patients with No Warning Signs

The AHA! Team — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 05:23:04 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Major warning about heartburn drugs: The problems can develop “silently” Heartburn medications like Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec are widely used by Americans with acid reflux. Up to 50 percent of sufferers turn to these drugs. With the backing of big pharma, these brand names have become synonymous with relief for many. Currently, around 7% to 15% of the U.S. population, regardless of age or gender, regularly uses proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs are commonly prescribed to treat reflux and heartburn by reducing stomach acid, and millions more buy them over the counter. However, emerging research links long-term PPI use to potential kidney damage, a serious condition that can develop quietly, often without noticeable symptoms. Major warning about heartburn drugs: The problems can develop “silently” In a five-year study of 125,000 patients published in Kidney International, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that more than half of the cases of chronic kidney damage and end-stage renal damage occurred in people without any previous record of kidney problems. According to senior study author Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, assistant professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, the study showed that kidney problems in patients taking PPIs could develop silently and gradually over time, eroding kidney function and leading to long-term kidney damage or even renal failure. End-stage renal disease is the failure of kidneys to remove waste from the body, necessitating either dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dr. Al-Aly warned that doctors must carefully monitor kidney function in patients taking PPIs – including lansoprazole, omeprazole, and esomeprazole – even when there are no signs or symptoms of damage. The study also evaluated 18,436 new users of another type of heartburn medication: histamine H2 receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers. While H2 blockers don’t work as well on heartburn, researchers found they are less likely to cause kidney problems. Additional studies confirm researchers’ disturbing findings An earlier study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology also showed that long-term use of heartburn medications is associated with kidney damage, with PPI users 28 percent more likely to experience chronic kidney disease and a shocking 96 percent more likely to develop kidney failure. The longer the drugs were taken, the higher the risk. The daily dosage also affects risk. In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the team found that twice-a-day users of PPIs tripled their risk over people who took a single daily dose. The research team called for using PPIs only when “medically necessary” and limiting the duration of the treatment as well. Lead author Dr. Morgan Grams, assistant professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University, pointed out that up to 70 percent of acid reflux prescriptions are handed out “inappropriately” – and he estimated that a full 25 percent of long-term users could stop taking the medication without suffering increased heartburn or acid reflux. Of course, stemming the flow of prescribed PPIs will do nothing to reduce the number of people buying – and taking – these medications over the counter. And, the damage from PPIs isn’t limited to the kidneys. PPIs affect the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals PPIs interfere with the body’s ability to extract vitamin B12, an essential nutrient, from foods. Studies have shown that 75 percent of PPI users are deficient in vitamin B12 – compared to 11 percent among the general non-using population. PPIs can cause dramatic declines in blood magnesium levels, characterized by symptoms of fatigue, unsteadiness, numbness and tingling, seizures, and heart arrhythmias. As if that weren’t enough, PPIs can also lead to poor calcium absorption, raising the risk of bone fracture – especially in older patients. In addition, PPI users are more likely to be obese and have high blood pressure. PPIs are also associated with higher rates of pneumonia and C. difficile, a potentially dangerous bacterial infection. And finally, a German study showed that older adults who take proton pump inhibitors have a 44 percent increased chance of developing dementia. Natural solutions exist for acid reflux Many natural health experts point out that heartburn typically results from too little stomach acid rather than too much – and that PPIs can actually worsen the problem. You may be able to ease heartburn and acid reflux with simple dietary and lifestyle changes – such as avoiding fried, fatty, and processed foods, eating smaller meals, chewing food well, and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking. Eating healthy amounts of vegetables and high-quality organic, unprocessed foods can help restore natural gastric balance, while consuming fermented foods – such as sauerkraut, miso soup, and kimchi – can help eliminate the H. pylori bacterium that can contribute to reflux. Natural, time-honored remedies for heartburn include unfiltered apple cider vinegar, baking soda, ginger root tea, chamomile tea, and slippery elm. Of course, you shouldn’t stop or substitute any prescribed medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. The best advice on PPIs comes from Dr. Kenneth DeVault, president of the American College of Gastroenterology, “If you don’t need these medications, you shouldn’t take them,” advises DeVault. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to take better care of your liver, kidneys and metabolic health, own the “Best Value” package of the Fatty Liver Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Pharmacytimes.com Medicine.washu.edu Kidney-international.org Sciencedaily.com Sciencedaily.com To read the original article click here.

