Smoking thickens the heart’s walls and reduces function

Source: Medical News Today

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Date of publication:  September 2016

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell:  There are already numerous reasons to quit smoking, but a study published this week provides yet another. According to the results, published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, smoking thickens the heart wall, reducing pumping ability.

Length of publication:  1 webpage

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Acknowledgement: Medical News Today

Region of body fat affects heart disease risk

Source: Medical News Today

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Date of publication:  September 2016

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell:  Some types of fat increase the risk factors for heart disease more than others, finds a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. While belly fat and fat under the skin are both associated with new and worsening heart disease risk factors, the relationship was more pronounced in belly fat.

Length of publication:  1 webpage

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Acknowledgement: Medical News Today

Global Hearts Initiative. Working together to beat cardiovascular disease

Source: UK Health Forum

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Date of publication: October 2016

Publication type: news item

In a nutshell: To support governments in strengthening the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease (CVD), WHO and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) are launching Global Hearts: a new initiative comprising three technical packages.  Combined, these packages provide a set of high-impact, evidence-based interventions that, when used together, will have a major impact on improving global heart health.  On the prevention side, Global Hearts comprises the MPOWER package for tobacco control in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the SHAKE package for salt reduction. On the management side, the HEARTS technical package works to strengthen management of CVD in primary health care.

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:  UK Health Forum

Ibuprofen-like painkillers linked to an increased risk of heart failure

Source: NHS Choices behind the Headlines

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Date of publication: September 2016

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: “Ibuprofen could raise the risk of heart failure by up to 83%,” claims the Daily Mirror. But this headline massively overstates the danger of this painkiller.

In fact, new research suggests that taking painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – which includes ibuprofen – increases the risk of heart failure by less than 20% overall.

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: NHS Choices behind the Headlines