… he has identified how two different kinds of Chlamydia can cause both coronary artery disease and miscarriages. Solving one mystery gave him clues that he needed to figure out the other. By focusing on the immune system mechanisms in Chlamydia infections, Azenabor has identified an important link in seemingly unrelated health problems. The result could be new treatments and prevention strategies for both heart disease and infertility. Chlamydia pneumoniae is a microbe that normally causes pneumonia and bronchitis, but it has long been associated with atherosclerosis, a cardiovascular disease also called “hardening of the arteries.”

Huh? Chlamydia? Yes, when the macrophages’ cell walls are infected with the C. pneumoniae their usually tight cholesterol, which they regularly store, traffics that cholesterol into the cell membrane’s and cause them to become rigid and unable to move…

The bacteria also “hijacks” the cells signaling in a way that helps promote the existence of the Chlamydia pneumoniae. The bacterium also disturbs the macrophage’s production of toxins in a process that transforms them into “signaling molecules,” which support functions that keep the bacterium alive. Because of this the bacteria can very quickly reproduce and accumulate in the blood vessels causing stiffening and heart disease, ie. atherosclerosis.

Find this interesting? Hey- your not alone! Check out more here.

Post from: Blisstree

Chlamydia and heart disease…

The autopsy results for Kanye West’s mother Donda have been released. Donda died on Nov. 10, the day after having extensive plastic surgery performed on her by a Dr. Jan Adams, who was not board certified in plastic surgery. The official results of the autopsy state that Donda died as a result of a heart attack. There was no evidence that her death occurred due to anesthesia or or the surgery itself.

via A Socialites Life

Post from: Blisstree

No One Is Above Heart Disease… Not Even Donde West!

Cholesterol be warned… they are on a rampage and their coming for you. An international study of over 20,000, yes 20,000, people allowed researchers to identify 7 new genes that influence blood cholesterol levels and confirmed 11 other genes that were previously thought to influence high lipids.

Of the seven new variants, two influenced HDL, one influenced LDL, and three influenced triglycerides, which are found in fat and in the bloodstream and like LDL, are associated with increased risk of heart disease. One variant influenced triglycerides and LDL.

Will this bring us that much closer to new medications and treatments for high cholesterol? Will this aid in fighting heart disease? Yee ha science!

via Science Daily and University of Michigan

Post from: Blisstree

7 Genes Identified In High Cholesterol

This observance provides an opportunity for everyone to unite nationwide in a life-saving movement to urge women to find out their risk for heart disease and take action to lower it by showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, or tie, and the Red Dress Pin—the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness

The Heart Truth is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

via www.hearttruth.gov

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National Wear Red Day Is February The 1st!

The role of anxiety in hiking heart attack risk also goes beyond the effects of depression, anger, hostility, Type A behavior and other negative emotions. “These psychological factors are important in predicting the risk of heart disease, but anxiety is unique,” Dr. Shen said. “Older men with sustained and pervasive anxiety appear to be at increased risk for a heart attack even after their levels of depression, anger, hostility and Type A behavior are considered.”

And obviously the silver lining… anxiety is treatable. As more research like this takes place I believe that therapy, behavior modifications and anti anxiety drugs will become more accepted. And boy am I glad! I strongly support such things, as y’all know. While they did not examine the same effects of women in this study, researchers stated that it is on the horizon.

via American College of Cardiology.

Post from: Blisstree

Anxiety Grossly Increases Your Risk Of A Heart Attack- No Worries Though

President Bush signed into law the “OPEN Government Act of 2007” on December 31, 2007 after it passing through the Senate and House of Representatives without issue or comment.

…the legislation substantially reforms the Freedom of Information Act and expands the definition of who is a “representative of the news media” under FOIA. This change would significantly benefit bloggers and non-traditional journalists by making them eligible for reduced processing and duplication fees that are available to “representatives of the news media.”

Just some exciting information I thought I would share. Here is to a great news year!

via PBS

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New Law Signed By President Bush Benefits Bloggers!

The new findings suggest that there is many more healthful benefits that go along with the whole grains then what was first thought including…

• Reduce the risk for elevated blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and weight gain
• Reduce LDL cholesterol during weight-loss
• Provide favorable changes in the physical characteristics of LDL cholesterol particles, making them less susceptible to oxidation (oxidation is thought to lead to hardening of the arteries.)
• Supply unique compounds that may lead to reducing early hardening of the arteries

Post from: Blisstree

Oatmeal Proves To Be More Beneficial In Lowering Cholesterol Than Originally Thought

By the way, see if heart disease and MI are indexed in Marijke’s new glossary. I am totally jealous of it and so impressed. Many of hours were spent on her medical glossary and I am thinking of adding it here on this site. I think it is helpful and easy to use. Go check it out and let me know what you think. Leave her a comment with anything that you would want or suggest to be added.

Okay, drum roll…

Two new blogs to read… 5 minutes

A New glossary to check out… 10 minutes

New knowledge on eating disorders and chronic pain… priceless!

Get it? That commercial that is always on? Laugh darn it! And go check out the news sites.

Post from: Blisstree

Eating Disorder And Chronic Pain Blogs Say Hello Again With New And Fresh Writers

The study found people with RLS were more than twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease. The results remained the same after adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood pressure medication, HDL/LDL cholesterol levels, and smoking.

The more movement one has at night, hence your legs twitching and contracting, the higher your sleeping blood pressure. This could be one way of dissecting the results.

via Consumer Affairs

Post from: Blisstree

Restless Leg Syndrome Increases Risk Of Heart Disease By Two Fold

High blood pressure among our children… Working in an urgent care facility, I see every single age group and demographic every single time I work. But I am getting very bothered by the number of children whose blood pressure is alarmingly high! I mean like 152/96 and 146/94. That is no joke high!! What will happen to these children if there are no changes made?

And I know that this is not very clinical and exactly factual, but most of these kids are overweight. Before you write a comment saying that I shouldn’t make generalizations, remember that I said it was a very broad statement and observation, and I said the word MOST.

Have you come across this? Have you heard anything first hand? Is your child’s blood pressure normal? Do you worry about heart disease among your children?

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Our Children’s Blood Pressure Really Worries Me!