Search

Limited information is available regarding the knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors and the actual risk behaviors among African American (AA) older women living in rural areas of Alabama. A pilot study of needs assessment for CVD prevention behaviors was conducted to collect such data from rural AA women. This paper reports the quantitative part of the needs assessment of this pilot study. We recruited participants (N = 30) using convenience sampling. Data collection measures included: i) American Heart Association's CVD‐related knowledge questionnaire, ii) Five Times Sit to Stand Test to measure dynamic balance and iii) Six minute walk test (6MWT) to assess exercise endurance iv) standard weighing scale to measure body weight and v) standard measurements scale to measure height. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The majority (76%) of participants had hypertension (70%), diabetes (60%), poor balance (70%), and low exercise endurance (100%). Most of the participants had low knowledge related to CVD risk factors. This study demonstrated the need to conduct a large‐scale study to assess knowledge related to heart health and the actual needs and preferences of these individuals. Conducting such a study would lay the foundation for developing a need‐based program for these underserved individuals while incorporating their preferences and the strategies that would help engage them in a heart health intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time heart rate monitoring and early detection of heart abnormalities are vital to determine heart health before it worsens. To achieve this goal, this project uses the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) method including its capability to classify heartbeats into normal or abnormal by inputting heartbeat values in BPM units derived from prototypes utilizing sensors like Sensor Easy Pulse and NodeMCU, along with considerations of age and sports activity. All data from sensors will be stored in Firebase. Then Firebase will connect to Android, and the normal and abnormal heart classification results will be displayed on the Android system. Simulation results successfully examined 40 people as a sample and provided information from real-time heart rate monitoring, age, and sports activity as input. This research seeks to contribute to improving health services at various public health service centers and independently in detecting heart health early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study generated bioactive hydrolysates using the enzyme Alcalase and autolysis from mesopelagic fish, including Maurolicus muelleri and Benthosema glaciale. Generated hydrolysates were investigated for their bioactivities using in vitro bioassays, and bioactive peptides were identified using mass spectrometry in active hydrolysates with cyclooxygenase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV and antioxidant activities. In silico analysis was employed to rank identified peptide sequences in terms of overall bioactivity using programmes including Peptide Ranker, PrepAIP, Umami-MRNN and AntiDMPpred. Seven peptides predicted to have anti-inflammatory, anti-type 2 diabetes or Umami potential using in silico strategies were chemically synthesised, and their anti-inflammatory activities were confirmed using in vitro bioassays with COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. The peptide QCPLHRPWAL inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 by 82.90% (+/−0.54) and 53.84%, respectively, and had a selectivity index greater than 10. This peptide warrants further research as a novel anti-inflammatory/pain relief peptide. Other peptides with DPP-IV inhibitory and Umami flavours were identified. These offer potential for use as functional foods or topical agents to prevent pain and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores narratives of sixteen individuals who have experienced a traumatic cardiac event, defined in this study as an event that has caused damage to the heart and required medical attention. Using narrative theory, this study found that individuals demonstrate tension between information that was given and received regarding their cardiac event, leading participants to work through both chaos and quest narratives but never reaching restitution. The findings suggest that the conceptualization of quest narratives be broadened to incorporate health narratives that will not reach a restitution and begin exploring how individuals can communicate different narrative types simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes provide a major portion of protein and calories in the diet of many people around the world. Among different legumes, chickpeas have higher bioavailability and protein. Legumes are the second most important source of human food after the cereal family. Among them, chickpea with 15 to 25% of protein rich in essential amino acids such as arginine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, valine, threonine, meotine and cysteine, phenylalanine and tyrosine, this plant causes fertility due to nitrogen fixation. The content chickpea is not only a source of protein, but also a source of dietary fiber, resistant starch, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, especially folate, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Regarding chickpea milk, plant milk consumers have accepted chickpea extract well. Due to the effective compounds, it is necessary to study the process of human health. In this research, the evaluation of published articles was used and the extracts of these studies were used to compile this article. Reading this article inspires the reader with a favorable view about planting peas in the field and their properties in the body. It is recommended that according to the properties of chickpeas, food industry researchers, plant breeding researchers and other related experts should provide more extensive research works to identify its useful aspects for the healthy and organic production of this valuable plant. Finally, it should be seriously included in the household basket to have a healthy human body.

