Effect of calcium supplements on risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events
Calcium supplements (without coadministered vitamin D) are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (British Medical Journal, 7/29/2010). As calcium supplements are widely used these modest increases in risk of cardiovascular disease might translate into a large burden of disease in the population. A reassessment of the role of calcium supplements in the management of osteoporosis is warranted. In a linked editorial, John Cleland and colleagues write that patients with osteoporosis should generally not be treated with calcium supplements, either alone or combined with vitamin D, unless they are also receiving an effective treatment for osteoporosis for a recognized indication.

Interview with Dr. Kenneth Friedman:   Read interview with Dr. Kenneth Friedman.

Webmd (6/1/2010, Boyles) reports Heart Attacks Down Sharply, Study Finds 24% Decline in Heart Attack Hospitalizations in California Population Since 2000 because of better management of heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol is having an impact, as are efforts to reduce smoking, ban smoking in public places, and get people to eat healthier and exercise.

The Washington Post (1/22, Stein) reports that "one out of every five US teenagers has a cholesterol level that increases the risk of heart disease," according to a new study published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Bloomberg News (1/22, Randall) reports that "obese children were at the highest danger of abnormal levels, with 43 percent testing outside the recommended ranges."

MedPage Today (1/21, Gever) reported that "an unsigned commentary by MMWR's editors noted that 'untreated abnormal lipid levels in childhood and adolescence are linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease in adulthood,' but they stopped short of endorsing routine lipid testing for adolescents."

- Source: AMA Morning Rounds, January 22, 2010

One in five US teens may have abnormal lipid levels

A Pinch Less of Salt Could Save Lives, Money (ABC News)

"Cutting daily salt intake by three grams – just over a teaspoon -- could prevent 32,000 strokes and 54,000 heart attacks a year. So say researchers at the University of California, San Francisco who developed a novel computer program to predict the clinical impact of salt reduction." -- ABC News (1/21/2010)

Research Shows Lower Salt May Cut Heart Disease (Click Here for the Study)