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• May 7, 2008

  Women Who Quit Smoking Lower Heart Risks Quickly
  Study saw significant declines in several death risks within 5 years of stopping
• Obesity-Related Inflammation Boosts Heart Risks
  Blood chemicals in overweight participants were key predictors of organ failure, study says
• Brittle bones linked to heart disease
  Among people checked out because of chest pain, the likelihood that the pain is due to obstructed coronary arteries is greater for those with low bone mineral density (BMD) than those with normal BMD, researcher report.

• May 6, 2008

  Anti-Clotting Drug as Good as Aspirin at Stopping Second Stroke
  Cilostazol also resulted in fewer brain bleeds than aspirin, study finds
• High-fat, low-carb diet helps kids with epilepsy
  The results of a study provide strong evidence that a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates -- a so-called "ketogenic diet" -- can help control seizures in children with stubborn epilepsy that does not respond well to drug therapy.
• Future of lucrative cholesterol drugs murky
  Doctors are waiting for new preventive heart medicines beyond popular statin therapies, but a tough regulatory climate and fierce debate over the effectiveness of some newer drugs has clouded the future of cholesterol treatments.

• May 3, 2008

  HDL cholesterol linked with improved leg control
  Higher blood levels of the "good" HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) correlate with better functional performance of the leg in older, non-disabled individuals, according to a report in the April issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

• April 30, 2008

  Food crisis unlikely to cause famine soon: U.N.
  Global food shortages and higher prices are more likely to cause malnutrition than outright famine, at least in the near term, the coordinator of a new United Nations task force said on Wednesday.

• April 29, 2008

  Poor diet undermines health of northern Afghans
  Lunch at Gada Mohammed's single-room mud-brick house in Afghanistan's far north is the same as most other meals: dry bread washed down with tea.
• Biomarkers prognostic in heart failure patients
  Lower vitamin D levels and higher C-reactive protein levels are associated with poor aerobic capacity and greater frailty in elderly patients with heart failure, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.

• April 26, 2008

  Gender difference in heart risks starts early
  The lower risk of heart disease enjoyed by women compared to that for men is already evident in the teenage years, a new study shows.
• Study highlights heart disease risk in India
  India, expected to account for 60 percent of the world's heart disease cases by 2010, could prevent many deaths by ensuring the poor get better access to treatment, Indian and Canadian researchers said on Friday.

• April 25, 2008

  New Heart Disease Markers Discovered
  Genes associated with elevated CRP levels play role in metabolic syndrome, studies say

• April 22, 2008

  Cholesterol drugs destroy esophageal cancer cells
  Drugs that are commonly used to lower cholesterol can block the proliferation and promote the destruction of esophageal cancer cells in the laboratory, according to a report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology by UK researchers.
• World map of metabolism finds blood pressure clues
  Researchers creating a map of human metabolism around the world have found compounds in urine that point to some surprising differences affecting blood pressure, based not on genes but on what people eat and their gut bacteria.
• Heart Disease Risks Hit Boys in Teens
  Girls protected by hormones during adolescence, study suggests

• April 19, 2008

  Newer OCs may boost levels of heart-risk protein
  In young, healthy, normal-weight women, use of newer "third-generation" oral contraceptive pills may raise levels of an inflammatory protein linked to heart disease known as C-reactive protein, or CRP -- potentially placing these women at higher risk for blood clots and heart disease, researchers report.

• April 18, 2008

  Mid-life high cholesterol raises Alzheimer's risk
  High cholesterol levels in your 40s may raise the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease decades later, according to a study underscoring the importance of health factors in middle age on risk for the brain ailment.
• Skin Test Spots Heart Risks in Healthy People
  No blood sample required with noninvasive cholesterol test, study shows

• April 17, 2008

  Timing of HRT May Influence Heart Risks
  Study found women with risk factors who took it early in menopause did not have diminished vessel function
• Health Tip: If You Have High Cholesterol
  Suggested questions to ask your doctor
• Smoking, Drinking, Cholesterol May Be Alzheimer's Risk Factors
  Behaviors in midlife can have an impact decades later, studies suggest

• April 12, 2008

  Trans-fats linked to breast cancer risk in study
  Trans-fats, which are being phased out of food because they clog arteries, may raise the risk of getting breast cancer, European researchers reported on Friday.
• U.S. lawmakers cite unusual finding from Vytorin probe
  Two top Democrats investigating why Schering-Plough Corp and Merck & Co's delayed the release of data on their cholesterol drug Vytorin said their probe has uncovered "some unusual circumstances" and is far from over, according to a letter released on Friday.

• April 11, 2008

  High cholesterol may boost survival in ALS
  Elevated lipid levels (also called hyperlipidemia) appear to significantly impact survival in patients with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, French researchers have found.
• Atherosclerosis May Also Harm Vital Organs
  Toxic byproduct of plaque formation wreaks havoc on heart, lungs and liver, study suggests
• Egg Consumption Poses Risks for Diabetic Men: Study
  Study of doctors shows 7 eggs a week raise risk of dying

• April 10, 2008

  Drug regime reverses heart disease in diabetics
  Aggressive use of drugs to lower cholesterol and blood pressure helped reverse heart disease in people with diabetes, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

• April 6, 2008

  Blood protein linked to heart disease
  As levels of lipoprotein(a), a compound that carries fats in the blood, increase, so does the risk of heart disease, researchers report in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

• April 1, 2008

  Diabetics Face Doubled Risk of Heart Attack
  Danger level same as non-diabetics who already have had a heart attack, study says
• Diabetes Drug Slows Clogging of Arteries
  Actos better at fighting plaque build-up than older medication, study finds

• March 31, 2008

  Cholesterol Drug Controversy Continues
  Doctors debate worth of lipid-lowering agent that combines 2 medications

• March 29, 2008

  Premature Delivery Linked to High Cholesterol in Moms Later
  Finding may explain reasons for higher risk of heart disease in these mothers

• March 27, 2008

  Calcium Scans Help Predict Coronary Risk
  But the cost of such tests is a potential stumbling block, experts say

• March 22, 2008

  Lack of Sleep Hurts Women's Hearts Most
  Creates more stress, biomarkers for diabetes, heart disease than in males

• March 20, 2008

  Gene Variants Can Predict Threat of Heart Disease
  Cholesterol-associated variants increase risk and may be early indication, study shows

• March 14, 2008

  Heart Risk Can Be Predicted Without Lab Tests
  Finding might help spot high-risk cases in developing countries

• March 11, 2008

  Magnesium May Lower Risk for Some Strokes in Male Smokers
  Study suggests eating foods such as whole grains cuts risk of cerebral infarction

• February 29, 2008

  Cholesterol-Lowering Statins Tied to Tendon Woes
  But these side effects are rare and benefits still outweigh risks, experts say

• February 27, 2008

  Statins may cut pneumonia deaths: study
  Statin drugs used to lower cholesterol levels and, to a lesser extent, ACE inhibitors used to lower blood pressure, may reduce mortality in older adults who are hospitalized for pneumonia, research suggests.
• Overweight Hispanic Kids Show Early Markers for Diabetes
  Blood vessel damage sets stage for insulin resistance, heart disease, study finds

• February 26, 2008

  Total cholesterol tied to risk of plaque rupture
  In individuals without symptoms who have thickened walls of the carotid arteries, two major arteries located on each side of the neck that provide blood and oxygen to the brain, the total blood levels of cholesterol are strongly associated with the presence a lipid, or fat-based," core within plaque, which have a vulnerability to rupture, researchers report.

• February 25, 2008

  Vitamin E use may raise tuberculosis risk in heavy smokers
  The use of vitamin E supplements appears to increase the risk of tuberculosis in some middle-aged smokers, according to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition.

• February 22, 2008

  Low cholesterol linked to stomach cancer risk
  People with very low cholesterol levels seem to be at increased risk of developing stomach cancer, Japanese researchers report.

• February 20, 2008

  Mammograms Might Spot Stroke Risk
  Calcifications in breast arteries upped chances of cardiovascular trouble, study finds
• Cognitive Impairment Declining in Older Adults
  Education, wealth play big part in downward trend, study suggests
• Middle-Aged Women Gaining Weight, Raising Their Stroke Risk
  Study finds both went up simultaneously in recent decades
• Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs May Ease Irregular Heartbeat
  Statins effective against atrial fibrillation, analysis shows
• Free Drugs After Heart Attack Would Save Money, Lengthen Lives
  More patients would take recommended medications, study says

• February 18, 2008

  Single pill helps controls BP, cholesterol
  In African-Americans with poorly controlled high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol, treatment with a single pill containing a blood pressure-lowering drug and a cholesterol-lowering drug may prove particularly useful, researchers say.

• February 15, 2008

  Many snack foods have gone 'trans-fat free'
  Many snack foods and spreads on the market are now free of artery-clogging trans fat, but consumers still need to be savvy label-readers, according to researchers.
• Genes that conquered cold blamed for fat
  Genes that helped early humans adapt to cold climates may be driving metabolism-related diseases such as obesity or diabetes in many countries, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.
• US lawmakers examine Web postings in Vytorin probe
  Anonymous messages posted on a Web site raise questions about the handling of data on a Merck & Co Inc and Schering-Plough Corp cholesterol drug, two U.S. House of Representatives Democrats said on Monday.
• Triglycerides Linked to Coronary Disease Risk
  Should be considered along with LDL cholesterol in prevention efforts, study indicates

• February 12, 2008

  Attention to heart health good for the brain
  A recent survey found that two out of three African Americans worry about developing heart disease and two out of five are concerned about developing Alzheimer's disease, yet only one in 20 are aware that heart health is linked to brain health.

