Use of statins associated with a 25% increased risk of pancreatitis

This study was published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety 2015 Aug 24

 

Study title and authors

Use of statins and the risk of acute pancreatitis: a population-based case-control study.

Kuoppala J, Pulkkinen J, Kastarinen H, Kiviniemi V, Jyrkkä J, Enlund H, Happonen P, Paajanen H.

Finnish Medicines Agency, Kuopio, Finland.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26300102

The aim of this research was to examine the association between statin use and the risk of acute pancreatitis. The study included 4,376 patients hospitalized for acute pancreatitis and 19,859 randomly selected age and sex-matched controls.

The study found that statin users had a 25% increased risk of acute pancreatitis compared to nonusers.

How Much Does Sugar Contribute to Obesity?

Last week, the British Medical Journal published a review article titled "Dietary Sugars and Body Weight", concluding that "free sugars" and sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to weight gain.  But what are "free sugars", and why does the scientific literature suggest that the relationship between sugar intake and body weight isn't as straightforward as it may initially appear?

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Statin use increases the risk of breast and prostate cancer

This study was published in Epidemiology 2002 May;13(3):262-7

 

Study title and authors:

Statin use and the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

Coogan PF, Rosenberg L, Palmer JR, Strom BL, Zauber AG, Shapiro S.

Slone Epidemiology Unit, Boston University School of Medicine, Brookline, MA 02446, USA. pcoogan@slone.bu.edu

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11964926

This study assessed the relationship of statin use to the risk of breast and prostate cancer. The study included 1,132 women with breast cancer and 1,009 men with prostate cancer who were compared with 1,331 women and 1,387 men without breast or prostate cancer.

The study found:
(a) Women using statins had a 50% increased risk of breast cancer compared to women not using statins.
(b) Men using statins had a 20% increased risk of prostate cancer compared to men not using statins.

Statins increase calcium deposits in the arteries by 7%

This study was published in Heart 2006 Sep;92(9):1207-12

Study title and authors
Progressive coronary calcification despite intensive lipid-lowering treatment: a randomised controlled trial.

Houslay ES, Cowell SJ, Prescott RJ, Reid J, Burton J, Northridge DB, Boon NA, Newby DE; Scottish Aortic Stenosis and Lipid Lowering Therapy, Impact on Regression trial Investigators.
Department of Cardiology, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16449511

A coronary artery calcium scan is a test that looks for specks of calcium in the walls of the coronary (heart) arteries. The amount of calcium detected in the coronary arteries is converted to a calcium score. A high coronary artery calcium score is an independent predictor of coronary heart disease events see here.

Calcific aortic stenosis is where calcium deposits narrow the aortic valve of the heart and decreases blood flow from the heart.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of statins on coronary artery calcification in patients with calcific aortic stenosis. The study was a double blind randomised controlled trial, and included 102 patients (who were followed for at least two years) who were randomly assigned to receive either atorvastatin 80 mg daily or placebo.

The study found that patients assigned to statins had a 7% higher increase in coronary artery calcification compared to placebo patients.

More Thoughts on the Recent Low-fat vs. Low-carb Metabolic Ward Study

The recent low-carb vs. low-fat study has provoked criticism from parts of the diet-health community.  Let's examine these objections and see how they hold up to scientific scrutiny.
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How to prevent stroke in simple steps

How to Prevent Stroke can be the one you do from now on. Preventing the stroke attack is the important thing, without the good prevention everything is useless.

There are many things that you have to know in order to stay in shape. Many people are trying to do the healthy life to make the better condition. What is the disease or symptom that is frequently happened? Well, stroke can be the one that gives you goosebumps. Because no matter how good you are on taking care of your health, stroke can come anytime. 

How to prevent stroke attacks yourself? Well, there are many things to do, from the food you consume to the activity you do. 

 

Be happy and healthy. Image: drmagicsmile.com

It is not a simple thing to keep your self from the unhealthy food or unhealthy activity. The lifestyle changes from time to time. The changing lifestyle affects all parts of the body. Stroke not comes because no reason, it comes with the symptoms to alert people to do preventive actions. Have you ever heard tips on taking the care the body from stroke? It is the time to get to know more about the tips and steps on how to prevent stroke.

