Category: Cardiovascular

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain What if we could identify the earliest warning signs of cardiovascular disease from a simple saliva sample? Scientists think they have found a way to do so. Gum inflammation leads to periodontitis, which is linked with cardiovascular disease. The team used a simple oral rinse to see if levels of white blood cells—an indicator of gum inflammation—in the saliva of healthy adults could be linked to warning signs for cardiovascular disease. they found that high levels correlated with compromised flow-mediated dilation, an early indicator of poor arterial health. “Even in young healthy adults, low levels of oral inflammatory load may have an impact on cardiovascular health—one of the leading causes of death in North America,” said Dr. Trevor King of Mount Royal University, corresponding author of the study published in Frontiers in Oral Health. Tooth care for heart health Periodontitis is a common infection of the gums which has previously been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease: scientists suspect that inflammatory factors may enter the bloodstream through the gums and damage the vascular system. King and his colleagues set out to study currently healthy young people without diagnosed periodontal issues to determine whether lower levels of oral inflammation can be clinically relevant to cardiovascular health. “We are starting to see more relationships between oral health and risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Ker-Yung Hong, first author of the study, now studying dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. “If we are seeing that oral health may have an impact on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease even in young healthy individuals, this holistic approach can be implemented earlier on.” The team chose pulse-wave velocity, which can measure the stiffness of arteries, and flow-mediated dilation, a measure of how well arteries can dilate to allow for higher blood flow, as key indicators of cardiovascular risk. These measure arterial health directly: stiff and poorly functioning arteries raise patients’ risk of cardiovascular disease. The scientists recruited 28 non-smokers between 18 and 30, with no comorbidities or medications that could affect cardiovascular risk and no reported history of periodontal disease. They were asked to fast for six hours, except for drinking water, prior to visiting the lab. At the lab, participants rinsed their mouths with water before rinsing their mouths with saline which was collected for analysis. Participants then laid down for 10 minutes for an electrocardiogram, and stayed lying down for another 10 minutes so that the scientists could take their blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, and pulse-wave velocity. “The mouth rinse test could be used at your annual checkup at the family doctors or the dentist,” said Dr. Michael Glogauer of the University of Toronto, a co-author of the study. “It is easy to implement as an oral inflammation measuring tool in any clinic.” The heart of the matter The scientists found that high white blood cells in saliva had a significant relationship to poor flow-mediated dilation, suggesting these people may be at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there was no relationship between white blood cells and pulse wave velocity, so longer-term impacts on the health of the arteries had not yet taken place. The scientists hypothesized that inflammation from the mouth, leaking into the vascular system, impacts the ability of arteries to produce the nitric oxide that allows them to respond to changes in blood flow. Higher levels of white blood cells could have a greater impact on vascular dysfunction; the levels found in the participants are usually not considered clinically significant. “Optimal oral hygiene is always recommended in addition to regular visits to the dentist, especially in light of this evidence,” said King. “But this study was a pilot study. We are hoping to increase the study population and explore those results. We are also hoping to include more individuals with gingivitis and more advanced periodontitis to more deeply understand the impact of different levels of gingival inflammation on cardiovascular measures.” More information: Oral inflammatory load predicts vascular function in a young adult population: A pilot study, Frontiers in Oral Health (2023). DOI: 10.3389/froh.2023.1233881 Provided by Frontiers Citation: A simple mouth rinse could spot early heart disease risk (2023, August 18) retrieved 18 August 2023 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-08-simple-mouth-early-heart-disease.