Obesity during pregnancy could lead to long-term cardiovascular morbidity
Agartala : A new study has revealed that obesity during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity, and these complications tend to occur at a younger age.Researchers concluded that obese pregnant patients might benefit from cardiovascular risk screening that could lead to early detection and secondary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity.Researchers evaluated data from pregnant women who delivered between 1988 and 1999, and were followed-up retrospectively until 2010. Long-term cardiovascular morbidity was compared among women with and without obesity in pregnancy.Cardiovascular morbidity was divided into four categories including simple and complex cardiovascular events and invasive and non-invasive cardiac procedures.During the period of study, 46,688 women who delivered were recruited, and of that number, 1221 were found to suffer from obesity. Ten years later, these patients had higher rates of simple cardiovascular events, non-invasive diagnostic procedures, and total number of cardiovascular-related hospitalizations.The data recovered not only indicates an association between obesity in pregnancy and future risk for cardiovascular morbidity, but also reveals the effect of obesity in pregnancy on earlier occurrence of cardiovascular morbidity.Dr. Shimrit Yaniv Salem, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer sheva, Israel, said, "These results are of major importance to the obstetricians counseling a patient regarding future risk for cardiovascular complications. It is important for secondary prevention, early detection, and specific screening programs for this population."The study will be presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting in New Orleans.
High BP spreading quickly across the world
London: It is important for governments and aid agencies to quickly understand the risks related to high blood pressure (hypertension) as the lifestyle disease is fast spreading across the globe like HIV/AIDS once spread, says research.The response of most governments and international aid agencies to high blood pressure (hypertension) is little better than the reaction to HIV/AIDS 20 years ago - too little too late.“Valuable lessons for hypertension could be taken from HIV/AIDS policies. Yet there is little indication that these are being taken on board. Can we not wake up earlier this time before millions have died?” said an alarming paper jointly written by professors Peter Lloyd-Sherlock of University of East Anglia's school of international development and Shah Ebrahim and Heiner Grosskurth of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).HIV is a major global health priority and is recognised as a serious threat to public health and development in many poorer countries.Hypertension is seen as a disease of the West, of prosperity and, therefore, of little relevance to poorer countries.“This is despite the growing body of evidence that prevalences in poorer countries are quickly catching up,” said Lloyd-Sherlock.
While hypertension is not an infectious disease, the risky behaviours associated with it are spreading fast and seem to be as effectively transmitted as infectious agents, the researchers cautioned.HIV was faced with political denial and public misunderstanding in the early years of the pandemic, especially in some poorer countries. There is a similar pattern of denial with hypertension.This denial is based on the misguided view that hypertension does not affect poorer social groups.
“Yet there is substantial evidence that hypertension is highly prevalent among poorer groups and that they are less likely to have access to effective treatment. As with HIV, hypertension can be both a cause and a consequence of poverty,” explained the authors.“Rather than framing policy as a choice between competing priorities, the key challenge is to roll out services and interventions which address both,” added Ebrahim in the paper that appeared in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
It is estimated that the number of deaths attributable to hypertension globally over the next 20 years may substantially exceed the number resulting from HIV/AIDS.Yet the researchers say there is 'denial' and misunderstanding about the impact of hypertension, despite the two conditions having a number of things in common.Both diseases can also be treated and managed as chronic conditions through a combination of drug treatment and lifestyle changes.
Tips to cure dry eye syndrome
New Delhi: According to the American Association of Ophthalmology, approximately 3.2 million women and 1.7 million men over the age of 50 suffer from chronic dry eyes. So, it's time to react. Experts suggest that use of lubricating ointment and fish oil supplements can help in curing the condition.
The surface of eye is always covered with a thin layer of liquid known as the tear film, essential for health of eye.Sanjay Dhawan, director, Ophthalmology, at Fortis Hospital, says that chilly winds of winter season affect the eyes, causing dry eye syndrome because of cold, dry outdoor air and dry indoor heat.People above 50 years are at higher risk of dry eye condition. It commonly occurs among men of 50-plus age and women above 55-60. If menopause occurs at early age, than the chances of developing dry eye syndrome during winter weather gets increased even among middle-aged women, reads a statement.
It is necessary to prevent and manage dry eyes. Some of the steps that one should practise are
Patients should wear sunglasses to protect eyes from cold wind and excess light.
* Artificial tears also known as tear substitutes should be applied at least four times a day. It may be used as often as necessary - only once or twice a day, or as often as several times an hour.
* If the condition aggravates, use lubricating ointment at bedtime.
* Run a humidifier to put moisture back into the air.
* Lay a warm, damp washcloth across your eyelids for a couple minutes.
* Drink extra fluids and use a hot- or cold-air humidifier.
* Eat plenty of fish and foods with vitamin A, C, E and Omega-3 fatty acids.
* Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.
* Green tea and chrysanthemum tea are beneficial for eyes and prevent eyes fatigue.
* Turn down the heat at homes which dries out the eyes. Use a humidifier.
Oxytocin key to treating abdominal pain: Study
New Delhi: Oxytocin, known as the love hormone, might be the key to treating chronic abdominal pain, according to a new study.
Researchers, led by Professor Paul Alewood from the University of Queensland and the University of Adelaide's Dr Stuart Brierley, have developed a version of the hormone oxytocin to treat chronic abdominal pain, according to a press statement.Oxytocin is a hormone that a plays a huge role in sexual reproduction and social bonding.This new version has improved stability and showed significant potential in alleviating abdominal pain"It can potentially survive in the digestive tract until it reaches the gut," said Professor Alewood. "This molecule acts on oxytocin nerve receptors in the bowel, which display increased sensitivity in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome."There are no drugs to directly treat this condition despite a high number of sufferers.According to the study, it had no effect on healthy gut tissue, which was an important advantage in drug development where minimising side effects is crucial.The finding is published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
