Latest news with #cardiovascularresearch
Medscape
5 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Rapid Review Quiz: Chocolate and Health
Cocoa, the core ingredient in chocolate, has gained attention not only for its flavor, but also for its health benefits. As a rich source of dietary polyphenols, cocoa is being studied for its role in supporting cardiovascular health through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular effects. Ongoing research has explored its impact on cardiometabolic risk markers, endothelial function, and various cardiovascular outcomes. Cocoa-based products also provide essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that might influence metabolic and vascular health in complex ways. With large, randomized trials and mechanistic studies continuing to explore these associations, healthcare professionals are increasingly interested in the implications for dietary guidance and prevention strategies. Do you know the latest research on cocoa and its health benefits? Test yourself with this short quiz. Results from the large randomized trial COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study showed that after 3.6 years of follow up, cocoa extract (500 mg flavanols/d, including 80 mg (–)[-]-epicatechin) consumption was associated with a 10% lower rate of total cardiovascular events in older adults, including myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, and unstable angina, though this reduction was not statistically significant. However, cocoa supplementation led to a statistically significant 27% reduction in cardiovascular disease death. Among participants who consistently adhered to the supplementation, there was a significant 16% reduction in major cardiovascular events compared with the placebo group. Learn more about cardiovascular disease. Dark chocolate consumption, when combined with physical activity, can benefit endothelial function primarily by improving nitric oxide. This effect is largely due to flavanols, compounds in dark chocolate that help relax blood vessels and enhance vascular responsiveness. This leads to improved oxygen delivery and reduced oxidative stress, both essential for maintaining healthy endothelial function. Although the antioxidant effects of polyphenols might reduce oxidative stress, limited direct evidence supports that dark chocolate significantly reduces plaque formation. Though dark chocolate can influence heart rate variability, this reflects autonomic balance rather than direct heart rate stabilization. Even though some metabolic benefits exist, the most immediate and well-supported vascular benefit of dark chocolate is its enhancement of nitric oxide production and not insulin regulation. Learn more about plaque formation/atherosclerosis. Cocoa (the main ingredient in chocolate) is especially rich in magnesium, making chocolate a notable dietary source. Magnesium stands out for its key role in regulating both blood sugar and blood pressure. It supports normal muscle and nerve function, helps maintain a steady heartbeat, and plays a role in glucose metabolism. Sodium is not abundant in chocolate and is more commonly associated with increased, rather than regulated, blood pressure when consumed in excess. Zinc is present in small amounts and plays a greater role in immune and enzymatic functions than in glucose or blood pressure regulation. Iron is found in modest amounts and is primarily involved in oxygen transport rather than metabolic or cardiovascular control. Learn more about magnesium. Regular cocoa consumption has been associated with modest reductions in total cholesterol, likely due to flavonoids. These compounds might reduce cholesterol absorption and LDL production. The effect appears more pronounced in individuals with existing health conditions, supporting cardiovascular health. Cocoa has not consistently been shown to lower triglycerides, likely because it lacks components like reduced sugar and alcohol, which more directly influence triglyceride levels. Although cocoa might modestly lower LDL, increases in HDL cholesterol have not been reliably reported, as it lacks specific fats that typically raise HDL. Learn more about LDL cholesterol. Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat found in chocolate, has been linked to heart health benefits. It might help protect blood vessels and reduce cardiovascular risk by modulating harmful cellular processes and supporting normal platelet function. Palmitic acid and stearic acid (saturated fats also present in cocoa) do not offer the same protection. Palmitic acid is associated with adverse effects on heart cell membranes, whereas stearic acid has a neutral impact on cholesterol and no clear cardiovascular benefit. Margaric acid, another saturated fat, is found in much smaller amounts and lacks strong evidence of any heart-protective role. Learn more about platelet disorders.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Sense of hope is key for heart patients, study finds
Heart patients who are pessimistic about their condition have an increased risk of dying or suffering a heart attack, according to academics who studied people undergoing treatment at an acute research was commissioned by the British Heart Foundation and presented to the British Cardiovascular Society."Our systematic review suggests that hopelessness could increase people's risk of death," said Dr Alexander Montasem, a senior lecturer in researchers, from the University of Liverpool and Lancashire Cardiac Centre, noted that one previous study of men with a pre-existing cardiovascular condition hopelessness was linked to a six-fold higher risk of death. The researchers reviewed data from 12 studies involving 5,540 patients diagnosed with various different cardiovascular diseases. Having less hope was associated with an increased risk of a first heart attack in people with no previous history of angina, even taking into account other risk factors like age, perceived health status, depression and socioeconomic risk factors. 