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently issued new cardiovascular health (CVH) measurements that are collectively described as Life’s Essential 8 (LE8). As compared to Life’s Simple 7 (LS7), LE8 also includes sleep health as an additional behavioral metric of CVH. In a recent study posted to the medRxiv preprint server, researchers determine the relationship between LE8 scores and cardiovascular disease (CVD), subtype CVD events, and all-cause mortality. Study: Association of Life’s Essential 8 with Cardiovascular Events and Mortality: The Cardiovascular Disease Lifetime Risk Pooling Project (LRPP). Image Credit: Elle Aon/Shutterstock.com *Important notice: medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. About the study Individual-level information was obtained from six contemporary United States-based cohort studies from the Cardiovascular Lifetime Risk Pooling Project (LRPP). Participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study, Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, Framingham Heart Study, Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Study, and Framingham Offspring cohort study were included in the analysis. The composite LE8 score, LE8 score without sleep, and LS7 scores were calculated individually. Multivariate Cox regression modeling was performed to determine the relationship between LE8 scores and CVDs, CVD subtype events, and all-cause mortality among young, middle-aged, and older individuals between 20-39, 40-59, and 60-79 years of age, respectively. Covariates included age, sex, ethnicity, race, and educational attainment. The participants were reclassified according to the LS7 and LE8 quartile ranks across ages. Data were obtained between 1985 and 2002, with participants monitored until August 30, 2020. The LE8 score comprises four health factors including blood glucose, lipid, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI), in addition to four health behaviors of physical activity, smoking, sleep, and diet. Nicotine exposure was assessed using self-documented tobacco usage and questionnaire responses. Dietary intake was evaluated using food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) linked to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores. Related Stories The primary study outcome was major CVD events, including new-onset myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or cardiovascular death. Individuals with prior cardiovascular events were excluded, with all study participants closely monitored until the initial cardiovascular event or death from other causes. Study findings The sample population comprised 32,896 adult individuals, among whom the mean age was 54 years, 24% were Black, 45% were male, and 55% had received college or higher-level education. The mean LE8, LE8 no sleep, LE8 health factor, and LE8 health behavior sub-scores were 64, 62, 68, and 61, respectively. The participants contributed to 642,262 individual-years with a mean follow-up of 20 years, with 9,391 individuals experiencing CVD events. Higher LE8 scores were significantly related to CVD events after covariate adjustment. Higher total LE8 scores, LE8 health behavior scores, and health factor scores showed significant associations with lower CHD, stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death risks across ages. Each 10-point increase in LE8 scores was significantly associated with 43%, 35%, and 25% lower CVD risks for younger, middle-aged, and older individuals, respectively. This association was strongest for young individuals, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8 for young, middle-aged, and older individuals, respectively. The overall LE8 score with sleep had non-significantly stronger relationships with cardiovascular risk as compared to the LE8 score without sleep, with HR values of 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8 for young, middle-aged, and older individuals, respectively. The sensitivity analysis, which considered different follow-up durations of 10, 20, and 30 years, yielded consistent findings. Nicotine exposure was highest among older individuals. Younger and middle-aged individuals had 20 and 10 point higher LE8 health factors scores than health behavior scores, respectively, whereas older individuals showed scores for higher behaviors. The incorporation of the sleep metric modestly improved LE8 scores across ages. Higher LE8 scores, including health behaviors and factors, were observed among women, Whites, and more educated individuals across ages. The agreement between LS7 and LE8 scoring was 65%, 66%, and 63% for older, middle-aged, and young individuals, respectively. Over 75% of the uppermost and lowermost quartiles remained unaltered, whereas 50% of middle statistical quartiles were reclassified downward or upward. Similar findings were observed across ages. As compared to upwardly reclassified individuals, the downwardly reclassified study participants had lower total LE8 scores, LE8 without sleep scores, health behavior, and factor scores. These individuals were more likely to be male, younger, less educated, and Black. After adjusting for baseline LS7 scores, LE8 reclassification showed independent associations with cardiovascular risk, which were stronger for older individuals, but non-significant associations with cardiovascular risk among young individuals. Conclusions The study findings provide evidence supporting the use of LE8 for assessing overall cardiovascular health and future CVD risk. Each 10-point increase in LE8 scores was associated with a 23-40% reduced risk of CVD across ages. *Important notice: medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Journal reference:

