Is cardiovascular screening effective?

Posted on 2008-08-28 20:00:00 in Cardio-Vascular | Industry News |

British health experts have questioned whether screening patients at high risk of cardiovascular problems will demonstrate large benefits, it has been noted.

In news that may be of interest to anti-aging physicians, the UK government has now closed its consultation into the effectiveness of vascular checks for those aged between 40 and 74.

The new policy is now set to be rolled-out between 2009 and 2010 after it was claimed between 9,500 heart attacks and strokes and 2,000 deaths could annually be prevented through screening, Eurekalert notes.

In a debate on BMJ.com, Professor Rod Jackson and colleagues from the University of Auckland in New Zealand voiced their agreement with the scheme, saying that it will be economical and result in "significant" health improvements.

However, Professor Simon Capewell from the University of Liverpool argues that drug treatment alone will not eliminate the underlying disease.

In related news, the University of Edinburgh has announced that heart attack patients with partially blocked arteries may be at a higher risk of a repeat incident than previously believed.
ADNFCR-1506-ID-18755105-ADNFCR

Health Headlines

Berries May Combat Metabolic Dysfunction

Finnish researchers reveal that a diet rich in berries may reduce levels of inflammatory markers linked to metabolic disorders and liver disease.

Scientists Discover Protein that Naturally Inhibits Aging

UCSD (US) researchers discover Sestrin, a protein that functions as natural inhibitor of aging and age-related pathologies in a fruitfly model of aging.

Cocoa Compounds Boost Blood Flow to Muscles

Researchers find that a beverage rich in cocoa flavanols increases blood flow to muscles, and may thereby alleviate exercise-related strains on the heart.

Cardiac Risks of Air Travel in the Older Population

Older airline passengers with a history of heart disease may be more prone to heartbeat irregularities.

Blood Pressure Dietary Program May Boost Brain Function

The DASH Diet, resultant from the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension study, improves mental activity in overweight adults with high blood pressure.

Daily Dose of Sugary Beverages Linked to Rise in Diabetes

In the US, more than 100,000 cases of diabetes over the last decade may be a direct result of the rise in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sports drink

Alcohol May Help to Curb Weight Gain in Women

Large-scale study finds that light alcohol consumption slashes women’s risk of gaining excess weight.

Weakened Muscles May Result from Low Vitamin D Levels

Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may cause fat to amass in muscle tissue, reducing muscle strength.

Nutrigenomics Personalizes Disease Prevention

Nutrigenomics is a new scientific field that combines molecular biology, genetics and nutrition to regulate gene expression through specific nutrients.

Red Clover Extract May Lessen Depression and Anxiety

Austrian study finds that red clover extract may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women.