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Alternatives to Heart Transplant? You Have Options

The AHA! Team — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:53:37 +0000

Morgan deBlecourt via Duke Health – “The good news is there are new therapies coming out every day,” said Dr. DeVore. “We can help find the option that’s right for you.” Heart transplantation can be a life-saving treatment for severe heart failure, but it’s a serious operation that requires a lifelong commitment. As a result, a heart transplant is not the best option for everyone. Fortunately, there are alternatives. “There are new therapies coming out every day,” said Adam DeVore, MD, a Duke transplant cardiologist and heart failure specialist. These new therapies can improve or help take over the heart’s function and prolong life. What Does A Heart Transplant Require? Most people who are eligible for a heart transplant have significant heart failure — a chronic condition in which your heart has trouble pumping blood — or another severe type of heart disease that could lead to death within one year. You may not be eligible for heart transplantation if you are over 70 years old or have other major health problems. Taking care of your new heart after transplant is a lifelong effort. For this reason, a heart transplant requires certain commitments, including abstaining from tobacco and illegal substances and limiting alcohol, attending frequent follow-up appointments, and taking anti-rejection and other medications. People who get a heart transplant need a strong support network, not only to help with recovery after the transplant surgery itself, but also to help coordinate appointments and long-term medications. If you aren’t eligible or if now is not the right time for heart transplantation, one of several alternatives may fit your needs. Ventricular Assist Devices Implantable left ventricular assist devices (also called VADs or LVADs) are mechanical pumps that help your heart supply blood to the rest of the body. They can extend a person’s life for years, either as they await transplant or as a definitive therapy in itself. LVADs have internal and external components. The pump is inserted into the heart during surgery. It takes blood from the left ventricle, the largest chamber of the heart that is most often weakened in people with heart failure, and pumps it directly into the aorta toward the rest of the body. The pump is connected to a controller outside of your body by a thin cord that exits through a small incision in the abdomen. Battery packs attach to the controller to power the device. Together the controller and battery packs weigh about five pounds. Living with a VAD takes some getting used to. You’ll need to always have a reliable power source available. You’ll also need to keep an eye out for infection. And although you can shower, you won’t be able to swim or take a bath, since the device can’t be submerged. Smaller LVADs Although LVADs are often used as a “bridge” to heart transplantation (meaning it supports the rest of your body while you wait for a heart transplant), advances in technology have made LVADs smaller, more portable, and more viable as a final treatment; doctors sometimes refer to this as “destination therapy.” Depending on the severity of heart failure, most people with an LVAD are able to get back to living life pretty close to normal. “Duke has been a pioneer in LVAD therapy. We have constantly worked to understand how to best care for these patients as the pumps have become more durable, smaller, and easier to implant, which all results in making it easier to have a normal life. We’re continuing to push the envelope from a technological perspective as well as a best-practice perspective,” said Duke advanced heart failure specialist and transplant cardiologist Stu Russell, MD. Artificial Heart Duke recently became the second center in the world to successfully implant a new form of mechanical heart pump known as the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH). For people with heart failure of both the left and right sides of the heart, this device provides complete blood circulation for the entire body. Currently, the BiVACOR total artificial heart is only available as a temporary stabilizing option for people awaiting heart transplant surgery. However, pumps like these may also eventually serve as a permanent solution, similar to current LVAD treatments. Other Surgical Options for Heart Failure According to Dr. Adam DeVore, “heart failure” is an umbrella term for several heart conditions that lead to the heart failing. Depending on the underlying cause of your heart failure, surgery may be an option. For example, heart failure caused by coronary artery disease may benefit from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. It reroutes your heart’s blood flow around a blocked, damaged, or narrowed blood vessel. Damaged or diseased heart valves can be treated with valve surgery to improve the heart’s ability to move blood properly. Ultimately, these operations may not cure your heart disease, and you might still need an LVAD or heart transplant later. Heart Failure Medical Management Whether you have a transplant, get an LVAD, or undergo a different kind of heart surgery, you’ll still need to make lifestyle changes (healthy eating, exercise, etc.) and take medications that help slow your heart disease and reduce its symptoms. “The good news is there are new therapies coming out every day,” said Dr. DeVore. “We can help find the option that’s right for you.” To read the original article click here.

