Elevated blood levels of C reactive protein - CRP - is now a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. But how much does it add to risk assessment? Can it be treated? Does it produce more confusion than enlightenment? And how do you know if YOU should have your CRP measured? Read Should You Have Your CRP Measured?
Unstable angina - angina that occurs at rest and apparently for no reason - is a strong warning that one of the coronary arteries has become critically unstable, and that without rapid treatment a full-blown heart attack may ensue. Read about what causes unstable angina, how to recognize it, and how to make sure you are getting the appropriate care, here.
A recent report suggests that regular napping may reduce the risk of heart disease. But before you begin lobbying your congressperson for mandated nap time, read this.
In recent years, people have been encouraged to estimate their body mass indexes (BMI) to help assess cardiac risk. BMI is meant to be an estimate of whether you are of normal weight (for your height), underweight, overweight or obese. However, recent evidence suggests that, at least for people in the "overweight" category, the overall level of cardiac fitness and the amount of abdominal fat may be more important than BMI. Read more about it here.