• February 11, 2008

  Most With High Blood Pressure Don't Follow Recommended Diet
  Those who could benefit most have the poorest eating habits

• February 7, 2008

  Intimate partner violence takes a toll on health
  New research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the prevalence of chronic health conditions is increased among victims of intimate partner violence.
• Sucking Out Clot Debris Helps Heart Attack Patients
  Dutch study found vacuuming clogged vessels before angioplasty improved outcomes

• February 6, 2008

  Intensive intervention benefits type 2 diabetics
  Among high-risk type 2 diabetics, an intensive intervention with multiple drug combinations and behavioral modification has sustained benefits, a Danish study shows.
• Death Rates From Cardiovascular Causes Vary Widely Across Europe
  Differences were found between and within countries, researcher notes

• February 5, 2008

  First 90 Days After Stopping Plavix Most Dangerous
  Study finds highest risk of adverse events for heart patients is in early period
• Drug-Coated Stents Better Than Bare-Metal Ones in Complex Cases
  Survival advantage found in 'off-label' uses, report suggests

• February 4, 2008

  Very high 'good' cholesterol might be bad
  Although HDL cholesterol is typically thought of as 'good' cholesterol, a new of data from a large study suggests that at very high levels, it may actually increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

• January 31, 2008

  CORRECTION: Antioxidants show little anti-cancer benefit
  Taking antioxidant supplements won't reduce cancer risk, according to a new analysis of a dozen studies including more than 100,000 patients. In fact, the researchers found, smokers who take beta carotene supplements could be increasing their risk of smoking-related cancer and death.

• January 30, 2008

  Merck says "media hype" overlooks Vytorin value
  The chief executive of Merck & Co on Wednesday said negative media coverage of a clinical trial of the company's blockbuster Vytorin cholesterol drug has unfairly overlooked benefits of the medicine.
• Antioxidants more likely to raise cancer risk
  Taking antioxidant supplements won't reduce cancer risk, according to a new analysis of a dozen studies including more than 100,000 patients. In fact, the researchers found, smokers who take beta carotene supplements could be increasing their risk of smoking-related cancer and death.
• Exercise reverses weight gain from antipsychotics
  In patients who take antipsychotic medication, a supervised exercise program significantly reduces weight and improves cholesterol levels, a Canadian research team has found.
• High-protein diet linked with sustained weight loss
  Middle-aged women who followed a high-protein diet compared with those who followed a low-protein diet lost more weight over a 1-year study period, according to researchers from Australia.

• January 29, 2008

  Stents Slightly Better Than Bypass for Blocked Left Coronary Artery
  But experts question results of small Polish study
• SARS enters host cells via "fatty rafts": study
  The SARS virus, which spread to many countries around the world in 2003 killing about 800 people, invades its victims using "fatty rafts" on the cell membrane, Chinese scientists have found.

• January 28, 2008

  U.S. dietary guides criticized for potential harm
  Some researchers are questioning whether national guidelines advising Americans to eat a low-fat diet have had the unintended consequence of feeding the current obesity epidemic.
• NY subpoenas Merck, Schering-Plough over Vytorin
  New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has subpoenaed Merck & Co and Schering-Plough Corp for documents and information to see whether the companies hid the results of a study on their cholesterol drug Vytorin.

• January 25, 2008

  FDA Will Wait for Trial Results on Vytorin
  Early findings saw no medical benefit; heart expert calls it 'second-line' medication
• U.S. FDA says it's reviewing Vytorin cholesterol drug
  Regulators said Friday they would review whether to take action over Merck & Co Inc's and Schering-Plough Corp's popular cholesterol medicine Vytorin after a study showed it was no better than a generic drug in preventing the build-up of fatty plaque.

• January 25, 2008

  Heavy drinking in youth tied to heart risks later
  People who drink heavily in their youth may have a higher risk of developing a collection of risk factors for heart disease and stroke, new research suggests.

• January 24, 2008

  Statins not seen linked to breast cancer risk
  Taking a statin drug does not seem to increase or decrease the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, according to a study published in the medical journal Cancer.

• January 24, 2008

  Moving target: Vytorin raises new questions
  A disappointing study of the heart drug Vytorin has led some doctors to reconsider what makes statin drugs so effective at fighting heart disease.

• January 23, 2008

  Surgery Better Than Stents for Multiple Blockages
  Fewer deaths, heart attacks found in 18-month study
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Costlier to Treat Than Heart Trouble
  Prolonged recovery, potential for repeat treatments to blame, study finds

• January 23, 2008

  Study gives scientific weight to high-protein diet
  New research suggests that high-protein foods may be better at curbing a key "hunger hormone" than either fats or carbohydrates.

• January 22, 2008

  Meat, diet soda linked to heart disease - US study
  People who eat two or more servings of red meat a day are much more likely to develop conditions leading to heart disease and diabetes, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.
• Low vitamin E tied to physical decline in elderly
  Older adults with low levels of vitamin E are likely to see a steeper deterioration in physical function over a 3-year period than those with higher vitamin E levels, a study shows.
• U.S. Deaths Down From Heart Disease, Stroke
  But childhood obesity epidemic could undo gains, heart association says
• Vytorin controversy confuses patients, doctors
  Shortly after news reports saying the popular cholesterol drug Vytorin had missed the mark in a long-awaited study, calls and e-mails started pouring in to doctors in the United States.
• FDA approves generic Pravachol 80mg tablets
  Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd said U.S. health regulators granted final approval for its generic equivalent of Bristol-Myers Squibb Co's cholesterol treatment Pravachol 80 mg tablets.

• January 17, 2008

  Undernutrition behind one third of child deaths
  Undernutrition causes more than one third of child deaths worldwide, but simple programs like promoting breast-feeding and providing supplements could keep some of those children alive, experts said on Thursday.
• Cholesterol drugs don't protect against Alzheimer's
  The cholesterol-lowering benefits of statin drugs, such as Zocor and Mevacor, do not prevent Alzheimer's disease or slow the cognitive decline in the elderly, new research suggests.

• January 16, 2008

  Diabetes plus Alzheimer's gene ups dementia risk
  Among individuals who carry the gene mutation associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, the risk of dementia is increased for those who also have diabetes, according to a study reported in the Archives of Neurology.
• Antioxidant vitamins may reduce cataract risk
  People who eat lots of yellow or dark leafy vegetables, as well as foods rich in vitamin E, may be reducing their risk of developing cataracts, according to new research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
• Don't panic over heart drug news: US cardiologists
  News that the popular cholesterol drug Vytorin does not appear to protect arteries, and may actually worsen clogging, should not cause patients to panic, the American College of Cardiology said on Tuesday.

• January 15, 2008

  Cooking oil switch produces modest weight loss
  Switching to a different type of cooking oil could help people pare off a pound or two, according to new research from Japan.
• Cholesterol Drug Zetia Doesn't Cut Heart Attack Risk: Study
  Results might also pertain to Vytorin, which contains Zetia, experts say
• Low-carb diet may be beneficial in type 2 diabetes
  Restricted-carbohydrate diets seem to improve blood sugar control and reduce harmful triglyceride levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, but it is unclear whether these diets aid in weight control or weight loss, new research suggests.

• January 14, 2008

  Target's Archer Farms brand goes trans-fat free
  Target Corp is cutting out trans fats in its Archer Farms private label foods, the company said on Friday, joining a trend by food companies to remove the artery-clogging fat that has been part of foods such as chips and cakes.

• January 13, 2008

  Seven New Cholesterol Genes Discovered
  Study finds only those that regulate LDL levels influence heart disease risk

• January 11, 2008

  Heart risk factor control worse in diabetic women
  Deaths from cardiovascular disease are declining among men with diabetes, but not women, and poorer control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels may be to blame, a new study suggests.

• January 11, 2008

  Statin Therapy Helps Diabetic Patients
  British study finds cholesterol-lowering drugs reduce risk of major vascular events
• Statins seen beneficial for nearly all diabetics
  Statins -- the best-selling class of cholesterol-fighting drugs -- should be considered as standard therapy for all diabetics, apart from children and pregnant women, researchers said on Friday.
• Genetic link to high cholesterol found
  A British team has found a new genetic link with high cholesterol and said the finding could lead to better screening and new drugs for the condition, which raises the risk of heart disease.

• January 10, 2008

  Diet affects older men's weight training success
  Getting enough protein and moderate amounts of fat from food may help older men's muscles respond better to weight training, a study suggests.
• Gene mutation plus stroke increase dementia risk
  Patients who have experienced a stroke and who are also carriers of APOE4, the gene mutation associated with an increase risk of Alzheimer's disease, have a greater risk of dementia compared with individuals with just one - or none -- of these factors, according to a report in the medical journal Neurology.
• Anti-cholesterol drugs may reduce cancer risk
  In a large study of U.S. veterans, the use of a commonly prescribed class cholesterol-lowering drugs called "statins," which include drugs such as Lipitor, reduced the cancer rate by about 25 percent.
• Lipitor doesn't improve bone health after menopause
  When administered at doses that lower lipid levels, atorvastatin, sold in the U.S. under the trade name Lipitor, appears to have no effect on bone mineral density or bone metabolism in postmenopausal women, according to researchers.