BackgroundHeart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has further led to increases in various long-term cardiovascular complications.ObjectiveThis study analyzed public conversations related to heart disease and heart health on Facebook in terms of their thematic topics and sentiments. In addition, it provided in-depth analyses of 2 subtopics with important practical implications: heart health for women and heart health during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe collected 34,885 posts and 51,835 comments spanning from June 2016 to June 2021 that were related to heart disease and health from public Facebook pages and groups. We used latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling to extract discussion topics illuminating the public's interests and concerns regarding heart disease and heart health. We also used Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (Pennebaker Conglomerates, Inc) to identify public sentiments regarding heart health.ResultsWe observed an increase in discussions related to heart health on Facebook. Posts and comments increased from 3102 and 3632 in 2016 to 8550 (176% increase) and 14,617 (302% increase) in 2021, respectively. Overall, 35.37% (12,340/34,885) of the posts were created after January 2020, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 39.21% (13,677/34,885) of the posts were by nonprofit health organizations. We identified 6 topics in the posts (heart health promotion, personal experiences, risk-reduction education, heart health promotion for women, educational information, and physicians' live discussion sessions). We identified 6 topics in the comments (personal experiences, survivor stories, risk reduction, religion, medical questions, and appreciation of physicians and information on heart health). During the pandemic (from January 2020 to June 2021), risk reduction was a major topic in both posts and comments. Unverified information on alternative treatments and promotional content was also prevalent. Among all posts, 14.91% (5200/34,885) were specifically about heart health for women centering on local event promotion and distinctive symptoms of heart diseases for women.ConclusionsOur results tracked the public's ongoing discussions on heart disease and heart health on one prominent social media platform, Facebook. The public's discussions and information sharing on heart health increased over time, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various levels of health organizations on Facebook actively promoted heart health information and engaged a large number of users. Facebook presents opportunities for more targeted heart health interventions that can reach and engage diverse populations.

The strawberry is connected to heart teachings for many Indigenous people. The strawberry plant produces beautiful things. However, when exploring the topic of Indigenous women and heart health, the focus of the conversation is most often around deficits. Indigenous women have diseases related to the heart at a higher proportion than both non-Indigenous women and Indigenous men. There is a lack of understanding specific nations' relationships to heart, and there is little to no research available specific to Mi'kmaw (adjective for a Mi'kmaq (First Nations people, Atlantic provinces, Canada, who call themselves L'nu) person) women and heart health. The focus of this Mi'kmaq research, which aligned with community-based participatory research, was to explore and gain a better understanding of what heart means to Mi'kmaw women on the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Four Mi'kmaw women joined the research and shared their experiences to co-create knowledge about heart health. This knowledge in turn shaped my understanding of nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the associations of vigorous-intensity gardening time with cardiometabolic health risk markers. This cross-sectional study (AusDiab) analyzed 2011–2012 data of 3,664 adults (55% women, mean [range], age = 59.3 [34–94] years) in Australia. Multiple linear regression models examined associations of time spent participating in vigorous gardening (0, <150 min/week, ≥150 min/week) with a clustered cardiometabolic risk (CMR) score and its components, for the whole sample and stratified by age and gender. Of participants, 61% did no vigorous gardening, 23% reported <150 min/week, and 16% reported ≥150 min/week. In the whole sample, spending ≥150 min/week in vigorous gardening was associated with lower CMR (lower CMR score, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides) compared with no vigorous gardening. Stratified analyses suggested that these associations were almost exclusively observed for older adults and women. These findings suggest the public health potential of vigorous-intensity gardening in reducing CMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been studied for its benefits, including metabolic risk factors, since the 1950s. In recent years, debates around barriers to access within cultural and environmental fields have arisen within non-Eurocentric cultural backgrounds. Using data related to health benefits derived from dietary components, this review will produce a map of MD modifications to match various cultures. Methods: Foods and constituents of the MD were compared and analyzed to assess benefits for both healthy and metabolic disease states using both empirical and theoretical approaches. Databases (PubMed and Cochrane) were searched using terms for cultural diets and metabolic disease outcomes associated with the MD (e.g., HbA1C, cholesterol, waist circumference, weight, AST and ALT). One multicultural diet database was chosen to identify culturally specific foods that match components of the MD to each cultural affinity. Results: Cultural alternatives to foods and components of the MD exist. However, there is modest research on the specific health effects of most culturally adapted diets. Conclusion: While some evidence gaps exist, it is feasible to translate most components of the MD to diets suitable for various cultural affinities. Future research is needed to examine the overall effects of these diets based on MD macronutrient presentation and the barriers associated with cultural-religious dietary practices and access to foods. Healthcare practitioners may benefit from this as a resource and to facilitate inclusivity and cultural competency for a broader range of dietary behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study generated bioactive hydrolysates using the enzyme Alcalase and autolysis from mesopelagic fish, including Maurolicus muelleri and Benthosema glaciale. Generated hydrolysates were investigated for their bioactivities using in vitro bioassays, and bioactive peptides were identified using mass spectrometry in active hydrolysates with cyclooxygenase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV and antioxidant activities. In silico analysis was employed to rank identified peptide sequences in terms of overall bioactivity using programmes including Peptide Ranker, PrepAIP, Umami-MRNN and AntiDMPpred. Seven peptides predicted to have anti-inflammatory, anti-type 2 diabetes or Umami potential using in silico strategies were chemically synthesised, and their anti-inflammatory activities were confirmed using in vitro bioassays with COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. The peptide QCPLHRPWAL inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 by 82.90% (+/−0.54) and 53.84%, respectively, and had a selectivity index greater than 10. This peptide warrants further research as a novel anti-inflammatory/pain relief peptide. Other peptides with DPP-IV inhibitory and Umami flavours were identified. These offer potential for use as functional foods or topical agents to prevent pain and inflammation.