Share on PinterestResearchers say a mouth rinse may be effective in determining heart disease risk. Thomas Winz/Getty Images Researchers report that a simple mouth rinse that checks white blood cell levels may be helpful in predicting heart disease. They say the rinse can detect gum inflammation that can lead to periodontitis, a condition linked to cardiovascular disease. Experts say you can lower your risk of gum disease by not smoking as well as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. A simple oral rinse to check levels of white blood cells might be able to predict the risk heart disease, according to a study published today in the journal Frontiers of Oral Health. Gum inflammation can lead to periodontitis, which is linked to heart disease. The researchers evaluated younger adults without diagnosed periodontal problems to determine if lower levels of oral inflammation can be clinically relevant to cardiovascular health. In the pilot study, researchers assessed 28 non-smokers between the ages of 18 and 30 without co-morbid conditions or medications that could affect cardiovascular risk. The researchers used a simple oral rinse to measure the level of white blood cells in the saliva of the healthy adults to see if there was a connection to heart disease. The Process: Each participant fasted for 6 hours before visiting the lab. They then rinsed their mouth with water. Then they rinsed with a saline solution. The researchers collected saline for analysis. The participants laid down for 10 minutes before having an electrocardiogram completed. They remained lying down for another 10 minutes. Researchers measured blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, and pulse-wave velocity. The scientists reported that high white blood cells in saliva had a significant relationship to poor flow-mediated dilation, suggesting an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there wasn’t a relationship between white blood cells and pulse-wave velocity, indicating long-term impacts on the arteries had not yet occurred. “This could be because the participants were young and relatively healthy,” said Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California who was not involved in the study. “I think it would be helpful to see a more varied group of participants – in age and health status,” he told Medical News Today. Flow-mediated dilation refers to the widening of an artery when blood flow increases. Pulse-wave velocity measures arterial stiffness and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Lifestyle changes, healthy diet, exercise routines, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol can improve pulse-wave velocity. The researchers hypothesized that inflammation from the mouth can leak into the vascular system and impact the arteries’ ability to produce nitric oxide, reducing their ability to respond to changes in blood flow. Higher levels of white blood cells would cause a higher level of vascular dysfunction. “This type of screening is a very good idea,” said Peggy Budhu, DDS, a dentist at the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone in New York who was not involved in the study. “It reminds me of the early days of HIV rapid testing in different clinical settings. Dental clinics were offering screening for HIV when it was difficult to get tested.” “The preliminary results are promising, but a larger sample size is necessary,” Budhu told Medical News Today. “I would like to see more data with a larger sample size, a sample of patients with treated periodontal disease and patients with active disease. I would offer this as a screening test once we have more data and more studies on the correlation between the saliva test and the incidence of cardiovascular disease.” “Periodontal disease is a chronic oral infection,” said Constantine Pavlakos, DDS, a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, “This can lead to inflammatory responses resulting in the destruction of the periodontium and can also mitigate systemic effects. The onset of periodontal inflammation is triggered by microbial colonization in the gingival unit.” “There are numerous studies in the literature that have suggested a correlation between periodontitis and systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and preterm low-weight births,” Pavlakos told Medical News Today. The condition is caused by plaque that has hardened to form tartar, which requires professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. In its more severe form, the gums pull away from the tooth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When this occurs, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall out. Periodontal disease is more common in men than in women, those living below the poverty level, current smokers, and those with less than a high school diploma. More than 47% of adults 30 and over have some form of the disease. According to the CDC, some early warning signs include: Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away Red or swollen gums Tender or bleeding gums Painful chewing Loose teeth Sensitive teeth Gums that have pulled away from your teeth Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite Any change in the fit of partial dentures According to the National Institutes of Health, to reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease, you should: Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth See your dentist at least once a year, more often if you have any warning signs Quit smoking Keeping infection away can improve cardiovascular and overall health. In some cases, deep cleaning or surgery can help restore dental health. However, because this is a progressive disease, it is essential to see your dentist or periodontist on a regular basis.