• January 8, 2008

  Cinnamon does not control blood sugar or fat levels
  Cinnamon does not appear to have any impact on blood sugar or cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, Connecticut-based researchers report in the journal Diabetes Care.
• More sun is healthy, despite skin cancer risk
  A little more sunshine might help you live longer, according to new study findings suggesting that for some people health benefits from the sun outweigh the risk of skin cancer.

• January 1, 2008

  Testosterone does not improve function in older men
  Although use of testosterone supplements may increase lean body mass and reduce fat mass in older men, it does not improve functional mobility or mental ability, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association for January 2.
• Testosterone patch has benefits in aging men: study
  Treatment with testosterone can help curb the gain in abdominal fat as well as the loss of skeletal muscle seen in non-obese aging men, according to a new study.

• December 28, 2007

  Fish oil capsules pack same omega-3 punch as fish
  Fish oil capsules and fatty fish do an equally good job of enriching the blood and other body tissues with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, new findings suggest.

• December 27, 2007

  Statins slow lung function decline in smokers
  Taking a "statin" drug to keep cholesterol levels down may have another benefit for smokers and former smokers: the drugs apparently slow the annual decline in respiratory function.
• Statins may reduce risk of sudden cardiac death
  Results of a new study indicate that the so-called statin drugs used to lower cholesterol levels also help prevent chaotic heart beats that can lead to sudden cardiac death.

• December 26, 2007

  Blood fats raise risk of large artery stroke
  People with high triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol, which is neither the "good" nor the "bad" cholesterol, are at increased risk for a certain type of stroke called large artery atherosclerotic stroke, new research shows.

• December 24, 2007

  Cholesterol, inflammation tied to preterm birth
  High cholesterol and inflammation during pregnancy may increase a woman's odds of premature delivery, a study suggests.

• December 20, 2007

  U.S. kids get too little dairy, too much milk fat
  Many American children aren't eating enough dairy products and most of the dairy foods they do consume are high in fat, an analysis of US nutritional data shows.

• December 18, 2007

  Moderate Exercise Cuts Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
  Just a 30-minute walk most days reduces threat, even without diet changes, study finds

• December 15, 2007

  US panel rejects Merck over-the-counter statin bid
  A U.S. advisory panel urged the government on Thursday to reject Merck & Co Inc's latest bid to sell a cholesterol-lowering drug without a prescription.
• UK food body urges voluntary code on trans fats
  Britain should not ban artery-clogging trans fats as voluntary measures are working, a food safety body said on Thursday.
• Merck pushes for over-the-counter statin in US
  Making a cholesterol drug available over the counter could give millions of Americans a new option to reduce the risk of heart disease and provide a major public health benefit, drugmaker Merck & Co Inc argued to a U.S. advisory panel on Thursday.

• December 14, 2007

  FDA Advisers Reject Over-the-Counter Statin
  They cite concerns that consumers wouldn't use the cholesterol-lowering drug Mevacor safely
• Report Finds 'Widespread Steroid Use in Baseball'
  The banned drugs can cause dangerous side effects, including heart trouble

• December 9, 2007

  Lowering "bad" cholesterol cuts repeat stroke risk
  After a stroke or mini-stroke, intensive lowering of "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with a statin drug significantly reduces the risk of a second stroke, according to new data from the Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels, or SPARCL, trial.

• December 6, 2007

  Protein turns up metabolism in mice - U.S. study
  Tricking muscle tissue to burn rather than store fat has succeeded in increasing the average life span of mice and staved off some age-related diseases, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
• US Senate plan aims to ban school junk food sales
  High-calorie snacks and sugary drinks would be banned from school stores and vending machines under a proposal that Senate sponsors called the broadest overhaul of food sales rules since the 1970s.
• Drug Helps Ease Fat Disorder in HIV Patients
  Tesamorelin shrinks the visceral fat around organs that boosts heart risks

• December 4, 2007

  Glucosamine not likely to raise "good" cholesterol
  Glucosamine at commonly taken doses does not increase HDL ("good") cholesterol in people with diabetes, researchers have found.

• December 1, 2007

  Cholesterol seen tied to heart disease, not stroke
  Researchers aiming to establish whether high cholesterol raises the risk of stroke said on Thursday they were baffled by findings indicating lower cholesterol levels were not linked to reduced stroke deaths.
• Cholesterol-Stroke Relationship Puzzles Researchers
  High blood-fat levels not always linked to higher stroke risk, studies show

• November 30, 2007

  Knowing heart risk may prompt healthy change
  Adults at risk for developing coronary heart disease seem to respond better to preventive treatment when their doctor tells them exactly what their risk is and how they can help lower their risk, results of a study suggest.
• Knowing Heart Risk Keeps Patients on Cholesterol Drugs
  In study, users were informed of their odds for cardiovascular disease

• November 28, 2007

  Wine may calm inflammation in blood vessels
  Adding to evidence that a little wine can do a heart good, a new study suggests that women who drink moderate amounts may have less inflammation in their blood vessels.

• November 27, 2007

  Cholesterol disturbances impair stroke recovery
  New research suggests that people are at an increased risk of memory problems and greater disability after stroke if they have low levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid acquired mostly from eating meat.
• Low Levels of 'Good' Cholesterol May Slow Stroke Recovery
  A meat-linked compound may also hinder progress, study finds

• November 24, 2007

  Link between statins and dementia complex
  Previous studies of a link between statins, a cholesterol lowering medication, and cognitive decline have produced mixed results. New research suggests that the relationship between statin use and cognitive decline appears even more complex than originally thought.
• Fatty acids may enhance obesity treatment
  Oleic acid empties from the stomach more slowly and suppresses appetite more potently than macadamia oil, results of a study suggest. Oleic acid also stimulates specific gastrointestinal hormones known to send fullness signals.

• November 23, 2007

  Women at long-term heart risk after preterm delivery
  Many decades after giving birth to a preterm infant, women appear to be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, researchers found.
• Vitamin D may curb type 2 diabetes risk
  During a 17-year follow-up of roughly 4,000 men and women, researchers found that individuals with higher blood levels of vitamin D had a 40 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with lower levels of this vitamin.

• November 20, 2007

  Researchers Spot Link Between Heart Disease, Income
  As paychecks declined, blood markers of inflammation rose
• Heart Death Rates Worsening for Middle-Aged Adults
  Gains in the 1980s, 1990s have slowed or even been reversed, experts warn

• November 13, 2007

  Fish, fruit and veggies may lower dementia risk
  People who eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and fish may have a lower risk of developing dementia than those who are partial to steak and eggs, researchers reported Monday.

• November 10, 2007

  US FDA OKs wider use of cholesterol drug Crestor
  AstraZeneca Plc has won U.S. approval to market its cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor, the trade name for the generic rosuvastatin, to treat another common condition, atherosclerosis.

• November 8, 2007

  "Nutrigenetic" diets may aid weight loss: study
  Creating personalized diets, based on an individual's genetic makeup, helps overweight individuals lose weight and keep it off, the results of a new study suggest.
• Fenofibrate can reduce diabetic retinopathy surgery
  Among patients with type 2 diabetes, fenofibrate therapy is associated with a significant reduction in the need for laser surgery for retinopathy over a 5-year period, compared with placebo treatment.
• Many Patients Stop Taking Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
  Cost, language barriers often to blame, study finds
• Cholesterol Drug Tied to Sleep Disturbances
  But Zocor, a statin, still offers significant heart benefits, researchers say

• November 7, 2007

  Soy-derived supplement may help treat colitis
  Treatment with a diet supplement found in soy lecithin may help patients with chronic ulcerative colitis reduce their dependence on corticosteroids, according to a report in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
• Statins After Bypass Lower Stroke Risk
  The cholesterol-busting drugs could be lifesavers, study suggsts
• Atkins Diet Can Raise Heart Risks
  Other research supports moderate drinking, fasting for cardio health
• 'Empty-Calorie' Diet Tied to Preclinical Heart Disease
  Regimens heavy on fats, sweets boost the risk, researchers find

• November 6, 2007

  Class effect not ruled out with cholesterol drug
  Researchers have been unable to nail down the cause of increased deaths that led Pfizer Inc to drop its once-promising cholesterol drug torcetrapib, leaving a cloud over similar drugs in development by other companies.
• Certain Cholesterol Drugs Show Their Limits
  Studies reveal that some of these heart medications aren't perfect

• November 5, 2007

  Chocolate Has Sweet Effect on Blood Flow
  Arteries function better when the dark delight is consumed, study suggests
• Drug-Coated Stents No Riskier in Long Run Than Bare Metal Ones
  Largest study to date finds no difference in heart attack or mortality rates
• Poorer Blood Pressure Control in Blacks With Heart Failure
  Doctors need to do more to erase racial disparities, study suggests

• November 3, 2007

  Preeclampsia Linked to Heart Disease Risk
  Women need to be aware of their heart disease risk before and after pregnancy

• November 1, 2007

  Risk factors for diabetic kidney disease identified
  High blood pressure and high lipid levels, as well as longer disease duration, elevated glucose (sugar) levels, and male gender, are all significant risk factors for kidney disease in patients with type 1 diabetes, according to a report in the current issue of Diabetes Care.
• Better Prostate Cancer Survival for Men Taking Statins
  Study finds 10% improvement with cholesterol drugs

• October 30, 2007

  Cholesterol drug may improve prostate cancer
  Treatment with statins, a widely used class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, which include Lipitor, Crestor and Zocor, is associated with a longer rate of relapse-free survival after radiotherapy for prostate cancer, particularly among patients with more aggressive cancers, researchers reported here at the annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO).

