1. Asthma that requires daily medication Persistent asthma, which is asthma severe enough to require daily controller medications, is associated with a 60 percent higher risk of a heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular disease, according to new research published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. "Both asthma and cardiovascular disease are caused by high levels of inflammation," explains lead researcher Matthew Tattersall, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that being diagnosed with asthma as an adult (defined as late onset asthma) also increases the risk of developing heart disease. In addition, because chest tightness is often a symptom of asthma, asthmatics could miss the signs of a heart attack, delaying treatment. To reduce the long-term cardiovascular risk, Tattersall believes close monitoring is essential. "If you have persistent asthma, you may need stronger and more aggressive preventative care," he says. 2. Taking certain heartburn drugs For those with acid reflux, taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) — including Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid — was associated with a 16 to 21 percent higher heart attack risk, according to a large new Stanford University study that looked at data from nearly 3 million patients. The study found no link, however, between heart attacks and another well-known type of heartburn drug, H2 blockers, such as Tagamet, Pepcid and Zantac. So why are PPIs different? Previous research suggests that they may reduce the production of nitric oxide, an important molecule that helps maintain the health of the inner linings of blood vessels. Too little nitric oxide could accelerate heart disease. Over-the-counter heartburn medications could also be cause for concern. A 2016 study published in Circulation Research found that drugs like Nexium, which treats gastroesophageal reflux disease, could cause faster aging of blood vessel cells, making it more difficult for them to prevent heart attacks. 3. Having migraines with aura Middle-aged and older women who have migraines with aura, meaning the headaches are often preceded by visual symptoms like flashing lights or blind spots, have an increased risk of heart attack, according to a 2013 analysis of 28,000 women enrolled in the ongoing national Women's Health Study. In fact, having migraine with aura was found to be the second-strongest contributor to heart attack and stroke risk after high blood pressure, according to researcher Tobias Kurth, M.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. This does not mean everyone with this type of migraine will have a heart attack or stroke, Kurth noted, but that these migraine sufferers should try to reduce their risk in other ways, including not smoking, staying active and keeping blood pressure under control. READ MORE...
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The St. Lawrence County Chapter (SLCC) #2831 is a community of advocacy and volunteers whose purpose is to 1) promote at the local level the priorities, programs and policies specific for the benefit of our seniors, 2) maximize member engagement in a broad menu of services, information and educational activities, 3) demonstrate the contributions and potential of people who are 50+ to encourage their full participation in contemporary life, 4) create fundraising opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency, and 5) stimulate public interest in a variety of issues.
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November 2019
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