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Week of January 1, 2001


New research says people who suffer from cold sores are twice as likely to die of heart disease as those who don't get them.  And people exposed to a common form of pneumonia early in life also see their risk of heart attack soar later on.  That's because the body reacts to these infections by swelling, which contributes to cardiovasuclar blockage.  These findings add fuel to the new germ theory, that heart disease and other chronic illnesses are linked to infections rather than heredity and lifestyle, a theory that remains controversial.

 

A new test developed by Canadians is a more reliable measure of cholesterol than a blood test.  The test involves putting two drops of liquid on the palm of the hand.  As the drops change colour, a sensitive scanner hooked up to a laptop computer indicates the levels of cholesterol on the skin.  Results of clinical trials showed that the skin test is simpler and more accurate. The test hasn't been approved yet, but the company that developed the technology says it may be available in doctor's offices in the spring of 2001. and perhaps one day, as a home testing kit.
And finally, big dinners are a health risk, even if they're limited to holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving.  A new study suggests that an unusually heavy meal increases your risk of a heart attack.  And it doesn't matter how sparingly you eat the rest of the time.  Doctors in Boston found that a heavy meal can quadruple the ordinary risk of a heart attack in the two hours after eating.  Whether the higher risk really matters depends on your underlying risk of heart trouble.  For someone with high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, that quadrupled risk could be deadly.

 

 

 


 
 
 

© TVOntario, 2003

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This website contains general information on the stories featured on Your Health. Although it’s our goal to provide comprehensive information on health and medical issues, please be advised that we cannot provide individual medical advice on specific health problems.
  


© TVOntario, 2000