Conservative management of intermittent claudication

Article Abstract:

Intermittent claudication is the term used to describe often disabling leg cramps that occur in older people as they try to walk. It is the main presenting symptom of chronic obstructive peripheral arterial disease of the legs. It is also a good indicator of widespread atherosclerotic vascular disease and a predictive factor of increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Traditional treatment includes treating concurrent illness; providing symptomatic relief by modifying risk factors such as smoking; exercise; and, sometimes, drug therapy. If a vessel becomes completely blocked, blood vessel grafts are performed. A commonly used drug, pentoxifylline, has not yet been proven completely efficacious. Exercise programs that take into account the individual's general health are helpful, especially when they combine regular, supervised group sessions with daily home exercise. How intense the exercise program is matters less than the regularity with which it is performed. While the program should be individualized, it should also involve 30 minutes a day of dynamic leg exercise such as walking, stationary bicycling, and stair walking. Since smoking is the most significant independent risk factor, smoking cessation is important; a review of available literature revealed a correlation between the rate of intermittent claudication and the number of cigarettes smoked daily. When patients are motivated to follow these steps, the distance they are able to walk without pain increases, as does overall health. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Evaluation, Complications and side effects, Smoking, Exercise therapy, Vasodilators, Vasodilator agents, Intermittent claudication

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The effects of low doses of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on blood pressure in hypertensive subjects

Article Abstract:

In recent years, attention has been paid to the possible role that fish oil supplements might play in decreasing risk of cardiovascular disease. Whether fish oil supplements might decrease blood pressure has not been clear, with some studies suggesting that they are ineffective, and others suggesting that they might be beneficial. A group of 34 patients with mild hypertension had their regular blood pressure medications stopped, and were given supplements of either fish oil or safflower oil. Their blood pressure was monitored carefully over the course of the 12 week study. There were statistically significant drops in blood pressure in the patients who were taking fish oil supplements, and no significant changes were noted in those who were taking safflower oil. No significant abnormalities were seen in laboratory tests for either group. None of the patients in either group had lost significant amounts of weight, and only one patient had significantly increased his exercise level, so the drops in blood pressure were unlikely to be due to lifestyle modifications, and were probably attributable to the fish oil supplementation. How fish oil supplements lower blood pressure is still unknown, but this study suggests the need for further research to determine if the blood pressure-lowering effect of fish oil supplements can be significant enough to be of clinical benefit. Following these, further studies combining fish oils with blood pressure-lowering drugs (antihypertensives) might be warranted. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Management, Physiological aspects, Blood pressure, Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega 3 fatty acids, Mild hypertension, Pneumoconiosis, Black lung disease

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Dietary Supplementation with low-dose fish oils lowers fibrinogen levels: a randomized, double-blind controlled study

Article Abstract:

Previous research has found an association between high fibrinogen (blood clotting factor) levels in the blood and diseases such as atherosclerosis (blockage of the arteries), stroke, and coronary artery disease. Other studies have found relationships between high fibrinogen and elevated cholesterol levels. Large doses of fish oil have been reported to reduce fibrinogen levels. A 20-week trial with 25 subjects who were divided into three groups was conducted. The first two groups were given different amounts of fish oil and the third group (control group) was given olive oil; the oils were taken as supplements to the usual diet. Results indicated that the individuals who took the fish oil had a significant reduction in fibrinogen levels in their blood. This reduction was achieved with practical and not excessive amounts of fish oil. After 20 weeks the first group that took 2.2 grams of fish oil per day had a 21.6 percent reduction in fibrinogen level; the second group, which took 1.1 grams of fish oil per day, had a 5.8 percent reduction in fibrinogen. The degree of fibrinogen reduction was considered dose dependent. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The results indicate that fibrinogen blood concentrations can be effectively reduced by dietary fish oil supplementation. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between fibrinogen levels and risk for coronary artery disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Measurement, Dietary supplements, Fibrinogen

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