A study released this week showed fairly conclusive evidence that indicates that ADHD medication does not actually increase risk for heart disease in adults. Previously some doctors believed that ADD and ADHD medicines increased risk for heart disease but the good news is that this study essentially proves that to be not true.

The study was conducted using nearly 500,000 adults ranging in age from 25 to 65 so the sample size of this study is very large. The study also covered nearly all of the currently used medications to ensure that all of them were included in the study.

It is good news for millions of adults in America and around the world that are affected by ADD and ADHD as they now know that the medication they’re taking daily does not have any heart disease risk associated with it. Of course there are still other side effects but the fact that those taking ADD and ADHD medications have absolutely on higher risk for heart trouble is definitely great news for everyone. Many doctors say this will greatly impact their likeliness to prescribe certain medications to older patients as the finally know that there is no link between the medicine and heart trouble. Previous studies had shown essentially the same thing but this is the first of its kind to include so many medications and so many patients spreading such a variety of demographics and ages.

The FDA officially announced today that they have decided to approve a temporary heart device which can be used to save hundreds of children and infant lives in hospitals around the country. The device is meant to function as a replacement heart for a short time period while young patients are waiting on a transplant and it is the first of its kind to be approved for use.

The device, called a “Berlin Heart” has been in development and testing for quite some time and it is great news to see that it has finally been approved for real world usage. The device functions just as expected and desired according to the FDA and when used it will more than likely save lives. This is simply great news all around, especially for anyone waiting for a transplant, especially since the wait time can be so long in many cases.

According to reports there are at least 100 children in the United States that have already received the device in testing and thus far they have all been successful. Further testing and research will be conducted but for now the FDA is very happy with the results which is why they decided to approve the device for full time usage by hospitals around the country. For anyone with young children waiting on a much needed heart transplant, this is absolutely great news as it could very easily save a life.

Chocolate Linked to Reduced Stroke Risk

For quite some time scientists and researchers have believed that consuming chocolate in moderate amounts helps in various medical ways; today a report was released that continues to confirm this idea. Chocolate consumption in women has successfully and consistently been linked to a reduced risk for stroke; which is clearly a good thing as it have a significant impact when combined with other risk reducing behaviors and lifestyle changes.

According to the Swedish research crew it wasn’t important what type of chocolate women consumed and neither was the volume. Chocolate in large or incredible small portions had a noticeable impact on the risk for stroke in women of all ages and from all nationalities and with all sorts of family history of medical problems.

Fortunately this time the researchers also looked deeper into the results to find out what exactly was causing the reduction in risk. Women who had consumed chocolate consistently were significantly less likely to have bouts of bleeding in the brain which would frequently lead to major strokes. Overall researchers say that consuming chocolate on a regular and consistent basis will in fact help reduce women’s risk for stroke through a variety of processes involving numerous healthy and helpful chemicals found in chocolate. This is simply great news for the millions of women that already enjoy chocolate for a number of reasons; while consumed in moderation chocolate is in fact a healthy and delicious treat that many doctors do in fact encourage patients to consume.

Testosterone May Help Prevent Heart Attack

Men with naturally occurring high levels of testosterone may have less episodes of heart attack than their counterparts with lower levels of testosterone. Studies have shown that men with a high level of testosterone are less likely to suffer heart attacks or other related issues such as stroke.

According to the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, elderly men with high testosterone show greater levels of protection against cardiovascular events. This finding suggests that lower testosterone is a potential marker for increased risk of heart disease.

Any substantial health problems such as obesity can lower testosterone levels, but the findings of the University show that out of 2400 Swedish men in their 70s, those with elevated testosterone were less likely to suffer heart attack or stroke than those with lower levels. The study also took into account diabetes, stroke or high blood pressure as well. It is not know yet if testosterone replacement could impact the rates of heart attack.

Clinical trials are needed to discover if testosterone replacement actually cuts the risk of heart attack or not. The results thus far are ambivalent about the male hormone. The intermediate factors of heart disease such as cholesterol levels and high blood sugars have shown mixed results.

Potential reasons for why higher natural testosterone levels may be good for the heart include the fact that higher testosterone generally means less body fat and more lean muscle, however, risks such as blood clots, liver damage or prostate cancer from hormone therapy should be evaluated. So far the studies have been about persons with naturally occurring high testosterone. No studies have been done using hormone replacement drug therapy.

The experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women offers a reason to be careful. Many women used HRT in an attempt to stop heart disease and the bone debilitation of osteoporosis. A large clinical trial in the U.S. discovered that the incidents of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke and breast cancer increased with those taking the therapy compared to those that got placebos.

The studies are encouraging that men with naturally occurring high levels of testosterone may have less episodes of heart attack than their counterparts with lower levels of testosterone, but further studies are warranted before hormone replacement therapy becomes standardized treatment.

Fruit Confirmed to Reduce Stroke Risk

The phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may have more truth to it than ever realized. A study released this week shows that consistent fruit and vegetable intake can significantly reduce the risk for a stroke and many other major heart problems. The Dutch study specifically targeted white flesh style fruits such as apples and pears but the results are expected to carry over to other fruits as well.

By simply eating a single serving every day of these fruits study participants saw a reduction of about 9% in heart disease and stroke risk. It is quite uncommon for such an incredible correlation to be made between healthy foods and health conditions but doctors say it is simply another great reason to make sure you eat properly. Not only does avoiding bad foods make a difference; eating the correct foods will actually benefit you as well.

Overall the information that apples and other similar fruits can significant reduce health problems is great news for everyone; many of these foods are already common for many people so simply increasing the consumption level will be simple and in turn thousands of people will see reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. Follow studies are currently being planned to find out what other fruits and vegetables may have a significant impact on heart health as well; doctors are hopeful that many popular fruits will in fact be deemed helpful in terms of heart health.

