News Tips for Sunday, Nov. 9
>From the American Heart Association's 70th Scientific Sessions Nov. 9-12, 1997, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
3:45 p.m. --# 181 -- Can soy protein, which contains "phytoestrogens," protect arteries from the damaging effects of atherosclerosis? Soy protein and estradiol -- both alone and together -- seem to improve a blood vessel's ability to relax, a property that is lost in blood vessels that are "hardened" by atherosclerosis. Monkeys with pre-existing atherosclerosis were fed one of four diets: only protein, protein plus estradiol, soy protein or soy protein plus estradiol. Only the soy protein and estradiol diets had beneficial effects on their artery-relaxation. Koudy Williams, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.; (910) 716-1631.
4 p.m. -- #182 and 183 -- Two studies indicated that men and women might react differently to the National Cholesterol Education Program Step 2 Diet. Abstract #182 shows that men have greater overall drops in LDL concentrations and Apo-B-levels compared to women. Zhengling Li, Tufts University, Boston: (617) 556-3230. Abstract #183 (4:15 p.m.) shows that women who followed the Step 2 diet had far greater reduction than men in HDL, the so-called good cholesterol that helps clear fat from the bloodstream. Women also had a greater reduction in the blood component Apo-A-I. Carolyn Walden, University of Washington, Seattle; (206) (731) 731-3962.
4 p.m. -- #59 -- While octogenarians still fare worse than younger people after heart bypass or valve surgery, the picture is improving. The largest, latest study involving 46,501 patients at 26 U.S. centers found: for bypass recipients over age 80, the death rate was 7.3 percent, vs. 2.7 percent for bypass patients under 80. Death rates were 11.9 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively, for heart-valve surgery patients. Complications including kidney failure, coma and stroke also were more frequent in over-80 patients. Despite the higher rates, investigators say, "outcomes [for octogenarians] are improving over time." Karen P. Alexander, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.: 919-286-8938.
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