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 cardiovascular benefits of soy
A large study (over 200,000 participants) reports that regular soy consumption is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart 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.
Obesity and heart function
A study sheds light on a mechanism of adaptation for the decrease in cardiac energy capacity induced by obesity.
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.
Can exercise protect against respiratory infections?
Regular exercise does not protect against acute respiratory infections according to a systematic review of studies published to date, but it is associated with a decrease in the severity of symptoms.
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.
Exercise reduces cardiovascular inflammation by modulating the immune system
Voluntary and regular exercise in mice decreases the number of inflammatory leukocytes (white blood cells) in the bloodstream. The underlying mechanism involves a decrease in the secretion of the hormone leptin by fat cells.
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.
Smoking continues to decline among young people
The increase in vaping observed in recent years in Canada is associated with a significant decrease in smoking among young people.
Quitting smoking in favour of e-cigarettes leads to rapid improvement in cardiovascular health
A randomized clinical study shows that blood vessel function is significantly improved only 1 month after the transition from tobacco to electronic cigarettes.
Marked decline in youth smoking rates (contrary to what the headlines say)
Despite the sensationalist headlines of recent years, the rise in the number of vapers is not associated with a resurgence of youth smoking. On the contrary, the proportion of young smokers is steadily falling and has reached a historic low in 2018.
Environment
Beyond Burger, Impossible Burger and other products that mimic meat: are they good for health and the environment?
New products made from plants but designed to look, feel, and taste like meat have recently appeared on the market. These products do much less harm to the environment than meat production, but they are ultra-processed foods that contain significant amounts of salt and saturated fat.
The effects of climate change on health
The effects of global warming on health are already beginning to be felt and are likely to become very significant in the coming decades without concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The dangers of heat stroke during a heat wave
Heat waves are sporadic events of high temperatures, which can have serious consequences on human life.
Stress
The social environment, essential for mental and physical health
The level of social integration is one of the main predictors of individuals’ health status and life expectancy.
Overwork can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
People who work a lot (more than 55 hours a week) are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially stroke.
The Blue Zones: Areas where people are living better and longer
Blue Zones are areas of the world where the longevity of the inhabitants is well above average. The inhabitants of these regions have a lifestyle that has several common characteristics that contribute to their longevity.
Medication
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.
Hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19: A potentially harmful effect on the heart
The results obtained for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 with hydroxychloroquine do not support its use in the current context. This treatment increases the corrected QT interval on the electrocardiogram, a recognized marker of an increased risk of fatal arrhythmias.
The importance of maintaining normal cholesterol levels, even at a young age
One study reports that young adults with high blood cholesterol levels are much more likely to be affected by cardiovascular disease later in life.