CALGARY, Alberta — A simple mouth rinse could discover a person’s likelihood of developing heart disease, a new study explains. Periodontitis, a form of gum disease, is associated with heart ailments. Now, researchers say elevated white blood cell levels in saliva combating periodontitis might serve as an early warning for cardiovascular problems. Scientists at Mount Royal University in Canada found that a high count of these cells from the rinse also suggests difficulty in artery dilation during increased blood flow, another potential heart disease indicator. “Even in young healthy adults, low levels of oral inflammatory load may have an impact on cardiovascular health — one of the leading causes of death in North America. Optimal oral hygiene is always recommended in addition to regular visits to the dentist, especially in light of this evidence,” says corresponding author Dr. Trevor King in a media release. “We are also hoping to include more individuals with gingivitis and more advanced periodontitis to more deeply understand the impact of different levels of gingival inflammation on cardiovascular measures.” In their study, the team examined 28 non-smoking participants between 18 and 30 year-old, with no cardiovascular risks or gum disease history. Participants had to fast for six hours, although drinking water was allowed. In a lab setting, they rinsed with water and then gargled saline for testing. They then underwent an electrocardiogram and had their blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, and pulse-wave velocity checked. (credit: Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya from Unsplash) Flow-mediated dilation gauges the adaptability of arteries during increased blood flow, while pulse-wave velocity assesses artery stiffness. Rigid and poorly adaptive arteries elevate cardiovascular disease risk. “The mouth rinse test could be used at your annual checkup at the family doctor or the dentist. It is easy to implement as an oral inflammation measuring tool in any clinic,” notes co-author Dr. Michael Glogauer from the University of Toronto. The study found no direct correlation between white blood cell count from the rinse and pulse velocity, indicating that any long-term arterial health impact might not be immediately evident with heightened white blood cell levels. The researchers theorize that mouth inflammation might affect arterial health by reducing nitric oxide production, a compound essential for blood flow response. “Recognizing early on that oral health might influence cardiovascular disease risk even in healthy young people suggests that a more integrated approach to health could be beneficial,” emphasizes Ker-Yung Hon, the study’s primary author, now studying dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. The findings are published in the journal Frontiers in Oral Health. You might also be interested in: South West News Service writer Pol Allingham contributed to this report.

Ventripoint Unveils New Integrated Product with ASCEND Cardiovascular News Home Friday, August 18, 2023 08:00 AM | TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia Mentioned in this article Ventripoint Unveils New Integrated Product with ASCEND Cardiovascular (TheNewswire) Toronto, Ontario – TheNewswire – August 18, 2023 – Ventripoint Diagnostics Ltd. (” Ventripoint ” or the ” Company “), (TSXV:VPT ) ( OTC:VPTDF) is thrilled to announce that Ventripoint and ASCEND Cardiovascular, LLC have developed a new integrated product. Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in Ventripoint’s commitment to the collaboration between the two companies. ASCEND fits perfectly into Ventripoint’s roadmap for innovation and is a key step in the company’s mission to improve patient’s lives and become the standard of care. ASCEND is seamlessly integrated with leading EHRs, and imaging systems. Their existing technology has been installed at 1000+ top ranked healthcare facilities and 600+ health systems with approximately 50,000 users across the United States. Ventripoint has successfully and seamlessly integrated its specialized AI-powered 3D Echo software application with ASCEND’s diagnostic viewer, InView, and reporting application, Cardiovascular Structured Reporting. This cardiovascular workflow product provides an end-to-end solution that rivals other products on the market. It is streamlined, smart, and effective for cardiology reading, reporting, and diagnostics, thereby improving diagnosis and monitoring of fetal, pediatric, and adult congenital heart disease. “We are excited to embark on this collaborative journey with ASCEND Cardiovascular,” stated Dr. Alvira Macanovic, President & CEO of Ventripoint Diagnostics. “We see this collaboration evolving progressively in its possibilities. We believe that by integrating Ventripoint’s technology in diagnostic medical imaging with ASCEND’s expertise in cardiology IT this will be a successful integrated product. The product will offer a seamless and comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions.” After months of development, Ventripoint stands ready to successfully unveil this integrated product with its newest partner at the 8 th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Washington, DC later this month. “This is an important milestone and validation of ASCEND’s commitment to providers caring for children with heart disease. We are excited to enable the routine, efficient use of Ventripoint’s advanced 3D image analysis in pediatric cardiology,” stated Dr. Jeff Soble, CEO of ASCEND. As the collaboration between Ventripoint and ASCEND continues to evolve, both companies remain committed to driving innovation and excellence in cardiovascular health technology. This integrated product marks an exciting milestone in the advancement of cardiac care and solving today’s and anticipating