Treating anxiety, and depression linked to better heart disease outcomes

Treating anxiety, and depression linked to better heart disease outcomes

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There are two common mental health conditions: anxiety and depression. Well-being depends on treating these conditions appropriately, and research is still being done to determine how treatment affects other health issues, such as heart health. In individuals who had already suffered from serious cardiac issues, a recent study that was published in the Journal of the American Heart AssociationTrusted Source looked at the effects of anxiety and depression treatment on heart health outcomes.

Researchers who used medication and psychotherapy to treat depression or anxiety in over 1,500 participants found that they were 75% less likely to return to the emergency room and 74% less likely to have to stay in the hospital after discharge. The findings emphasize how critical mental health disorders must be treated to improve outcomes for patients with pre-existing cardiac issues. The mental health condition of depression is prevalent. A persistent sense of hopelessness and a decrease in energy are common in people with depression. Their daily activities might be difficult for them to carry out.

An additional prevalent mental health issue is anxiety. Individuals who suffer from anxiety may have trouble falling asleep, worry all the time, and feel restless. Anxious people may also be more susceptible to depressionTrusted Source. Physical and mental health are inversely correlated. For instance, individuals with depression may experience worsening symptoms from both their chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease. Additionally, anxiety may increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease and mental health are closely related, with effects on both conditions occurring simultaneously. Heart disease risk factors include elevated blood pressure and physiological stress, which can be experienced by people with disorders like depression and anxiety.

Furthermore, he pointed out, that they might be more likely to adopt lifestyle changes, like smoking and inactivity, that can raise their risk of cardiovascular disease even further. On the other hand, following a stressful acute cardiovascular event, patients with heart disease, such as those who experience a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure, are more likely to experience mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder].

Researchers are not entirely sure of the precise relationship that exists between physical conditions and mental illness. The goal of the current study was to learn more about the connections between anxiety and depression and specific cardiac issues. This study used a retrospective cohort design and was population-based. Using Medicaid data from Ohio, researchers included 1,563 participants in their analysis. The participants experienced anxiety or depression in addition to heart failure or coronary artery disease. Additionally, they had been admitted to the hospital for the first time due to ischemic heart disease or heart failure.

The relationship between anxiety and depression treatment and hospital readmission, ER visits for heart failure and coronary artery disease, all-cause mortality, and heart disease mortality was examined by researchers. They examined whether participants were receiving psychotherapy and whether they were using antidepressants. Many covariates, such as biological sex, Medicaid eligibility, and ethnicity, were noted and taken into consideration. Several models that were adjusted for distinct covariates were run. According to the analysis, patients with depression or anxiety who also received medication saw the greatest reductions in risk and the greatest benefits.

Nonetheless, there were improvements in rehospitalization and ER visits for every group that got treatment. Researchers did not find any appreciable drops in the mortality risk from heart disease in patients receiving treatment for depression and anxiety. Individuals who got both medication and psychotherapy had a 75% lower chance of returning to the hospital, a 74% lower risk of requiring ER visits, and a 66% lower risk of dying from any cause. The findings highlight the significance of treating mental illness in heart disease patients to help improve the course of their condition.

MD, a professor of internal medicine at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center and director of cardiovascular research for the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, outlined the study’s conclusions. He informed us that patients with anxiety or depression who have been admitted to the hospital due to heart failure or coronary artery disease benefit from mental health treatments that include medication, psychotherapy, or both.

The biggest benefits go to those who receive both medication and psychotherapy together. The likelihood of dying is lowered in every instance, and there are notable decreases in the need to visit the ER or return to the hospital. The study emphasizes how critical it is to identify mental health conditions in patients with cardiovascular disease, such as depression and anxiety. It is particularly crucial for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with advanced heart disease, and people who have previously been admitted to the hospital due to cardiovascular illness.

There are several restrictions on this study. Initially, since it only included Ohio Medicaid participants and collected information from their filed claims, certain information might be absent. Furthermore, no causal relationship between the factors the researchers looked at could be found in the research. Since white people made up the bulk of the participants, future research could concentrate on looking at other groups. Additionally, adults over 64 were not included in the research; therefore, older participants should be included in future studies. Furthermore, the study was conducted over a relatively short period; therefore, longer-term research may be necessary to validate these results.

It’s possible that some confounders were overlooked and that other factors, like the severity of the illness, were not taken into account. Additionally, they were unable to use standardized assessments to validate the mental health diagnoses. This was a retrospective study, and more prospective research is needed to determine the effectiveness of mental health therapies for heart disease patients. Mechanistic research will improve our ability to prevent and treat mental health issues as well as heart disease by clarifying the physiological links between the two conditions.

REFERENCES:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/treating-anxiety-depression-linked-to-better-heart-disease-outcomes
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/study-anxiety-depression-treatment-linked-with-heart-disease-outcomes
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240320/Treatment-for-anxiety-and-depression-associated-with-improved-heart-disease-outcomes.aspx

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Migraine, predisposition to blood clots can increase stroke risk

Migraine, predisposition to blood clots can increase stroke risk

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One essential component of preventive healthcare is the prevention of strokes. People need to be aware of their risk factors and possible ways to reduce them because strokes can be very dangerous. Even though the risk of stroke is generally lower in younger people, it is still important to understand what risk factors apply to this population, especially since stroke consequences can last a lifetime. A recent study that looked at the relationship between traditional and nontraditional risk factors for stroke and stroke in younger adults was published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and OutcomesTrusted Source

The relationship between traditional and nontraditional risk factors and stroke risk in adults 55 years of age and younger was investigated by researchers using data from over 2,600 stroke cases and over 7,800 controls. The results of the study showed that nontraditional risk factors decreased in association with age and were primarily responsible for strokes in adults under the age of 35. Finding non-traditional stroke risk factors is crucial, especially for younger adults, as these findings demonstrate.