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A “Game-Changer” For Your Heart

The AHA! Team — Wed, 21 May 2025 05:30:38 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Heart disease continues to be the biggest killer in America for one simple reason: The health advice we’re told to follow is just plain wrong. Giving up meat and fat, jogging, and taking a handful of medications will not cure your heart disease. But there is a cutting-edge, FDA-approved natural therapy that I call a game-changer for your heart… I’m talking about enhanced external counter pulsation, or EECP. Most cardiologists continue to ignore this treatment because it doesn’t fit the traditional image of what they do. They consider heart disease a “plumbing” problem. And the solution is to simply fix the blockages. But if that were true, why do heart attacks happen after these blockages have been cleared or bypassed? The real causes of heart disease are damaged blood vessels that inhibit blood flow and inflammation. That’s where this life-saving therapy comes in. Multiple studies reveal that EECP is the safest and most effective reliever of angina chest pain available. It has been shown to have huge benefits for patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure. It increases blood flow to the heart, strengthens circulation, and provides a proven way to treat heart disease with fewer drugs and without bypass surgeries, angioplasty procedures, or stents. And in many cases, it works better than the Big Pharma meds and risky, expensive surgeries that cardiologists continue to push. Although EECP was invented in the U.S. in the 1950s, it was left undeveloped as cardiology went down the more lucrative path of drugs and invasive surgeries. Instead, doctors overseas took up the challenge. They spent 20 years developing counter pulsation as a non-surgical way to treat coronary heart disease, by getting the timing of these devices just right. Counter pulsation means pumping blood during the heart’s rest phase. When the heart is at rest, the cuffs inflate. When the heart pumps, the cuffs deflate. The cuffs compress the blood vessels in your lower limbs and push blood toward the heart. Each wave of increased blood flow is timed to arrive at your heart the moment the organ relaxes. When your heart pumps again, pressure is released. This essentially acts as a passive form of vigorous exercise, boosting blood flow, and pushing oxygen-rich blood throughout your body more strongly than normal. More than 100 studies along with multiple clinical trials prove the effectiveness of EECP. In one large study, researchers followed more than 5,000 patients worldwide. They discovered that 83% of patients had vastly improved blood flow after EECP and 73% reported a significant reduction in the severity of angina symptoms.1 Yet in America, almost all coronary artery disease patients are prescribed Big Pharma meds instead. Regrow Brand-New Blood Vessels Perhaps the most remarkable benefit of EECP is its ability to strengthen and repair damaged blood vessels and regrow new ones, creating new pathways in and around the heart – without any surgical grafting. That is why EECP is hailed as a “natural bypass.”2 Blocked Coronary Arteries You see, when coronary arteries become blocked with plaque, obstructing blood flow, it causes chest pain and possibly a heart attack. Some people can naturally form new blood vessels that serve to bypass these obstructions. Unfortunately, not everyone can. And despite the conventional opinion that nothing can be done, EECP has worked wonders for these patients. Study involving 1,400 patients In a study involving 1,400 patients with refractory angina, 75% had half as many angina attacks after EECP. And in a three-year follow-up, 16% had no angina at all.3 Other studies show that EECP triggers the production of an important hormone called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This allows blood to bypass the blocked arteries by creating new ones.4 The effects of EECP last about five years.5 If you are interested in trying EECP to increase blood flow and protect your heart, please call the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine at 561-784-7852. 2 More Ways To Protect Your Arteries EECP is a miracle cure for unclogging arteries. But if you can’t get to my clinic, there are nutrients you can supplement with at home. Here are a couple to try today: 1. Use the B vitamin that’s proven to protect your heart. You probably know vitamin B9 better than folate or folic acid. Folate is the nutrient found in food, while folic acid is the supplement form.Folic acid lowers levels of toxic substances that irritate the heart’s lining. This relaxes your blood vessels and keeps them flexible. Fewer irritations equate to normalized pulse pressure and a reduction in stroke and heart attack. Simply put… When folate is high your risk of heart attack drops by up to 50%.6 Natural sources of folate are dark green vegetables as well as beef, lamb, chicken liver, and eggs. But your body only absorbs half the folate you get from food. I recommend supplementing with 800 mcg a day. 2. Try heart-saving vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 scrubs your arteries clear of the plaque that clogs blood vessels. In a landmark, Dutch trial researchers followed 4,800 people. Results revealed that high levels of vitamin K2 lowered the risk of coronary artery disease by 57%. It lowered calcium buildup in the arteries by 52%. And it slashed the risk of death from any cause by 26%.7 You can get vitamin K2 directly from foods. Our ancestors got plenty from eating organ meats like liver. Other rich sources are meat, full-fat milk, cottage cheese, butter, and cheese. But these foods MUST come from grass-fed animals.You can also supplement. Look for vitamin K2 in the form of “menaquinone-7.” It’s much more bioactive than other forms. Take 45 to 90 mcg a day with a meal to improve absorption. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: Soran O. “Two-year clinical outcomes after Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) therapy in patients with refractory angina pectoris and left ventricular dysfunction (Report from the International EECP Patient Registry). Am J Cardiol. 2006;97(1):17–20. Kiefer D. “Doctors ignore proven alternative to coronary stents and bypass surgery.” Life Extension. Loh PH, et al. “Enhanced external counterpulsation in the treatment of chronic refractory angina: a long-term follow-up outcome from the International Enhanced External Counterpulsation Patient Registry.” Clin Cardiol. 01 Apr 2008, 31(4):159-164 Sharma U, et al. “The role of enhanced external counter pulsation therapy in clinical practice.” Clin Med Res. 2013 Dec;11(4):226-32. Fitzgerald CP, et al. “Enhanced external counterpulsation as initial revascularization treatment for angina refractory to medical therapy.” Cardiology. 2003;100(3):129-35. Pan Y and Jackson R. “Dietary phylloquinone intakes and metabolic syn¬drome in US young adults.” J Am Coll Nutr. 2009;28(4):369-379. Geleijnse JM., et al. “Dietary Intake of Menaquinone Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: The Rotterdam Study.” J Nutr. 2004. To read the original article click here.

