Good News: Significant Reduction In U.S. Heart Attack Deaths

The United States has seen a significant reduction in heart attack-related deaths over the past twenty years. So says a new study which was presented yesterday at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session Together With the World Congress of Cardiology.

According to an article written by the American College of Cardiology on SciTechDaily.com, these findings were based on a study of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from the years 1999-2000. The study also shows that the racial disparity in the rates of heart disease between Caucasian/White people and African-American/Black people in the U.S.A. has also narrowed during that 22-year period.

The lead author on this new study is Muchi Ditah Chobufo, MD who is a cardiology fellow at West Virginia University. He thinks there are many factors for this reduction in the number of heart attack-related deaths in the United States. He points out that there are more people adhering to healthy diets and activities, and to the fact that care and treatment for those suffering from heart disease has improved, both during and after a heart attack.

Per the American College of Cardiology article, the CDC reports that there are more than 800,000 people in America who suffer from heart attacks every year. The report shows that the "overall rate of death from heart attack, adjusted for age, fell from about 87 deaths per 100,000 people in 1999 to about 38 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020."

The rates of heart attack deaths were higher for African-American/Black people than any other race, but rates for this specific racial group dropped significantly over the study period from "104 deaths per 100,000 people in 1999 [to] 46 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020." Asians and Pacific Islanders had the lowest rates of heart attack-related deaths according to this study.

You have heard it before, but the advice bears repeating: The best way to avoid heart disease and heart attacks is to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid using tobacco.

You should also be aware of the most common signs that you may be experiencing a heart attack. Those signals include: "shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in the chest, jaw, neck, back, arm or shoulder; and feeling weak, lightheaded or faint." If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately and get yourself to a hospital emergency room as soon as you can.

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Larry Martino is the long-time Afternoon Drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.

Here in Las Vegas, we have had some colder temperatures and overcast days, which may affect your winter moods. If you have been feeling a little more rundown, maybe experiencing the "winter blues," experts are saying the foods you eat could be part of the problem.

Of course, it could also be that post-Christmas slump that many of us experience after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Or, it could be the fact that we make New Year's resolutions that we fail to keep up with. Some people feel that the minimal amount of daylight during December and January affects their winter moods. It could be a combination of all of those things.

Whichever the case is for you, an article posted recently on WrenKitchens.com provides information on foods which will help boost your winter moods, and recipes to go along with that info. Swapping in some of these foods and recipes into your daily diet could really help.

However, there is also this cautionary quote from the article: "It’s also important to mention that while opting for these foods might help you get through gloomy January days, your overall mood can be influenced by lots of different factors, from stress and sleeping habits to genetics, mental health issues and more. If you’re having a tough time with your mental health, food swaps might help with some symptoms, but it’s important to reach out and get support if you’re struggling."

Here we go with the 7 foods to help boost your winter moods! Bon appetit!

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Larry Martino is the long-time Afternoon Drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.

Oats and oatmeal are a great way to start your day. They are loaded with fiber, which help slows digestion to keep your energy levels more stable throughout your day. Oats also contain lots of iron. An iron deficiency could cause you to feel sluggish, tired, and more irritable.

Well, I guess turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners anymore. By now we all know that turkey contains tryptophan, which I heard makes you feel tired and sleepy after those big holiday dinners. While true, that amino acid helps create serotonin in your body, which causes you to relax, helps to reduce anxiety, and helps fight depression symptoms. Who knew?

I happen to love eating fish nowadays, but I sure didn't as a child or teenager. Not everyone loves fish, but if you can find a way to enjoy tuna, especially yellowfin tuna, then you'll be helping your body and brain in a big way. This fish contains selenium, an essential mineral your body needs for many things, including fighting infections. Halibut and sardines are also a good source of selenium.

Fatty fish like salmon are a great source of Omega-3 acids, which experts agree lead to lower levels of depression. There is more research being done, but there are already studies which support this theory from the National Library of Medicine.

Vegetarians and vegans will love to know this: enjoying dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, chicory, and chard provides your body with a whole bunch of essential nutrients. Per the WrenKitchens.com article, these veggies "are a great source of fiber, folate, and carotenoids, as well as being packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins C and K."

Do you love having a crunchy snack in the afternoons or late night? Forget that bag of chips or pretzels, and eat almonds! They are a great source of plant-based proteins, healthy fats, fiber, and tryptophan. Plus, they're loaded with magnesium, which helps promote sleep and a stable attitude throughout your day.

Finally, here's a food that just about everyone can agree on...CHOCOLATE! According to the WrenKitchens.com article: "Chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which help to boost brain health and support blood flow to the brain, as well as phenylethylamine (PEA), which has been linked to improved moods." They advise enjoying dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate if you can, since the latter contains lots of fat and sugar.