Steps on How to Prevent Stroke:

Stroke is the scariest part for everyone. It attacks people immediately and gives the worst aftermath. How to prevent stroke should be done earlier, start even when you are young. When you are young, sometimes you feel free to eat or drink anything without any restriction. That’s why the lifestyle is the may cause for people to get stroke. If you knew this problem, why don’t you change it now? Here are the lists to do on preventing the stroke.

-     Exercise Frequently

This simple step on going to the gym frequently might overcome the chance on getting stroke. The way on working out is not only happening in the gym, but also you can do it all at home. Exercising with lots of efforts can cause a good advantage in long time. What if you don’t have time to go the gym? You can do sit-up, push-up, or jogging every morning. At least you have to exercise three to four times a week.

-     Stay in Shape

What the meaning of staying in shape? It means you have to keep the ideal weight, not too heavy or not too small. Many problems in your body come because the overweight problem. You can overcome the situation by losing weight by keeping the good food or exercising a lot.

-      Stop Smoking

Smoking for a long time will surely harm your body. The parts of your body like lungs, hearts, and liver get the aftermath effect later on. For the better future, limit the amount of your smoke, or even stop smoking on how to prevent stroke.

-      Drink in a Limitation

Too much alcohol gives no good for your body. If you are an addict on alcohol, it is time to quit drinking too much and gives you bad feeling.

Stop the unhealthy way of living and get more benefits by doing healthy life. How to prevent stroke is not hard, the only thing you have to do is giving an effort. Your health is the most important thing overall.

Additional tips: 

Another simple thing you can do is start your day with a sincere smile, and laugh with family and friends, although for a simple joke. Remember the old adage, laughter is a panacea for a healthier lifestyle, where your nerves will be calmer and more flexible in the face of various pressures on around you.

Yoga class in Bali. Image: amazingbali-vacation.blogspot.com

Take time for a vacation whether alone or with your loved ones to a place of interest, so you get a new atmosphere that make your life more cheerful. If you have time to spare, do not just play your gadget, what if it started to move your body with basic yoga moves. You can get a yoga techniques from books or searching for information to Uncle Google or other search engines. Another clever way, join a yoga class in Bali, so you get a double benefit, namely the practice of yoga and once on vacation in Bali, a tropical island.

With tips and simple solution to the above, you would be free from the dangers of stroke, and can enjoy a healthier and happier life. 

Are you ready?

A New Human Trial Undermines the Carbohydrate-insulin Hypothesis of Obesity, Again

The carbohydrate-insulin hypothesis of obesity states that carbohydrates (particularly refined carbohydrates and sugar) are the primary cause of obesity due to their ability to increase circulating insulin, and that the solution to obesity is to restrict carbohydrate intake.  Numerous studies have tested this hypothesis, more or less directly, in animals and humans.  Despite the fact that many of these studies undermine the hypothesis, it remains extremely popular, both in the popular media and to a lesser extent among researchers.  A new human trial by Kevin Hall's research team at the US National Institutes of Health offers very strong evidence that the carbohydrate-insulin hypothesis of obesity is incorrect.  At the same time, it offers surprising and provocative results that challenge prevailing ideas about diet and weight loss.

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Statins increase the risk of hospital acquired thrombocytopenia in heart attack patients

This study was published in the American Journal of Cardiology 2005 Aug 15;96(4):474-81

Study title and authors:
Impact of in-hospital acquired thrombocytopenia in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction.

Nikolsky E, Sadeghi HM, Effron MB, Mehran R, Lansky AJ, Na Y, Cox DA, Garcia E, Tcheng JE, Griffin JJ, Stuckey TD, Turco M, Carroll JD, Grines CL, Stone GW.
Columbia University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, New York, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16098296

Thrombocytopenia is the term for a reduced platelet (thrombocyte) count. Platelets are tiny cells that circulate in the blood and whose function is to take part in the clotting process. Platelets are essential in the formation of blood clots to prevent haemorrhage - bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel. An adequate number of normally functioning platelets is also needed to prevent leakage of red blood cells from apparently uninjured vessels.

