Latest news with #JournaloftheAmericanHeartAssociation
UPI
2 days ago
- Health
- UPI
Pizza, soup, chicken among biggest sources of sodium for Americans
But beyond the common love for pizza, soup and chicken, the ways different groups of Americans consume too much sodium vary widely, researchers found. Photo by Brett Jordan/ Pexels These days Americans can agree on few things, but unfortunately, pizza, soup and chicken aren't among them, a new study says. Those three foods are some of the main sources of sodium for Americans of all racial and ethnic groups, contributing to high blood pressure and heart disease in the United States, researchers reported Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. But beyond the common love for pizza, soup and chicken, the ways different groups of Americans consume too much sodium vary widely, researchers found. For example, Asian American adults are more likely to add salt in their cooking, but less likely to sprinkle it at the table, results show. Meanwhile, Black Americans are more likely to try to reduce their salt intake, often on the advice of their doctor, researchers say. The average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day, far above the American Heart Association's recommended 2,300 mg. for healthy people and 1,500 mg. for those with high blood pressure, researchers said in background notes. "The World Health Organization calls sodium reduction one of the most cost-effective strategies for addressing chronic conditions such as heart disease," said lead researcher Jessica Cheng, a postdoctoral research fellow in epidemiology at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. "High sodium intake can even affect non-heart-related diseases like kidney disease," she added in a news release. For the study, researchers analyzed data gathered by a federal survey on health and nutrition from 2017 to 2020, to see what racial and ethnic differences there might be when it comes to sodium intake. Results showed that pizza, soup and chicken were among the top 10 sources of sodium for every racial and ethnic group in America. After that, the top sources of sodium tended to vary widely: Four culturally unique foods accounted for more than 14% of daily sodium for Asian Americans -- soy sauce, fish, stir-fry sauces and fried rice/chow mein dishes. Mixed dishes represented unique top sources of sodium for Mexican Americans, including enchiladas, tamales, gorditas, chimichangas, quesadillas, fajitas and chiles relleños. Chicken patties, nuggets and tenders are among the top sodium sources for Black Americans. However, there's some potentially good news. Prior studies might have overestimated how much sodium Asian Americans get by assuming that the rice they eat is salted, researchers said. "Culturally, not all Asians salt plain rice," Cheng said. "If they don't add salt to rice when cooking, then their sodium intake is among the lowest across all racial and ethnic groups." Regardless of a person's background, cutting back on salt will boost their health, she said. "Based on these findings, I suggest varying your diet and adding more potassium-rich foods such as vegetables, which can also help reduce blood pressure," Cheng said. "You don't have to avoid pizza completely; eat it less often or try making it at home with low-sodium cheese, dough and tomato sauce you make from scratch." The knowledge gathered in the new study "is critical for health professionals counseling patients on how they can reduce sodium in their lives and within their families," American Heart Association spokesman Dr. Stephen Juraschek said in a news release. "Interventions targeting sodium reduction should account for differences among groups and tailor to patients' unique needs," added Juraschek, who was not involved in the study. More information The American Heart Association has tips on shaking the salt habit. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
Too much salt? How sodium consumption varies by culture
It's no secret that adults in the U.S. consume more sodium on a daily basis than what's recommended – often through prepared foods, such as pizza, cold cuts, canned soup and bread. But sodium intake patterns can vary by race and ethnicity, suggesting a need for culturally tailored advice, according to new research. On average, an adult in the U.S. consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day. That's significantly more than the maximum 2,300 mg – about a teaspoon of table salt – recommended by federal dietary guidelines and the American Heart Association. Excess sodium consumption can increase the risk of high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. For adults with high blood pressure, the American Heart Association says the ideal daily limit of sodium is 1,500 mg. "High sodium intake can even affect non-heart-related diseases like kidney disease," lead study author Dr. Jessica Cheng said in a news release. Cheng is a postdoctoral research fellow in epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. Cheng and her team used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data collected from 2017 to March 2020 to analyze differences in sodium intake by race and ethnicity. Their findings were published May 28 in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The roughly 8,000 survey participants self-reported what they ate in the previous 24-hour period, as well as the type and frequency of salt used in cooking and at the table. Pizza, soup and whole pieces of chicken ranked among the main sources of sodium regardless of the participant's race and ethnicity, researchers found. Tacos, burritos and Mexican mixed dishes – which Cheng said included enchiladas, tamales and chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers) – were among top sources of sodium for Mexican American adults. For Black adults, chicken patties, nuggets and tenders were a unique source of sodium. For white participants, the main sources were cold cuts and cured meats, cheese and mixed meat dishes. Among Asian American