The possibility of brain damage makes strokes such a serious medical emergencyTrusted Source. Ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes are the two main types. The brain’s blood supply is blocked in some way during an ischemic stroke. Blood clots in the brain, possibly due to an artery burst, during a hemorrhagic stroke. High blood pressure, diabetes, inactivity, and smoking are just a few of the many risk factors that can raise a person’s risk of having a stroke.

Additional risk factors include having an AB blood type or a family history of stroke. To find out their level of stroke risk, people can seek medical advice and guidance. The Colorado All-Payer Claims Database was the source of data for this retrospective case-control study. To examine conventional and nontraditional stroke risk factors, researchers examined models stratified by biological sex and age. During the period under investigation, 2,628 stroke cases were reported. 52 percent of these were in women, and 73.3% of the total were ischemic strokes. These stroke cases were contrasted with 7,827 controls by researchers.

The traditional risk factors associated with stroke cases were more likely to be noticed by researchers. They found that high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and tobacco use were the most prevalent traditional risk factors. Headache, renal failure, and thrombophilia were the most prevalent nontraditional risk factors in men. Among females, thrombophilia, migraine, and malignancy diseases in which defective cells infiltrate healthy tissue—were the most prevalent nontraditional risk factors. The youngest age group’s stroke risk was found to be more influenced by nontraditional risk factors than by traditional risk factors, according to research.

Nontraditional risk factors were linked to 31.4 percent of strokes among men and 42.7 percent of strokes among women aged 18 to 34. On the other hand, traditional risk factors were responsible for 25.3% of strokes in men and 33.3% in women. Additionally, the researchers discovered that the risk from nontraditional factors decreased with age and that the risk from traditional factors peaked among participants in the 35–44 age group.

We aimed to gain more insight into the risk factors that contributed most significantly to the risk of stroke in young adults. We discovered that nontraditional risk factors held equal importance to traditional risk factors among adults aged 18 to 34. In fact, a nontraditional risk factor for stroke was more likely to cause the patient’s stroke if they were younger at the time of the event. We were taken aback to discover that among adults [between the ages of 18 and 34], migraine was the most significant nontraditional stroke risk factor. Although the link between migraines and strokes has long been known, this study is the first to demonstrate the precise magnitude of this contribution.

The findings certainly emphasize how crucial it is to screen for non-traditional stroke risk factors, especially in younger people. The study clarified lesser-known risk factors for stroke in young patients, such as migraines, autoimmune disorders, and thrombophilia, in addition to well-known risk factors like hypertension, according to Adi Iyer, MD, a neurosurgeon and interventional neuroradiologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute who was not involved in the research.

This study is intriguing because it sheds light on the risk factors for stroke in young patients, which are ultimately just as significant as the well-known risk factors like heart disease and hypertension. Physicians should screen younger patients for stroke risk if they have nontraditional risk factors like autoimmune disorders, migraines, or thrombophilia. The researchers noted some important limitations to their study even though this research revealed some important information about stroke risk factors.

To start, when participants did not seek care, the researchers did not consider uncoded diagnoses or risk factors due to how they identified risk factors. Furthermore, there exists a possibility of residual confounding and unmeasured bias. How the study was carried out probably prevented the risk of specific factors from being fully captured. Researchers pointed out that their assessment of nontraditional risk factors may have been underestimated and that the study did not address every possible risk factor for stroke.

The research team also warned that the study’s findings might not apply to other contexts because it was carried out in a Colorado claims database, which has a higher altitude and might have impacted the study sample. A sickle cell pain crisis, for instance, might be brought on by the altitude. This could account for the small number of participants who had sickle cell disease.

The researchers finally admitted that some confounders were impossible to account for and that there were gaps in some of the racial and ethnic data. Therefore, to collect additional data, researchers encouraged the study to be replicated in various population-based cohorts. The study’s authors acknowledged some important limitations even though their research revealed some important information regarding stroke risk factors. First off, uncoded diagnoses or risk factors that were present when participants chose not to seek treatment were not taken into consideration by the researchers due to how they identified risk factors. Additionally, there is a chance of residual confounding and unmeasured bias. Because of the way the study was carried out, it’s possible that the risk from specific factors was not fully captured.

Additionally, not all possible stroke risk factors were examined in the study, and the researchers acknowledged that their evaluation of nontraditional risk factors might have been underestimated. The study was carried out in a claims database in Colorado, which has a higher altitude, which may have affected the study sample, the authors added, warning that the results might not be generalizable. For instance, a sickle cell pain crisis could be brought on by the altitude. This could be the reason for the small number of sickle cell disease participants. Lastly, the researchers acknowledged that some confounders were impossible to account for and that some racial and ethnic data were missing.

Consequently, to collect additional data, researchers promoted the study’s replication in various cohorts drawn from different populations. We discovered that young adults’ strokes may be greatly influenced by migraine headaches. On the other hand, we are unsure of the initial cause of migraine [attacks] and stroke. Stroke prevention for migraineurs is currently untreated clinically. We can create more effective clinical interventions in the future by improving our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying migraines that result in strokes.

REFERENCES:
https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/91/6/593
https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-stroke-reducing-risk/
https://ejnpn.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41983-021-00430-0

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Why dementia risk is higher for people with irregular sleep patterns

Why dementia risk is higher for people with irregular sleep patterns

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Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is just as important to your general health as getting enough sleep. According to a recent study that was published in Neurology, persons with extremely erratic sleep patterns may be more susceptible to dementia than people with more regular sleep patterns. An average of 62 years old, 88,094 people were observed by researchers over about 7 years.