• October 24, 2007

  Cholesterol therapy slows lung function decline
  Treatment with statins, the widely prescribed class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, appears to slow the age-related decline in lung function in elderly individuals, even among those who smoke, according to a report in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

• October 22, 2007

  Study Shows How Exercise Helps Women's Hearts
  Much of the benefit comes from changes in blood pressure, inflammation

• October 19, 2007

  Inhaled insulin Exubera discontinued
  Exubera, an inhaled insulin product for diabetes, has been withdrawn from the market by Pfizer Inc, which is taking a $2.8 billion charge to end its involvement with the poorly selling drug, leading to a sharp fall in third-quarter earnings, the company said Thursday.

• October 18, 2007

  Vegetables, fish may protect kids from asthma
  Children who eat their fish and green beans may have a lower likelihood of developing allergies or asthma, a study suggests.

• October 12, 2007

  Officials battle through "samurai" diet
  Overweight local government officials in Japan have slimmed down with a three-month "samurai" diet, soldiering on despite a fellow samurai's death.
• Sleep Apnea Treatment Helps Stave Off Heart Disease
  Study shows link between the breathing disorder, arterial trouble
• Anti-Cholesterol Drugs Help Prevent Lung Decline
  Statins might fight deadly pulmonary disease, experts say.

• October 11, 2007

  Low vitamin D may raise respiratory infection risk
  There appears to be an association between low blood levels of vitamin D and the risk of acute respiratory tract infection, Finnish researchers report.
• HK experts warn against anti-impotence "remedies"
  Researchers have warned about "herbal remedies" for erectile dysfunction sold over-the-counter in Hong Kong after most of them were found to contain untested variants of well-known anti-impotence drugs.
• Long-Life Gene Might Help Lower Cholesterol
  Drugs boosting SIRT1's activity could be valuable, scientists say

• October 10, 2007

  Study shows persistent benefits of statin drug
  The heart benefits of taking statin drugs may last for years, even after the drugs are stopped, researchers reported on Wednesday.
• High glycemic index diet boosts fatty liver risk
  People who eat lots of high glycemic index (GI) foods not only risk gaining weight, they also run a greater risk of developing a condition that can lead to liver failure and death, finds a new study in mice. The condition is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

• October 9, 2007

  Low-fat diet may lower ovarian cancer risk
  Long-term adherence to a low-fat diet may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, according to the results of the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification trial, which involved nearly 50,000 postmenopausal women.
• High mortality in stroke patients who stop statins
  Patients who stop statin therapy after they have a stroke have high mortality rates over the next 12 months, according to a report in the current issue of the medical journal Stroke.

• October 8, 2007

  Negativity in relationships hard on the heart
  Being in a close relationship that has many negative aspects -- such as conflict, hurtful exchanges and low levels of emotional and practical support -- may raise a person's risk of developing heart disease, new research suggests.

• October 4, 2007

  Fats, meat unlikely to impact prostate cancer risk
  New data from a large ethnically diverse group of men provides no evidence that eating a lot of fats and meat substantially affects a man's risk of developing prostate cancer.

• October 2, 2007

  Findings shed light on harmful cholesterol effect
  Cholesterol is known to promote plaque build-up in blood vessels, which raises the risk of heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. Now, new research suggests that cholesterol does this by reducing the activity of a chemical called transforming growth factor (TGF-beta).
• Not all types of fat are harmful
  While it has long been held that too much fat in the liver may result in diabetes, researchers appear to have discovered that not all types of fat are harmful.
• Burden of diabetes care rivals disease complications
  Many diabetic patients say the inconvenience of staying on top of their disease and the discomfort of daily insulin injections harms their quality of life as much as diabetes-associated complications, new research suggests.

• October 1, 2007

  Low cholesterol may raise preterm birth risk
  White women with low levels of total cholesterol during pregnancy are at heightened risk for preterm delivery, new research shows.

• September 28, 2007

  Gene mutation tied to early-onset Parkinson disease
  People with a certain gene mutation are more likely to get Parkinson's disease early -- before the age of 50 -- compared to those without the gene abnormality, according to a new study.
• Imbalanced diet tied to Crohn's disease in kids
  Research hints that children who don't get the right balance of fatty acids, vegetables and fruits may be at increased risk of developing Crohn's disease -- a debilitating inflammation in the digestive tract, the cause of which remains unclear.

• September 27, 2007

  Lack of "good" cholesterol always poses heart risk
  The amount of "good cholesterol" in the blood remains an important marker for heart disease regardless of how much "bad cholesterol" is lowered, researchers said on Wednesday.
• Fried Food Compounds May Harm Heart
  'AGEs' are produced in fatty foods at high heat, experts say
• Heart disease, colon cancer linked in study
  Patients showing signs of heart disease are at nearly double the risk of also having colon cancer, perhaps because unhealthy habits and inflammation are at the root of both, researchers said on Tuesday.
• Omega-3's may lower type 1 diabetes risk
  Among children who are genetically predisposed to develop type 1 diabetes, dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids appears to reduce the risk of becoming diabetic, according to new research findings.

• September 25, 2007

  "Eating competence" may lead to healthier hearts
  People who are confident, comfortable, and flexible eaters may be less prone to develop cardiovascular disease than those who are not, new research suggests.
• 1 in 12 Outpatient Visits Is for Prevention: Study
  They include cholesterol checks, gynecologic care and cancer screening
• Lack of sleep may be deadly, research shows
  People who do not get enough sleep are more than twice as likely to die of heart disease, according to a large British study released on Monday.

• September 24, 2007

  Europe gives final approval to Pfizer HIV drug
  Pfizer Inc said on Monday the European Commission had approved its AIDS drug called Celsentri, or Selzentry in the United States, the first in a new class of oral HIV medicines.

• September 21, 2007

  Overweight kids show heart risks as teens
  Overweight children may show a collection of risk factors for heart disease by the time they are teenagers, a new study shows.

• September 19, 2007

  Actos beats Avandia in sugar, fat control: study
  Giving patients a starting dose of Takeda Pharmaceutical's diabetes drug Actos gives better control of blood sugar and lipid levels than using GlaxoSmithKline's diabetes drug Avandia, according to new clinical trial results.
• "Low-GI" breakfasts may control kids' calories
  Children may eat fewer calories throughout the day if their first meal of the day is "low-GI," new research suggests.
• Few Americans Know of Leg Artery Danger
  Peripheral arterial disease is common and sometimes deadly, researchers say.

• September 18, 2007

  Researchers question some genetic screening
  Telling couples their foetuses have a treatable genetic disorder leads many of them to terminate the pregnancy, researchers said on Tuesday, raising issues about genetic screening programmes.
• Young women less attentive to heart risks than men
  Young women with a family history of heart disease may be less careful about following a healthy lifestyle than their male counterparts, a study has found.
• Sleep apnea therapy may lower heart risks
  For people with the breathing disorder sleep apnea, sticking with therapy may aid not only their breathing but also their hearts, a study suggests.
• Statins don't curb colon cancer risk: study
  Statin heart drugs do not appear to lower the risk of colorectal cancer, new research shows.

• September 17, 2007

  Heart, immune experts to get top U.S. medical awards
  Pioneering heart surgeons Alain Carpentier and Albert Starr and immunologist Ralph Steinman were named on Saturday as recipients of Albert Lasker Medical Research Awards, sometimes dubbed "America's Nobels."

• September 14, 2007

  Doctors Debate Drugs vs. Surgery for Angina
  Data re-analysis supports angioplasty, but not everyone agrees

• September 13, 2007

  Screening Proposed for Childhood Cholesterol Levels
  Treatment would reduce risk of genetic condition that can lead to early death.

• September 12, 2007

  Being Overweight is Hard on the Heart
  It raises risks even if blood pressure, cholesterol factored out, study finds

• September 11, 2007

  Lowering Blood Protein Won't Help Kidney Patients
  Homocysteine may be a marker, not a cause, of renal trouble, study suggests.
• Bypass 'Off-Pump' Boosts Women's Outcomes
  And another study suggests vitamin E protects their hearts.

• September 9, 2007

  Saturated Fat: Even a Little Splurge May Be Too Much
  Fatty meal has immediate, negative effect on heart health, research shows.

• September 7, 2007

  Mediterranean diet may benefit arthritis sufferers
  Learning how to eat Mediterranean-style may help people with rheumatoid arthritis improve their symptoms, a study suggests.
• Family History Has Strong Effect on Cardiac Risk
  Screening, treatment of close relatives proposed.

• September 5, 2007

  Pfizer study shows risk of cholesterol pill switch
  Patients switching from Pfizer's branded cholesterol pill Lipitor to Merck & Co's Zocor -- now available as a cheap generic -- are more likely to have a heart attack or die, according to a Pfizer-backed study.
• One man's genes show DNA is still a mystery
  The first detailed map of a man's genes shows the genetic code is even more complex than anyone thought. For instance, science still cannot pinpoint what makes a person's eyes blue.

• September 4, 2007

  More vitamin D could mean fewer cancers: study
  Thousands of cases of breast and colon cancers might be averted each year if people in colder climates raised their vitamin D levels, researchers estimate in a new report.