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New Light-Based Technique Could Transform Heart Tissue Repair

The AHA! Team — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:41:38 +0000

Mass General Brigham via News-Medical – Researchers from Mass General Brigham and collaborating institutions have developed a non-invasive approach to manipulate cardiac tissue activity by using light to stimulate an innovative ink incorporated into bioprinted tissue. Researchers from Mass General Brigham and collaborating institutions have developed a non-invasive approach to manipulate cardiac tissue activity by using light to stimulate an innovative ink incorporated into bioprinted tissue. Their goal is to develop a technique that can be used to repair the heart. Their findings in preclinical models, published in Science Advances, show the transformative potential of non-invasive therapeutic methods to control electrically active tissues. “We showed for the first time that with this optoelectronically active ink, we can print scaffolds that allow remote control of engineered heart tissues. This approach paves the way for non-invasive light stimulation, tissue regeneration, and host integration capabilities in cardiac therapy and beyond.” – Y. Shrike Zhang, PhD, co-corresponding author of the Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Three-dimensional bioprinted tissues composed of cells and other body-compatible materials are a powerful emerging tool to repair damaged heart tissue. But most bioprinted tissues cannot generate the necessary electrical activity for cellular function. They must instead rely on invasive wire and electrode placement to control heart activity, which can damage body tissues. Zhang and his colleagues addressed this limitation by infusing the bioprinted tissue with the “optoelectronically active” ink that can be remotely stimulated by light to generate electrical activity in these tissues. The authors also showed that these new, dynamic engineered tissues can synchronize with and accelerate the heart rate when stimulated by light in preclinical models. “Now that we have established the proof-of-concept for this technology, we are shifting our efforts towards understanding how it might promote long-term tissue regeneration and integrating it seamlessly within the heart’s biology,” said Zhang. Source: Mass General Brigham Journal reference: Ershad, F., et al. (2025) Bioprinted optoelectronically active cardiac tissues. Science Advances. doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adt7210. 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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Blood thinners: A Leading Cause of Death in Emergency Rooms

