Hands-only CPR is can be as effective as conventional CPR
The American Heart Association (AHA) says that "Providing Hands-Only CPR to an adult who has collapsed from a sudden cardiac arrest can more than double that person’s chance of survival." In guidelines issued by by AHA:

"When an adult suddenly collapses, trained or untrained bystanders – that means a person near the victim – should:

1) Call 911
2) Push hard and fast in the center of the chest." American Heart Association 2008

Only 1 in 4 Americans know the warning signs of a heart attack
A recent survey by the CDC found that only 25% of American know the warning signs of a heart attack and what to do first. That's a decline since the last study in 2001, which found nearly 1 in 3 to be well informed.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability.

According to the American Heart Association, "Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help." Heart attack warning signs can include one or more of the following five symptoms:

• Chest discomfort. This is the most common symptom. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Women are more likely than men to experience these symptoms, particularly back or jaw pain, as well as shortness of breath.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea/vomiting or lightheadedness
  

Chest pain is the most common symptom, but one study in the journal Chest revealed one in 12 patients do not have typical symptoms when having a heart attack. Heart-attack victims who don't show symptoms of severe chest pain -- often women, seniors or those with chronic conditions -- are 10 times more likely to be misdiagnosed and also more likely to die of a heart attack. Chest 2004

According to the American Heart Association, "If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast!" Every second counts when it's a heart attack. American Heart Association;CDC, Feb 2008;

Read more about Coronary Heart Disease

Factors linked with exceptionally long life
In a recent study of men, the probability of reaching 90 was 54% in the absence of smoking, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, or sedentary lifestyle, the researchers found. Among those with all five factors, however, the probability of surviving to 90 was only 4%. MedPage Today/Archives of Intern Med, Feb 2008

Dairy products not only strengthen bones, but are associated with improved blood pressure control A recent study found that hypertension risk was 11% lower for women with the highest intake of low-fat dairy products. Previous studies have linked high intake of dietary calcium with lowered activity of the renin-angiotensin system, improved sodium-potassium balance, and possibly improved weight loss and insulin sensitivity. Three servings of dairy products per day are currently recommended by the USDA. Hypertension, Feb 2008

Air pollution may actually trigger heart attacks or strokes
Microscopic pollution particles released into the air by diesel engines and coal-burning plants may promote blood clots that can trigger heart attacks and strokes, according to a recent study from Northwestern University. The particles trigger inflammation in the lungs, which then release a substance called interleukin-6 which promotes blood clotting. This results in an increased risk of heart attack or stroke in people with heart disease or a previous history of stroke. Using low-dose aspirin to thin the blood may help protect people at risk, the researchers reported. Journal of Clinical Investigation, Sept 2007

Pot bellies may be a big indicator of future heart disease
Researchers are discovering a strong link between the pot-belly, apple shape build and the incidence of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries that surround the heart. For both men and women, the larger the belly in relation to the hips -- also known as the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) -- the greater the likelihood of atherosclerotic plaque build up in the heart. Although higher BMI and waist circumference measurements alone were also associated with signs of disease, waist-to-hip ratios have been found to be the strongest indicators of atherosclerotic plaque build up. American Journal of Cardiology, August 21, 2007

Avoid cooking foods at high temperatures
The high heat creates toxins known as advanced glycogen endproducts (AGEs) or glycotoxins, which over time accumulate in the body and are associated with inflammation-related conditions of aging, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In other words, consuming high amounts of grilled, broiled, or fried food means consuming significant amounts of AGEs, and AGEs in excess are toxic. The solution is to boil or steam foods and to keep water in the food.

A recent study in the Journal of Geron Med Sci 2007 confirmed this theory. Researchers found that cooking food at high temperatures increases toxins, AGEs, which are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress and eventually lead to significant disease such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Daily aspirin use appears to be beneficial in women
In a new study of almost 80,000 women, aspirin use at low to moderate doses was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, largely due to death from cardiovascular disease. It's very important to note, however, that women should not start taking daily aspirin without asking their doctor's advice first. Aspirin can cause ulcers and dangerous bleeding in certain people.Archives of Internal Medicine, March 2007

Study: Cardiac-only resuscitation by bystanders is the preferable approach to CPR for adult patients in cardiac arrest According to a recent study, chest compression - not mouth-to-mouth resuscitation - seems to be the key element in rescuing someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. In this study of more than 4,000 out-of-hospital, cardiac arrest cases, bystander CPR with chest compressions only and no mouth-to-mouth ventilation doubled the chance that those in cardiac arrest would not suffer brain damage.

When a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, their heart has suddenly stopped beating. This can occur suddenly and without warning. In cardiac arrest, the person collapses, is unresponsive to tapping on the shoulder and the person stops normal breathing. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur after a heart attack or as a result of electrocution or near-drowning. It's most often caused by an abnormal heart rhythm. Each year, more than 300,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest. Approximately 9 out of 10 cardiac arrest victims die before they get to the hospital - partly because they don't get CPR. Effective CPR can double a victim's chance of survival.