• August 31, 2007

  Gene mutation may explain postoperative delirium
  Elderly patients who carry the apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 allele, a gene mutation implicated in Alzheimer's disease, are at increased risk for experiencing early delirium after surgery, investigators report.
• Exercise cuts heart risks for type 1 diabetes kids
  Children and teens with type 1 diabetes may be able to reduce their risk of future heart and blood vessel disease by taking part in regular exercise, German researchers report.

• August 28, 2007

  Docs often write off patient side effect concerns
  When patients feel they might be having an adverse drug effect, doctors will very often dismiss their concerns, a new study shows.

• August 27, 2007

  Statin withdrawal after stroke worsens outcome
  Discontinuing statin treatment after a stroke is associated with an increased risk of death or dependency after 90 days, according to a study in the medical journal Neurology.
• Kids burn more fat, and need more fat, than adults
  Children burn more body fat day-to-day than adults do, underscoring their need for a little extra fat in their diets, according to researchers.
• Older men's blood pressure sensitive to alcohol
  Regular drinking is known to raise blood pressure in some people, but the effect may depend largely on age and cholesterol levels, a study of Japanese men suggests.
• Guide to healthy eating for diabetics exposes myths
  A new report from Harvard Health Publications dispels common myths concerning diet and diabetes and explains what people with diabetes should eat to keep their blood sugar levels in check.
• Continued Statin Use Boosts Post-Stroke Outcomes
  Interrupting the drugs for even a few days can negatively impact recovery, study finds.

• August 23, 2007

  Cholesterol drugs may not reduce prostate cancer
  A class of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins, which include frequently prescribed drugs such as Lipitor and Zocor, do not lower levels of the sex hormone testosterone in men, and are therefore unlikely to affect the risk of prostate cancer, which is closely linked to this male hormone.
• Training cuts risk of sudden death while hiking
  People can reduce their risk of dying suddenly during a mountain hike by training for their climbs and by making sure any heart disease risk factors they may have are under control, Austrian researchers report.

• August 22, 2007

  Low vitamin D linked to greater rectal cancer risk
  The findings from a Japanese study suggest that low levels of vitamin D, may increase the risk of rectal but not colon cancer.
• When 'Good' Cholesterol Goes Bad
  HDL analysis uncovers a dark side, but also a new way it fights heart disease

• August 20, 2007

  Virgin olive oil may help keep blood clot-free
  Eating foods prepared with olive oils that are rich in phenols, substances though to have beneficial effects on the heart, may help ward off harmful blood clots in people with high cholesterol, Spanish researchers report.
• Handling Stress Properly Increases Good Cholesterol
  And that can help protect your arteries, study suggests.

• August 16, 2007

  Diet Still Important to Patients on Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
  They don't see medications as a license to eat fatty foods, study finds.
• Metabolic Pathway Could Boost 'Good' Cholesterol
  But the finding in mice must first be replicated in humans, researchers say
• Plant compounds blunt menopausal effects in rats
  Women who enter menopause often develop high blood pressure, insulin resistance (a risk factor for type 2 diabetes), and memory loss. New research conducted in menopausal rats suggests that polyphenols - compounds found in grapes, soy, and kudzu -- may blunt some of these side effects associated with menopause.

• August 15, 2007

  Review backs antidepressant effects of omega-3s
  The results of a major review of published research that examined the relationship between depression and level of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet suggest that omega-3 fatty acids have antidepressant effects. However, the researchers point out that the quality of the studies means it's still too soon to say definitively that omega-3s can treat depression or bipolar disorder.
• Below-normal weight may confer health benefits
  Even among men and women with normal weights and who are physically active, there are "statistically significant and clinically important" health benefits from minimizing their body weight, new research shows.

• August 14, 2007

  Counseling keeps kids' cholesterol down-study
  If children are told how to eat right, they actually listen - even if it means avoiding their favorite fatty foods, Finnish researchers said on Monday.
• Total Cholesterol, HDL Good Predictors of Heart Disease Risk
  There's no added benefit to measuring other lipids, researchers say.
• Guiding Kids to Better Diets Boosts Health
  Learning about saturated fat improved children's cholesterol, study found

• August 13, 2007

  Review backs performance benefits of phospholipids
  Supplementation with phospholipids -- fats that are key ingredients of cell membranes -- may help improve sports performance, according to the authors of a review of several studies.
• Pot Bellies Point to Heart Risk
  This kind of fat was strong indicator of trouble ahead, study found.
• Smoking Ups Risk for Age-Linked Vision Loss
  It may be prime cause of macular degeneration, study finds

• August 12, 2007

  U.S. Hispanics Focus of Free Cholesterol Checks
  Up to half have not been screened in the last 5 years, group says

• August 10, 2007

  Eating fish: good for heart, bad for environment?
  Doctors recommend a good dose of salmon or tuna in the diet because of its benefits to the heart. But is it good for the environment?

• August 10, 2007

  Obesity-Linked Woes Boost Kids' Lifetime Heart Risk
  'Metabolic syndrome' includes higher blood pressure, cholesterol

• August 8, 2007

  Statin drug works for teens with high cholesterol
  For children who inherit a predisposition to high cholesterol levels, starting treatment early with a cholesterol-lowering statin drug slows the build-up of plaque in their arteries, according to a new report.
• Milk may beat soy for building muscle
  Milk may be known for building bones, but new research suggests it's important in boosting muscle mass as well.
• Statins Might Ease Kids' Cholesterol Condition
  Familial hypercholesterolemia can greatly raise heart risks, experts say

• August 7, 2007

  Metabolic syndrome in kids ups adult heart risk
  Adults who had so-called metabolic syndrome when they were children have a substantially increased risk of having heart disease in their 30s, researchers report.

• August 7, 2007

  Doctors refine heart attack guidelines
  U.S. heart experts are calling for a two-pronged approach for treating patients with chest pain or heart attacks caused by partially blocked arteries, physicians groups said on Monday.

• August 6, 2007

  Pfizer wins U.S. approval for new HIV drug
  Pfizer Inc said on Monday that U.S. regulators approved its AIDS drug Selzentry, the first in a new class of oral HIV medicines.

• August 6, 2007

  Moderate exercise may beat intense workouts
  Moderate exercise like walking may be as good as or better than intense workouts when it comes to certain heart health measures, new research suggests.

• August 6, 2007

  Researchers pinpoint fever center in brain
  A tiny spot in the brain triggers fever in mice, U.S. researchers said on Sunday, and understanding how it works may lead to more specific drugs to control fever and other ills in humans.

• August 3, 2007

  Fat-burning defect in liver may cause obesity
  Rats with a genetic predisposition to burn fat more slowly tend to put on weight more readily than rodents bred to resist becoming obese, a new study shows.

• August 2, 2007

  Simvastatin may lower dementia and Parkinson's risk
  Simvastatin, a member of the cholesterol-lowering drug class called "statins," is associated with a "strong reduction" in the risk of developing dementia or Parkinson's disease, according to an analysis of US Veterans Affairs data. However, this effect was not seen with lovastatin or atorvastatin, two other statin drugs.

• July 31, 2007

  Breaking up workouts may burn fat faster
  Breaking up an exercise session, by adding a rest period in between, may boost a workout's fat-burning efficiency, a team of Japanese and Danish researchers reports.

• July 27, 2007

  Doctor-dietitian duo aids weight loss
  Getting advice from both a dietitian and a physician at the same time helps in achieving and maintaining weight loss, according to a new report.
• Heart disease tied to mental decline
  People who take steps to maintain the health of their heart and blood vessels may be protecting their brains too, a new study from UK researchers suggests.

• July 26, 2007

  Diesel Fumes Help Clog Arteries
  Researchers track the way particles trigger inflammation.
• Can cholesterol be too low? Study finds cancer link
  Lowering cholesterol as much as possible may reduce the risk of heart disease, but with a price -- taking it too low could raise the risk of cancer, U.S. researchers reported Tuesday.

• July 24, 2007

  Some polyunsaturated fats may protect the colon
  - the healthy fatty acid found in foods such as fish and nuts -- may reduce a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer.

• July 23, 2007

  Soda linked to increased metabolic risk
  The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increased among middle-aged adults who regularly drink carbonated soft drinks, even soda that is calorie-free, new research suggests.
• Very Low Cholesterol May Bump Up Cancer Risk
  But the effect is small, and people shouldn't abandon lifesaving statins, experts agree.
• U.S. Heart Failure Program Is Saving Lives
  Nationwide hospital-based effort makes for better care, study finds

• July 19, 2007

  Low cholesterol diet improves blood flow in fetus
  Consuming a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet during pregnancy seems to have a beneficial effect on blood flow in the fetus, Norwegian researchers report.

• July 18, 2007

  US food and drink companies will limit child ads
  Some of America's largest food and drink companies, such as Coca-Cola Co. and General Mills Inc., will adopt stricter controls on advertising aimed at children under 12, according to media reports on Wednesday.
• Diet does not improve breast cancer survival
  Among breast cancer survivors, adopting a low-fat diet high in vegetables, fruit and fiber does not prevent the cancer from returning or prolong survival, according to a paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

• July 17, 2007

  Hemp: From hippie haze to health food
  Hemp, a fast-growing plant best known for being a cousin of marijuana, is becoming increasingly popular for its impressive nutritional profile. But despite industrial hemp's nutritional benefits and popularity, it's still illegal to grow or process it in the United States.
• Healthiest Diet Made Little Difference to Breast Cancer Survivors
  Regimen exceeding national guidelines didn't protect more from recurrence, study finds.
• High Triglyceride Levels Linked to Cardiac Risk
  Findings could lead to changes in cholesterol testing.

