Blood pressure alone not enough to determine heart risk

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A meta-analysis published in the Lancet has shown that a difference in systolic blood pressure of 15mm Hg between the left and the right arm indicated an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease. More research is needed to assess whether measuring blood pressure on both arms to assess vascular disease risk should become standard practice.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: The Lancet

Link between children’s ‘screen time’ and early markers for cardiovascular disease

Source: Medical News Today

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Date of publication:April 2011

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: An Australian study has found a connection between sedentary behaviour in young children and a narrowing of the vessels in the retina. Retinal microvascular caliber is presently used as a marker for cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure in adults, but it could be used as a subclinical marker for cardiovascular disease in the future.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association

The association of breast arterial calcification and coronary heart disease

Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2011, 117 (2 part 1) p. 233-241

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Date of publication: February 2011

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: The objective of this study was to determine whether mammography could be an early prediction tool for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). The study found that the presence of breast arterial calcifications on mammograms indicated a significantly increased risk of developing CHD or a stroke, and could therefore be used as a marker.

Length of publication: 9 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Worksite wellness programs for cardiovascular disease prevention

Source: Circulation, 2009, 120 (17) p. 1725-1741

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Date of publication: October, 2009

Publication type: Policies

In a nutshell: Wellness programmes in the workplace are an opportunity to prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke in a large segment of the population. The American Heart Association has a long history of participating in worksite wellness programmes and is committed to updating recommendations on these schemes, based on current knowledge of effective programmes and strategies.

Length of publication: 17 page article

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: American Heart Association