On the basis of this study, the researchers believe that cardiac-only resuscitation is the preferred approach to resuscitation for adult patients with witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, especially those with apnea, shockable cardiac rhythm, or short periods of untreated arrest. The American Heart Association, however, has not changed its' current recommendations of using a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions, although it does advise out-of-hospital bystanders to provide compression-only CPR if they are "unwilling or unable" to do mouth-to-mouth breathing at the same time. The AHA further underlines an important fact that victims of cardiac arrest from non-cardiac causes, like near-drowning or electrocution, and almost all victims of pediatric cardiac arrest do benefit from a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions.The results of this study was reported in the March 17, 2007 issue of The Lancet. To find a CPR class near you, click here.

New guidelines from the American Heart Association urge women talk to their doctors about daily aspirin use
Nearly all American women are in danger of heart disease or stroke and need to be aggressive as men about lowering their risk. This includes asking their doctors about daily aspirin use. It's very important, however, that women should not start taking daily aspirin without asking their doctor's advice first. Aspirin can cause ulcers and dangerous bleeding in certain people. American Heart Assn February 19, 2007

Walnuts help to counteract the effects of a fatty meal
A recent study looked at the effect of a single fatty meal, in conjunction with either walnuts or olive oil, on individuals who normally followed a healthy Mediterranean diet. While both raw walnuts and olive oil decreased the sudden onset of arterial inflammation and oxidation after an unhealthy meal, the walnuts were better at keeping arteries flexible, the researchers discovered.

Walnuts are known to contain beneficial alpha-linoleic acid (a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid) and other cardioprotective antioxidants. The researchers cautioned that people should not take this as an excuse to regularly eat fat-filled meals, followed by a handful of walnuts. This study only looked at the effect of walnuts or olive oil added to a fatty meal in individuals on an otherwise healthy Mediterranean diet, rather than the effect on individuals who repeatedly ate high fat content meals. Also, this study did not look at weight gain that might be associated with either diet. J Am Colege of Cardiology,October 2006

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil linked to a lower risk of fatal heart rhythm disturbances
Researchers recently estimated that taking fish oil supplements could actually save more lives than cardiac defibrillators, even if automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were available in every home and public area. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, September 2006

Maternal cornonary heart disease more significant risk factor for offspring than paternal history But the risk increases even more when both parents were affected by the disease. This strong role of maternal transmission versus paternal transmission in coronary heart disease was concluded by Swedish researchers in a recently published study of 10,946 men and 3,281 women.

Their findings suggested than men had a 55% greater risk of developing heart disease if their mother had coronary heart disease whereas their risk was 41% greater if their father had a coronary heart disease history. If both parents suffered heart disease, the risk for men more than doubled. Maternal transmission was also stronger in women with a 43% increased risk for maternal transmission versus a 17% increased risk for paternal transmission. If both parents had coronary heart disease, the risks for women rose to 82%.

The etiology of the differences between men and women were not fully explained in the study, but a number of causes were hypothesized by the researchers. One theory was that the children spend more time with their mothers, and as a result, children might be more likely to pick up a mother's risky habits such as poor diet, smoking, and physical inactivity. MedPage Today April 2006

The link between soy protein, heart health and breast cancer risk...
Based on a recent review of 22 studies on the effects of soy protein with isoflavones and its association with heart health, the American Heart Association committee made the following recommendations: Taking soy or isoflavone supplements is unlikely to reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating foods that contain soy protein to replace food high in animal fats may prove beneficial to heart health.Circulation/American Heart Association,

Phytoestrogens are a weak form of estrogen that occurs naturally in certain foods. There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found in soybeans, chickpeas and other legumes. Lignans occur in flaxseeds, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables.

Some studies suggest that high isoflavone levels might increase the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer. On the other hand, some studies show just the opposite--that under some conditions, soy may help prevent breast cancer. It is this scientific controversy that is causing many researchers to urge caution until further clinical evidence is available.

The specific concerns about soy focus on components of soy, such as the soy isoflavones daidzein and genistein, not the whole food or intact soy protein, such as tofu. These chemicals, available over the counter in pills and powders, are often advertised as dietary supplements for use by women to help lessen menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. (FDA) The bottom line, women who have concerns about breast cancer should not take soy dietary supplements (pills) without first consulting with their health care provider.

Large studies are currently underway and should offer better information regarding soy and breast cancer risk.