Background: This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and a total cardio metabolic risk (CMR) score in children aged 3-12 years. Secondary objectives were to examine the association between PA and individual CMR factors. Methods: A longitudinal study with repeated measures was conducted with participants from a large primary care practice-based research network in Toronto, Canada. Mixed effects models were used to examine the relationship between parent-reported physical activity and outcome variables (total CMR score, triglycerides, glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, weight-to-height ratio, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Results: Data from 1885 children (6.06 y, 54.4% male) with multiple visits (n = 2670) were included in the analyses. For every unit increase of 60 minutes of PA, there was no evidence of an association with total CMR score (adjusted: -0.02 [-0.014 to 0.004], P = .11]. For the individual CMR components, there was evidence of a weak association between PA and systolic blood pressure (-0.01 [-0.03 to -0.01], P < .001) and waist-to-height ratio (-0.81 [-1.62 to -0.003], P < .001). Conclusion: Parentreported PA among children aged 3-12 years was not statistically associated with total CMR, but was weakly associated with systolic blood pressure and waist-to-height ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midlife women with HIV (WWH) are disproportionately impacted by cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet little is known about perceptions of CVD risk and the factors that influence engagement in heart health behaviors in this population. Few (if any) studies have used a qualitative approach to examine these perceptions, which has important implications for minimizing the negative impact of HIV-related noncommunicable diseases, the risk for which increases after midlife. Eighteen midlife WWH (aged 40–59) in Boston, MA, completed semistructured interviews to explore perceptions of CVD, HIV, and barriers and facilitators to healthy lifestyle behaviors. Interviews were analyzed via thematic analysis. Participants viewed heart health as important but were unaware of HIV-associated CVD risk. Facilitators included family and generational influences, social support, and access to resources. Physical symptoms, menopause, mental health challenges, and limited financial resources were barriers. Midlife WWH may benefit from tailored CVD prevention interventions that target their unique motivations and barriers to healthy behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, capture fisheries contribute significantly to protein supply and the food security of a third of the world's population. Although capture fisheries production has not significantly increased in tonnes landed per annum during the last two decades (since 1990), it still produced a greater tonnage of protein than aquaculture in 2018. Policy in the European Union and other locations favors production of fish through aquaculture to preserve existing fish stocks and prevent extinction of species from overfishing. However, aquaculture production of fish in order to feed the growing global population would need to increase from 82 087 kT in 2018 to 129 000 kT by 2050. The Food and Agriculture Organization states that global production of aquatic animals was 178 million tonnes in 2020. Capture fisheries contributed 90 million tonnes (51%) of this. For capture fisheries to be a sustainable practice in alignment with UN sustainability goals, ocean conservation measures must be followed and processing of capture fisheries may need to adapt food‐processing strategies already used extensively in the processing of dairy, meat, and soy. These are required to add value to reduced fish landings and sustain profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shalini Srivastava,1 Robert N Girandola,2 Bruce Abedon3 1Clinical Development, Enovate Biolife, Wilmington, DE, USA; 2Department of Human Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 3R&D, Innophos LLC, Cranbury, NJ, USACorrespondence: Shalini Srivastava, Enovate Biolife, 913 N Market Street, Suite 200, Wilmington, DE, 19801, USA, Tel +1 650 855-4832, Email shalini@enovatebiolife.comPurpose: E-OJ-01 (OxyjunTM), a proprietary, standardized aqueous extract of Terminalia arjuna (TA) bark, has previously shown promising cardiovascular health benefits in healthy young athletic adults and is now being tested to determine its ability to support left ventricular ejection fraction and associated parameters in a diverse population.Participants and Methods: Healthy adults aged 30– 70 years (n=72) were included in the study to investigate the effect of 400 mg/day of E-OJ-01 when administered for 8 weeks on myocardial pumping capacity, primarily left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The secondary endpoints were improvement in diastolic filling (E/A) ratio, rate pressure product (RPP), and fatigue severity scale (FSS) score. The effect of the intervention on blood lipids and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels was also explored. The safety of the intervention was evaluated by monitoring adverse events, vitals (heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and body temperature (BT)), and liver (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)) and kidney function (serum creatinine).Results: E-OJ-01 increased the LVEF by 6.28% (percentage change) from the baseline compared with 0.24% (percentage change) in the placebo group (p< 0.05). It reduced fatigue (22.52%), RPP (1.54%), and GGT levels (5.90%) from the baseline. No adverse events related to the intervention were observed during the study.Conclusion: The study showed that E-OJ-01 could improve cardiac pumping capacity by significantly increasing LVEF and reducing fatigue in a diverse, healthy population.Keywords: heart health, ejection fraction, endothelial health, pre-workout supplement, exercise capacity