Man Revived After 96 Minutes Thanks to New Technology- Source: NPR.org

Today the miraculous story of how paramedics saved a man’s life using new technology broke. The original incident happened in January but thanks to new health guidelines released this week the story is once again in the headlines. In January Howard Snitzer’s heart stopped due to a heart attack and if it had not been for a new technology called capnography experts say there is no way Snitzer would have survived.

What made Snitzer’s story so unique is that his heart had stopped for over an hour and a half but the paramedics knew to continue working on him because their capnography machine showed he had a chance of survival. The capnography system is able to monitor carbon dioxide in a person’s breath to show the chances of survival as well as help medical teams determine what exactly is the problem. The paramedics that responded to Snitzer were reportedly some of the first to have the new technology and they say without the machine they would have been forced to give up on Snitzer well before the one hour mark.

This week the American Heart Association recommended that all medical personnel and emergency staff members have access to a capnography machine because it really can make the difference between life and death. All across the country capnography machines are becoming more and more popular thanks to the life saving benefit proved by Mr. Snitzer’s amazing story of survival.

Miraculous Surgery Gives English Man Second Life-- Source: mirror.co.uk

Matthew Green became the first man in Britain to receive an artificial heart transplant earlier this week. Surgeons say that the surgery went off without any trouble and Mr. Green is now beginning the long recovery process that will accompany the surgery.

Such surgeries are not entirely unheard of around the world though this was the first time such a surgery was undertaken in Britain. The surgery took place at Papworth Hospital and after 6 hours the surgeons believe the artificial heart should have absolutely no problem functioning in place of Mr. Green’s natural heart.

Amazingly doctors working with Mr. Green also say that the surgery went so well and he is recovering so well he might be able to return to his normal life soon. Doctors all around the world were stunned and happy to hear about the overwhelming success of the surgery especially given the fact that it took little time compared to most major heart surgeries. Mr. Green’s family has also expressed the utmost gratitude toward the surgical team for their work as they have essentially given Mr. Green a second lease on life through the incredible operation.

Following the surgery the surgeons involved announced the results of the surgery. Given the resounding success of the operation it is likely that these types of lifesaving operations may become more widely available in the coming years as there has now been multiple complete artificial heart transplants used around the world for a variety of different patients.

New Heart Medicine Helps Heart Heal Itself

A medical study released today by a leading health journal has shown some significant results in the area of heart health and heart treatment. A drug called thymosin beta 4 was the focus of the study and according to doctors it seems to give the human heart some preparation for repair should something go wrong.

More specifically doctors say thymosin beta 4 shows signs of aiding the heart with repairs after a major event such as a heart attack. The exact details behind how the heart is reacting to the drug are still unknown but doctors say it is a very promising result for sure.

Researchers have also confirmed that the thymosin beta 4 used in the testing has essentially proven the idea of using generic stem cells for treatment. Thymosin beta 4 was designed to attempt to make the cells in the heart begin to function more efficiently and along with that it is allegedly also helping new cells develop very rapidly in damaged areas of the heart which leads to much more rapid recovery and healthier patients.

Obviously at this time it is difficult to predict what will become of the drug though most medical analysts are very happy about the future of this drug. Numerous groundbreaking studies are being planned using this and other similar drugs and numerous leading heart research institutions hope that this could eventually develop into a significant breakthrough for heart health patients all over the world.

Child Takes the Wheel to Save her Mother

This week Sage Encapera is being praised as a hero by her friends and family thanks to her quick thinking and immediate reaction. Sage is only 11 years old but she successfully managed to steer her mother’s car and bring it to a safe stop while her mother had a seizure.

Sage and her mother Dana were driving home after a shopping trip and according to Sage her mother stopped talking on the phone and dropped it while simultaneously clutching her chest. In one quick move Sage took control of the steering wheel while checking her mother’s pulse with her other hand. Even more amazing is that Sage remembered a trick she had learned in school which she successfully used to check her mother’s pulse.

Sage successfully managed to keep the car pointed in a safe direction until it came to a stop. Dana says she doesn’t ever remember moving her foot to the brake pedal but at some point she apparently did because the car did eventually came to a stop. Of course in the process of stopping Sage did hit a few street signs and drive off the road but in the end she was able to save her mother.

In the end it turns out Dana was only having a seizure and not a heart attack as Sage originally feared. Dana’s only injury was a slight back injury and Sage remained uninjured. Officials that arrived at the scene credited Sage with saving her life, her mother’s life and the lives of all sorts of other motorists.

Bystanders Perform CPR to Save Heart Attack Victim

Earlier this week Howard Snitzer was walking down the street in his hometown in Minnesota when he suddenly began feeling chest pains. Snitzer reportedly grabbed his chest and fell to the cold sidewalk due to a heart attack. Fortunately some braze bystanders stepped in and offered their help and in turn saved Snitzer’s life.

Reported indicate that a group of brothers saw the incident take place and immediately jumped into action. One man began doing whatever he could to save Snitzer while his brother quickly searched for help. The three men began by performing CPR on Snitzer and much to their dismay he was not responding even after minutes of CPR.

Before help arrived the men and a group of approximately a dozen bystanders continued performing CPR on Snitzer. Reports indicate that the group of people took turns working on Snitzer for over an hour and a half while waiting for help to arrive. Miraculously Snitzer did in fact survive.

Many doctors say this was likely the most intensive out of hospital resuscitation ever undergone; they say the odds were heavily stacked against Snitzer and despite that he is recovering just fine. The most amazing part of the story is that the entire event took place in a town of less than 1000 people in rural Minnesota.