Study: Aggressive statin therapy helps to reverse coronary artery disease
A recently published study found patients with coronary artery disease who took 40 mg of Crestor over two years had a mean reduction in LDL (bad cholesterol) from 130 mg/dL to 60 mg/dL, a 53% drop, and a mean increase in HDL (good cholesterol) from 43 mg/dL to 49 mg/dL. Furthermore, in this study group, coronary artery disease was actually seen to regress in 64% to 78% of the patients.

In the last few years, clinical trials have clearly shown that a reduction of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) to below 100 mg/dL reduces cardiovascular events sharply, in fact, there is considerable evidence that getting the levels to 70 mg/dL or lower, increases the benefit even further.
Journal of the American Medical Assn

Cocoa intake lowers blood pressure, and cardiovascular mortality A recent Dutch study found that cocoa lowered both blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause death in a small group of elderly men. The men in the group who consumed the least cocoa were twice as likely to die from a heart attack than those in the group that consumed the most cocoa. The Dutch team said that the decrease in cardiovascular deaths could not be attributed to lower blood pressure and may in fact be mediated by mechanisms other than lowering blood pressure, such as improvement in endothelial function or inhibition of platelet function and low-density lipoprotein oxidation. The researchers also noted that cocoa is a rich source of antioxidants. More studies need to be done, however, to determine how consuming cocoa affects coronary heart disease in the long term. Archives of Internal Medicine

C-Reactive Protein: A blood test that is an indicator for heart disease.  Two recent studies suggest the blood level of C-reactive protein, which promotes artery inflammation in the body, is as important as LDL cholesterol levels when it comes to the health of the heart. The studies showed reduction in CRP levels decreased the likelihood patients with heart disease would get worse or suffer a fatal attack, even if they already had low cholesterol levels. The New England Journal of Medicine, January 2005

Almonds are effective at reducing the risk of heart disease "Eating a handful of almonds each day as part of a healthy eating plan is a lifestyle change that can make a significant difference to heart health." Nearly a dozen clinical trials have confirmed these findings and demonstrate the effect of almonds on heart health as part of a healthful lifestyle. American Heart Association Scientific Sessions A note of caution, more is not better is this case, as almonds are high in carbohydrates. Read more about a healthy diet and lifestyle. 2005

Sudden Physical Exertion May Be Especially Dangerous for Heart Patients Sudden increases in physical exertion appear to activate clotting factors in the blood of patients with coronary artery disease. These findings indicate that physical exercise should be regular and consistent in these individuals. MedlinePlus

Even one cigarette a day is enough to jeopardize health
In a study of 43,000 men and women over 32 years, Norwegian researchers found that one to four cigarettes per day, generally considered light smoking, nearly triples the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Kjell Bjartveit, M.D., Tobacco Control, 2005;14:315-320, Sept. 2005

Cardiovascular Effects of Secondhand Smoke Nearly as Large as Smoking
A literature review of research published since 1995 comparing the cardiovascular effects of secondhand smoke to the effects of smoking. The effects of even brief (minutes to hours) passive smoking are often nearly as large (averaging 80% to 90%) as chronic active smoking. Secondhand smoke was found to increase the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%.
Barnoya, J MD, MPH; et al, Circulation. 2005; 111:2684-2698

Study confirms importance of polyunsaturated fats
 "Dietary polyunsaturated, and more specifically, linoleic fatty acid intake may have a substantial cardiovascular protective benefit that is also reflected in overall mortality." Laaksonen et al followed 1551 middle-aged men for 15 years.  Total unsaturated fat intake  was associated with a 62% risk reduction in mortality from cardiovascular disease.  In particular, intake of linoleic acid (which accounted for 77% of all polyunsaturated fat intake)  These benefits were achieved for the most part simply through substitution of margarine for butter. Archives of Internal Medicine 2005; 165: 193-199

Study: Patients taking the statin, Zocor, reduced their risk of hospitalization for a heart attack or stroke by 22%
In a study of  20,536-patients with either vascular disease or diabetes,  those who took  40 mg of Zocor (simvastatin) daily for five years reduced their risk of hospitalization for a heart attack or stroke by 22% compared with patients taking placebo.
from The Lancet, May 2005, British Heart Protection Study Collaborative Group. Cost-effectiveness of simvastatin in people at different levels of vascular disease risk: economic analysis of a randomized trial in 20,536 individuals.

With heart attacks, silent can be deadlier
A recent study in the journal Chest reveals one in 12 patients do not have typical symptoms when having a heart attack. Heart-attack victims who don't show symptoms of severe chest pain -- often women, seniors or those with chronic conditions -- are 10 times more likely to be misdiagnosed and also more likely to die of a heart attack.  Chest 2004

Are walnuts the new fish?
In a recent study of 58 patients  with type 2 diabetes, over 6 months, walnuts were found to have additive beneficial effects on levels of omega-3 fatty acids and lipoproteins beyond that provided by fish consumption.
Diabetes Care 27:2777-2783, 2004 Study by the American Diabetes Assn.