AimsThis study was designed to explore the relationship between cardiovascular disease incidence and population clusters, which were established based on daily food intake.MethodsThe current study examined 5,396 Iranian adults (2,627 males and 2,769 females) aged 35 years and older, who participated in a 10-year longitudinal population-based study that began in 2001. The frequency of food group consumption over the preceding year (daily, weekly, or monthly) was assessed using a 49-item qualitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) administered via a face-to-face interview conducted by an expert dietitian. Participants were clustered based on their dietary intake by applying the semi-parametric Bayesian approach of the Dirichlet Process. In this approach, individuals with the same multivariate distribution based on dietary intake were assigned to the same cluster. The association between the extracted population clusters and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases was examined using Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsIn the 10-year follow-up, 741 participants (401 men and 340 women) were diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. Individuals were categorized into three primary dietary clusters: healthy, unhealthy, and mixed. After adjusting for potential confounders, subjects in the unhealthy cluster exhibited a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases [Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.059; 95% CI: 1.013, 4.184] compared to those in the healthy cluster. In the unadjusted model, individuals in the mixed cluster demonstrated a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than those in the healthy cluster (HR: 1.515; 95% CI: 1.097, 2.092). However, this association was attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders (HR: 1.145; 95% CI: 0.769, 1.706).ConclusionThe results have shown that individuals within an unhealthy cluster have a risk that is twice as high for the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. However, these associations need to be confirmed through further prospective investigations.

Abstract Globally, capture fisheries contribute significantly to protein supply and the food security of a third of the world's population. Although capture fisheries production has not significantly increased in tonnes landed per annum during the last two decades (since 1990), it still produced a greater tonnage of protein than aquaculture in 2018. Policy in the European Union and other locations favors production of fish through aquaculture to preserve existing fish stocks and prevent extinction of species from overfishing. However, aquaculture production of fish in order to feed the growing global population would need to increase from 82 087 kT in 2018 to 129 000 kT by 2050. The Food and Agriculture Organization states that global production of aquatic animals was 178 million tonnes in 2020. Capture fisheries contributed 90 million tonnes (51%) of this. For capture fisheries to be a sustainable practice in alignment with UN sustainability goals, ocean conservation measures must be followed and processing of capture fisheries may need to adapt food‐processing strategies already used extensively in the processing of dairy, meat, and soy. These are required to add value to reduced fish landings and sustain profitability.

These are the abstracts from the combined 77th Brazilian Congress of Cardiology, together with the World Congress of Cardiology, held in October 2022. From 1950 to today, the World Heart Federation’s World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) has been a key event on the cardiovascular calendar, offering a global perspective on cardiovascular health and bringing together thousands of cardiology professionals from all over the world with one common goal: to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease and help people live longer, healthier lives.

Cardiovascular events continue to be the leading cause of acute, on-duty deaths for firefighters. Conducted in a hazardous environment, firefighting imposes a unique physiological strain on the body. The high cardiovascular strain of firefighting leads to increased risk for cardiac events, espe)cially among individuals with underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD). The COVID-19 pandemic has added an additional concern about cardiac events in the fire service. Emerging evidence shows increased risk for cardiovascular conditions, even after acute infection has resolved. The fire service needs to be aware of this post-COVID-19 risk to avert unnecessary cardiac injury and fatalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous peoples have thrived since time immemorial across North America; however, over the past three to four generations there has been a marked increase in health disparities amongst Indigenous peoples versus the general population. Heart disease and mental health issues have been well documented and appear to be interrelated within Indigenous peoples across Canada. However, Western medicine has yet to clearly identify the reasons for the increased prevalence of heart disease and mental health issues and their relationship. In this narrative review, we discuss how Indigenous perspectives of health and wholistic wellness may provide greater insight into the connection between heart disease and mental wellbeing within Indigenous peoples and communities across Canada. We argue that colonization (and its institutions, such as the Indian Residential School system) and a failure to include or acknowledge traditional Indigenous health and wellness practices and beliefs within Western medicine have accelerated these health disparities within Indigenous peoples. We summarize some of the many Indigenous cultural perspectives and wholistic approaches to heart health and mental wellbeing. Lastly, we provide recommendations that support and wholistic perspective and Indigenous peoples on their journey of heart health and mental wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer survivors face increased risk of heart disease, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Certain types of technology, such as consumer wearable devices, can be useful to monitor for AF, but little is known about wearables and AF monitoring in cancer survivor populations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand technology usage and preferences in cancer survivors with or at risk for AF, and to describe demographic factors associated with wearable device ownership in this population. Methods: Eligible patients completed a remote survey assessment regarding use of commercial wearable devices. The survey contained questions designed to assess commercial wearable device use, electronic health communications, and perceptions regarding the participant’s cardiac health. Results: A total of 424 cancer survivors (mean age 74.2 years; 53.1% female; 98.8% white) were studied. Although most participants owned a smartphone (85.9%), only 31.8% owned a wearable device. Over half (53.5%) of cancer survivors were worried about their heart health. Overall, patients believed arrhythmias (79.7%) were the most important heart condition for a wearable to detect. Survivors reported being most willing to share blood pressure (95.6%) and heart rate (95.3%) data with their providers and were least willing to share information about their diet, weight, and physical activity using these devices. Conclusion: Understanding factors such as device ownership, usage, and heart health concerns in cancer survivors can play an important role in improving cardiovascular monitoring and its accessibility. Long-term patient outcomes may be improved by incorporating wearable devices into routine care of cancer survivors.

