heart disease

Leave a comment Posted on Diet

So what are Trans Fats and how can we avoid them?

Are trans fats bad for you?

Are trans fats bad for you?

Artificial trans fats can be formed when oil goes through a process called hydrogenation, which makes the oil more solid (known as hardening). This type of fat, known as hydrogenated fat, can be used for frying or as an ingredient in processed foods.

Artificial trans fats can be found in some processed foods such as biscuits and cakes, where they are sometimes used to help give products a longer shelf life. However, in recent years many food manufacturers have removed trans fats from their products.

Trans fats can also be found naturally in some foods at low levels, such as those from animals, including meat and dairy products.

Are trans fats bad for you?

What type of fruit is this?

What type of fruit is this?

Consuming a diet high in trans fats can lead to high cholesterol levels in the blood, which can cause health conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. However, most people in the UK don’t eat a lot of trans fats.

We eat about half the recommended maximum of trans fats on average, which is why the more commonly eaten saturated fat is considered a bigger health risk. For more information, see Is saturated fat bad for me?

Reducing your intake of trans fats

If you want to reduce your intake of trans fats, you should:

  • avoid products that list partially hydrogenated fat or oil on the label
  • include lots of fruit and vegetables in your diet
  • use fat-free or low-fat dairy products
  • try to eat fewer biscuits, cakes and pastries
  • use liquid vegetable oil for frying at home
  • when eating out, try to eat fewer fried foods
Leave a comment Posted on Cardiovascular disease

Over 45s putting health at risk by ignoring heart health


• New research released today sees 70% of people aged 45 and over say they are not worried

Over 45s putting health at risk by ignoring heart health

Over 45s putting health at risk by ignoring heart health

about their heart health, despite the fact that over 2.3 million people are thought to be living with some form of coronary heart disease in the UK
• Almost half did not know heart disease is the biggest health-related cause of death in the UK, despite the fact that 152,436 people die of the disease every year, an average of 417 people per day
• Around one in seven in that age group admit they have never done anything to try and actively improve their heart health – however, if the two main causes of heart disease are unhealthy blood and high cholesterol a simple lifestyle change can make a big difference to help prevent such diseases and strokes occurring.

Millions of people aged 45 and over could be seriously jeopardising their health because of a lack of concern over the state of their hearts. That’s the warning coming today, after new research shows that 70% of people aged 45 – the age group most at risk – and over are not concerned about their heart health at all.


Whilst an estimated 2.3 million people in the UK are living with a condition of coronary heart disease, the research shows that the majority of the population do not regard it as being a life threatening concern. Even the over 45’s, those at the greatest risk from heart problems, are only slightly more concerned than those under 45, with only 27% in that age group, worried!

Furthermore, around one in seven 45 and overs don’t do anything to actively improve their heart health – only slightly less than 26% under 45s who admitted the same.

Across all age groups, over half (51%) were not aware that heart disease is the biggest health-related cause of death in the UK.

152,436 people have died in the UK over the last year from heart disease, an average of 417 people per day. If this rate continues over the next 20 years over 3 million people will be at risk.

The survey also questioned people as to what lifestyle changes they have made to help improve their heart health.

Less than half of all British adults say they exercise more, 39% have cut down on their intake of saturated fats, and 37% have cut down on their salt intake.

The study also showed a lack of awareness around what can lead to a heart attack, with almost a third not realising that blood clots can be a contributor.

Leave a comment Posted on Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes

Why do young people with Type-2 Diabetes go on to develop heart damage?


Diabetes Awareness

Diabetes Awareness

A new study led by a research team at Leicester’s Hospitals hope to reveal, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), why young people with Type-2 diabetes develop heart damage.

The research team, led by Dr Gerry McCann, Consultant Cardiologist at Leicester’s Hospitals and NIHR Fellow and Professor Melanie Davies, Honorary Consultant at Leicester’s Hospitals, Director of the Diabetes Centre and Professor of Diabetes Medicine at the University of Leicester, are going to use MRI scanning to determine what causes early heart failure in 100 younger adults with diabetes.

The study will randomly allocate patients to different treatment arms. The first group will receive optimal blood sugar lowering treatment and lifestyle advice. The second, a very low calorie diet and the third, moderate intensity exercise training. The research team hope that conducting MRI scans throughout this period will indicate whether early heart damage can be completely reversed.


Dr McCann stated “Patients with diabetes are four times more likely to develop heart failure and other circulation problems. Younger diabetics have the greatest life-time risk of complications and death. It is essential that we develop tools to diagnose heart failure early and effective treatments to prevent this serious life threatening condition progressing. This NIHR award will see Leicester’s cardiovascular and diabetes research units working together to combat heart failure developing in patients with diabetes.”

It is hoped that by using the evidence produced by the MRI scans to compare the different treatment methods, it will lead to better treatments that prevent hospitalisation with heart failure and premature deaths.

Prof. Davies noted “We have seen a dramatic increase in the numbers of people developing Type-2 diabetes at a younger age. Our previous work has shown that younger people already have evidence of heart damage. We want to see if we can intervene and reverse these really worrying changes.

I am delighted that we have been awarded this prestigious award funding to allow us to carry out this important and innovative work in Leicester.”

3 Comments Posted on Patient Talk

Latest health and travel advice for Hajj and Umrah – well worth a read. And please share with all those making the pilgrimage.