A wrist device was worn by participants for a week to track their regularity and sleep cycle. The group created a score for irregular sleep patterns based on these data. After that, the researchers looked through the participants’ medical records to determine which of them had dementia. They discovered that the highest sleep irregularity was associated with a 53% higher risk of dementia development compared to moderate sleep irregularity.

According to Matthew Pase, PhD, of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, the correlation between sporadic sleep patterns and the likelihood of developing dementia was strong, particularly considering the size of the sample. He made this observation to Healthline. Additionally, the results were unaffected by the length or disruption of sleep, indicating that regularity of sleep is significant in and of itself. Based on this data, researchers and the general public should think about sleep regularity in addition to overall sleep duration and quality when defining what constitutes good sleep.

Future research, according to study co-author Pase, could look into whether getting enough sleep enhances memory. Research may also look into the mechanisms relating regular sleep patterns to dementia. For instance, are there any connections in the brain between regular sleep patterns and Alzheimer’s disease? Pase said.

According to sleep experts, the human body naturally follows circadian rhythms, or sleep-wake cycles, which are synchronized with the time of day. A pattern of day-night oscillation of neural, hormonal, and other regulatory system patterns that respond best to environmental light is known as the circadian system. This especially applies to sunlight. According to experts, this system is impacted by irregular sleep patterns, which may also increase the risk of cognitive decline.

The circadian timing system, which runs concurrently with our sleeping and waking, is challenged by irregular sleep patterns, according to Mary A. Carskadon, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School. The circadian system receives a strong “darkness” signal from sleep, which aids in establishing and maintaining circadian timing.

According to Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula, medical director of the Neurological Sleep Medicine Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann and a sleep neurologist at UTHealth Houston, sleep is a natural human phenomenon that should be synchronized with day-night rhythms. Multiple networks collaborate to coordinate immune response, hormone production, and other vital organ system functions, all aimed at regulating the human rest-activity cycle. These networks begin with specialized cells in our eyes.

Tallavajhula did not contribute to the research. Cerebrospinal fluid has been shown in recent research to aid in the brain’s waste-removal process while you sleep. A recently identified role of sleep is the brain’s glymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste materials from the brain, or Carskadon. It’s easy to see how a series of these actions could lead to a potentially dangerous build-up of material that, over time, could impair cognitive function. A regular schedule for going to bed and waking up is crucial for maintaining regular sleep patterns.

The US. S. The following are suggestions for improving sleep quality from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Establish a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Make sure your bedroom is peaceful, cozy, and dark. Do not store electronics in your bedroom, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone. Large meals, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided right before bed. Engage in regular exercise. Regular sleep schedules are important, Tallavajhula agrees.

The most frequent action that specialists in sleep medicine recommend to enhance sleep is establishing a regular schedule, according to Tallavajhula. It’s like working out at the gym, only this is mental exercise. Some individuals may find it difficult to stick to a regular sleep and wake-up schedule, particularly shift workers.

That’s when Tallavajhula suggested avoiding rotating shifts and adopting a different sleep schedule. In contrast to those who sleep more regularly, individuals with irregular sleep patterns may be more susceptible to dementia, according to recent research. Cognitive performance is negatively impacted by irregular sleep, which disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm. Both getting enough sleep and adhering to a regular sleep schedule are crucial, according to experts.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-dementia-risk-is-higher-for-people-with-irregular-sleep-patterns
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/building-lean-muscle-may-help-decrease-risk-of-alzheimers-disease
https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5132

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_314

Getting too little sleep is linked to high blood pressure

Getting too little sleep is linked to high blood pressure

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A recent study found that sleeping less than 7 hours a night is linked, over time, to an increased risk of high blood pressure. The results are being presented at the Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology; they have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. The study’s authors accepted that no scientific proof links sleep patterns to hypertension or elevated blood pressure. They did, however, note that prior evidence of the connection has been erratic.

Data from sixteen studies conducted between January 2000 and May 2023 were examined by the researchers. The data included incidences of hypertension over follow-up periods ranging from 2 to 18 years (with a median of 5 years) in 1,044,035 individuals in six countries who did not have a history of high blood pressure. The researchers found that even after controlling for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, body mass, education, gender, and age, those who slept for shorter durations of time had a notably higher chance of developing hypertension. For individuals who slept for less than five hours, the correlation was even more pronounced.

According to the most recent data, the likelihood of developing high blood pressure in the future increases with less sleep that is, fewer than seven hours per day. Longer sleep times were associated with a higher incidence of high blood pressure, although this association was not statistically significant. According to sleep specialists, obtaining seven to eight hours of sleep per night may also be the best for your heart.

Less than seven hours of sleep was linked to a 7% higher risk of high blood pressure, according to the research team. The percentage rose to 11% when the amount of sleep was less than five hours. According to Hosseini, the team made a comparison between that and the effects of smoking and diabetes, both of which are known to raise a person’s risk of hypertension by at least 20%. Hosseini stated that although the researchers did not look into specific causes, disturbed sleep might be the cause. He said that additional variables might include alcohol consumption, night shift work, depression, anxiety, certain medication use, overeating, sleep apnea, and other lifestyle choices.

The age range of the study participants was 35–61 years old. The majority, or 61%, were women. Women who reported sleeping for less than seven hours were seven percent more likely to develop high blood pressure. Given that sleep patterns typically change as people age, the researchers were surprised that they were unable to find age-based differences in the association between sleep duration and hypertension. According to Hosseini, getting too little sleep seems to be more dangerous for women. Although we are unsure if the difference is clinically significant, it is statistically significant and merits more research. We do know that poor sleep hygiene may raise the risk of hypertension, which is known to pave the way for heart disease and stroke.