• Examined the association between community green space exposure and heart health for Chinese older adults. • General heart heat was measured through electrocardiography. • Street view trees (SVG-tree) and grass (SVG-grass) were used as the proxy for green space exposure. • SVG-grass is negatively associated with older adults' odds of reporting electrocardiographic abnormalities. • The effectt of SVG was more pronounced for males, older adults with lower income or educational attainment. Heart health is important for the quality of life, especially for older adults. Awareness is mounting that green space possibly matters for promoting heart health. While most studies mainly focused on the relationship between green space and cardiovascular diseases among older adults, scant attention has been paid to general heart heat measures through electrocardiography (ECG). This study aims to systematically assess the association between community green space exposure and heart health for Chinese older adults using street view and ECG. This observational, cross-sectional study was based on data from the 33 Chinese Community Health Study (33 CCHS). The heart health was measured by the presence of electrocardiographic abnormalities. We used street view data to calculate exposure to community street view green space (SVG) and further distinguished between street view trees (SVG-tree) and grass (SVG-grass). As a green space reference, we also incorporated the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The results showed that SVG-grass was negatively associated with older adults' odds of reporting electrocardiographic abnormalities, but there is no evidence that SVG-tree or NDVI was related to that. Also, the stratified analyses indicated that the results vary across demographic and socioeconomic groups. Heart health for males and older adults with lower income or educational attainment were significantly associated with SVG exposure, while such findings were not found for their counterparts. Our findings suggest ECG and street view data are promising in understanding green space-heart health associations. Hence, it is essential to promote the provision and visibility of community green space especially for older adults in disadvantaged groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In seeking ground-up understandings of heart health disparities facing low-income Malay women in Singapore, this paper locates their meanings of heart health. Their health narratives reveal the insidious communicative and structural barriers women face. The findings show how shame, conceptualized as malu, remains a barrier to accessing health and help structures. Everyday food insecurity and stress from caregiving while in impoverishment also undermine heart health equity. The intersections of gender and class reveal how caregiving can have a crippling effect on health outcomes in the low-income context. Low-income women face multiple burdens that impede heart health care and management. Women's heart health interventions should heed how a culture of shame and structural manifestations of stress and food insecurity prevent women in low-income settings from seeking equitable health opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the subject of numerous studies, the associations between dietary sodium, potassium, and the ratio of dietary sodium to potassium with blood pressure are not clear-cut. In addition, there is a paucity of research on these relationships in prospective cohort studies with representation from diverse Hispanic/Latino adults., Objectives: To evaluate the associations between dietary intake of sodium, potassium, and the ratio of dietary sodium to potassium and blood pressure in a diverse sample of Hispanics living in the United States., Methods: This analysis included 11,429 Hispanic/Latino participants of the prospective cohort Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos recruited between 2008 and 2011 in visit 1 who participated in a follow-up visit in 2014-2017. Dietary sodium and potassium intakes were averaged from 2 interviewer-administered 24-h diet recalls collected at visit 1. At both visits, blood pressure was measured 3 times in a seated position and averaged. We assessed the relationship between dietary sodium, potassium, and the sodium-to-potassium ratio with changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure using survey-weighted multivariable-adjusted regression models., Results: At visit 1, the mean age was 41 y, and the mean sodium intake was 3203 mg/d. Each 500 mg/d sodium increment in intake was associated with an increase in systolic blood pressure (β: 0.35 [mmHg]; 95% confidence interval: 0.06, 0.63) and diastolic blood pressure (β: 0.45 [mmHg]; 95% confidence interval: 0.08, 0.82). Dietary potassium and the molar ratio of dietary sodium to potassium were not associated with changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure., Conclusions: Among a large sample of diverse United States Hispanic/Latino adults, higher sodium intake was associated with small increases in systolic blood pressure over 6 y. This research underscores the importance of dietary sodium reduction in maintaining lower blood pressure., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Nutrition. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cardiovascular diseases in Bulgaria are the leading cause of death among the population and are a consequence of the long-term and cumulative effect of cardiovascular risk factors. Health education of children and adolescents is a leading priority of health promotion, and its goal is to achieve a high health culture, which is crucial in building health behavior and lifestyle of the younger generation and reducing the negative long-term impact of risk factors. The aim of the present study is to establish the health awareness of students on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and to justify the need for health education. The survey was conducted in the period February-April 2021 among 104 students aged 12 to 17 from high schools in the city of Sofia. A sociological method was used – a survey based on voluntary and anonymous inquiries, specially designed questionnaires, documentary, statistical and graphical analysis of the results. The conclusions we made are that approximately 70.00% of the respondents have never participated in health training for heart health prevention. 