Hajj and Umrah

Hajj and Umrah

Public Health England have just released their health advice for anyone making the Pilgrimage to Mecca this year. For non-Muslims the Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is estimated to fall during early October 2014. Umrah is a shorter, non-compulsory pilgrimage for Muslims that can be performed at any time.

I’m sharing it here because well this is the kind of useful info some of my readers will need. Go here for any updates since this blog was posted.

“In response to international outbreaks of disease, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Ministry of Health has recommended the following groups should postpone the performance of the Hajj and Umrah as a precautionary measure this year, for their own safety: elderly people, those with chronic diseases (heart disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, nervous system disorders and diabetes), immunodeficient patients (congenital and acquired), pregnant women and children.

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not currently advise any travel restrictions to KSA in relation to the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and overall the risk of UK residents travelling to the Middle East contracting the virus remains low. However, cases reported from KSA continue to increase, to 846 by September 2014, and there have now been 298 deaths, occurring mainly among residents.

Professor Nick Phin, head of respiratory diseases at PHE said: “With growing evidence indicating the role of camels in transmitting MERS-CoV to humans, we’re advising all travellers to the Middle East, particularly those with underlying or chronic medical conditions, to avoid contact with camels and camel products, and to practise good hand and respiratory hygiene to reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses.

MERS-CoV is a new type of coronavirus first identified in a Middle Eastern citizen in 2012. Although cases continue to be reported from the Middle East, no new cases of MERS have been detected in the UK since the cases linked to the Middle East in February 2013.

“Pilgrims returning from Hajj and Umrah with flu-like symptoms including fever and cough, or shortness of breath within 14 days of being in the Middle East, should contact their GP without delay and inform them of their travel.”

Pilgrims should also be aware this year that due to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, visas will not be issued to individuals who have travelled or lived in Ebola affected countries within the three weeks before their applications. All visitors to the KSA will be required to complete an Ebola screening card before being allowed to enter the country.

In addition, the declaration by WHO of polio as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern has also led to additional vaccination requirements for arrivals in KSA from particular countries.

Dr Dipti Patel, joint director of NaTHNaC, said: “Our updated health information sheet for pilgrims includes information on health regulations, vaccine requirements, recommendations and general health advice for those planning to travel for the Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims are strongly advised to follow our specific guidance about staying safe and healthy when travelling.”

Dr Brian McCloskey, director of global health at PHE, said: “The Hajj is the largest annual international gathering, with more than two million Muslims travelling from around the world, including thousands from the UK. A large population in one confined area has historically increased the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, which is why it is important to get the relevant vaccinations and to get travel advice from your GP or travel health clinic.”

1 Comment Posted on Patient Talk

WORLD HEART DAY 2014: SALT REDUCTION SAVES LIVES


World Heart Day 2014

World Heart Day 2014

As regular readers of this blog know I am rather skeptical about of lot of MedEd (medical education for those not in the in crowd). Actually much of it is total rubbish. And it strikes me the bigger the organisation the more rubbish it tends to produce. You know who you are! But no names no pack drill!

So you can imagine my delighted when an email about World Heart Day dropped into my inbox. One of those great occasions when I’m sent something which is actually useful. Mainly about salt reduction it does not just say why but much more importantly it says how.

On World Heart Day, which takes  place on 29 September, the World Health Organization (WHO) is asking us to take action on the overuse of salt.  They feel we can do this  by implementing their sodium (the main source our diets is salt)  reduction recommendations.   This they say reduce the number of people experiencing heart disease and strokes.


In fact noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are now the main causes of premature death .

“If the target to reduce salt by 30% globally by 2025 is achieved, millions of lives can be saved from heart disease, stroke and related conditions,” shares Dr Oleg Chestnov, WHO Assistant Director-General for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.

As we noted above main source of sodium in our diet is salt. But it also come from  from sodium glutamate and sodium chloride, and is used as a condiment in many parts of the world. In the developed world WHO claim 80% of salt intake comes from processed foods such as bread, cheese, bottled sauces, cured meats and ready-made meals.

Too much sodium to hypertension, or high blood pressure, and there or up the risk of things like  heart disease and stroke.

On average, people consume around 10 grams of salt per day which is twice as much as we should.

“Salt is in almost everything we eat, either because high levels of salt are found in most

Salt reduction boost health

Salt reduction boost health

processed and prepared foods, or because we are adding salt when we prepare food at home,” adds Dr Chestnov.

Government and NGos wouldn’t be government or NGOs if they did not call for greater regulation.  So they kick off with:-

  • regulations and policies to ensure that food manufacturers and retailers reduce the levels of salt in food and beverage products;
  • agreements with the industry to ensure that manufacturers and retailers make healthy food (with low salt) available and affordable;
  • fostering healthy eating environments (that promote salt reduction) in public places such as schools, hospitals, workplaces and public institutions;
  • ensuring clear food labelling so consumers can easily understand the level of salt in products;


But what about us.  Because that is where it really counts as we all know.

  • reading food labels when buying processed food to check salt levels; (or of course you can give process food a miss)
  • asking for products with less salt when buying prepared food in restaurants etc
  • removing salt dispensers and bottled sauces from dining tables;
  • limiting the amount of salt added in cooking to a total maximum amount a fifth of a teaspoon over the course of a day;
  • limiting frequent consumption of high salt products;
  • guiding children’s taste buds through a diet of mostly unprocessed foods without adding salt.

 

They also gave us a few links so please check them out!