Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is recognized as a risk factor for stroke and
heart attack. Consumption of red wine is shown to reduce the risk from heart
disease and improve longevity. CRP is created in the liver.
In the present study researchers from the University of Texas Health Center at
Tyler tested various wine polyphenols on liver cells to see if part of their
cardiovascular protecting abilities is due to a suppression of CRP. The higher
the level of Quercetin or Resveratrol, the greater the suppression of
inflammation associated CRP creation in the liver. The study is published in the
March 21st 2007 issue of the Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis.
Fish oils are very important for heart disease patients
Scientists at the MPH Center for Arrhythmias Prevention, Cardiovascular
Division, Brigham and Women?s Hospital feel strongly about the protection
offered by fish oils. Based upon the data from randomized clinical trials and
observational epidemiological studies the American heart Association and several
international health agencies recommend that all adults eat fatty fish at least
two times a week to lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
Patients diagnosed with established coronary heart disease are advised to
consume 1 gram a day of EPA and DHA. However, many individuals may find it hard
to consume 1 gram of EPAS and DHA a day which translates into several meals of
fish per week. Thus, fish oil in the form of supplements may be a preferable way
to achieve compliance with these recommendations.
A large scale trial of preventing a second heart attack has been published. But
so far fish oil capsules have not been routinely recommended after a heart
attack. However, based upon the present evidence, this treatment option could be
considered as one possible avenue to decrease the risk of sudden cardiac death
especially in the earlier period after a heart attack when the implanted
cardioverter-defibrillator therapy is less effective. The study is published in
the February 2007 issue of the journal Current Treatment Options in
Cardiovascular Medicine.