42.00% have no information about the risk factors for their cardiovascular health. These data impose and determine the need to raise awareness of all students at the appropriate age. In order to prevent and reduce the health risk, it is necessary to conduct health training with an emphasis on the prevalence and possible prevention of risk factors, as well as future risks to heart health in the early and long-term impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Patients perceive cardiac rehabilitation as important to maintenance of good heart health behaviors. • A structure and systematized education process improves patient perception. • Participation in cardiac rehabilitation contributes to sustained health behavior changes. Understanding patients' perceptions about rehabilitation can guide healthcare administrators on modifications of program elements, which can ultimately improve cardiac rehabilitation (CR) use, adherence of heart-health behaviors, and improvements in clinical outcomes. To examine the perception of patients about their participation in CR. Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, performed in a public CR center in Brazil. Twenty-eight patients were interviewed 2-years following participation in two CR models: exercise-based and comprehensive CR. Themes identified included: knowledge acquisition, improvement in functionality, and psychosocial well-being. It appeared that the perceived benefits of CR participation were overall positive and similar between the two models; however, those in the comprehensive CR identified additional subthemes: self-care need and knowledge transfer. This study suggested that patients from two different CR models perceived in the long term that the CR participation positively impacted their disease-related knowledge, promoted functional gains, and improved psychosocial well-being. Structured educational interventions seemed to be associated with improved participants' perception about CR, which could contribute to long-term maintenance of heart-health behavior and better outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widely acclaimed as the "tree of life," the coconut is intrinsically woven into human culture as a source of food, shelter, and medicine. Coconut oil and its derivatives have found diverse applications in both food and industry. Of late, the consumption of coconut in the form of oil and its derivatives has been proven to be beneficial. Taking into account the most recent clinical evidences, an attempt was made to present a concise review of the cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity effects of coconut and its derivatives. Our analysis reveals that research evidence supports the cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects of coconut. Numerous clinical trials have proven the anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects of coconut oil and products. High contents of myocardial anti-oxidants, and differential metabolism of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) provide cardioprotective effects. The ketogenic effect of coconut derived products confers neuroprotective measures and enhanced energy expenditure in the metabolism of MCFAs and polyphenolic anti-oxidants are suggested to offer anti-obesity effects. Nevertheless, further research with more randomized, controlled, large clinical trials that evaluate the optimal dosage and side effects, if any, are warranted. Based on this comprehensive review, it is understood that MCFAs are the key component, apart from the phytochemicals such as polyphenols, tocopherols, and other antioxidants that accord these health benefits. Overall, the health benefits of coconut and its derivatives are perceptible, though there is a need for long-term clinical trials. Also a shift of research focus from coconut fatty acids and oil to other phytochemicals and to design appropriate clinical and epidemiological studies to discover coconut biomolecules of health importance is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy eating is a struggle for many families in New Zealand when they cannot adequately afford food. Statistics New Zealand has shown that the food price index rose 12.5 percent over the past year with an increase of 22 percent for fruit and vegetables prices(1). Food prices now rate as the number one concern for New Zealanders(2). To understand the changes households are making in response to increasing food prices 109 main household shoppers were surveyed. The survey was administered via Qualtrics in May/June 2023. Participants were recruited via social media and by direct email from researchers and Heart Foundation staff. Survey participants were asked about food prices, shopping behaviours and changes within specific food categories. Two thirds of the participants were female. The predominant age groups were 20-29 years (29%) and 60 and above (28%). The major ethnicities were European (53%), Pasifika (20%) and Māori (8%). Around 46% of people lived in Auckland with the next highest area being Nelson (and wider Tasman). The results showed 85% of participants expected food prices to get worse over the next year. To manage rising food prices 70% people had changed where they shopped or how they accessed food, 90% changed what they buy and 67% had changed the way they eat (e.g., cooking more at home). The most substantial changes were in the fruit and vegetable category where people changed the types purchased (73%) and purchased less (63%). In many food categories buying cheaper brands, in bulk and when foods were on special were common responses. Rationing or going without was a consistent theme highlighted with meat/poultry, eggs, fish, alcohol and more expensive snack foods. The implications for the Heart Foundation's work include (1) reinforcing the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet and to provide tips and tools around ingredient substitution, (2) promote alternative protein sources (e.g., beans and legumes) as an affordable ingredient and recipes to support their use and (3) supporting companies to improve the composition of cheaper brands through food reformulation. With this being a small sample size, it may not be fully generalisable to the entire population however given the survey found a high percentage of people making changes it does indicate the important role health agencies can play providing information, and advice to support people to manage high food prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among United States women, yet