• July 16, 2007

  Older diabetes drugs as effective as newer ones
  Older oral agents for type 2 diabetes, such as sulfonylureas and metformin, control blood sugar levels at least as well as newer, more expensive agents, such as the thiazolidinediones (Actos, Avandia), findings from a review study suggest.

• July 13, 2007

  Kids conceived by IVF may be taller than others
  Children born as a result of in vitro fertilization (IVF) appear to be slightly taller than naturally conceived children, investigators in New Zealand report.

• July 12, 2007

  Higher statin dose cuts heart risk in elderly
  For elderly patients with coronary disease, treatment with high doses of cholesterol-lowering Lipitor (known generically as atorvastatin) reduces the risk of heart-related events more than low doses, according to a new report.

• July 11, 2007

  Heart care sub par in older diabetics: study
  A low proportion of elderly individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes receive heart-protecting drugs like aspirin, blood pressure-lowering drugs and cholesterol-lowering drugs, according to a Canadian study.
• U.S.-born Hispanics may have poorer health than immigrants
  Hispanics born and raised in the United States may be in poorer health than new immigrants -- with higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.
• Anti-Obesity Drug Might Also Lower Cholesterol
  Early study in rats suggests rimonabant works though the liver

• July 4, 2007

  A statin soon after a heart attack beneficial: study
  Treatment with a statin drug after a person is hospitalized with a heart attack can reduce long-term mortality and prevent further heart events, Japanese researchers report.

• July 3, 2007

  Blood pressure drugs may keep arteries clean: study
  Blood pressure drugs beta-blockers can help keep arteries from clogging up, researchers said on Monday in a report that helps explain how the drugs prevent heart attack and sudden heart death.
• Men Put Their Health on the Back Burner
  Survey finds more than a quarter wait 'as long as possible' before seeking help
• Blood test signals heart disease in healthy people
  Measuring levels of an enzyme called myeloperoxidase in the blood may help predict whether apparently healthy individuals are likely to develop coronary artery disease in the future, according to a new report.

• July 2, 2007

  New York restaurants drop trans fats ahead of ban
  New Yorkers are worried that when a citywide ban on artificial trans fats goes into effect on Sunday, French fries will lose their crunch.
• Molecule Signals Heart Disease in Early Stages
  Study found high levels of protein predicted development of cardiovascular trouble.

• June 29, 2007

  Adequate sun exposure no guard against low vitamin D
  In many people, vitamin D levels can remain low despite abundant exposure to sunlight, research shows.

• June 28, 2007

  Excess weight has mixed heart effects in diabetics
  In patients with type 1 diabetes, excess body weight and fat seems to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. However, as weight and fat levels increase, the severity of heart disease lessens, researchers announced at the 67th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Chicago.
• Cholesterol drugs act against diabetic nerve pain
  New evidence suggests the same drugs that help reduce levels of artery-clogging cholesterol might prevent nerve damage brought on by diabetes, Australian researchers said on Friday.

• June 25, 2007

  Omega-3 fatty acids slow eye disease progression
  Dietary supplements of omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), the healthy fatty acid found in certain fish or fish oils, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and other foods, reduces the disease progress in the eye.

• June 22, 2007

  Prenatal omega-3 may boost baby's brainpower
  Children whose mothers get enough omega-3 fatty acid during pregnancy may have sharper problem-solving skills in infancy, a small study suggests.
• Canada threatens trans fat limits if no cuts made
  The Canadian government called on the food industry on Wednesday to tightly limit artery-clogging trans fats, and threatened mandatory cuts if enough is not done in the next two years.

• June 21, 2007

  Fitness level predicts heart problems
  Cardiovascular fitness may predict the odds of a future heart attack in men and women with no apparent signs of heart disease, a large study suggests.

• June 20, 2007

  Berlin court rules against Sanofi in Acomplia case
  Patients in Germany who are taking Sanofi-Aventis's anti-obesity pill Acomplia will not be reimbursed by their health insurers following a Berlin court ruling.
• Women Have Double the Risk of Mid-Life Stroke
  Study counters the notion that men are most vulnerable.
• Low 'energy density' foods aid weight loss
  Foods that fill you up without packing a ton of calories can help in the battle of the bulge, results of a new study suggest.

• June 19, 2007

  Geese get revenge: Pate may cause rare
  Geese force-fed and then slaughtered for their livers may get their final revenge on people who favor the delicacy known as foie gras: It may transmit a little-known disease known as amyloidosis, researchers reported on Monday.

• June 15, 2007

  Lung Illness Linked to Heart, Bone Problems
  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease speeds arterial stiffening and osteoporosis, research suggests.

• June 14, 2007

  Cholesterol-Lowering Zetia Also Works in Liver
  That's a newly discovered mechanism for the drug, scientists say
• Heart and Kidneys Share Tight Medical Bond
  When one system fails, so can the other, new research shows

• June 13, 2007

  Intractable epilepsy tied to nutritional deficits
  The nutrient levels in young children with poorly controlled seizure disorders is often below the recommended levels, researchers report.

• June 8, 2007

  Study finds vitamin D may cut women's cancer risk
  Large doses of vitamin D may reduce the risk of cancer, according to a four-year U.S. study published on Friday involving more than 1,100 women over the age of 55 in rural Nebraska.
• Spanish nuns show hops are good for you
  A study in which teetotal Spanish nuns drank a regular half-liter of beer showed that beer may help reduce cholesterol levels, a group financed by the Spanish Beer Makers' Association said on Thursday.

• June 7, 2007

  Diabetes care in nursing homes found lacking
  The care of people with diabetes in nursing homes may be falling short in a number of important areas, a new study suggests.
• Diabetes group urges patient caution on Avandia
  The latest studies on Avandia, GlaxoSmithKline's blockbuster diabetes drug, have raised enough questions about the drug's safety to worry the American Diabetes Association.
• New Drug Fails to Improve Odds for Heart Failure Patients
  Survival rates weren't better when compared with older medication, researchers say.

• June 4, 2007

  Omega-3 fats from food may lower blood pressure
  While research has shown that fish oil pills may lower high blood pressure, getting those heart-healthy fats from food might also help, a study published Monday suggests.
• High-Tech Imaging Might Advance Heart Disease Diagnosis
  Two technologies assess cardiac function and arterial health at once, developers say
• Long workouts best for raising good cholesterol
  People who want to boost their "good" HDL cholesterol levels with exercise will have to put in at least two hours of physical activity each week, an analysis of 25 studies shows.
• Vitamin A metabolite may play role in obesity
  A metabolite of vitamin A called retinaldehyde or "rald" inhibits the generation of fat tissue and increases insulin sensitivity, results of a study conducted in a Harvard University laboratory shows.

• May 31, 2007

  Fatty acid supplement may aid body fat loss
  Supplements containing the fatty acid conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may help the body shed excess fat, according to a new study.
• Diets high in meat boost skin cancer risk
  An Australian study hints that diets with high amounts of meat and fat compared with those rich in vegetables and fruit appear to increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin -- one of the most common forms of skin cancer.
• Soy Nuts Lower Blood Pressure in Postmenopausal Women
  Adding half a cup to daily diet also cut 'bad' cholesterol, study finds
• Soy nuts reduce blood pressure and cholesterol
  One half of a cup of soy nuts each day may work as well as anti-hypertension medication to lower blood pressure, a new study in postmenopausal women demonstrates.

• May 29, 2007

  Vitamin D may prevent age-related macular disease
  The results of a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology suggest that vitamin D may protect individuals from developing age-related macular degeneration.
• High-fat diet may increase ecstasy danger
  A high-fat diet may make people more vulnerable to a potentially lethal side effect of the drug ecstasy, new animal research suggests.
• Exercise May Boost 'Good' Cholesterol Levels
  Aerobic workouts 2 hours a week burned calories, too

• May 28, 2007

  Herb enthusiasts often do not stick to indications
  Roughly half of adults who use herbal supplements do not use them in accordance with "evidence-based" indications, US researchers report.

• May 25, 2007

  Nursing Homes Need Better Diabetes Care
  Study urges new protocols for monitoring patients' blood sugar, cardio risk factors

• May 23, 2007

  Fish oil plus exercise may banish body fat
  People looking to shed body fat might want to follow their workouts with a few capsules of fish oil, if preliminary research is correct.

• May 22, 2007

  Retinol reduces age-related wrinkles
  Treatment with retinol lotion can smooth the fine wrinkles that occur with age, and can also make the skin better able to withstand injury and resist ulcer formation, new research indicates.

• May 21, 2007

  Women lag men in cholesterol control
  There's a gap between men and women when it comes to getting "bad" cholesterol under control, a new study suggests.

• May 18, 2007

  Tomatoes fail as prostate cancer preventive
  A new study suggests that eating lycopene-rich tomatoes offers no protection against prostate cancer, contrary to the findings of some past studies. In fact, the researchers found an association between beta carotene, an antioxidant related to lycopene, and an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

• May 17, 2007

  Some cardiac risk factors modifiable in diabetics
  In patients with type 2 diabetes, the risk of having a first episode of coronary heart disease (CHD) depends on a number of factors, including sex; age; control of blood sugar (glucose), high cholesterol and small blood vessel (microvascular) disease. And some of these CHD risk factors can be modified by the patient.

