There are several reasons why we should be interested in the numbers reflecting the amount of cholesterol circulating in our bloodstream. However, to be able to interpret these numbers we have to know certain things about cholesterol as a chemical substance and its role health and disease. Interestingly, although cholesterol is an essential substance for […]
Muscular Strength and Longevity – The Role of Strength Training
In 1953, British researchers discovered that drivers of London’s double-decker buses were more likely to suffer a deadly heart attack than the more physically active conductors (1). Another study published five years later found that the risk of heart attack was higher among government clerks than postmen (2). These studies laid the foundation for the hypothesis […]
Angina Pectoris – What Is Angina and How Do We Deal With It?
The term angina pectoris or angina is used to describe chest pain or discomfort, often felt like pressure or a squeezing sensation in the chest. The pain may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or the back region between the shoulder blades. Angina is not a disease. It is a symptom, usually caused by inadequate […]
Using Coronary Calcium Score to Target Statin Treatment in Primary Prevention – The Biolmage Study
Cholesterol-lowering medications are being prescribed to almost 30% of US adults aged 40 and over, most of these are statins drugs (1). The number increases with age, and approximately 48% of adults older than 75 are receiving such treatment. It has been suggested that treating more older individuals with statins may prevent a substantial number of cardiovascular events, and that, […]
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 […]