The study’s limitations, according to the team, include the fact that changes in sleep duration during the follow-up period were not evaluated because the data was self-reported. The definitions of short sleep duration (less than five or six hours) varied amongst the studies as well. According to Hosseini, more investigation is necessary to assess the relationship between prolonged sleep and elevated blood pressure through the use of more precise techniques like polysomnography, which is a means of assessing sleep quality. Additionally, the differences in reference sleep duration highlight the necessity of a standardized definition in sleep research to improve the generalizability and comparability of results across various studies.

More research is required to ascertain the reason behind women’s higher risk, according to Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, who was not involved in the study, speculated that women may have a higher stress response to sleep disruption because inadequate sleep is thought to raise stress hormones that can raise blood pressure. Susan Miller is the lead researcher and certified sleep expert, a website devoted to assisting users in achieving better sleep. Miller, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that hormonal factors, especially fluctuations in estrogen levels, may be to blame for women’s higher risk. These factors may have different effects on cardiovascular health and sleep patterns.

According to her, women are more likely than men to experience sleep disturbances during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause due to hormonal changes. Women’s sleep patterns are influenced by a variety of factors, including work-related stress and caregiving responsibilities, in addition to social and environmental factors. Each of these raises the chance of developing hypertension. Chen noted that as more studies examine the consequences of poor sleep, the significance of sleep for general health is becoming more evident. He added, though, that there is still a lot we don’t know about the processes by which getting too little sleep affects our health. Maintaining a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom; abstaining from caffeine and alcohol; sleeping at roughly the same time every day; engaging in regular daytime exercise; and avoiding afternoon naps are some healthy sleep practices.

Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, that getting enough sleep enables the body to recuperate and mend itself. According to Tadwalkar, who was not involved in the study, It also regulates hormones that influence blood pressure, inflammation, and blood sugar levels, all of which are critically important for heart health. He offered several recommendations on how people could get better sleep. Tadwalkar suggested keeping a regular sleep schedule. Observe a consistent sleep schedule to ensure a more restful night. Reliability is essential. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule that includes weekends as well as bedtimes helps to balance your internal clock and improves the quality of your sleep. He also advised avoiding the urge to oversleep by more than an hour past your usual waking time if necessary because doing so helps to maintain the stability of your sleep patterns.

Establishing a calming nighttime routine is crucial, according to Tadwalkar. Examine your pre-bedtime routines. He advised against engaging in stimulating activities like screen time right before bed. Rather, adopt soothing routines like reading a book or doing relaxation exercises to let your body know when it’s time to shut down. Optimizing your sleeping environment is also beneficial, according to Tadwalkar. To improve the sleeping environment, he suggested keeping the room cold, dark, and quiet. He also suggested adjusting the temperature and eliminating as much light and noise as you could to create the perfect atmosphere for a restful night’s sleep. Furthermore, Tadwalkar advised speaking with a healthcare provider for a more thorough assessment and tailored guidance if problems continue.

They can help determine the best course of action for treating sleep issues and help uncover any underlying causes. In particular, Tadwalkar advised consulting a physician who specializes in treating sleep disorders, or sleep medicine. Physicians who specialize in sleep medicine are qualified to perform specialized testing, create customized treatment programs, and offer advice on long-term sleep health.

REFERENCES:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/getting-too-little-sleep-linked-to-high-blood-pressure
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/sleep-deprivation/faq-20057959

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Managing chronic inflammation with psoriasis

Managing chronic inflammation with psoriasis

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Despite not knowing the precise cause, medical professionals believe psoriasis to be an inflammatory immune-mediated condition. This indicates that the underlying cause of this illness is inflammation. In the US, up to 3% of adults suffer from psoriasis. In addition to affecting the eyes and joints, it can also cause symptoms on the skin, such as discoloration and elevated plaques. According to experts, the common factor that can impact these various areas is inflammation.

The dermis, or middle layer of skin, becomes thicker with inflammatory cells in psoriasis sufferers due to immune system malfunction. Additionally, the disorder accelerates the growth of skin cells in the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. Skin cells develop and shed over the course of a month. For those who have psoriasis, this process accelerates to a matter of days. Skin cell accumulation on the skin’s surface occurs when skin cells accumulate rather than shed, causing uncomfortable symptoms like raised plaques, scaling, swelling, redness, or discoloration. Psoriasis is a skin condition, but it affects the entire body because of the inflammation it causes. It may raise the chance of developing psoriatic arthritis, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and heart disease.

While inflammation in psoriasis is caused by immune system dysregulation, research indicates that individuals can potentially decrease this inflammation by making lifestyle and dietary adjustments. By doing so, symptoms may lessen and overall quality of life may improve. Many individuals with psoriasis have been able to achieve remission, where they do not experience symptoms for an extended period, through these methods. Furthermore, there are medications available that target inflammation in psoriasis, such as topical corticosteroids, injectable biologics, and oral medications. Treatment for psoriasis varies for each person, with some requiring more intensive care than others.

Although there isn’t a cure for psoriasis at this time, adopting these behaviors may help lower inflammation brought on by the condition and raise the likelihood of a remission. Food has a big influence on systemic inflammation. Research indicates that specific inflammatory eating habits may heighten the likelihood of developing psoriasis and exacerbate its symptoms. A healthy diet varies depending on the individual. Nonetheless, someone can establish one by taking the subsequent actions:

Steer clear of inflammatory foods: Some foods and drinks have ingredients that promote inflammation, which can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Soda and highly processed foods like candy, processed meat products, and salty snacks are two examples. Taking into account an anti-inflammatory diet: Psoriasis symptoms are regularly reduced by diets high in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. For instance, a 2018 study of 35,735 individuals, 3,557 of whom had psoriasis, revealed that those who ate a Mediterranean-style diet had psoriasis that was less severe than that of those who did not.