adults, four culturally unique foods made up more than 14% of their daily sodium consumption: soy-based condiments; fish; fried rice and lo/chow mein; and stir-fry/soy-based sauce mixtures. About two-thirds of Black participants reported making an attempt to reduce their sodium intake, more than any of the other groups. They also had the highest rate of being advised by a doctor to lower their sodium consumption. The study also found that Asian American adults were most likely to use salt while cooking, but they were least likely to use it at the table. Cheng and her team also examined an assumption within the NHANES database that rice is salted. Changing that assumption to unsalted had little effect for most groups in the study. However, it reduced the daily sodium intake of Asian American adults by nearly 325 mg. Cheng said sodium intake among Asian Americans may have been overestimated because it was assumed salt was added to rice. That assumption led to research that showed Asian Americans have the highest sodium intake of all racial and ethnic groups. However, "culturally, not all Asians salt plain rice. If they don't add salt to rice when cooking, then their sodium intake is among the lowest across all racial and ethnic groups." Dr. Stephen P. Juraschek said the new study raises awareness of how sodium is introduced across cultural groups in the U.S. "Such knowledge is critical for health professionals counseling patients on how they can reduce sodium in their lives and within their families," said Juraschek, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate professor of nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He was not involved in the research. Efforts to target sodium reduction "should account for differences among groups and tailor to patients' unique needs," he said in the news release. Cheng agreed. "Researchers, health care professionals and policymakers should help people understand the sodium content in packaged foods, restaurant meals, home cooking and table salt while suggesting methods to cut their salt intake," Cheng said. And lowering sodium intake doesn't have to be difficult, Cheng said. Either use a salt substitute or just vary your diet and add more potassium-rich foods such as vegetables, which can also help reduce blood pressure, she said. "You don't have to avoid pizza completely; eat it less often or try making it at home with low-sodium cheese, dough and tomato sauce you make from scratch."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
PREVENT equation accurately estimated 10-year CVD risk and those with calcium buildup
Research Highlights: The American Heart Association's PREVENTTM risk calculator accurately identified participants who had calcium buildup in their heart arteries and those who had a higher future heart attack risk, in an analysis of about 7,000 adults in New York City referred for heart disease screening. The PREVENT scores also predicted future heart attack risk. Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (NewMediaWire) - May 21, 2025 - DALLAS The PREVENTTM risk calculator helped to identify people with plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart, in addition to predicting their risk of a future heart attack, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. In addition, when combining PREVENT and a coronary calcium score, risk prediction was further improved, with patients with the highest risk of heart attack matched the group of participants who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. "These findings are important because when we can better predict a patient's risk of heart attack, we can also tailor care and determine who may benefit from treatment to prevent a heart attack, such as cholesterol-lowering medications," said corresponding author Morgan Grams, M.D., Ph.D., the Susan and Morris Mark Professor of Medicine and Population Health at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. The PREVENT (Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs) risk calculator, released by the American Heart Association in 2023, can estimate 10-year and 30-year risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure or all three in adults as young as age 30. PREVENT factors in age, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, Type 2 diabetes status, social determinants of health, smoking and kidney function to estimate future risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure. One tool for screening heart health is coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), a non-invasive imaging test that visualizes plaque buildup in the heart's arteries. From the CCTA, patients are given a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, which helps to inform decisions about heart disease prevention and treatment, including when it may be appropriate to prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications. In this study, researchers investigated whether the PREVENT score matched the level of calcium buildup according to the CAC score. In addition, they used the PREVENT risk assessment and coronary artery calcium scores, separately and in combination, to predict future heart attack risk and assessed the accuracy of each with the participants who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. They reviewed electronic health records for nearly 7,000 adults who had had CCTA screening at NYU Langone Health in New York City between 2010 and 2024. The analysis found that for all participants: The PREVENT tool-estimated risk of a heart attack was low (less than 5%) for 43.6% of patients; mildly elevated (5%-7.5%) for 15.8% of the participants; moderately increased (7.5%-20%) for 34.4.