Frontline: Exercise’s Effect on Irregular Heartbeat; Vaginal Mesh Implants; Sodium Intake
More exercise linked with lower risk of irregular heartbeat
Postmenopausal women who reported the highest amount of physical activity had a 10 percent lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition characterized by an irregular heart-beat, than women who reported the lowest amount of physical activity. Both obese and normal-weight women reaped the benefits of being more physically active. The researchers, who published their findings online Aug. 20, 2014 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data collected on more than 81,000 women over an 11-year period. The women who had the lowest risk of AF got physical activity that was approximately equivalent to brisk walking for 30 minutes, six days a week, for a total of about three hours a week. Even women who got the activity equivalent of walking briskly for one hour a week had a lower risk of AF than women who got less than 10 minutes of exercise each week. AF has been identified as a risk factor for stroke and heart failure. The researchers noted that their findings did not support concerns that strenuous exercise might increase the risk of AF in postmenopausal women.
Removing mesh implants may produce varied effects
Vaginal mesh implants are used to reposition and support a woman’s pelvic organs, such as her uterus, bladder, or vaginal wall, if they prolapse (drop). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received numerous reports of problems linked to the implants, including cases where the mesh eroded, leading to infections, bleeding, and pain. However, it isn’t always clear that a woman’s symptoms are caused by the mesh, or if removing it will help. Two studies, which were presented at the American Urological Association’s annual meeting in May 2014, examined outcomes in women who had mesh implants removed. In the first study, 67 percent of the women became pain-free after the mesh implant was removed. In the second study, following implant removal, about one-third of the women reported moderate to severe pain and urine leakage at least once a day, while half reported pain during sex. If you are considering a mesh implant or thinking of having an implant removed, discuss the possible benefits and risks with your doctor. To read the FDA recommendations, go to www.fda.gov and enter the search term “mesh implants.”
Most people underestimate their sodium intake
Although health headlines repeatedly announce the dangers of too much dietary sodium, most Americans have an inaccurate idea, or no idea at all, of how much sodium they eat. The results of an American Heart Association (AHA) survey released in July 2014 found that 97 percent of the people questioned either could not estimate or underestimated how much sodium they consume daily. Most of those who did provide estimates said they consumed about 1,000 milligrams (mg) less than they actually did. The AHA recommends no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day for optimal heart health, but most Americans eat more than double that amount. Excessive dietary sodium can increase blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. About 75 percent of the sodium Americans consume comes from processed and packaged foods and restaurant meals. To cut back on sodium, choose no- or low-sodium items in the supermarket and flavor them at home with salt-free seasonings. Also, check the sodium content on Nutrition Facts labels, and ask for low-sodium options when dining out.
The post Frontline: Exercise’s Effect on Irregular Heartbeat; Vaginal Mesh Implants; Sodium Intake appeared first on University Health News.
Powered by WPeMatico