tomorrow’s challenges. About Ventripoint Diagnostics Ltd. Ventripoint has become known for the application of AI (Artificial Intelligence) to echocardiography. Ventripoint’s VMS products are powered by its proprietary AI technology, which is the result of a decade of development and provides accurate volumetric cardiac measurements equivalent to MRI. Ventripoint’s VMS products are powered by its proprietary KBR technology, which is the result of a decade of development and provides accurate volumetric cardiac measurements equivalent to MRI. This affordable, gold-standard alternative allows cardiologists greater confidence in the management of their patients. Providing better care to patients serves as a springboard and basic standard for all of Ventripoint’s products that guide our future developments. In addition, VMS+ is versatile and can be used with all ultrasound systems from any vendor supported by regulatory market approvals in the U.S., Europe and Canada. Learn more: www.ventripoint.com . About ASCEND Cardiovascular ASCEND Cardiovascular is a leader in innovating cardiovascular solutions that empower the provider community to improve cardiovascular care. Designed with openness in mind, their solutions integrate with EHRs, medical devices, and other systems to deliver seamless workflows that span procedure types and modalities. A complete cardiovascular solution, ASCEND provides structured reporting, image visualization, collaboration, and analytics that improve efficiency, outcomes, and ROI. With decades of experience and a practicing cardiologist at our helm, the ASCEND team brings unparalleled “know how” in cardiology workflow, collaboration, and IT offering limitless opportunities to improve clinical, operational, and quality performance. Learn more: www.ascendcv.com . For further information, please contact: Jonathan Robinson CFA [email protected] (416) 669-1001 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company’s most recent annual management’s discussion and analysis that is available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire – All rights reserved. Share this article: Stay In The Know Subscribe to our daily morning update newsletter and never miss out on the need-to-know market news, movements, and more. Thank you for signing up! You’re all set to

In the heart of Onitsha, the picturesque town nestled between rolling hills and shimmering lakes, lived a vibrant young woman named Chiamaka. Chiamaka was a dedicated kindergarten teacher, whose warm smile and caring nature won the hearts of all her students. Despite her cheerful demeanor, Chiamaka had been carrying a secret burden—she was diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age. Chiamaka’s condition had been a wake-up call for her and her family. They realized the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices to manage the disease effectively. Driven by her passion for teaching and her desire to lead a fulfilling life, Chiamaka took charge of her health. She consulted with her doctors regularly, followed a balanced diet, and most importantly, embraced the transformative power of regular exercise. One fateful morning, Chiamaka decided to start her day with a refreshing walk around her street. The crisp air filled her lungs, and she relished the soothing sounds of birds singing in harmony. As she walked, she noticed a flyer on the community notice board—Dr. Chima Azubuike, the renowned psychologist of Onitsha, was organizing a series of mindfulness and exercise workshops to promote cardiovascular health. Emily’s heart raced with excitement, and she knew she had to be a part of it. The workshops were held in the park every weekend, and soon, Emily became a regular participant. Dr. Azubuike, along with a team of fitness experts, introduced various physical activities, including yoga, aerobics, and meditation. Each session focused not only on the physical aspects of exercise but also on its profound impact on emotional well-being. As weeks passed, Chiamaka felt a remarkable change within herself. Not only did she notice improvements in her physical stamina, but her mind felt calmer and more resilient. The stress and anxiety that had once weighed heavily on her heart began to dissipate. She forged new friendships with fellow participants, creating a support system that uplifted her spirit. One sunny morning, during a guided meditation, Chiamaka experienced a breakthrough. She visualized her heart as a radiant, strong, and healthy organ, pulsating with vitality. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she realized that she held the power to nurture her heart and heal her body. Word about the transformative workshops spread throughout Onitsha, drawing more participants each week. The community became a tapestry of individuals, young and old, coming together to support each other on their journey to better cardiovascular health. Dr. Azubuike’s wisdom and guidance nurtured not only their physical well-being but also the sense of unity and camaraderie among them. Chiamaka’s story inspired many, and the ripple effect of her transformation extended beyond the workshops. Local schools and businesses began incorporating fitness programs into their routines, and the town’s parks saw an influx of families engaging in outdoor activities. Onitsha became a shining example of how a small community could embrace change and prioritize the well-being of its residents. Regular exercise has a profound impact on cardiovascular health, and numerous studies have demonstrated the positive relationship between physical activity and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Engaging in regular exercise promotes a healthier heart, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of various cardiovascular conditions. 