One risk factor for the development of psoriasis is obesity. In addition to having more severe symptoms than those with a moderate weight, psoriasis sufferers who are overweight or obese may also have the condition. For those who are overweight, losing weight may help lower inflammatory markers and alleviate psoriasis symptoms. According to a 2020 study, individuals with psoriasis who were also overweight or obese and who lost 12 percent of their body weight over the course of a 10-week program saw a 50–75 percent reduction in the severity of their psoriasis. On average, participants lost twenty-three pounds

Avoiding or giving up smoking: Smoking seriously compromises one’s health and exacerbates inflammatory illnesses, such as psoriasis. These are just a few habits that can help lower inflammation and improve the symptoms of psoriasis. Cutting back on alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and cause inflammation. Remaining active: Limiting extended sitting times may help lessen the symptoms of psoriasis. According to a review of the literature, psoriasis sufferers who lead sedentary lifestyles experience more severe symptoms than those who engage in regular exercise.

Getting enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can cause the body to go into a pro-inflammatory state. Research indicates that irregular and inadequate sleep patterns may elevate inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. For optimum health, experts advise adults to get 7–9 hours of sleep every night. Controlling stress: Extended periods of stress cause the immune system to become hyperactive and lead to a state that is pro-inflammatory. Stress is cited by up to 88% of psoriasis sufferers as a trigger for their symptoms. It could be beneficial to practice stress-reduction methods like yoga and meditation

Anyone who is interested in learning how to lessen inflammation and symptoms associated with psoriasis and is going through a flare-up should think about talking to their dermatologist and other members of their healthcare team. They can offer advice on diet and lifestyle modifications that may help reduce inflammation and lessen the symptoms of psoriasis, as well as treatment options based on the severity of the symptoms. They might also advise taking supplements or vitamins.

10 myths about depression

10 myths about depression

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There are many misconceptions regarding depression, such as the idea that it only affects specific individuals or that it is not a real illness. These misconceptions not only deter people from getting treatment but also add to the stigma associated with the illness. In the year 2020, approximately 8 percent of adult Americans had at least one major depressive episode. It is therefore among the most prevalent mental health issues in the U.S. S. Even so, there are still a lot of misconceptions about depression. The main causes of this are misconceptions in society and culture regarding the illness, as well as out-of-date science. This article breaks down popular misconceptions about depression, explains why they are untrue, and distinguishes fact from fiction.

Some attempt to discredit depression by asserting that it is a choice made by the individual or the outcome of a personality trait, and thus not a legitimate medical condition. Additionally, depression used to be seen by some as a form of self-pity or sadness rather than as a diagnosable and treatable mental illness. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists depression as a mental illness. There are symptoms that are both physical and emotional. To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must meet the requirements listed in the handbook. These include experiencing symptoms that can drastically alter a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior and last for at least two weeks. As a result, depression is not the same as being depressed or self-pitying. Medical professionals have connected a number of biological, environmental, and psychological variables to depression. Over 8 out of 100 adults in the U.S. S. suffered from at least one major depressive episode in 2020 that left them seriously handicapped.

Antidepressants are frequently prescribed by doctors to help treat depression because they can enhance how the brain uses chemicals that regulate mood and stress. Antidepressant medication is thought by some to be the best or most efficient way to treat depression. It’s also a widely held misconception that a person cannot avoid depressive symptoms if they take antidepressants for the rest of their lives. Antidepressants do not always work for everyone or in all circumstances, nor are they a panacea for depression. Actually, antidepressants are typically prescribed by doctors in addition to psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications.

Furthermore, although it is true that some depressed individuals will use antidepressants for years to help them manage their symptoms, doctors hardly ever recommend antidepressants for life. Antidepressants usually take a few weeks to start working. It is important to note that it is not safe for people taking antidepressants to suddenly stop taking them. This is because stopping some medications suddenly can have negative effects. Most people schedule a gradual reduction in their dosage with their physician or mental health specialist. It is standard procedure to gradually reduce the dosage once the patient’s symptoms have subsided. This usually happens after taking the drug for a minimum of six months.

Some people think that a traumatic event is always the cause of depression. Trauma may contribute to depression or act as a trigger for it. Depression does not have a single cause; rather, it frequently results from a confluence of various factors. Furthermore, not every person who goes through a traumatic event will become depressed. The illness can also appear in people whose lives appear to be going well.

Adolescence can be a challenging time physiologically, socially, and emotionally. Adolescent effects and depression symptoms can sometimes be confused. These include Anxiety, pessimism, irritability, and oversleeping. This could lead some individuals to conclude that depression is merely a natural part of growing up. There is a high prevalence of depression among adolescents. An approximate of 17% of U. S. In 2020, 12 to 17-year-olds went through at least one major depressive episode.

But typical teenage sadness is not the same as depression, as is the case in adulthood. A doctor may suspect that a teen is depressed if they experience sadness, annoyance, and a lack of enjoyment in activities they used to enjoy for an extended period of time. This implies that not all moody teenagers experience depression, and that depression is neither a biological event or a rite of passage that a person must go through in order to reach adulthood. Teens who do exhibit symptoms, such as a persistently low mood and difficulty managing the rigors of school, should, nevertheless, seek assistance as soon as possible by speaking with a doctor or other trusted adult.

