Heart Disease Archives

PCSK9

These are exciting times for the field of cardiovascular medicine. Despite huge improvements in risk factor modification and progress in medical and surgical therapy, cardiovascular disease remains the most frequent cause of death among most nations. However, increased understanding of the mechanisms behind atherosclerosis, the role of lipoproteins, inflammation and other factors, has opened gates to … Read more

Ten Scientifically Proven Benefits of Low-Carb Diets

Public health guidelines generally focus on recommendations that guarantee adequate nutrition, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, they emphasize balancing calorie intake with physical activity. Dietary guidelines usually recommend eating healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, seafood, and to consume less sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars, and refined grains. … Read more

LDL-Cholesterol – The “Bad” Cholesterol Explained

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an important factor when assessing the risk for developing heart disease. LDL -particles, in particular those who are small and dense, are atherogenic and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a strong and graded correlation between LDL-C and the risk of CVD, both in women and men, although this has been debated by some investigators. The evidence that reducing plasma LDL cholesterol reduces CVD risk is unequivocal. According to the European Society of Cardiology, the results of epidemiological studies as well as trials with angiographic or clinical endpoints conﬁrm that the reduction of LDL cholesterol must be

The Obesity Paradox and Heart Disease

Most of us think obesity is bad. We tend to associate it with negative lifestyle habits, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic disorders. The recent obesity epidemic has been highlighted by the media, health professionals and many scientists. In the general population, obesity is associated with increased mortality and risk for cardiovascular disease. Weight reduction is considered a priority for … Read more

Cancer Is Not a Disease

I read an odd article on the internet recently, suggesting that cancer is not a disease. The article is entitled “Dispelling the disease myth“. I really wouldn’t have bothered if it hadn’t been written by a colleague of mine, Dr. Thomas Lodi. He is an oncologist and runs an alternative cancer treatment center in Arizona. Among the … Read more