The AHA! Team — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:09:07 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, have been around for many decades. These medications have been used for a variety of conditions and situations where there is a risk of clot formation. Clot formation can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). But at what cost? Blood thinners come in many types – intravenous drugs like heparin and medications taken by mouth like warfarin and Pradaxa. Since blood thinners are considered a ‘preventative’ medication, many doctors prescribe them, believing the benefits outweigh the risks. However, a cardiologist from Duke University notes that blood thinners like warfarin are actually one of the leading causes of death in United States emergency rooms. Therefore, it is important to fully understand the dangerous side effects of warfarin and other blood thinners before blindly accepting a doctor’s prescription for these medications. Anticoagulants: Lifesavers or lethal lottery? The side effects of warfarin are many and include fever, diarrhea, vomiting blood, dizziness, bruising, black or bloody stools, blood in urine, heavy menstrual bleeding, and tissue death (necrosis). Each of these scary symptoms could signify internal bleeding and require immediate emergency medical attention. In fact, the drug’s links to increased bleeding risk and death forced manufacturers to add a ‘black box’ to the product’s label in 2006 that warns of the potentially deadly side effects of warfarin. For many decades, warfarin was the only option for administering blood thinners. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new type of blood thinner: Pradaxa. It was supposed to be easier to take than warfarin, just as effective, and still cause fewer side effects. Since the approval of Pradaxa (dabigatran) in 2010, several additional novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been approved in the United States. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto): Approved by the FDA in 2011. Apixaban (Eliquis): Approved in 2012. Edoxaban (Savaysa): Approved in 2015. Betrixaban (Bevyxxa): Approved in 2017, specifically for extended prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients. The life-threatening side effects of blood thinners The introduction of NOACs promised a new era in blood clot prevention. However, these drugs come with their own set of potentially life-threatening risks. NOACs, including drugs like Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis, and Savaysa, often cause alarming side effects. Patients frequently report bloody stools, vomiting blood, and severe digestive issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Other reported side effects include dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, hives, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. The most severe risk associated with NOACs is internal bleeding, which can be fatal. In 2011, an FDA review of adverse events revealed a concerning statistic: Pradaxa, the first approved NOAC, was associated with a high number of deaths and injuries. The numbers were significant – hundreds of fatalities and thousands of serious events were reported. However, it’s important to note that this data was specific to Pradaxa and not representative of all NOACs, some of which were approved later. Nonetheless, there’s no (good) reason why pharmaceutical companies should be allowed to operate this way with such troubling safety records. The so-called “safety” of these drugs is nothing compared to the potential dangers. Ongoing litigation claims that manufacturers failed to adequately warn doctors about the lack of reversal agents for uncontrolled bleeding in some of these medications. Moreover, many patients remain unaware that NOACs can interact dangerously with other medications and pose heightened risks for those with conditions like kidney disease. The takeaway is clear: no one should prescribe or take anticoagulants without fully understanding every possible complication. As the adage goes, “Let the buyer beware.” We urge you to be fully informed before making any healthcare decisions involving these powerful and potentially dangerous drugs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov DrugWatch.com DrugWatch.com Reuters.com To read the original article click here.

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Johnson & Johnson Pays $1.7b for Innovative Israeli Heart Failure Treatment