• May 16, 2007

  Nutrition group sues Burger King over trans fats
  A nutrition advocacy group sued Burger King Holdings Inc. on Wednesday over the hamburger chain's use of frying oil that contains artery-clogging trans fats.
• Lifestyle Changes Help Older Women's Hearts After HRT
  Exercise, better diet cuts cardiovascular risks, study finds
• U.S. Women Lagging Behind Men for Cholesterol Control
  Doctors might underestimate the threat to females, researchers say.

• May 15, 2007

  Fatty acids may reduce macular degeneration risk
  High dietary levels of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, new research suggests.

• May 14, 2007

  Fish Oil-Exercise Combo May Boost Cardio Health
  Supplement plus workouts raise good cholesterol levels, study finds

• May 13, 2007

  New Cholesterol Check Gauges Kids' Heart Risk
  But the new tool might be too cumbersome for some doctors, one expert says.

• May 11, 2007

  Many High-Risk Patients Going Without Anti-Clotting Drugs
  Study also finds regional differences across U.S.
• Is 1 Pill Better Than 2 for Heart-Disease Protection?
  Single pill could be cheaper and more effective, study says, but one expert questions the finding.

• May 10, 2007

  Younger Women Fail to Heed Heart Attack's Warning Signs
  Focusing on chest pain may not be enough, experts warn.

• May 7, 2007

  Statins associated with reduced lung cancer risk
  Use of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may reduce the risk of lung cancer by about half, according to findings from a study reported this month.
• Statins Could Cut Lung Cancer Risk
  But promising findings need to be replicated elsewhere, experts say.

• May 4, 2007

  Ethanol byproduct can hurt pork quality-US experts
  Hogs that are fed high amounts of an ethanol byproduct that is a cheap alternative to corn could have excessive fat levels and the quality of certain pork products could be lowered, university scientists said.
• Statins may cut risk of cataracts by half
  Cholesterol-lowering "statin" drugs, such as Lipitor or Zocor, may protect the eyes as well as the heart. In a study of older adults, people who took statins had almost a 50 percent reduced risk of developing a cataract, a clouding of the lens of the eye.
• Statin Helps Keep Second Strokes at Bay
  Lipitor study supports use of cholesterol-lowering drugs after attacks, experts say.

• May 3, 2007

  New Drug Could Help Fight Bleeding Strokes
  It's one element of new American Heart Association guidelines.

• May 1, 2007

  High calcium, vitamin D intake may have a down side
  In one of the first studies to examine the relationship between diet and brain lesions, researchers observed that elderly people who reported higher calcium and vitamin D intake were much more likely to have greater volumes of brain lesions -- regions of damage that can increase risk of cognitive impairment.
• Fewer Heart Patients Dying After Hospitalization
  Improvements in care are cutting heart failure, mortality rates, study finds.

• April 30, 2007

  Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Aids Memory in Alzheimer's-Like Mice
  Zocor allowed animals to better navigate mazes, study found
• Pistachios May Take Bite Out of Cholesterol
  They have heart-healthy effects similar to leafy greens, study finds

• April 27, 2007

  Statins don't protect against cancer: study
  Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs help prevent heart attacks and may offer other health benefits, but contrary to what some people think they do not prevent cancer, a new study indicates.

• April 26, 2007

  Statin before bypass surgery may boost survival
  A study hints that taking a statin or other cholesterol-lowering drug before heart bypass surgery may boost survival. However, investigators caution that the improvement may be more directly associated with factors other than cholesterol-lowering medication.
• Omega-3 may fight Alzheimer brain changes
  A fatty acid found in fish may help thwart the buildup of brain proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, a study in mice suggests.

• April 25, 2007

  Expert panel urges junk food ban in schools
  Sugary drinks, fatty chips and gooey snack cakes should be banned from U.S. schools in the face of rising childhood obesity fueled by these junk foods, an expert panel said on Wednesday in a report requested by Congress.
• HIV Drugs May Raise Heart Attack Risk
  But the danger from protease inhibitors remains small, experts say.
• Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Bring Mixed Benefits
  High-dose statins may not be worth the cost for some heart patients, study finds

• April 24, 2007

  Fish oil may preserve thinking ability in elderly
  High blood levels of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, may help preserve thinking ability in the elderly, according to the findings of two studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The results were particularly striking among subjects with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
• New Angina Drug Fails to Cut Heart Attacks
  But ranolazine may still have a place in therapy, experts say.

• April 22, 2007

  Campaign Offers Easy Steps to Cutting Diabetes Risk
  ADA's 'CheckUp America' program launches this week

• April 20, 2007

  Obese pregnant women may have weaker contractions
  Obese pregnant women are known to be at increased risk of an unplanned C-section, and now a new study suggests that weaker contractions of the uterus may be one reason.

• April 20, 2007

  Newer Form of Heparin Better at Preventing Clots After Stroke
  Enoxaparin cut the risk by additional 43 percent, study found.
• Unhealthy Young Adults Are Harming Their Hearts
  Weight gain, hypertension quickly damage arteries, study shows

• April 18, 2007

  Health Tip: Some Drugs May React With Grapefruit Juice
  Speak with your doctor if you're taking any of these meds

• April 17, 2007

  Fatty acid tied to depression and inflammation
  The imbalance of fatty acids in the typical American diet could be associated with the sharp increase in heart disease and depression seen over the past century, a new study suggests.

• April 16, 2007

  Red and processed meat linked to breast cancer
  Women who eat a lot of meat, particularly red or processed meats, may be more likely to develop breast cancer, according to a large study of British women.
• Women do as well as men with heart treatment
  Women benefit as much as men from therapies used to prevent coronary artery disease, even though women tend to have higher cholesterol and other factors that lead to clogged arteries, according to investigators at the Cleveland Clinic.

• April 13, 2007

  Youngsters act on nutrition advice, study finds
  Children can be educated to choose skim or reduced-fat milk over whole milk and maintain calcium intake in the process, according to "important" new data from the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) trial.

• April 10, 2007

  Statin drugs lower respiratory death risk: study
  People who use statin drugs are less likely to die of influenza and chronic bronchitis, according to a study that shows yet another unexpected benefit of the cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Co-Payments Cut Statin Use
  Discontinuing the cholesterol drugs could lead to higher health-care costs, study says.
• Income and food cost concerns affect diet: study
  Income and education level, and the perceived price of certain foods, impact what Americans eat and the overall diet of the US adult population, according to survey data from a nationally representative group of more than 4300 Americans 20 to 65 years old.

• April 4, 2007

  CORRECTION: Eggs will raise your cholesterol, and other myths
  Avoid eggs. Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Eating carbs will make you fat. Nutritional advice such as this has been touted for years -- but is it accurate?
• Health Tip: Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
  What's the difference?
• Eggs will raise your cholesterol, and other myths
  Avoid eggs. Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Eating carbs will make you fat. Nutritional advice such as this has been touted for years -- but is it accurate?

• April 3, 2007

  Molecule Could Hold Key to Cholesterol
  Discovery of blood vessel compound may lead to better treatments, scientists say.

• April 2, 2007

  Vitamin K May Help Clear Arteries
  Animal study finds it reduces buildup of calcium in vessels

• March 30, 2007

  Schizophrenia drug has fewer side effects
  An investigational schizophrenia drug called bifeprunox appears to have fewer worrisome side effects than current agents used to treat schizophrenia -- a disease marked by distorted thinking and hallucinations.
• Heart Patients Seek Guidance on Stents, Statins
  Experts offer advice after recent flurry of controversial studies.

• March 29, 2007

  New guidelines issued for lipid-lowering in kids
  The American Heart Association has released new guidelines for drugs that reduce high cholesterol levels, primarily statin drugs like Lipitor, in children and adolescents with high-risk cholesterol, and especially in children from families with familial hypercholesterolemia.
• Low-cal ketogenic diet slows brain cancer in mice
  A calorically restricted ketogenic diet decreases the growth of malignant brain tumors in laboratory mice, according to an online report in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism.

• March 28, 2007

  Calcium, vitamin D may ward off colorectal cancer
  People who consume relatively high levels of calcium and dairy products and take vitamin D supplements seem to be protected to some degree against colorectal cancer, researchers have found.
• MRI Technique Could Predict Heart Attack Risk
  It tracks cholesterol-like molecules to show points of artery weakness.

• March 27, 2007

  Diabetes, Hypertension Explain Blacks' Higher Risk for Heart Failure
  Controlling these two factors should lower disease rates, experts say
• High Trans Fat Intake Triples Heart Disease Risk
  Fast-food component is even more dangerous than suspected, study finds.
• Trans fats linked to greater heart disease risk
  A study published today supports recent efforts to rid the American diet of trans fats. In the study, women with the highest levels of trans fat in their blood had triple the risk of heart disease as those with the lowest levels.
• Experimental drug to raise cholesterol fails study
  An experimental drug developed by Australia's CSL Ltd. designed to raise levels of the "good" type of cholesterol failed to reduce fatty plaque in heart arteries, said researchers who reported the findings on Monday.

• March 26, 2007

  Blueberry-rich diet may keep the colon healthy
  A natural antioxidant abundant in blueberries called pterostilbene may help prevent colon cancer, according to an animal study reported Sunday in Chicago at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society.
• Studies Highlight Pitfalls of Drug-Coated Stents
  For example, many patients don't take drugs that can ward off dangerous clots.
• Drugs That Boost HDL Cholesterol Not Ready for Prime Time
  But researchers say the concept remains valid in fight against heart disease.

