DNA particles in the blood may help speed detection of coronary artery disease

Higher levels of DNA particles in the blood were linked to high levels of coronary artery calcium deposits in a study. These particles are potentially markers of disease, and may eventually help identify patients with severely narrowed coronary arteries, predict how many coronary vessels were affected, and even whether a patient is likely to suffer a serious heart problem or heart-related death.

The study involved 282 patients, ages 34 to 83, who reported chest pain and were suspected of having coronary artery disease. Researchers used computed tomography imaging to look for hardened, or calcified, buildup in the blood vessels that supply the heart. Blood samples also were tested for bits of genetic material. Release of small DNA particles in the blood occurs during chronic inflammatory conditions such as coronary artery disease.

It is plausible to think that the DNA particles themselves might contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis and the risk of dangerous blood vessel blockages, the study’s authors wrote. “The more the ongoing cell death, which is normal with inflammation, the more DNA enters the circulation and more plaque builds up,” Borissoff said. “Cells get damaged, and the products released from the damaged cells can cause even more damage and inflammatory responses.”

The researchers are testing the DNA particle components further, he said, to see which ones are most sensitive and to understand more about how their levels might vary — for instance, during different stages of progression of atherosclerosis, or during a treadmill test, or after treatment for a heart attack.

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http://newsroom.heart.org/news/dna-particles-in-the-blood-may-help-speed-detection-of-coronary-artery-disease

Steps to prevent heat-related illnesses

Heat related illnesses are one of the main causes for loss of workdays and also death in a number of tropical countries.

People who are at highest risk are the elderly, the very young, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.

But even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

The body has an inbuilt mechanism to ward off excess heat. But this mechanism will not be able to keep pace in extremely hot conditions. The factors affecting your body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather are:

• High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won't evaporate as quickly, which keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.
• Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and few prescription drugs and also alcohol use can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.

The following are steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths during hot weather:

• Stay in an indoor location or in a shade as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids even  if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
• Pace yourself. Do not over stress your body
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down whenever possible.