Percutaneous coronary intervention is a coronary revascularisation technique used in the treatment of ischaemic heart disease. Percutaneous coronary intervention involves non-surgical widening of the coronary artery, using a balloon catheter to dilate the artery from within. A metallic stent is usually placed in the artery after dilatation.

The study investigated the influence of statins on the incidence and prognostic significance of hospital acquired thrombocytopenia, in patients with a heart attack who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The study included 1,975 patients who received balloon angioplasty.

The study found:
(a) Those who used statins had a 228% increased risk of developing hospital acquired thrombocytopenia compared to those who did not use statins.
(b) Those who developed hospital acquired thrombocytopenia had a 270% higher in-hospital rates of major hemorrhagic complications
(c) Those who developed hospital acquired thrombocytopenia had a 156% greater requirement for blood transfusions.
(d) Those who developed hospital acquired thrombocytopenia had a 33% longer hospital stay.
(e) Those who developed hospital acquired thrombocytopenia had a 400% increased risk of death after 30 days.
(f) Those who developed hospital acquired thrombocytopenia had a 156% increased risk of death after one year.

Higher cholesterol levels associated with higher survival rates in intensive care patients with pneumonia

This study was published in the Journal of Critical Care 2015 Jun;30(3):506-10

Study title and authors:
Decreased serum level of lipoprotein cholesterol is a poor prognostic factor for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia that required intensive care unit admission.

Chien YF, Chen CY, Hsu CL, Chen KY, Yu CJ.
Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin County, Taiwan.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25702844

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic values of cholesterol in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia that required intensive care unit admission. The study included 40 patients who had their cholesterol levels measured on day 1 and day 7 of their intensive care unit stay.

The study found:
(a) The HDL cholesterol levels of patients who survived by day 7 was 221% higher than the patients who died.
(b) The LDL cholesterol levels of patients who survived by day 7 was 105% higher than the patients who died.

 

Announcing a fresh menu for Healthy World Cafe!

Celebrate the changing seasons in York County with our August menu, inspired by the freshest ingredients from our local farms and farmers. The menu below begins Aug. 10.

Our offerings continue to rotate regularly, so hurry in and check it out!

$5.50
-- Shakshuka (VEG, MWG)
Our version of this Tunisian spicy tomato and pepper sauce served with eggs and sprinkled with feta.
Vegan Option with chickpeas and our signature sriracha sauce.
-- Ginger Garlic Hummus Sabih (V)
Served on a bed of greens (MWG) or as sandwich. Ginger Garlic Hummus, smoky eggplant spread, chopped vegetable salad, apricot chutney and tahini.
-- Peruvian Chicken Bowl (MWG)
Back by popular demand and served with rice and garlicky greens. Vegan option with chickpeas.
-- Signature Chicken Salad
A Healthy World Cafe favorite in a wrap or on a bed of greens (MWG).

$3.50

-- Gazpacho (V, MWG)
Packed with bright vegetables, a cold refreshing summer soup served with our signature sriracha sauce.
-- Chopped Vegetable Salad (V, MWG)
Dressed simply with herbs, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, a healthful and vibrant lunch.
-- Black Bean Quinoa Salad (V, MWG)
Light, healthy and tossed in a vibrant orange dressing.

Extras

-- Signature Dried Fruit and Oatmeal Cookie, $1
-- Extra Pickled Vegetables, $1
-- Extra Chapati, $1

V — Vegan

VEG — Vegetarian
MWG — Made Without Gluten

All dishes are served with either chapati or pickled vegetables (MWG). Water and iced tea are free with your purchase, and all our menu items are sourced from our farmer friends in south-central Pennsylvania and made from scratch.

Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the cafe at 24 S. George St., in downtown York. Take-out orders are available during lunch hours by phone only; please call 717-814-8204.