Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Age: Is it all about the cholesterol?

For decades, scientists have been trying to find out what causes heart disease. Although we have gained some knowledge along the way, many questions remain unanswered. Instead of providing clear answers, scientific research often raises a set of new issues that have to be addressed. The American physicist, Thomas S. Kuhn wrote that “to be scientific is among … Read more

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) – Impotence Explained

Erectile dysfunction often referred to as impotence, is a common disorder that frequently coexists with cardiovascular disease. It is defined as the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It is estimated that erectile dysfunction affects >30% of men between 40 and 70 years of age (1). Cardiovascular disease is a term that … Read more

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT)

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a relatively simple, noninvasive measure that uses ultrasound to detect the presence and extent of atherosclerosis in an artery. Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of coronary heart disease is characterized by an accumulation of lipids, white blood cells and cell debris in the inner layers of the arterial wall.   Atherosclerotic plaques may cause blockages … Read more

Added Sugar – Why and How to Avoid It

When it comes to the science of nutrition, everyone seems to have an opinion. Consequently, there is huge disagreement, even among the experts. If we ask for advice, there are likely to be dozen different answers. So, in the era of information overflow, the general population, has become severely confused. Apart from having to choose … Read more

Broken Heart Syndrome (Stress Cardiomyopathy)

Emotional stress is a known risk factor for developing heart disease (1). Never is this relationship more evident than in the broken heart syndrome, an acute heart disorder that is directly precipitated and caused by an emotionally stressful event.   The broken heart syndrome, also called stress cardiomyopathy (stress-induced cardiomyopathy), apical ballooning syndrome, or takotsubo … Read more