Stereotypes rooted in culture and society have perpetuated the idea that men shouldn’t or shouldn’t experience depression. Because of this, a lot of people have long ignored male depression. Depression can strike anyone at any time. However, the symptoms of depression can differ in men and women, and different variables can make depressive episodes more likely in each sex.


Depression in males:
According to some research, men who are depressed may show signs of anger and substance abuse disorders more frequently than women. They might also be less willing to ask for assistance since they are less willing to discuss their emotions. The stigma that society places on masculinity and masculine behavior may be the cause of this. In order to avoid major complications, males who exhibit symptoms of depression should consult a physician or Mental health professional as soon as possible. This is significant because, when depression is present, research indicates that men are more likely than women to commit suicide.

Depression in females:
However, depression is more prevalent in women. After giving birth, women may also suffer from a form of depression known as postpartum depression. This typically has the following effects: weariness, anxiety, and a lingeringly depressed mood. Researchers think that abrupt changes in hormone levels are one of the many reasons why postpartum depression arises. It can be difficult for people suffering from postpartum depression to take care of both themselves and their infants due to their extreme sadness and exhaustion. A specialist in this kind of depression should provide professional assistance to those who display these symptoms.

Heart conditions may cause brain changes that increase the risk of stroke, dementia

Heart conditions may cause brain changes that increase the risk of stroke, dementia

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Subtle changes to blood vessels in the brain, common among people with certain heart conditions, can increase the risk of stroke and dementia, a new study reports. The review of more than 220 previously published studies found that changes to blood vessels known as silent brain infarction (SBI) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) both detectable only via brain imaging are more common among people with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure or cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, and patent foramen ovale (a hole in the heart).

When the tiny blood vessels in your brain become narrow and blocked, it can prevent blood from reaching certain areas of your brain, Dr. Michael Ross MacDonald, said this damage can accumulate and result in symptoms of vascular cognitive impairment, eventually progressing to vascular dementia, said MacDonald, who was not involved in the study.

The meta-analysis, published in the journal Neurology, concluded that SBI was detectable in about one in three people with heart disease. Two-thirds of the people studied had white matter lesions (damage to the protective coating around nerve fibers), a quarter had evidence of asymptomatic microbleeds in the brain, and more than half had brain atrophy, defined as a shrinkage due to loss of neurons or connections between neurons.

Generally speaking, what is bad for the heart is bad for the brain, so various cardiac conditions [like SBI and CSVD] contributing to cerebrovascular injury… makes complete sense, said Dr. Gregory Bix, SBI and CSVD are overlooked cardiovascular health conditions, to some degree, as they are chronic conditions with insidious onset of cognitive symptoms that are often missed in early stages, Bix, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today. However, CSVD is a major cause of vascular dementia, the second leading cause of dementia behind Alzheimer’s disease.

The prevalence of these changes in the brain’s vascular system, which usually don’t cause obvious neurological symptoms, was elevated regardless of whether the people studied had previously had a stroke, researchers reported. Although people with heart disease are two to three times more likely than the general population to have changes in their brain’s vascular system, they’re often overlooked, because these patients don’t routinely undergo brain imaging unless they have suffered a stroke, said Dr. Zien Zhou, in a press statement. However, it can make them more susceptible to the risk of brain bleeds from medications commonly used to treat or prevent blood clots intracranial hemorrhage is a life-threatening complication with no proven treatment and a survival rate of less than 50 percent.

Zhou said that aging, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking are among the likely causes of these hidden changes to blood vessels in the brain. A gradual decline in cardiac output in some patients with heart disease might affect how much blood reaches the brain tissue, contributing to vascular changes and cognitive dysfunction in these patients, he said. It’s also possible that hidden brain changes and cognitive dysfunction result from tiny blood clots traveling to the brain through the arterial circulation after forming in the heart.

Zhou said that further study is needed to determine whether routine brain imaging for patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy (which includes most people with heart disease) could reduce risks such as bleeding in the brain. These findings suggest that all individuals with atrial defibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure or cardiomyopathy, and heart valve disease should have brain scanning, said Bix. This study shows a clear correlation between heart disease and SBI and CSVD, he added. However, whether one causes the other remains to be determined.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/heart-conditions-may-cause-brain-changes-that-increase-the-risk-of-stroke-dementia
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240326170112.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3641811/

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Lack of fiber may be a trigger for inflammatory bowel disease

Lack of fiber may be a trigger for inflammatory bowel disease

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Irritable bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by inflammation in the gut or digestive tract, which can cause a variety of occasionally painful digestive problems. It can also present as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Although the underlying cause of this illness has not yet been found, a recent study points to a potential link between diet, genetics, and gut microbiota and the development of IBD. Fiber reduces inflammation and encourages the formation of a healthy mucus layer. When interleukin-10, a cytokine linked to inflammatory bowel disease, is absent at birth, IBD usually manifests in the early stages of the infant or childhood. The current study demonstrates that fiber deprivation contributes to the deterioration of the colonic mucus lining in mice deficient in interleukin-10, which results in fatal colitis. This implies that diets high in fiber could be beneficial for people with IBD.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3 million people in the United States and 6 million people worldwide suffer from IBD. S. who possesses it. The majority of cases of IBD are found in industrialized countries, and the new study suggests that those who migrate to more industrialized societies and start consuming highly processed foods may be at risk for the condition. According to a study published in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, last year, some dietary fibers may actually exacerbate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. In that investigation, scientists discovered that soluble fibers from fruits and vegetables, known as unfermented dietary β-fructan fibers, triggered an inflammatory reaction in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) whose bodies could not process them.