few resources focus on consumer health education, advocacy, and support. WomenHeart.org, the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, provides a space for all women living with or at risk of heart disease to connect, communicate, and advocate for and with each other. The national platform WomenHeart has built over two decades has rocketed them into a unique position of collaboration and action to educate on and fight for women's heart health in the United States. Their site, womenheart.org, provides clear, concise information on an easy to navigate platform. This site should be a first stop for anyone, from women new to their heart journey to seasoned medical practitioners and educators looking to provide additional information and support to their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several population-based studies have been conducted to better understand the public knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and behavior. However, most studies have predominantly focused on Western populations. This study aimed to investigate heart disease knowledge, preventive behavior and source of information on heart disease in a multi-ethnic Asian population. We conducted a nation-wide population-based survey of 1000 participants of three ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, Indian) in Singapore. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographics, knowledge on CVD risk factors, symptoms, emergency action, preventive health behaviors and sources of information on heart disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the CVD knowledge and behavior. Knowledge on CVD risk factors was generally high. Knowledge on emergency actions was low particularly in younger people. More than 60% did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, and this was more evident for individuals of overweight/obese status, lower education and workforce. Chinese were less likely to be obese/overweight compared to the Malays and Indians. Malays were less likely to seek information from internet and social media compared to their ethnic counterparts. This study highlighted heterogeneity in the levels of knowledge and health behavior across population segments, suggesting the need for a tailored approach to heart health interventions and optimal channels for information dissemination. Our findings will form the basis for contextually and culturally appropriate interventions to combat the growing CVD burden and prevent its toll on a rapidly ageing population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death among men and women within the United States. Heart disease is an umbrella term for the following heart conditions: • Angina • Irregular heartbeats • Heart attacks • Heart failure • Stroke This new 8-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department describes the modifiable risk factors for heart disease and tips to reduce one’s risk for heart disease. Written by Elena B. Smith, Jodi Fitzgerald, Danielle Nelson, Madison Woodard, and Jeanette Andrade. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs426

The increasing incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases is a major global health concern. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for the highest percentage of deaths related to non-communicable diseases, and low and middle-income countries (LMIC) face the highest burden of CVDs. Understanding the knowledge and perception of CVDs and their risk factors in an LMIC such as Nigeria may play an important role in cardiovascular health promotion and improvement plans to reduce CVD-related deaths. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of some personal and sociocultural views on CVDs and their risk factors. The participants were purposively sampled primary school teachers in South-Eastern Nigeria. Thematic analysis approach was used for data analysis. The study findings include knowledge of heart disease, perceived causes and risk factors of CVDs, spirituality, and the way forward. Overall, the knowledge of CVDs in the setting was found to be related to the psychosocial nature of the participants; the effectiveness of any intervention needs to take these factors into consideration. For example, health policies for CVD health education and awareness should be tailored to address some of the issues of belief, values, and religion, as mentioned in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cardiotoxicity from anticancer therapy affects heart function and structure. Cardiotoxicity can also lead to accelerated development of chronic diseases, especially in the presence of risk factors. Methods This study aimed to develop and pilot a combined cardiovascular disease and cardiotoxicity risk assessment questionnaire to quantify the potential extent of risk factors in breast cancer patients prior to treatment. The questionnaire underwent content and face validity evaluation by an expert panel followed by pilot testing in a sample of breast cancer patients (n = 36). Questionnaires were self-administered while attending chemotherapy clinic, in the presence of a research assistant. Results Mean age of participants was 54.8 years (range 36–72 years). Participants reported CVD risk factors including diabetes 2.8%, hypertension 19.8%, hypercholesterolaemia 11% and sleep apnoea 5%. Lifestyle risk factors, included not eating the recommended serves of vegetables (100%) or fruit (78%) per day; smoking (13%) and regularly consuming alcohol (75%). Twenty five percent reported being physically inactive, 61%, overweight or obese, 24%, little or no social support and 30% recorded high to very high psychological distress. Participants were highly (75%) reluctant to undertake lifestyle changes; i.e. changing alcohol consumption; dietary habits; good emotional/mental health strategies; improving physical activity; quitting smoking; learning about heart-health and weight loss. Conclusion This study is an important step towards prevention and management of treatment-associated cardiotoxicity after breast cancer diagnosis. We recommend that our questionnaire is providing important data that should be included in cancer registries so that researchers can establish the relationship between CVD risk profile and cardiotoxicity outcomes and that this study revealed important teaching opportunities that could be used to examine the impact on health literacy and help patients better understand the consequences of cancer treatment.

