Heart Health Archives

News Briefs November 2023

Oct 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Taking Statins After a Stroke Lowers Future Stroke Risks People who have had a hemorrhagic stroke and start taking cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may have a lower risk of another stroke, especially an ischemic stroke, according to a study published recently in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy … Read More

Heart Attacks and Memory Loss

Oct 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Q: Can a heart attack cause memory problems? A: There has been research published in recent years that has shown an association between heart attack and cognitive decline. That includes an analysis of six studies, published in JAMA Network Open earlier this year, which suggests that changes in memory, decision-making, … Read More

Managing Diabetes Reduces Heart Disease Risk

Sep 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Diabetes and heart disease are closely linked, and individuals with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease compared with those without diabetes. “The majority of patients with diabetes, about 70%, will die from heart disease rather than diabetes itself,” explains cardiologist Marwah Shahid, MD, UCLA Division … Read More

Balance Salt and Potassium for Better Heart Health

Sep 25, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Too much salt can harm your cardiovascular health because salt contains sodium, a mineral that may increase blood pressure. Yet, if you’re like many other older Americans, you may well still be consuming too much salt. “The American diet tends to be high in processed foods that contain a lot … Read More

Newbriefs: Denture hygiene; hypertension; RSV vaccine; decreased sense of smell and depression

Sep 25, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Denture Hygiene Important If you wear dentures, be sure to clean them properly—otherwise you may be at increased risk for pneumonia, according to a recent UK study. For the study (Medical Microbiology, June 21), researchers took samples from the mouths, tongues, and dentures of nursing home residents who had pneumonia. … Read More

Ask The Experts: Monday Morning Heart Attacks; New Weight-Loss Drug; Smartwatches and Pacemakers

Sep 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Is it true that serious heart attacks are more likely to happen on a Monday? If so, why? Studies do indeed suggest that heart attacks are more likely to occur on a Monday than any other day of the week. Scientists think it may have something to do with circadian … Read More

What are Polyphenols?

Sep 25, 2023 · Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD · Aging & Independence

Q: What are polyphenols and how can I get them in my diet? A: Polyphenols are compounds found in plant foods, including fruits and veggies, herbs, spices, dark chocolate, tea, and wine. Polyphenols (of which more than 8,000 types have been identified) can be broken down into four main groups: … Read More

Spotlight on Supplements: Vitamin B12

Sep 25, 2023 · Maria Stewart · Aging & Independence

Overview. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in metabolism and energy production within our cells. So, in a way, vitamin B12 does give us energy by enabling us to create energy in the cell, while also supporting other vital functions. Special … Read More

What is Selenium?

Aug 25, 2023 · Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD · Aging & Independence

Selenium is a trace mineral found naturally in the soil, water, and in certain (mostly whole) foods, including Brazil nuts, tuna, and eggs. An essential mineral, our bodies need selenium to properly function. Because our bodies do not make selenium, we must get it through diet. Though we only need … Read More

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Aug 25, 2023 · Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD · Aging & Independence

Pumpkins mark the upcoming fall season with decorative flair on front porches and tabletops as well as in our favorite fall flavors—pumpkin spice has quite a following! It’s boosted pumpkin’s pizazz beyond pies and lattes to hummus, pasta, and even facial scrubs. The most popular winter squash—pumpkin and pumpkin seeds—has … Read More

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