Folders
To facilitate the search for information, articles on topics of particular importance for heart disease prevention are grouped into easily accessible folders.
Nutrition
Many studies show that adopting a Mediterranean-type diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improves the survival of patients with coronary heart disease.
The pros and cons of alcohol
This is an updated version of an article originally published in 2018 Even though alcohol has been a daily part of human existence for millennia, the substance is far from innocuous and in fact has very complex effects on health. This complexity is well illustrated by...
Gut microorganisms boost motivation to exercise
In mice, certain species of gut bacteria produce molecules that activate nerves that are connected to the brain, thereby stimulating reward circuits associated with exercise.
A diet rich in flavonols is associated with slower cognitive decline
A dietary intake rich in flavonols, mainly from fruits and vegetables, is associated with a slowing of the progression of cognitive and memory decline in the elderly, according to a US study.
Tobacco and e-cigarettes
An avalanche of studies show that regular physical activity is a veritable “universal remedy,” associated with a marked decrease in the risk of chronic diseases and an increase of life expectancy in good health. And the amount of exercise required to enjoy these benefits is much lower than we might think.
Gut microorganisms boost motivation to exercise
In mice, certain species of gut bacteria produce molecules that activate nerves that are connected to the brain, thereby stimulating reward circuits associated with exercise.
Is exercising late in the morning associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease?
For the same amount, physical exercise performed in the late morning rather than at another time of day was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study carried out among 86,657 participants from the UK-Biobank cohort.
Walking associated with reduced risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease and cancer
The amount (number of steps/day) and the intensity (number of steps/min) of walking are associated with a reduced risk of dementia, premature mortality, cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to a prospective study among a large cohort from the United Kingdom.
Tobacco and e-cigarettes
Despite the considerable progress made in the fight against tobacco, smoking remains one of the main causes of premature death in our society. An increasing number of studies indicate that e-cigarettes could become a weapon of choice against the ravages associated with tobacco use.
Replacing tobacco with e-cigarettes reduces the risk of cardiovascular events
People who exclusively use electronic cigarettes as a source of nicotine reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by 33% compared to smokers.
Electronic cigarettes cause much less inflammation than tobacco
Two recent studies show that the levels of inflammatory markers are drastically reduced in e-cigarette users compared to smokers of combustible cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes drastically reduce exposure to toxic substances from tobacco
A study by the Institut Pasteur shows that the vapour from e-cigarettes contains 99% fewer toxic compounds than cigarette smoke.
Environment
Walking in the forest has positive impacts on the brain
A study reports that an hour of walking in the forest is associated with a significant decrease in the activity of the amygdala, the area of the brain involved in the stress response.
Harmful health effects of exposure to “Forever Chemicals”
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nicknamed “Forever Chemicals” because of their very high stability, and which are used in everyday consumer products (e.g., cosmetics, packaging), can have harmful effects on human health.
Phthalates: A component of certain plastics and cosmetic products harmful to human health
A recent study indicates that exposure to phthalates is associated with a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
Stress
Walking in the forest has positive impacts on the brain
A study reports that an hour of walking in the forest is associated with a significant decrease in the activity of the amygdala, the area of the brain involved in the stress response.
Association between chronic stress and heart attacks
High concentrations of cortisol in the hair, a biomarker of chronic stress, have been associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction in middle-aged people.
Do houseplants have beneficial effects on health?
Houseplants may provide mental and physiological health benefits based on research evidence.
Medication
Yoga and other holistic practices improve blood sugar control in diabetics
According to a meta-analysis of 28 intervention studies, holistic practices (involving the body and mind), especially yoga, improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Control of inflammation through diet
Recent studies report that a diet that reduces chronic inflammation is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
To prevent cardiovascular disease, medication should not be a substitute for improved lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 80%, a much better protection than that offered by medication.