Wine with good food (albeit fatty) is an integral part of the French dietary pattern which is often called the French paradox. We note that among the inherent compounds in wine, especially red, that could confer cardioprotection, are resveratrol and melatonin. However, we do not think that drinking red wine is the sole explanation for the French paradox, whereby a rich high fat diet is associated with a lower than expected incidence of coronary heart disease. Rather, we note differences in French social behaviour – French eating is for refined pleasure and conviviality. ''Food is bought, cooked, and celebrated.'' Gardening with the availability and love of fresh vegetables is common. This lifestyle may be the key to the French paradox which, however, seems to be a passing phenomenon as dietary patterns and passion for gardening change even in France. Recent data suggest that, after all, the French are susceptible to the same rules as are other nations. The true Mediterranean diet pattern, found only in the relatively small geographic part of the South of France, is by contrast low in fat, with little red meat and rich in fish and olive oil. Like the French diet, it emphasises fresh fruit and vegetables and includes modest wine with the meals.

The use of performance-enhancing drugs is an unfortunatereality of contemporary sport. It would be a mistake tobelieve that this is a phenomenon found only in elite sport.Athletes at all levels and young adults may be tempted toaccentuate performance or physique with prohibited drugsor products marketed as supplements. No defined populationsof users ingesting known quantities of known substances are generally available for study. Many of these products have been associated with adverse health effects; cardiac structure and function are known to be affected by many of the products commonly abused. Changes to the lipoprotein profile, propensity for coagulation, coronary circulation, and ventricular function may accompany the use of many performance-enhancing compounds and methods. Anabolic steroids, other peptide hormones, stimulants, erythropoietin and blood doping, have all been associated with significant cardiovascular consequences. So-called nutritional supplements aggressively marketed to the athletically inclined, are available over the Internet and typically totally unregulated in the country of their origin. Clinicians should be aware of the problems that such drug use can engender, and be sensitive to the possibilities of such abuse in caring for athletes and young patients, particularly in those presenting with unusual or unanticipated cardiovascular signs and symptoms.

Historically, heart health was approached holistically by First Nations (FN) peoples, which was integrated into daily living. Caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, community, family, and the living environment was integral. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada demonstrates the decimation of health practices through governmental policy to destroy the cultural foundations of FN peoples. Relational systems and ways of living were outlawed, and the health of FN people suffered. A digital storytelling study collaborated with Manitoba FN women with lived experience of caring for a biomedical-diagnosed heart condition. The objective was to identify concepts, language, and experiences of heart health among FN women. Six women created five digital stories; four are available publically online. Themes addressed by the storytellers include: changes to diet and lifestyle, related health conditions, experiences with healthcare system, residential schools, and relationships with children and grandchildren. The intersection of Western and FN knowledges heard in the women’s stories suggests heart health knowledge and care is embedded within historical and social contexts. Insights into the non-dichotomous relationship between FN and biomedical knowledge of heart health, along with their conceptualisations of heart, suggests historical and social roots underlying heart health issues First Nations women face.

Evidence exists for the association between health literacy and heart health outcomes. Cardiac rehabilitation is critical for recovery from heart attack and reducing hospital readmissions. Despite this, <30% of people participate in a program. Significant patient, hospital and health system challenges exist to improve recovery through increased heart health literacy. This brief case study reflects and documents practice-based initiatives by Heart Foundation Victoria to improve access to recovery information for patients with low literacy levels. Three key initiatives, namely the Six Steps To Cardiac Recovery resource, the Love Your Heart book and the nurse ambassador program, were implemented informed by mixed methods that assessed need and capacity at the individual, organisational and systems levels. Key outcomes included increased access to recovery information for patients with low health literacy, nurse knowledge and confidence to engage with patients on recovery information, improved education of patients and improved availability and accessibility of information for patients in diverse formats. Given the challenges involved in addressing heart health literacy, multifaceted practice-based approaches are essential to improve access to recovery information for patients with low literacy levels. What is known about the topic?: Significant challenges exist for patients with lower health literacy receiving recovery information after a heart attack in hospitals. What does this paper add?: This case study provides insights into a practice-based initiative by Heart Foundation Victoria to improve access to recovery information for patients with low literacy levels. What are the implications for practitioners?: Strategies to improve recovery through increased heart health literacy must address the needs of patients, nursing staff and the health system within hospitals. Such strategies need to be multifaceted and designed to build the capacity of nurses, heart patients and their carers, as well as support from hospital management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]