Resveratrol may help reduce CRP
Mar
30,
2007
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.