The AHA! Team — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:53:45 +0000

Zachy Hennessey via Israel21c – Big pharma giant shells out $1.7 billion for Israeli company V-Wave, and expects to earn enough to purchase a gumball — in the short term, at least. Global healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced on Tuesday that it will acquire Israeli startup V-Wave for up to $1.7 billion, in a strategic move by J&J to bolster its position in the fast-growing congestive heart failure market, which is projected to reach $30 billion globally by 2030. The $1.7b. deal is the 10th biggest acquisition in Israel’s history. It will see J&J pay $600 million upfront, with an additional $1.1 billion in potential milestone payments tied to regulatory approvals and commercial performance targets. The acquisition is expected to provide a modest boost to J&J’s earnings, contributing an estimated 24 cents per share in 2024 and 6 cents per share in 2025. However, the true value of the deal likely lies in the long-term growth potential of V-Wave’s innovative heart failure treatment technology. V-Wave’s flagship product, the Ventura Interatrial Shunt (IAS), is an implantable device designed to alleviate the elevated left atrial pressure that plagues patients with congestive heart failure. The minimally invasive IAS procedure aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and hospitalizations for those suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction – a condition where the heart muscle is unable to effectively pump blood. By creating a shunt between the left and right atriums, the device helps to relieve pressure buildup in the left atrium, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The acquisition comes at a critical time for J&J, as the company prepares to face increased competition for its blockbuster psoriasis drug Stelara, which is set to lose patent protection next year. In response, the healthcare giant has been actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions to bolster its pipeline and drive future growth. “We know V-Wave well, with our relationship dating back to our original investment in the company in 2016, and we have a deep understanding of the technology and science, as well as the company’s commitment to patients,” said Tim Schmid, Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman of Johnson & Johnson MedTech. Earlier this year, J&J announced the $13.1 billion acquisition of Shockwave Medical Earlier this year, J&J announced the $13.1 billion acquisition of Shockwave Medical, a move aimed at expanding its cardiovascular device portfolio. The company has also recently acquired Numab’s skin disorder drug for $1.25 billion and Proteologix for $850 million. “At V-Wave, we are dedicated to achieving our vision to help patients around the world – and we know Johnson & Johnson MedTech shares this mission,” said Dr. Neal Eigler, CEO of V-Wave. “We look forward to continuing to build a world where cardiovascular disease is prevented, treated and cured.” To read the original article click here.

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World’s First Partial Heart Transplant Proves Successful in First Year

The AHA! Team — Wed, 29 May 2024 08:13:15 +0000

Journal of the American Medical Assocation via Duke Health – Novel procedure demonstrated valve growth & functionality in newly published study results The world’s first partial heart transplant has achieved what researchers have spent more than a year hoping for DURHAM, N.C. – The world’s first partial heart transplant has achieved what researchers have spent more than a year hoping for — functioning valves and arteries that grow along with the young patient, as hypothesized by the pioneering team behind the procedure at Duke Health. The procedure was performed in the spring of 2022, in an infant who needed heart valve replacement. The previous standard of care — using valves that were non-living — would not grow along with the child, requiring frequent replacement, entailing surgical procedures that carry a 50% mortality rate. A study led by Duke Health physicians, appearing online Jan. 2 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that the new manner of valve procurement used during the partial heart transplant led to two well-functioning valves and arteries that are growing in concert with the child as if they were native vessels. “This publication is proof that this technology works, this idea works, and can be used to help other children,” said Joseph W. Turek, M.D., Ph.D., first author of the study and Duke’s chief of pediatric cardiac surgery, who led the landmark procedure. The study also found the procedure requires about a quarter of the amount of immunosuppressant medication than a full heart transplant, potentially saving patients from detrimental side effects that might compound over decades. Turek said the innovation has paved the way for a domino heart transplant, where one heart is able to save two lives. During a domino heart transplant, a patient who has healthy valves but is in need of stronger heart muscle receives a full heart transplant; their healthy valves are then donated to another patient in need, creating a domino effect. “You could potentially double the number of hearts that are used for the benefit of children with heart disease,” Turek said. “Of all the hearts that are donated, roughly half meet the criteria to go on to be used for full transplant, but we believe there’s an equal number of hearts that could be used for valves.” You could potentially double the number of hearts that are used for the benefit of children with heart disease “If you introduce the donated hearts that weren’t being put to use into the supply chain and add the valves from domino heart transplants, that can create a substantial change,” Turek said. The partial heart transplant procedure has been performed 13 times at four centers around the world, including nine at Duke, several of which have been domino heart transplants. Turek said bringing this innovation to a clinical trial would be the next step to achieving the volume in procedures that would change the availability of hearts by a large amount. “This innovation adds a lot to the whole donation community,” Turek said, “because it’s treating more kids, while also honoring the wishes of selfless donor parents who’ve given the ultimate gift. It allows them to offer hope to another child in the process.” Preclinical data was supported by the Brett Boyer Foundation. In addition to Turek, study authors include Lillian Kang, Douglas Overbey, Michael P. Carboni, and Taufiek K. Rajab. To read the original article click here.