%; and high (more than 20%) for 6.2% of people in the study. PREVENT scores were directly correlated with CAC scores, meaning those who had high PREVENT scores, indicating a higher risk of heart attack, matched the group who had higher CAC scores. PREVENT risk ranked as low-to-mildly elevated was associated with CAC of less than or equal to 1, which indicates low risk of heart attack. PREVENT risk ranked as moderate-high was associated with participants who had a CAC score higher than 100, which indicates moderate-to-high risk of heart attack. Researchers then added the CAC score to the PREVENT tool to calculate risk of future heart attack, and, together, they more accurately identified the participants who were at higher risk and who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. "The findings illustrate that PREVENT is accurate in identifying people who may have subclinical risk for cardiovascular disease, meaning blocked arteries before symptoms develop," said Grams. "This study used a real-world set of patients, so our findings are important in shaping future guidelines on the use of the PREVENT calculator and coronary computed tomography angiography." Study co-author and American Heart Association volunteer expert Sadiya Khan, M.D., MSc., FAHA, said the CAC score can help classify risk for heart disease by analyzing calcium buildup. "CT scans to evaluate for coronary calcium and extent of coronary artery calcium buildup may be useful when patients are uncertain if they want to start lipid-lowering therapy or if lipid-lowering therapy should be intensified. We have so many tools in our armamentarium for reducing risk of heart attack, we want to be able to optimize treatments for patients, and especially those with higher risk," said Khan, who chaired the writing group for the Association's 2023 Scientific Statement announcing PREVENT, Novel Prediction Equations for Absolute Risk Assessment of Total Cardiovascular Disease Incorporating Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health. Study details, background and design: More than 9 million electronic health records at NYU Langone Health in New York City were reviewed and included adults who had coronary computed tomography angiography performed between 2010 and 2024. Participants in this analysis included 6,961 adults between the ages of 30 and 79 years with no history of heart disease. Their average age was 57.5 years; 53% were women, and 77% were noted in the electronic health records as white adults. Participants' CAC scores were compared to the PREVENT scores calculated based on data in the electronic health records including demographics, vital signs, laboratory values and coexisting conditions. Participants who had a heart attack were noted according to the standard ICD-10 diagnosis codes in the electronic health records. Overall, there were 485 heart attacks during the average of 1.2 years of follow-up. Investigators evaluated the accuracy of using PREVENT or CAC score vs. both PREVENT and CAC combined to predict heart attack risk and compared this to data for patients with an ICD-10 code for heart attack. The study had several limitations, including that patients were screened at a single institution and the majority of participants were noted as white, so the findings may not be generalizable to other people. The analysis only included people who had undergone coronary calcium screening, and electronic health records were the sole source of data. In addition, the follow-up time was short at 1.2 years, and the presence of non-calcified plaque in the heart's arteries was not assessed. Finally, the study may overestimate the prevalence of coronary artery calcium in low-risk people since participants in this study were referred for CCTA/CAC score by a health care professional, which means they may have more heart disease risk factors than the general population. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of release link. After May 21, 2025, view the manuscript online. AHA news release: New scientific research will test PREVENT risk calculator among diverse groups (Feb. 2024) AHA news release: Leading cardiologists reveal new heart disease risk calculator (Nov. 2023) Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews Follow news from the Journal of the American Heart Association @JAHA_AHA ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Bridgette McNeill: For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
PREVENT equation accurately estimated 10-year CVD risk and those with calcium buildup
Research Highlights: Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, May 21, 2025 ( NewMediaWire ) - May 21, 2025 - DALLAS — The PREVENTTM risk calculator helped to identify people with plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart, in addition to predicting their risk of a future heart attack, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. In addition, when combining PREVENT and a coronary calcium score, risk prediction was further improved, with patients with the highest risk of heart attack matched the group of participants who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. 'These findings are important because when we can better predict a patient's risk of heart attack, we can also tailor care and determine who may benefit from treatment to prevent a heart attack, such as cholesterol-lowering medications,' said corresponding author Morgan Grams, M.D., Ph.D., the Susan and Morris Mark Professor of Medicine and Population Health at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. The PREVENT (Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs) risk calculator, released by the American Heart Association in 2023, can estimate 10-year and 30-year risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure or all three in adults as young as age 30. PREVENT factors in age, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, Type 2 diabetes status, social determinants of health, smoking and kidney function to estimate future risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure. One tool for screening heart health is coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), a non-invasive imaging test that visualizes plaque buildup in the heart's arteries. From the CCTA, patients are given a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, which helps to inform decisions about heart disease