Uric acid: a risk factor for coronary heart disease
Article Abstract:
Individuals with elevated blood levels of uric acid may have a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. Uric acid is a metabolic product that is excreted in the urine. Abnormal blood levels of uric acid are associated with a variety of metabolic disorders. A research study found that blood levels of uric acid increased as arterial blood pressure increased in healthy individuals. Blood flow to the kidneys also dropped as blood levels of uric acid rose. Patients with essential hypertension, or high blood pressure, often have elevated blood levels of uric acid. This association may be caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Other studies have found that heart damage occurred before a reduction in blood flow to the kidneys in essential hypertension patients. A research study found that insulin resistance may play an important role in the association between elevated blood levels of uric acid and cardiovascular disease.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Is baldness bad for the heart?
Article Abstract:
An association may exist between baldness and coronary heart disease (CHD) in men. A research study found that the men under 55 years old with male pattern baldness may have a higher risk of suffering a heart attack than other men. The incidence of vertex baldness, or baldness involving the crown of the head, was higher among men who survived a heart attack than other men in the same age group. Other risk factors for a heart attack include blood pressure level, increased levels of different lipid, or fat-containing, substances, glucose (sugar) intolerance and smoking. Several other research studies have found that baldness may be less of a risk factor for CHD than these other factors. The increased risk of CHD in bald men may be caused by dihydrotestosterone, a male hormone that contributes to baldness. Increased levels of this hormone has been associated with different types of abnormalities in both men and women.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Evaluating coronary heart disease risk: tiles in the mosaic
Article Abstract:
Researchers continue to identify risk factors for coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is caused by a build-up of fatty plaques in coronary arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. There are many established risk factors for coronary heart disease, including family history, age, sex and cholesterol levels. However, 25% of patients with coronary heart disease have no known risk factors. Research is continuing on potential risk factors including homocysteine, apolipoprotein E and hyperinsulinemia.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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