'Benefits of support' The review showed that more hope was linked to reduced cardiovascular symptoms like angina and post-stroke Montasem said: "For many people, living with cardiovascular disease can be a difficult experience. Patients often struggle with debilitating symptoms as well as anxiety about the future."Mental health support could be very beneficial for a wide range of people with heart problems."One study found that higher levels of hope protected women against experiencing angina – pain or discomfort in the chest often caused by coronary heart disease. In a study of stroke patients of both sexes, greater hope was strongly linked to reduced levels of post-stroke studies included psychological data, which showed that more hope was linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety, and improved resilience and quality of data also indicated possible reasons for the reduced risk seen in people with more hope were that they also showed greater levels of self-care and were less likely to "skip" report's authors now want to understand whether it is possible to boost patients' hope, for example by introducing specialist therapy, or chaplaincy support while in hospital, which could help improve health and lower death rates in this at-risk group. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Your risk of heart attack and stroke can be detected 10 YEARS earlier with ‘simple' scan, study shows
A 'SIMPLE' MRI scan can spot the risk of heart attack or stroke 10 years before, a study shows. Researchers at the University of Dundee said their findings could "save vast numbers of lives" as it could give patients the option of preventative treatment. 3 Paying attention to a particular part of the heart - the left ventricle -can help indicate someone's risk of future cardiovascular events, scientists said, even if the organ is pumping away normally at the time of the assessment. Scientists studied 5,000 healthy Tayside residents with no risk or history of cardiovascular disease, which refers to conditions that narrow or block blood vessels, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure. But, a decade later, it became apparent that an increased - but normal - mass of the heart's left ventricle was a 'clear indicator' of cardiovascular risk. Ventricles are two chambers at the bottom of the heart. The right pumps blood to the lungs, and the left ventricle supplies blood to the rest of the body. Thickening of the left ventricle's muscle wall is well-established marker for people considered at high-risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the research team. It tends to occur early in the disease process and flags issues such as high blood pressure. But what the left ventricle can reveal for people considered low to medium risk is less well known. Study lead Professor Jill Belch described the findings - published in the journal Radiology - as a 'very exciting and significant development', especially since researchers found different risk factors in men and women. 'We looked at thousands of health records and it became apparent that the mass of the left ventricle was a clear indicator of future risk of cardiovascular disease," she said. 'What made our findings particularly interesting was the difference we noted between men and women." Millions at risk of 'silent killer' that triggers heart attacks and stroke - as doctors warn it's 3 times more common than feared A larger left ventricle in men was linked to diastolic blood pressure - the pressure blood exerts against artery walls between heartbeats - while in women it was linked to cholesterol. Cholesterol fat-like substance found in blood. Too much of a harmful type called LDL cholesterol can block blood vessels and up the risk of heart problems and stroke. Prof Belch said: 'In men, we found that a larger left ventricle, associated with heart attack and stroke, was linked to the diastolic blood pressure. "This level was what we would consider to be normal, albeit in the upper level. 3 3 "In women, we found a link between an increase in left ventricle mass and cholesterol. "Again, this level was in the upper end of what we would consider normal. "Both the level of blood pressure and cholesterol level were such that, normally, no preventative treatment would be offered." Prof Belch said men should be encouraged to monitor and reduce their diastolic blood pressure, while women should be given statins at earlier to control cholesterol levels. How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods. Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events. Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions. Here are ways you can prevent the two: Healthy diet More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults. Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels. Exercise Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it! Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS. Manage blood pressure Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check. But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quit smoking One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free. Limit booze Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk. The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week. But she noted that none of the volunteers who took part the study had "immediate risk of heart disease". "This is exciting as it allows us to pick up people and treat them before any organ damage has occurred," Prof Belch said. 'We have clearly identified a very early marker of future cardiovascular disease which can be detected via a simple MRI scan. 'This is a widely available, easy to perform procedure that our study has proven to be able to identify people at risk of cardiovascular disease who may have no other identifiable risk factors, 10 years before the event. 'The ability to provide pre-emptive treatment for patients at a stage where their heart is working perfectly well could save vast numbers of lives which are cruelly taken from us as a consequence of cardiovascular disease.'