1. Strengthening the Heart: Regular exercise, especially aerobic activities like walking, running, and cycling, helps to strengthen the heart muscle. As individuals engage in physical activity, the heart pumps more blood, leading to an increase in stroke volume—the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat. Over time, this strengthens the heart, enabling it to pump more efficiently and maintain a healthier blood flow. 2. Lowering Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Exercise helps to reduce blood pressure by promoting the relaxation and dilation of blood vessels, which in turn eases the strain on the heart. Lower blood pressure translates to a reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications. Read also: Making your money work: Understanding time value of money in personal finance 3. Managing Cholesterol Levels: Regular physical activity has been shown to positively impact cholesterol levels. It helps to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good cholesterol,” which helps remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol,” from the bloodstream. This balance of cholesterol levels plays a crucial role in preventing the formation of plaque in the arteries, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. 4. Enhancing Circulation: Exercise promotes better circulation, allowing the blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body. Improved circulation helps maintain healthy blood vessels and reduces the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. 5. Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being: Physical activity has an immense impact on emotional well-being, as exemplified in the story of Chiamaka. Regular exercise releases endorphins—natural mood elevators—reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The positive mental state, in turn, contributes to better cardiovascular health by lowering the risk of stress-related heart conditions. In conclusion, the story of Chiamaka and the heartwarming transformation of Onitsha exemplify the powerful role regular exercise plays in the management of coronary heart disease. Embracing physical activity not only strengthens the heart and enhances cardiovascular health but also fosters a sense of community and emotional well-being. Whether in a small town or a bustling city, prioritising regular exercise can lead to a healthier, happier, and more connected society, where the heartbeat of change resonates with hope and vitality.

U.K.-based GeninCode announced Wednesday that it has filed a 510(k) pre-market notification with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Cardio inCode-Score (CIC-SCORE) polygenic cardiovascular disease risk score test. The filing is part of GeninCode’s effort to expand its U.S. commercial distribution of CIC-SCORE; the company filed its pre-submission for GeninCode with the FDA last year. The test is currently offered in the U.S. through GeninCode’s CLIA-certified and College of American Pathologists-accredited lab in Irvine, CA as part of an early-access program. The CIC-SCORE test recently received a CPT PLA code (0401U); in a statement, GeninCode says it expects a payment rate for the test to be set by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in October. GeninCode, whose portfolio of tests also includes tests for sudden cardiac death and familial hypercholesterolemia, signed an agreement with Eversana in 2021 to commercialize its tests in the U.S.

Periodontitis, which is connected to cardiovascular risk, results from gum inflammation. The study was published in ‘Frontiers in Oral Health.’ The team tested whether white blood cell counts, an indication of gum inflammation, in the saliva of healthy persons may be connected to cardiovascular disease warning signs using a straightforward mouth rinse. They discovered that elevated levels were associated with impaired flow-mediated dilation, which is a precursor to vascular disease. “Even in young healthy adults, low levels of oral inflammatory load may have an impact on cardiovascular health — one of the leading causes of death in North America,” said Dr Trevor King of Mount Royal University, corresponding author of the study published in Frontiers in Oral Health. Periodontitis is a common infection of the gums which has previously been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease: scientists suspect that inflammatory factors may enter the bloodstream through the gums and damage the vascular system. King and his colleagues set out to study currently healthy young people without diagnosed periodontal issues to determine whether lower levels of oral inflammation can be clinically relevant to cardiovascular health. “We are starting to see more relationships between oral health and risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Ker-Yung Hong, first author of the study, now studying dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. “If we are seeing that oral health may have an impact on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease even in young healthy individuals, this holistic approach can be implemented earlier on.” The team chose pulse-wave velocity, which can measure the stiffness of arteries, and flow-mediated dilation, a measure of how well arteries can dilate to allow for higher blood flow, as key indicators of cardiovascular risk. These measure arterial health directly: stiff and poorly functioning arteries raise patients’ risk of cardiovascular disease. The scientists recruited 28 non-smokers between 18 and 30, with no comorbidities or medications that could affect cardiovascular risk and no reported history of periodontal disease. They were asked to fast for six hours, except for drinking water, prior to visiting the lab. At the lab, participants rinsed their mouths with water before rinsing their mouths with saline which was collected for