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Research appearing in the Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 168 No. 12, June 23, 2008) showed that low serum level of vitamin D is linked to an increase in mortality from cardiovascular problems. The subjects of the study were over 3200 German men and women averaging 62 years of age. Blood levels of vitamin D […]

Hypothyroidism has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Now, research appearing in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2000; 132(4):270-8) shows that subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity can also increase the risk of heart disease. In subclinical hypothyroidism, patients do not have the symptoms of hypothyroidism, but their blood tests indicate an

A study appearing in The Lancet (Vol. 367, Issue 9507, 28 January 2006) looked at eight other studies and the impact eating fruits and vegetables had on the likelihood of stroke. The study analyzed research involving over 250,000 people from the US, Japan and Europe. It found that people who ate five or more servings

Some Pain Medications May Make Blood Pressure Rise According to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (October 28, 2002;162:2204-2208), frequent use of pain-relief medications may result in an increased-risk of high blood pressure in women. These drugs are known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Use of acetaminophen (eg Tylenol) was also monitored in

Quercitin is a bioflavonol found in onions, apples and other produce. A recent study appearing in the Journal of Nutrition (Nov. 2007; Vol 137) found that it may have a blood pressure lowering effect. Of the 41 people who participated in the study, 22 were hypertensive, with average blood pressure of 146/96 and 19 were

Beans, beans, good for your heart the more you eat the more you….reduce your cholesterol. In a study appearing in the Journal of Nutrition (Nov. 2007; Vol 137 pp 2391-2398), 40 healthy adults were given a 130 gram serving of pinto beans each day. After 12 weeks they experienced an average 8% reduction in cholesterol.

Pycnogenol is an extract from pine bark. Research published in the journal Hypertension Research (October 2007, Vol 30; pp. 775-780) looked at its effect on cardiovascular health. Sixteen young, healthy men were given either a placebo or 180 mg of Pycnogenol each day for two weeks. The research was designed to see the effect the

Researchers from the University of California at Irvine College of Medicine have found a connection between oxidative stress and high blood pressure. Their results were published in the journal, Hypertension (2000;36(1):142-1). Oxidative stress has already been linked to inflammation and heart diseases. Oxidative stress can reduce the levels of nitric oxide thereby increasing blood pressure.

The FDA has give permission for food containing olive oil to carry claims to reduce the risk of heart disease. The agency cites evidence from a dozen scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of monounsaturated fats (like olive oil). The FDA has taken the position that replacing saturated fat with monounsaturated fat lowers the risk of