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), a formula-based, low-fiber diet, is recommended for some individuals with IBD, especially children. This method is effective in lowering gut inflammation. In the current study, which employed mice devoid of interleukin-10, the researchers found that diets devoid of fiber significantly increased inflammation. It has been demonstrated that a diet devoid of fiber promotes the development of bacteria that break down mucus, consuming the mucus layer in the digestive system and lessening the barrier that mucus provides for the gut lining. A high-fiber diet markedly reduced inflammation in the mice. Nonetheless, mice given the EEN diet formula by researchers showed reduced inflammation compared to mice fed a diet devoid of fiber.

Researchers came to the conclusion that the mice exhibited elevated levels of isobutyrate, a fatty acid generated by “good” bacteria through fermentation in the gut. Medical News Today was informed by Dr. Rudolph Bedford, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, who was not involved in the study, that there is not enough data to support a general approach to lower-fiber diets for patients with IBD among medical professionals. The lack of research data to inform clinical practice has led to a great deal of variability in dietary recommendations for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, to reduce gastrointestinal distress during an active flare-up, especially if intestinal strictures are suspected, patients with IBD are frequently advised to restrict their intake of fiber or residue.

Not involved in the study, the director of communications for the nutrition company Prolon and a dietitian nutritionist told MNT that while a high-fiber diet can be advised in the worst phases of IBD, it’s important to consider the long-term effects. When an IBD patient’s gut inflammation gets worse during an acute (active) flare-up, a low-fiber diet may be advised. Since fiber can be difficult to digest, it may worsen pre-existing gut or gut lining irritation, which may lead to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, rectal bleeding, or even fever. It is advisable to stay away from anything that could exacerbate the gut inflammation that already exists during flare-ups. However, over time, high-fiber diets have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the management (and even reversal) of IBD in patients. This means that high-fiber foods are advised to help diversify the composition of the gut, which can positively benefit a person’s gut pH, permeability, and ability to produce short-chain fatty acids, even in the absence of acute symptoms or flare-ups.

In addition to supporting both our digestive and immune systems, good gut flora are essential. The integrity of our intestinal barrier is strengthened by certain good bacteria that live in our stomach. The lining of our stomach plays a crucial role in preventing harmful substances from entering our body. A leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability, is the result of the weakening of the gut lining’s junctures brought on by inflammation or other pathogenic bacteria that can break down the lining. Patients with IBD and IBS frequently have leaky guts, which may be the underlying cause of inflammation or a sign of other digestive disorders. Richter noted that there may be a direct correlation between gut and mental health.

Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are produced in part by certain gut bacteria and are essential for healthy brain function, regular sleep cycles, and the reduction of anxiety and depression. Mental and emotional disorders may result from the disruption of gut-brain signaling caused by the absence of these beneficial bacteria. The gut lining’s lack of diversity can significantly weaken immune systems. When your gut is dysbiotic, it is more susceptible to illness. The various organisms in your gut may not be present in the proper amounts, which could lead to changes in your gut microbiome. Your chance of developing a chronic illness may rise if the diversity of bacteria in your gut microbiome declines.

The intestinal tract is affected by immune-mediated, chronic, progressive diseases known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs primarily include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Chron’s disease (CD) subtypes. Although the exact cause of these illnesses is unknown, host-related, environmental, and genetic factors all play a role in their development. According to recent research, nutritional therapy is the mainstay of IBD treatment for managing symptoms, preventing relapses, and treating the underlying pathology. Patients with IBD demonstrate how diet, particularly dietary fiber, and microbiota dysbiosis can alter its composition. Compared to the general population, these patients are more vulnerable to energy protein malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. There is currently no known dietary factor that causes IBD, and there is no special therapeutic diet for the condition. This review aims to assist medical professionals in managing the nutritional aspects of CD and UC by assessing the role that dietary fibers play in these conditions. The right kind and quantity of fiber to recommend in the event of IBD patients improving their psychosocial circumstances and overall quality of life will require more research.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lack-of-fiber-may-be-trigger-inflammatory-bowel-disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9696206/
https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/Digestive-health-services/Conditions-and-treatments/small-and-large-intestine/inflammatory-bowel-disease/diet-guide
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/dietary-fiber-linked-to-flare-ups-in-inflammatory-bowel-disease

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New weight loss pill Amycretin is more effective than Semaglutide

New weight loss pill Amycretin is more effective than Semaglutide

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The Danish company Novo Nordisk recently revealed the preliminary results of a phase 1 clinical trial, which suggests that amycretin, an experimental medication they developed to treat obesity, may significantly improve weight loss compared to Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide). The business has not yet disclosed when to publish the data in a peer-reviewed publication. Given that adults with type 2 diabetes are primarily prescribed Ozempic and Wegovy to help control their blood sugar levels, this may not come as a surprise. Even though all semaglutide medications seem to be linked to weight loss, only Wegovy has received FDA approval for long-term weight management in adults.

These drugs, which are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, function by imitating the actions of a hormone that aids in controlling hunger and blood sugar levels. According to preliminary findings, taking amycretin for three months reduced body weight by 13%. According to earlier studies, semaglutide reduced body weight by about 6% over a comparable period. Experts, however, have stressed the need for more comprehensive research to verify the long-term benefits and safety profile of amycretin. Despite these cautions, Novo Nordisk’s stock value surged by over 8% following the drug’s presentation at an investor meeting on March 7, 2024.

The surging interest in a new class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists has propelled Novo Nordisk to become the most valuable company in Europe, despite facing significant supply shortages due to high demand. Amycretin differentiates itself from semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirazepide) by being administered orally as a pill rather than through a weekly injection.