• March 23, 2007

  Low-carb diet speeds initial weight loss: study
  In a study of overweight and obese people, those who went on a low carbohydrate diet lost more weight -- and more fat -- than their peers who went on a low-fat, portion-controlled diet.

• March 22, 2007

  Omega-3 fatty acids linked to denser bones in men
  Omega-3 fatty acids may help build young men's bone strength, research hints.
• Heart Association Backs Statin Use for At-Risk Kids
  Those with family history of heart disease, diabetes could benefit from cholesterol drug therapy, revised guidelines now say.

• March 21, 2007

  Vitamin D in pregnancy may reduce childhood wheeze
  High levels of vitamin D, obtained through the diet or through supplements, during pregnancy appear to reduce the risk of recurrent wheeze or wheeze symptoms in early childhood, according to the findings of two studies reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

• March 19, 2007

  Eating extra soy may not promote weight loss
  Adding soy-protein-rich foods while cutting calories doesn't accelerate weight loss, a new study shows.

• March 15, 2007

  Obesity's Ties to Heart Disease Still Unclear
  More research is needed, experts say, especially when it comes to gender differences
• Americans Not Eating Enough Fruits and Veggies
  National goals for a healthy diet are still not being met, CDC report shows.

• March 8, 2007

  Obese Mexican outside for first time in five years
  A Mexican man who once weighed half a tonne left his house for the first time in five years on Wednesday after losing 440 pounds (200 kg) through diet and exercise.
• Growth spurts tied to lower cholesterol later
  Middle-aged adults who'd had the greatest growth spurts by age 2 generally had lower levels of total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol. The same was true of those who'd shot up in height after the age of 15, researchers report in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
• Lactation improves mothers' cholesterol profile
  Some of the adverse impact of pregnancy on HDL ("good") cholesterol levels may be offset by lactation, suggests a new study.
• U.S. study tips scale in favor of Atkins diet
  A study of four popular diets found that women put on the one with the least carbohydrates -- the Atkins plan -- lost at least twice as much weight as those on the others, researchers said on Tuesday.
• Pfizer says Lipitor gets 5 more FDA-approved uses
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved expanded use of Pfizer Inc.'s blockbuster cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor to five new categories, the company said on Wednesday.
• Stress, Obesity Taking Toll on Latin Americans' Health
  Changes in diet, society are boosting heart disease risk, study finds.

• March 6, 2007

  Atkins Pounds Other Popular Diets in U.S. Test
  But yearlong study can't predict high-fat plan's long-term safety, experts warn.

• March 5, 2007

  Depression Worsens Outcomes for Heart Failure Patients
  Study finds more than 50% of subjects likely to die or be hospitalized for condition

• March 2, 2007

  Hispanic Women's Hearts at High Risk: Study
  Contrary to popular wisdom, they develop signs of heart disease earlier than white women.
• Whole-Grain Cereals Cut Heart Risks: Study
  High-fiber breakfast not just for kids anymore, researchers say

• March 1, 2007

  One Family's Gene Defect May Help Explain Heart Disease
  Finding supports the notion of a 'metabolic syndrome,' scientists say.
• Cholesterol Management Key for Patients at Risk for Stroke
  Adhering to guidelines could prevent many attacks, study finds
• Do Early Growth Spurts Protect Against Bad Cholesterol?
  Finding suggests adult heart disease may have roots in childhood.

• February 28, 2007

  Education Works to Lower Patients' Heart Risk
  Simple intervention kept blood pressure, cholesterol levels down, study found

• February 26, 2007

  Many Stroke Patients Have High Cholesterol
  Getting levels under control could prevent many of these attacks, experts say
• New Beta Blocker Drug Reduces Heart Risks
  Coreg cut heart attacks, strokes compared to older drug, company-funded study found.
• Study Crushes Garlic's Claim to Lower Cholesterol
  Neither the fresh or pill-packaged varieties brought LDL levels down.
• Gene Variant Keeps Blood Triglyceride Levels Low
  And it's much more common in whites than blacks, research shows.
• Black Soya Beans May Help Prevent Weight Gain
  Rat study suggests they also lower cholesterol, help prevent diabetes

• February 19, 2007

  Experts Issue New Heart Disease Guidelines for Women
  American Heart Association recommendations now focus on a woman's lifetime risk.
• Lowering Cholesterol Lowers Women's Stroke Risk
  Start paying attention to this risk factor when young, experts urge.

• February 16, 2007

  Experts Devise New Women's Heart Risk Predictor
  It will help more women get the help they need sooner, cardiologists say.

• February 8, 2007

  Better Control of Diabetes Could Reduce Stroke
  Most patients didn't manage their symptoms before attack, study found

• February 6, 2007

  Study Sees Benefits in Boosting Levels of 'Good' Cholesterol
  Doing so helps reduce plaque in arteries.

• February 2, 2007

  Gene Variant May Predict Heart Disease, Stroke
  Early signs of trouble seen in gene carriers

• January 26, 2007

  U.S. Kids' Health Habits Put Them at Risk
  Only about 2% meet current guidelines for exercise and diet, study finds

• January 23, 2007

  Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Heart Risk: Study
  The syndrome includes factors such as obesity and high blood pressure.

• January 18, 2007

  Some Blood Pressure Drugs Boost Diabetes Risk
  Treatment should be tailored to individual patients, experts say.

• January 12, 2007

  Low-Income Minorities at Risk for Peripheral Artery Disease
  Study urges importance of education, screenings to help curb amputations in worst cases

• January 10, 2007

  Experimental Drug Tackles Inherited High Cholesterol
  But study was small and the compound has downsides, experts caution.

• January 8, 2007

  Early Blood Pressure Problems Signal Heart Trouble
  Study of young American Indians found hypertension raised risk for enlarged heart
• Girls Most Likely to Gain Weight as Pre-Teens
  Report urges interventions before the age of 9 or 10

• January 6, 2007

  Boost Your Health With Spices
  Substituting herbs for salts and fats contributes to a better diet, expert says

• January 4, 2007

  Liver Sugars May Help Control Triglycerides
  The blood fats are a major cause of artery-clogging illness

• December 28, 2006

  Cholesterol's Role in Parkinson's Remains Elusive
  Study finds a paradox as subjects with low levels of 'bad' LDL more likely to have disease
• Heart Disease, Stroke Still Big Killers
  Latest U.S. statistics suggest obesity, smoking are largely to blame.

• December 23, 2006

  Healthy Hearts Never Take a Holiday
  Expert suggests giving yourself a present by watching alcohol and food intake year-round

• December 20, 2006

  Traditional Heart Risk Factors Outdo Biomarkers
  Researcher says newer measures not ready for primetime

• December 13, 2006

  Researchers Uncover Process Leading to Arterial Plaque Rupture
  Findings may be key to alternative therapies to prevent strokes, heart attacks

• December 11, 2006

  Raising 'Good' Cholesterol Levels Still a Worthy Goal
  Despite death of Pfizer drug, researchers say investigation of concept should continue.

• December 8, 2006

  Huntington's Disease Linked to High Brain Cholesterol
  Progressive neurological illness may stem from lipid overdelivery

• December 7, 2006

  Statin Users Risk Heart Attacks by Stopping Treatment
  Dutch study finds chance for incident increased at least 30 percent.

• December 6, 2006

  New York City Bans Trans Fats at Restaurants
  As of July 2007, restaurants will not be permitted to use most frying oils that contain artery-clogging trans fats and by July 2008 they won't be allowed to serve any foods that contain trans fats.

• December 4, 2006

  Doctors Divided Over Loss of Experimental Cholesterol Drug
  Pfizer compound sought to raise 'good' cholesterol, but trial revealed unacceptable death rate.
• Blood Pressure Often Higher in Boys Than Girls
  Finding might explain why men are more prone to hypertension, experts say

• November 28, 2006

  Statins Cut Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke in Those Without Heart Disease
  But the drugs didn't reduce threat of coronary heart disease or overall death.

• November 27, 2006

  Newly Depressed Heart-Attack Patients at Cardiac Risk
  Their odds of second attack are higher than for those with prior history of depression, study finds.

• November 17, 2006

  Bad Diet? Urine Test May Tell
  It's a quick, cheap way for doctors to assess eating habits, study finds

• November 16, 2006

  Higher Resting Heart Rate May Boost Death Risk
  Odds rose with more frequent beats per minute, study found
• Low Cholesterol Lowers Risk for Aggressive Prostate Cancer
  But men's overall risk for prostate tumors remains the same, study finds

• November 13, 2006

  Low-Carb Diet Can Be Heart-Healthy
  But get dietary fats from plant sources, not meat, experts say.

• November 12, 2006

  Clogged Arteries Showing Up in Kids
  Fatty diets, lack of exercise are boosting children's heart risks, study shows.

• November 9, 2006

  Cholesterol Control Boosts Lymphoma Survivors' Outcomes
  Cancer treatment leaves patients prone to heart disease, experts note

• November 7, 2006

  Malaria Drug May Fight Metabolic Syndrome
  Chloroquine is giving clues to the group of risk factors that harm the heart.

• October 13, 2006

  Keep Your Heart in Tick Tock Shape
  Nutrition expert Heather Reese gives tips on how to keep your heart healthy.

• Striking Back After a Stroke: Cleo's Story
  I'm Cleo Hutton, a nurse, author, speaker, stroke hero, and advocate for other stroke heroes and their families.   Life is not a bed of roses. Among those beautiful and delicate roses are many thorns. I had a sudden devastating stroke at the age of 43.