prevention and treatment, including when it may be appropriate to prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications. In this study, researchers investigated whether the PREVENT score matched the level of calcium buildup according to the CAC score. In addition, they used the PREVENT risk assessment and coronary artery calcium scores, separately and in combination, to predict future heart attack risk and assessed the accuracy of each with the participants who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. They reviewed electronic health records for nearly 7,000 adults who had had CCTA screening at NYU Langone Health in New York City between 2010 and 2024. The analysis found that for all participants: 'The findings illustrate that PREVENT is accurate in identifying people who may have subclinical risk for cardiovascular disease, meaning blocked arteries before symptoms develop,' said Grams. 'This study used a real-world set of patients, so our findings are important in shaping future guidelines on the use of the PREVENT calculator and coronary computed tomography angiography.' Study co-author and American Heart Association volunteer expert Sadiya Khan, M.D., MSc., FAHA, said the CAC score can help classify risk for heart disease by analyzing calcium buildup. 'CT scans to evaluate for coronary calcium and extent of coronary artery calcium buildup may be useful when patients are uncertain if they want to start lipid-lowering therapy or if lipid-lowering therapy should be intensified. We have so many tools in our armamentarium for reducing risk of heart attack, we want to be able to optimize treatments for patients, and especially those with higher risk,' said Khan, who chaired the writing group for the Association's 2023 Scientific Statement announcing PREVENT, Novel Prediction Equations for Absolute Risk Assessment of Total Cardiovascular Disease Incorporating Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health. Study details, background and design: The study had several limitations, including that patients were screened at a single institution and the majority of participants were noted as white, so the findings may not be generalizable to other people. The analysis only included people who had undergone coronary calcium screening, and electronic health records were the sole source of data. In addition, the follow-up time was short at 1.2 years, and the presence of non-calcified plaque in the heart's arteries was not assessed. Finally, the study may overestimate the prevalence of coronary artery calcium in low-risk people since participants in this study were referred for CCTA/CAC score by a health care professional, which means they may have more heart disease risk factors than the general population. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Bridgette McNeill: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What is ‘Broken Heart Syndrome': Why men are dying more than women from it
A new large-scale study has uncovered a surprising and concerning trend: men are more than twice as likely to die from stress-induced heart failure—commonly known as " broken heart syndrome "—compared to women. And that's despite the fact that women make up the majority of cases. This condition, officially called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy , is typically triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, such as the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, or major surgery. It mimics a heart attack, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations—but unlike a typical heart attack, it doesn't involve blocked arteries. Study finds men twice as likely to die from 'Broken Heart Syndrome' than women The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , analyzed nearly 200,000 hospitalizations between 2016 and 2020. Here's what researchers found: Overall in-hospital death rate: 6.5% Women's death rate: 5.5% Men's death rate: 11.2% Dr. Mohammad Reza Movahed, a cardiologist at the University of Arizona, called the high death rate among men "alarming" and emphasized the urgent need for better treatments and more research. Major complications linked to the condition The condition can lead to serious health issues if not treated quickly: Heart failure – 35.9% Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) – 20.7% Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 착용했을 때, 더 뿌듯한 팔찌 유니세프 지금 기부하기 Undo Cardiogenic shock – 6.6% Stroke – 5.3% Cardiac arrest – 3.4% Who's most at risk? Age matters: People over 61 were at the highest risk, but even adults between 46–60 were up to 3.25 times more likely to be affected than those under 45. Race matters too: White adults had the highest rate (0.16%), followed by Native Americans (0.13%) and Black adults (0.07%). Why are men dying more often from 'Broken Heart Syndrome'? Even though 83% of the cases occurred in women, men had worse outcomes. Why? Experts point to a few key differences: Men are more likely to face physical stressors (like surgery or illness), while women often face emotional ones (like grief or job loss). Emotional triggers, it turns out, are linked to better recovery outcomes. Men may also lack social support, which is crucial for healing. Without that support, recovery can be slower and more dangerous. No progress in 5 years One of the most troubling findings? Mortality rates didn't improve at all over the five-year study period—a clear sign that current treatments aren't working well enough. The study also hinted that factors like hospital resources, income levels, and insurance status may affect outcomes, though more research is needed. Takeaway Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may sound poetic, but it's anything but harmless. Especially for men, it can be deadly. These findings are a wake-up call for doctors and patients alike: emotional and physical stress can break more than just hearts—it can end lives. Love Without Limits or Ethics? The Rise of 'Risky Relationships' Explained One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
