World of Medicine

Early Signs of Heart Trouble

There may be telltale symptoms the month before a sudden cardiac arrest. In a new Annals of Internal Medicine study, researchers tracked 839 patients who experienced cardiac arrest (a deadly electrical malfunction of the heart). Half of the men and 53% of the women experienced warning signs, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, in the weeks before. More than 90% of patients reported symptoms resurfacing 24 hours before the cardiac arrest – but only 19% called an ambulance with the onset of symptoms – an act that improved survival odds five-fold.

Midday Naps Reduce Blood Pressure

A Greek study of 386 middleaged patients with hypertension found that those who grabbed a midday nap had lower blood pressure than those who didn’t. After adjusting for other factors, the24hour ambulatory BP (measure of blood pressure as you move about) was 5% lower in people who took a 60-minute nap. This reduction is big enough to decrease the risk of heart attacks and potentially lower medication needs.

Sugar-Free Drinks Hurt Teeth

Both sugary and sugar-free drinks can damage your pearly whites. Scientists at the University of Melbourne tested 23 types of drink on healthy extracted human molars. Most softened dental enamel by 30-50%. Any drink with a low pH can cause harm. Check for acidic additives, especially citric acid and phosphoric acid.

What Happy People Value

Time is the secret to contentment, according to a report in Social Psychological and Personality Science. Researchers at Canada’s University of British Columbia asked 4690 workers questions such as whether they’d prefer an expensive apartment with a short commute or a less pricey apartment with a long commute. More than half prioritised time, which was linked to greater happiness.