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10 Shocking Facts About Cholesterol You Don’t Know

The AHA! Team — Mon, 27 May 2024 08:05:28 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Do you really know what you need to know about cholesterol? Do you know the truth about how diet does and does not affect it? How about how body weight affects it? Do you really know what you need to know about cholesterol? Surprisingly, even though cholesterol has been discussed for many decades, the facts about cholesterol are still lost on most. Why? Misinformation abounds. New studies shed new light on the subject. As our population has become increasingly overweight, people’s bodies (all the way down to their cells) change in how they synthesize and deal with cholesterol. To know the facts about cholesterol, you really have to dig in. It’s simple and yet complex in some ways. If you’re ready for the complete low-down on cholesterol, listen to the Divine Health Podcast! Dr. Colbert and Mary Colbert will take you on an in-depth journey to know all you need to know about cholesterol and how to obtain your best heart health! Check out all 3 cholesterol episodes here: Divine Health with Dr. Don Colbert Podcast. And for now, here are 10 shocking facts about cholesterol you probably don’t know. 10 Shocking Facts About Cholesterol You Don’t Know A heart healthy diet is imperative for overall heart health. But when it comes to cholesterol itself in the bloodstream, most is made by the body, not consumed in the diet. In fact, only about 20% of the cholesterol in your body comes from your diet. The rest is synthesized in your liver and intestines (1). How does diet play a role? Many ways! First, your diet affects how much, and what types of cholesterol are synthesized. In fact, the types of fats you eat play a bigger role than the cholesterol you eat. Next, eating a diet high in antioxidants is paramount, since antioxidants reduce the amount of oxidized cholesterol (which forms plaques) in the arteries. Vegetable oils do not contain cholesterol, however, many are still inflammatory and detrimental to heart health. Oils derived from vegetables and grains, including avocado oil, olive oil, corn oil, and others have zero milligrams of cholesterol. Foods derived from plants do not contain cholesterol because cholesterol is synthesized in an animal’s liver. However, vegetable oils with high omega-6 content increase inflammatory pathways in our bodies because they negatively affect our ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s. This means they fight against the anti-inflammatory omega-6s in our bodies. The most commonly used high-omega-6 oil in processed foods is soybean oil. Consuming this oil negatively affects metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and inflammation in the body (2, 3, 4). Avoid: Safflower oil (10.1 gm Omega-6 per tablespoon), grapeseed oil (9.5 gm), vegetable Oil (7.9 gm), wheat germ oil (7.5 gm), corn oil (7.3 gm), walnut oil (7.3 gm), cottonseed oil (7.0 gm), soybean (7.0 gm), sunflower Oil (5.4 gm), canola Oil (3.0 gm). Include: Extra-virgin olive oil (1.3 gm), avocado oil (1.8 gm) and occasionally organic coconut oil (0.4 gm), high-oleic sunflower (0.5), and high-oleic safflower oils (2.0). To learn more about this ratio and the dangers of a high omega-6 diet, click here. Weight Loss, Diet, and Exercise are your best options to ALTER unhealthy cholesterol numbers. While your absolute cholesterol number is highly influenced by your familial history, age, sex, and ethnicity (5), CHANGES in total cholesterol are primarily achieved by weight loss (if overweight), diet, and exercise (6, 7). Your Body Needs Cholesterol for Crucial Tasks Such as Synthesizing Vitamin D. Cholesterol is a waxy, whitish-yellow fat. Cholesterol is needed to make vitamin D, hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), and fat-dissolving bile acids. It is a vital building block in cell membranes. Cholesterol can be found in every cell in the body. What’s more, cholesterol is important for the formation of myelin sheath, the protective membrane around the nerves, especially in early years of life. Healthy cholesterol has its place in human health. Cholesterol does NOT dissolve in the blood to make it thick. Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in the blood, kind of like how fat won’t dissolve in water. Instead, cholesterol bonds to carriers called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are made up of cholesterol on the inside with a layer of protein on the outside. These carriers transport cholesterol between cells to be used for various biological functions. When cholesterol is oxidized, it can embed into the artery wall which can lead to plaques and blockages. Not all LDL cholesterol (aka bad cholesterol) creates plaques in arteries. As most people know, there are two primary types of cholesterol, Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and High-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is taught as “bad,” and HDL as “good.” But there’s more to it than that. There are actually two sub-groups of LDL particles. LDL subtype A is a large fluffy cholesterol particle that is less prone to oxidation and less likely to stick to arterial walls. LDL subtype B is a smaller and denser particle that is easily oxidized and more likely to build up in the arteries. Subtype A LDL cholesterol is not necessarily a threat, and only oxidized LDL cholesterol forms plaques (8). Triglyceride numbers and cholesterol numbers should be looked at together when assessing cardiovascular risk. Interestingly, more and more practitioners are looking at the ratio of triglycerides (TG) to HDL. In fact, when you calculate this ratio, you can infer your health risk of cardiovascular issues, blood sugar issues, inflammation and more. Divide your triglycerides by your HDL cholesterol levels. Studies have found that a number of 1.0 or less is likely indicative of lower risk, and a number of 3.0 or more of highest risk. Interestingly, a lower ratio is also linked to healthier LDL subset particle size (less subset B) (9, 10). People who suffer heart attacks don’t always have high cholesterol. Conversely, those with high cholesterol don’t always suffer heart attacks. While high LDL cholesterol (specifically, high LDL subset B) is one of many risk factors of heart conditions and heart attacks, many people who have heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol levels (11). When assessing risk, we should look at our heart illness risk overall, including weight, blood glucose, lifestyle, inflammation markers, blood pressure, triglycerides, and specifically LDL Subset B cholesterol numbers. It is not the primary risk factor. Inflammation is a primary factor in cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol is an active compound in the body. It reacts to oxidative stress and inflammation. Here’s how: As free radicals move throughout the body and damage cells, cumulative oxidative stress rises. Next, the body mounts an inflammatory response and cholesterol comes in to patch things up. When cholesterol can also become damaged and oxidized by free radicals. Oxidized cholesterol is sticky. It can embed into artery walls and potentially form plaques and blockages (12). Statins may be useful in some, but they are not completely safe and effective. While statins may be right for some patients, no medication is completely safe, and no medication is completely effective. While it is true that statins typically lower overall cholesterol, there are some harmful side effects of which you should be aware. First, statins may lower total cholesterol too much. This can lead to inadequate cholesterol levels for proper brain function (25% of cholesterol is in the brain). It can also interfere with and inhibit the benefits of omega-3 fats. Statins metabolize omega-6 fatty acids which work against omega-3s and can promote resistance to insulin, and elevated blood glucose levels. Like most medications, statins include a risk of damage to organs and systems in the body (13). Lastly, chronic use of statins has also been shown to interfere with the body’s production of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is critical for immune and nervous system health, and also bolsters heart health, proper muscle function, and healthy blood pressure, among much else. If you are on statins, it is very important to supplement with CoQ10. Ready to Do All You Can to Support Healthy Cholesterol Numbers and Heart Health? Dr. Colbert has devised an amazing guide to help you obtain a healthy weight, healthy cholesterol, and overall great health for life: Beyond Keto. When you follow this plan that marries the best of the Mediterranean Diet with the best of Keto Zone, you can optimize your health efficiently and effectively. Try Beyond Keto and get started today. Then, listen to the podcast and learn even more facts about cholesterol! Bottom Line After decades of confusing information, new studies, changes in lifestyles and societal health, and more, it’s important to learn the facts about cholesterol. Learn all you can. Listen to Dr. Colbert’s Podcast, it’s a wealth of free information to keep you up to date on what you can do to support your heart health and cholesterol numbers, every day. To read the original article click here.

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