analysis. Participants then lay down for 10 minutes for an electrocardiogram and stayed lying down for another 10 minutes so that the scientists could take their blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, and pulse-wave velocity. “The mouth rinse test could be used at your annual checkup at the family doctor or the dentist,” said Dr Michael Glogauer of the University of Toronto, a co-author of the study. “It is easy to implement as an oral inflammation measuring tool in any clinic.” The scientists found that high white blood cells in saliva had a significant relationship to poor flow-mediated dilation, suggesting these people may be at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there was no relationship between white blood cells and pulse wave velocity, so longer-term impacts on the health of the arteries had not yet taken place. The scientists hypothesized that inflammation from the mouth, leaking into the vascular system, impacts the ability of arteries to produce the nitric oxide that allows them to respond to changes in blood flow. Higher levels of white blood cells could have a greater impact on vascular dysfunction; the levels found in the participants are usually not considered clinically significant. “Optimal oral hygiene is always recommended in addition to regular visits to the dentist, especially in light of this evidence,” said King. “But this study was a pilot study. We are hoping to increase the study population and explore those results. We are also hoping to include more individuals with gingivitis and more advanced periodontitis to more deeply understand the impact of different levels of gingival inflammation on cardiovascular measures.” (ANI) (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Image Source : FREEPIK A new study has found that a simple oral rinse may signal early cardiovascular disease. Scientists believe they have found a way to identify the earliest warning signs of cardiovascular disease from a simple saliva sample. Periodontitis is a common infection of the gums which has previously been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease: scientists suspect that inflammatory factors may enter the bloodstream through the gums and damage the vascular system. The team from Mount Royal University in Canada used a simple oral rinse to see if levels of white blood cells — an indicator of gum inflammation — in the saliva of healthy adults could be linked to warning signs for cardiovascular disease. They found that high levels correlated with compromised flow-mediated dilation, an early indicator of poor arterial health. “Even in young healthy adults, low levels of oral inflammatory load may have an impact on cardiovascular health — one of the leading causes of death in North America,” said Trevor King of Mount Royal University. In the study, published in Frontiers in Oral Health, the team examined currently healthy young people without diagnosed periodontal issues to determine whether lower levels of oral inflammation can be clinically relevant to cardiovascular health. “We are starting to see more relationships between oral health and risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Ker-Yung Hong, first author of the study, now studying dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. “If we are seeing that oral health may have an impact on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease even in young healthy individuals, this holistic approach can be implemented earlier on.” The team chose pulse-wave velocity, which can measure the stiffness of arteries, and flow-mediated dilation, a measure of how well arteries can dilate to allow for higher blood flow, as key indicators of cardiovascular risk. These measure arterial health directly: stiff and poorly functioning arteries raise patients’ risk of cardiovascular disease. The scientists recruited 28 non-smokers between 18 and 30, with no comorbidities or medications that could affect cardiovascular risk and no reported history of periodontal disease. They were asked to fast for six hours, except for drinking water, prior to visiting the lab. At the lab, participants rinsed their mouths with water before rinsing their mouths with saline which was collected for analysis. Participants then lay down for 10 minutes for an electrocardiogram and stayed lying down for another 10 minutes so that the scientists could take their blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, and pulse-wave velocity. The scientists found that high white blood cells in saliva had a significant relationship to poor flow-mediated dilation, suggesting these people may be at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there was no relationship between white blood cells and pulse wave velocity, so longer-term impacts on the health of the arteries had not yet taken place. In the pilot study, the scientists hypothesised that inflammation from the mouth, leaking into the vascular system, impacts the ability of arteries to produce the nitric oxide that allows them to respond to changes in blood flow. Higher levels of white blood cells could have a greater impact on vascular dysfunction; the levels found in the participants are usually not considered clinically significant. Latest Health News

