By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. We have known for many years that having a big belly is associated with increased risk for heart attacks, diabetes, certain cancers, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, disability and premature death. We now also have data that links having a large belly to increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, a debilitating way to spend your last … [Read more...] about Dementia Linked to Excess Belly Fat
Medical
Blocking Inflammation Key to Preventing Heart Attacks
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. In the biggest advance in knowledge about the prevention of heart attacks since the discovery of statins, researchers at Harvard Medical School have shown that blocking inflammation helps to prevent heart attacks (New Engl J of Med, August 27, 2017) and cancers (Lancet, August 27, 2017). You can help to protect yourself from having a heart attack by … [Read more...] about Blocking Inflammation Key to Preventing Heart Attacks
Calculate Your Fitness Age
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. VO2max can be used to predict a person’s risk of premature death from a heart attack. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have developed a simple way to estimate a person’s VO2max, his maximal ability to take in and use oxygen (Med Sci Sports Exerc, November 2011;43(11):2024-30). … [Read more...] about Calculate Your Fitness Age
Should You Take a Daily Aspirin?
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Recent research shows that three years of taking aspirin daily is associated with a small reduction in heart attacks only in people who have had previous heart attacks, but not in those who had not had a previous heart attack (Clin Cardiol, May 2017). Previous studies have shown similar results (Am J Med, Feb 2015;128(2):137-43). People aged 50 to 70 … [Read more...] about Should You Take a Daily Aspirin?
Blood Pressure During and After Exercise
Editor's Note: Dr. Mirkin's article today began as a response to one of our Premium Members. Greg C. wrote us: "I ride about 4,500-5,500 miles a year. This is the first year I've been monitoring my blood pressure after riding and noticed the systolic drops significantly after my rides. I typically run 110-120 over 70-80, but after rides it's sometimes barely above 95 over … [Read more...] about Blood Pressure During and After Exercise