Top in cardiology: Exercise reduces mortality risk; metformin may offer heart benefits
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Researchers at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology reported that the benefits of exercise occur at levels well below federal recommendations, and its impact on mortality risk is observed across ages, races and genders.
“Regardless of whether you have a low or higher level of fitness, [data show] changes in your fitness over time had a dramatic impact on all-cause mortality,” Carl “Chip” Lavie Jr., MD, FACC, FACP, FCCP, said during a presentation.
It was the top story in cardiology last week.
The second top story was about recent research that showed metformin may offer cardiovascular benefits beyond type 2 diabetes. An ongoing trial will continue to assess the impact of metformin for people with prediabetes and atherosclerotic CVD.
Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:
Prescribe exercise for ‘dramatic impact’ on mortality, heart disease risk
Physical fitness is a vital sign for overall health, and prescribing even small amounts of exercise to increase cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce mortality and CVD risk, according to a speaker at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology. Read more.
Beyond type 2 diabetes, metformin may also offer heart benefits
Experimental and clinical evidence suggest the diabetes drug metformin may offer cardiovascular benefits that do not depend on the presence of diabetes, and an ongoing trial will help researchers learn more. Read more.
Bakris: Take time, follow guidelines for accurate BP measurements
An accurate BP measurement is essential to properly diagnose and manage hypertension, yet most providers do not have time to follow the guideline-recommended steps, according to George L. Bakris, MD, professor of medicine and director of the American Heart Association-accredited Comprehensive Hypertension Center at the University of Chicago Medicine. Read more.
Isometric exercise training most effective for lowering blood pressure
Several exercise training modes improved blood pressure, but the most effective mode was isometric exercise training, researchers reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Read more.
Increased daily step count improves symptom control, physical function in heart failure
Among people with heart failure who wore daily activity trackers, an increase of 2,000 steps per day was associated with improved physical limitation scores compared with those who did not change their step counts, data show. Read more.