A heart drug that combines three medications in one pill — otherwise known as a polypill — has been included in the List of Essential Medicines from the World Health Organization (WHO). The unique polypill is designed for those who have had a prior heart attack or other heart-related event, with the goal of preventing a repeat occurrence. It took 15 years of intense study and several versions to create it. The List of Essential Medications are those that meet the population’s “priority health care needs” and can save lives, improve health and decrease suffering, according to the WHO’s website. COMBO ‘POLYPILL’ CUTS HEART DISEASE DEATHS, NEW STUDY FINDS “This cardiovascular polypill could become an integral part of global strategies to prevent cardiovascular events in patients who have suffered a heart attack and who are currently already being treated with separate mono-components,” said Valentin Fuster, M.D., PhD, president of Mount Sinai Heart and physician-in-chief of The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, in a news release. “This approach has the potential to reduce the risk of recurrent disease and cardiovascular death,” he added. A heart drug that combines three medications in one pill, known as a polypill, has been included in the List of Essential Medicines from the World Health Organization (WHO). Experts say it “has the potential to reduce the risk of recurrent disease and cardiovascular death.” (iStock) WHO selects the essential drugs based on the relevance to public health, prevalence of disease, evidence of clinical efficacy and safety, and comparative costs and cost-effectiveness, according to the global health organization’s website. LEAD AND OTHER METAL CONTAMINANTS INCREASE HEART DISEASE RISK, AHA WARNS: ‘WE NEED TO DO BETTER’ “This really, I think, is a change in medicine,” Fuster, who is also general director of the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), which spearheaded the research, told Fox News Digital in an interview. “The inclusion of this therapeutic solution in the WHO’s List of Essential Medicines confirms our aim to make a positive impact in society and is an important step in our mission to bring significant and differential value to people with cardiovascular disease,” Oscar Pérez, chief marketing and business development officer at Ferrer, a Spain-based pharmaceutical company involved in the polypill research, said in a news release. The World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines consists of medications that meet the population’s “priority health care needs” and can save lives, improve health and decrease suffering. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo) The polypill contains three medications that are typically used to treat patients after they suffer their first heart attack, as Fox News Digital previously reported. Researchers found it to be effective in preventing secondary adverse cardiovascular events in those who have previously had a cardiac event, according to the SECURE trial led by Fuster that was published in The New England Journal of Medicine in August 2022. The polypill also reduced cardiovascular mortality by 33% among patients who had previous heart attacks, the study found. HEART ATTACK DEATH RISK CAN DOUBLE DURING HEAT WAVES AND HIGH POLLUTION, STUDY FINDS: ‘A PERFECT STORM’ “The SECURE results showed for the first time that the cardiovascular polypill that we helped develop led to clinically relevant reductions in recurrent cardiovascular events in patients who had suffered a myocardial infarction,” Fuster said in the release. The three drugs contained in the polypill include acetylsalicylic acid, which helps thin the blood to prevent blood clots; ramipril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that lowers blood pressure; and a cholesterol-lowering drug called atorvastatin, according to Fuster. Each year in the United States, 805,000 people suffer a heart attack. Among those individuals, 200,000 previously had a cardiac event. (iStock) A patient is less likely to take the three separate pills on a daily basis, Fuster said, which increases the risk for another cardiovascular event. The polypill helps patients remain compliant with taking the prescribed medications because it is only one pill. The polypill “has proven its value, because increased adherence means that patients … have a lower risk of cardiovascular events.” Fuster’s research team found that the polypill was also just as effective as the separate pill regimen commonly given to patients after a heart attack. “Adherence to treatment after an acute myocardial infarction is essential for effective secondary prevention,” he told Fox News Digital. AI HEART SCAN AIMS TO CATCH BLOCKAGES YEARS BEFORE SYMPTOMS: ‘UNBELIEVABLE BREAKTHROUGH’ “This cardiovascular polypill, as a strategy that combines three of the baseline treatments for these patients, has proven its value, because increased adherence means that patients are being treated for longer and, as a result, have a lower risk of cardiovascular events,” Fuster noted in the release. It took 15 years of intense study and several versions to develop this polypill, Fuster told Fox News Digital. This unique polypill is designed for those who have already had a prior heart attack or other heart-related event, with the goal of preventing a repeat occurrence. (iStock) It is sold under the brand names Trinomia, Sincronium and Iltria, depending on the country. “The 3% reduction in cardiovascular mortality demonstrates the efficacy of treatment with Trinomia compared to standard treatment,” Ferrer’s Perez said in the report. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER The polypill is commercially available right now in 25 countries, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet cleared it for use in the U.S. “Since our groundbreaking study was published, we have seen an increase in polypill usage across the world, and we are looking forward to having this medicine available in the United States and the rest of the countries where it is not available yet,” Fuster said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Each year in the United States, 805,000 people suffer a heart attack. Among those individuals, 200,000 previously had a cardiac event, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). <!–> Amy McGorry is a contributing health writer for Fox News Digital. Follow her on Twitter @amymcgorry. –>