CVD News Watch November 21

CVD tribute to heart innovators

Dr Adrian Kantrowitz, inventor, transplant surgeon, dies

He was the first heart surgeon in the US to perform a heart transplant in a human being, the second in the world. Dr Adrian Kantrowitz passed away last week at age 90. The cause of death is complications from heart failure. Aside from being a successful surgeon, he was also an innovator who contributed to the development of heart implant devices.

CVD legislation watch

Decade of broken promises: the 1998 state tobacco settlement ten years later
November 18 marked the 10^th anniversary of the Master Settlement Agreement between tobacco companies and the states. And anti-smoking advocacy groups including the American Heart Association (AHA) and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, expressed their disappointment over the progress that has been made regarding tobacco legislation during the last 10 years as reviewed in this report.

“Ten years later, this report finds that most states have failed to keep their promise to spend a significant portion of the settlement funds on programs to protect kids from tobacco addiction and help smokers quit.”

CVD guidelines watch

New 2008 version of the ESC STEMI Guidelines!
European cardiac experts have recently issued a new version of the guidelines for the management of heart attacks. The guidelines were drafted by a Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Some excerpts:
“A well-functioning regional system of care… and fast transport to the most appropriate facility is key to the success of the treatment.”
The full text entitled “Management of acute myocardial infarction in patients presenting with persistent ST-segment elevation” has been published in the European Heart Journal.

CVD genetics watch

The retail DNA test
The personalized genetic test by 23andme has been voted Best Invention of 2008 by Time magazine, topping 49 other cool gadgets and breakthroughs. What makes it even more extraordinary is that its costs only $399.00 and is non-invasive. The test is done on a saliva samples taken within the privacy of your own home. And what do you get in return? You get information on more than 90 traits, including those that make you susceptible to certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. You just have to wait for 4 to 6 weeks to get the results.

CVD statistics watch

Kids, teens chugging 20% of daily calories: StatsCan
Canadian statistics shows a disturbing trend – 20% of the daily calorie intake of children 4 years old and older comes from drinking sweetened beverages. And soda seems to be on top of the list. And what do sweet drinks give in return? Extra pounds and tooth decay.

CVD health care watch

Potent potential medical problem: ID Theft
This report on CBS news discusses how stolen IDs have penetrated health care as well. The report says

“Medical ID theft involves someone pretending to be you, getting all kinds of medical treatments, from simple medications to life-saving operations, then leaving you responsible for bills totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

The current incidence estimate is 200,000 cases every year.

CVD lifestyle watch

Baby Salad Greens With Sweet Potato Croutons and Stilton
How about something healthy for the weekend? This recipe from the New York Times series “Recipes for Health” might just be the thing for your heart. Check it out!