The limited information available suggests this method could be quite promising, but it is important to note that much more data are required. This is because amycretin has yet to be evaluated against other medications in a direct comparison trial. At a recent investor event, a senior development executive from Novo Nordisk highlighted the potential for amycretin to match the effectiveness and safety profile of CagriSema, another GLP-1 agonist drug by the company, targeting amylin. The company anticipates the results of a study on an injectable version of amycretin to be released next year. Based on these findings, Novo Nordisk intends to initiate a comprehensive development program.

In an amycretin trial with sixteen subjects weighing an average of eighty-nine kilograms, the placebo group lost one percent of their body weight over twelve weeks. Research shows that GLP-1 agonist drugs can lower the risk of obesity-related cardiovascular diseases, but they also raise the risk of gastrointestinal problems. Patients must know that studies indicate most people who stop taking these medications end up gaining back most of the weight they have lost.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/new-weight-loss-pill-amycretin-more-effective-than-semaglutide-in-early-trial
https://qz.com/ozempic-weight-loss-pill-amycretin-novo-nordisk-1851326591
https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/03/07/novo-nordisks-new-obesity-pill-beats-wegovy-in-early-trial/?sh=1bfdece9456e
https://www.sciencealert.com/experimental-weight-loss-pill-twice-as-effective-as-ozempic-trial-shows

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Early sips to adult slips: How sweet drinks in childhood fatten future

Early sips to adult slips: How sweet drinks in childhood fatten future

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A recent study evaluating the connection between childhood consumption of sweet drinks and adult obesity was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Their findings have consequences for dietary interventions for young children since they show that early consumption of sweet beverages is linked to increased adiposity and less healthful eating habits in adulthood. Consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as a child has been linked to an increased risk of obesity. Nonetheless, a lot of research treats fruit juices without added sugar, carbonated beverages, and all other sweetened beverages equally. To improve dietary interventions to lower adult obesity, it is important to look at SSBs and fruit juices separately to determine which are linked to negative outcomes. Consuming SSBs might also be a sign of a diet high in calories, in which case cutting them out of the diet wouldn’t result in a noticeable decrease in energy intake.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that, in terms of how they affect adiposity outcomes, sugary drinks are all in the same category. They also investigated whether gender differences exist in the way people react to different types of beverages and whether their influence should be viewed in the context of a larger dietary pattern. Children born in Bristol, United Kingdom, between April 1991 and December 1992 made up the study sample. When the kids were two, three, four, seven, eleven, and thirteen years old, their diet was graded at six points. When the children were two years old, their caregivers were questioned about whether or not they had eaten fruit juices, such as squash and apple juice, and carbonated drinks like cola between the ages of 15 months and 2 years. They characterized drinking before the age of two as early exposure to alcohol.

To provide information about dietary patterns, their carers completed a food frequency questionnaire during the subsequent dietary assessment. They noted the consumption of fatty foods, sweet-tasting foods, fruits, and vegetables, as well as other foods like pizza, meat, and fish. When the kids were four and seven years old, caregivers filled out three-day food diaries; at eleven and thirteen, the kids filled out the diaries themselves. To determine their BMI, their weight and height were recorded. The amount of abdominal fat surrounding the organs was used to calculate the Android fat mass. Their total fat mass at 24 years old was the other main result. The mother’s prenatal weight, her age at childbirth, her partner’s education and BMI, the mother’s and her partner’s occupation, and deprivation in terms of income, health deprivation, disability, employment, housing, education, training, and skills were all taken into account when analyzing the data using hierarchical regression equations. Groups of men and women were examined independently.

Cola consumption was linked to increased adiposity in men; on average, those who abstained from apple juice had a higher BMI. Female adiposity was found to be higher when fruit squash was consumed, as opposed to pure fruit juice. Next, the researchers investigated whether the relationships they observed were caused by the dietary pattern as a whole or just the sweet drinks. At three years old, children who drank cola, fruit squash, or fizzy drinks consumed less non-starch polysaccharides but more energy, protein, carbohydrates, and non-milk extrinsic sugars. Apple juice drinkers consumed less fat and more healthy sugars and proteins. These correlations suggest that since SSBs don’t contain fat or protein, overall dietary patterns must be different.

In addition to eating more pizza, French fries, sausages, burgers, chocolate, candies, and fruit, boys who drank fruit squash, carbonated drinks, and cola also ate more meat and less fruit. Apple juice drinkers consumed more salad, fish, fruits, and green veggies. For girls, comparable trends were observed. An additional intriguing discovery revealed that boys who drank cola before turning two also drank more energy between the ages of four and nine. At four years old, girls who drank apple juice had lower energy intake. According to regression analysis, a man’s diet at the age of 24 could predict his body fat; eating root vegetables, burgers, sausages, and French fries when he was three years old had a significant impact. Female participants showed similar results; additionally, their fat mass was higher in those who did not eat fresh fruit or biscuits. Children who experience greater levels of social deprivation are more likely to drink cola and less likely to drink fruit juice.

These results suggest a significant relationship between early consumption of sweet beverages and health outcomes well into adulthood. Children’s beverage choices are influenced by the socioeconomic and demographic makeup of their family; children from more disadvantaged homes are more likely to be given unhealthy drinks like cola and less likely to be given relatively healthier drinks like pure fruit juice. The study adds to the increasing amount of evidence showing early childhood dietary habits have a major impact on adult obesity risk. Controlling energy intake during infancy and early childhood through nutritional interventions may help reduce adult obesity.

REFERENCES:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38491133/
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240318/Early-sips-to-adult-slips-How-sweet-drinks-in-childhood-fatten-future.aspx.