Cardiovascular

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

Research appearing in Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases (2005; 15(3):188-97)surveyed 755 subjects aged 65-99 years (361 men and 394 women). Special emphasis was placed on diet and information was obtained through dietary history interviews. The subjects were followed for up to 10 years. Serum vitamins and mineral elements were analyzed. The researchers found that a

Nitric oxide, not to be confused with laughing gas (which is nitrous oxide), is important for the health of the cardiovascular system, the joints, the lung, the nervous system, the immune system and may even be useful in preventing erectile dysfunction. It is synthesized from L-arginine. In the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism (August 1993;36(8):1036-1044), an

Nutrition is a vital part of good heart health. While much focus is placed on fats in the diet, antioxidants in the diet, vitamins and nutraceuticals can help to improve cardiovascular health. Antioxidants are cardioprotective. Atherosclerotic plaques are formed long before the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease is made. Antioxidant vitamins protect against plaque formation, according

Preeclampsia is also known as toxemia of pregnancy; it is characterized by increasing blood pressure, headaches, protein in the urine, and edema (swelling). If left unchecked, it can lead to eclampsia, which can lead to convulsions and coma. It is one of the leading causes of maternal, fetal and neonatal disability and death. One feature