Posted: 10 February 2011
WASHINGTON: A pair of studies released on Wednesday suggest that diet soda drinkers face a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than people who do not drink any soda, and that salty food boosts stroke risks, too.
The soda study examined 2,564 people in Manhattan and found that those who reported consuming diet fizzy drinks daily had a 61 percent higher risk of vascular events than people who said they did not drink any soda at all.
When researchers factored in allowances for metabolic syndrome, peripheral vascular disease and heart disease history, the risk was 48 percent higher, said the research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference.
"If our results are confirmed with future studies, then it would suggest that diet soda may not be the optimal substitute for sugar-sweetened beverages," said lead study author Hannah Gardener at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
A second study looked at 2,657 participants in the same area and found that high salt intake was linked to a dramatically increased risk of ischemic strokes, in which a blockage cuts blood flow to the brain.
People who reported eating more than 4,000 milligrams of sodium daily - the amount contained in four large orders of french fries in the United States - faced twice the risk of stroke as people who consumed less than 1,500 milligrams per day.
The average American consumes about 3,000 milligrams of salt per day, according to the study, though previous research has said it could be as high as 4,000 milligrams per day.
"Stroke risk, independent of hypertension, increased 16 percent for every 500 milligrams of sodium consumed a day," allowing for adjustments for age, sex, ethnicity, education, alcohol use, exercise, daily caloric intake, smoking status, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and previous heart disease, it said.
Current dietary guidelines in the United States urge people to consume less that 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, or about a teaspoon of salt. The American Heart Association recommends less than 1,500 milligrams per day.
- AFP/de
Taken from ChannelNewsAsia.com; source article is below:Diet soda, salt boost stroke risk
LEG WATCH
They could lead to serious medical complications. Your love for skyscraper heels and leg-crossing may increase your risk of getting varicose veins.
Eveline Gan, eveline@mediacorp.com.sg
The 50-year-old man had gone to see Dr Imran Nawaz about a chronic ulcer in half of his leg. He had lived with the condition for about a decade.
Instead of treating the ulcer first, the consultant vascular surgeon at the Singapore Vein Centre (SVC) turned his attention to the unsightly varicose veins above it. The man's ulcer healed in three months.
"Many people think varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem but it's not true," said Dr Nawaz, who is also the director of SVC.
Hard-to-heal ulcers, which the 50-year-old patient suffered from, are just one of the painful complications caused by severe varicose veins.
About one in five adults in Singapore suffers from this condition in varying degrees, added Dr Nawaz.
Varicose veins — which often appear as blue or dark purple linear bulges on the legs or lower body — occur when faulty valves in the veins impair blood circulation.
"When blood is unable to flow back to the heart properly, it pools in the veins, causing them to swell and bulge," said Dr Nawaz.
People at risk include those who have had multiple pregnancies or whose work requires them to stand for long periods of time. Genes also play a major role.
According to Dr John Tan, a consultant vascular surgeon at Paragon's The Vein Clinic, about 40 to 50 per cent of people with varicose veins may experience symptoms such as swollen ankles or cramps and aches after long periods on their feet.
While most people can live with minor vein problems with no mishaps, a minority — one to three per cent — may experience more serious medical complications over time, said Dr Tan.
Severe varicose veins, which are also "high pressure veins", may sometimes rupture and bleed, he added.
In addition, those with varicose veins are at an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis, the blood vessel specialists said.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood circulation in the leg's deeper veins is blocked, causing blood clots.
The clots restrict blood circulation and are potentially fatal if they move towards the heart or lungs, said Dr Nawaz.
IT CAN BE FIXED
Traditionally, affected veins are treated using an invasive, surgical method called vein stripping, said the specialists. The treatment is performed under general or regional anaesthesia, and hospitalisation is often required.
"Some people neglect their vein problem because they think it's purely a cosmetic concern, and wonder why they should through the hassle of an operation," said Dr Nawaz.
But treatment for varicose veins has evolved.
A newer, less invasive alternative includes Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT).
Patients can also opt for injection sclerotherapy. Unlike the traditional method where the vein is removed surgically, these treatments "seal off" the veins, which then shrink and disappear over time, said Dr Tan.
Injection sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the vein, and usually requires multiple injections.
In EVLT, a fibre optic wire is inserted into the vein, which is heated up with laser energy. The vein then shrinks and disappears over time.
"Many people wonder if it's bad to close up a vein. But bear in mind that a leaking vein is a liability. Paradoxically, sealing off the vein improves circulation instead," said Dr Tan.
Consultant vascular surgeon Dr John Tan of The Vein Clinic gives tips on how you can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins.
- Wearing graduated compression stockings may help, especially for those at risk of the condition.
- If you need to stand or sit for long periods of time, make sure you get up and walk around every half hour to work out your calf muscles.
- If you must stand for long hours, tip-toe around to help improve circulation.
- Tight clothing, especially those that constrict the thighs, is bad for circulation. So are high heels.
- But if you can't bear to give up your heels, wear them only for special occasions instead of all the time.
- Try not to cross your legs too much when sitting.
- A lifestyle involving regular exercise and a balanced diet will help.
From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 26-May-2009
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Here are alternatives: in liquid form or in caplets, your choice
