Monthly News Archives



		Calcium Levels Linked to Strokes Stroke victims have higher levels of calcium in their coronary arteries, raising the possibility that calcium levels could identify people at risk for strokes, new research shows. WHO Launches Plan to Tackle Infectious Disease The World Health Organisation (WHO) and other United Nations agencies on Thursday called on drug companies and aid agencies to support a major initiative to fight infectious diseases including AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Blue-Collar Smokers Feel Less Pressure to Quit Machine operators, manual laborers and other blue-collar workers who smoke feel less pressure to quit than do their white-collar peers, according to the results of a recent study. Poverty Helps Drive High Teen Pregnancy Rate A relatively high degree of poverty and a lack of access to jobs, education and healthcare leave American teens more vulnerable to getting pregnant and having children than teens in many other developed nations, according to researchers. Breakfast Beats Back Forgetfulness Older people who don't remember to eat breakfast may be setting themselves up for a day of forgetfulness. Attentive Parents Keep Teens Eating Right Teenagers who are able to communicate with their mothers and fathers about serious issues and whose parents monitor their activities closely are more likely to have healthy eating habits than teens with more distant parental relationships, according to recent study findings. Vitamins Do Not Help Male Smokers Avoid Colds Older men who smoke shouldn't bother to take common ``cold fighting'' vitamins in an attempt to ward off respiratory illness, new study findings suggest. Electromagnetic Energy Linked to Miscarriage Risk In findings certain to add to the controversy over the health risks of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by power lines and electrical appliances, two new studies suggest that women briefly exposed to very high-intensity EMFs have an increased risk of miscarriage. Early Warning System for Alzheimer's in the Works Someday, a yearly brain scan might be as routine for some people as a blood pressure check. Putin Tells Russians to Get Active President Vladimir Putin, often portrayed as a sports-loving action man, urged Russians on Wednesday to follow his lead and improve their health by getting more active. Developed World Sees Rise in Youth Suicide, Murder Since the mid-1950s, an analysis of data from 26 industrialized nations reveals, the rate of death among adolescents and young adults has decreased by almost 50%. But death rates in this group from motor vehicle accidents, homicide and suicide combined have risen by 17%, according to the analysis. Kids Take Sickness Cue From Parents The behavioral patterns of those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can color their children's experiences of their own illnesses. Orgasm May Be Right-Brain Activity The unusual case of one woman with epilepsy has led researchers to conclude that the right side of the brain is probably home to the orgasm command center. Wheezing by Age 2 Does Not Mean Problem Will Last Even among children at risk of allergies and asthma, those who have problems with wheezing before age 2 appear no more likely than others to have asthma as adults, a UK study suggests. Diabetes Book Aims at Family Doctors The latest research in diabetes treatment and prevention isn't much use if the people who see patients don't know about it. Abortion Pill Studied as Oral Contraceptive The results of a small study of women in the UK and China suggest that the abortion pill mifepristone could be developed into an estrogen-free oral contraceptive. Meditation May Provide Limited Relief From Asthma A certain type of yoga-based meditation may provide short-term relief for people with mild to severe asthma whose symptoms persist despite their use of asthma medication, study findings suggest. Good News for Nonagenarians, Alzheimer's Risk Low People who live to be well into their 90s appear to be at lower risk of developing the memory-robbing illness Alzheimer's disease than their younger counterparts, according to the results of a new study. How Green Tea May Fight Inflammation Studies have suggested that green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and new research may help explain why. Impotence Common Among Men with Type 2 Diabetes Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is common in men with type 2 diabetes and is associated with a poorer quality of life, as well as a higher level of depressive symptoms, according to researchers. Mother's Voice Tops Music for Soothing Sick Child The comforting sound of a mother's voice is sweeter than music to the ears of very sick youngsters, research suggests. Rear Seat Passengers at Higher Brain Injury Risk While people riding in the back seat of a car without a seat belt are less likely to sustain life-threatening injuries during a crash than unrestrained drivers and front-seat passengers, they are at greater risk for brain damage, a new study finds. UK's Blair Stakes His Job on Improving Health Service British Prime Minister Tony Blair put his head on the block of better public services on Sunday, saying he was prepared to take the consequences if the nation's struggling health service was not fixed by the time of the next election. Discovery Might Help Organ Recipients Avoid Drugs In an advance that might have implications for a wide range of diseases, scientists have identified a potential way to ``turn off'' a person's immune response when they receive a transplanted organ or bone marrow. Magnets Alone Unlikely to Aid Wrist Pain Magnets have been touted as a treatment for many ailments, including chronic pain and depression. Now, according to the results of a study on the effectiveness of magnet therapy for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, some users may find temporary pain relief--but the effect may have nothing to do with the magnets. Gene Linked to 'Sound Seizures' Identified Researchers have identified a gene that causes a rare form of epilepsy in which patients experience sound hallucinations before their seizures. Tips for Anger Management Today's sentencing of Thomas Junta of six to ten years of imprisonment for the beating death of fellow hockey dad Michael Costin signals a tragedy that hits close to home not only for their families but also for many average Americans. Antioxidant May Slow Type 1 Diabetes in Mice A synthetic molecule has proven effective in slowing the development of a type of diabetes in mice, leading researchers to believe that similar molecules could be created to block type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases in humans. FDA Approves Sleep-Disorder Detection Device The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday approved a device, worn on the wrist while a patient is asleep, that can detect sleep disorders. Alcohol May Prevent Dementia A new study indicates that daily moderate consumption of alcohol, which has already been shown to help prevent heart disease and strokes, may also ward off Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Mammogram Advice in Dispute Some scientists are challenging whether mammograms are as beneficial as once thought, and the controversy is serious enough that even the National Cancer Institute is reviewing its guidelines. Vitamin E May Help Treat Menstrual Pain Vitamin E could help ease the pain of menstrual cramps, recent study findings suggest. Prolonged Pregnancies May Affect Fetal Brain A pregnancy that stretches 2 weeks or more beyond the due date may not only be uncomfortable for the expectant mother but may also have detrimental effects on the brain of her fetus, according to preliminary study results. Study Finds Psychotic Symptoms in 10% of Very Old Hallucination, delusions and paranoia may be more common among very old people than previously believed, according to Swedish researchers. Microchip Can Measure Blood Pressure A tiny plastic device that can be inserted into the heart may provide doctors with valuable information to treat potentially deadly diseases. Concern with Reputation Helps Motivate Fair Play A concern with one's reputation can help counter humanity's inherently selfish instincts, according to research published in the latest issue of the journal Nature. Brain Center Key to Learning New Motor Skills Once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget, but how does the brain learn in the first place? New research suggests that a part of the brain known to be involved in controlling movement also plays a role in learning new motor skills. Backpacks Too Heavy for Small Kids Schools and parents are taking action to lighten the load kids carry on their backs. Heavy backpacks are blamed for one death, and a host of health problems. Many Female MDs Discuss Nutrition During Exams Nearly half of female physicians say they counsel their patients about weight or nutrition at least once a year, results of a survey reveal. Milan's Pollution as Bad as 15 Cigarettes a Day Breathing Milan's polluted air exposes the city's residents to as much benzene as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to an Italian study released this week. Allergic Individuals May React to Echinacea Echinacea, the popular herbal remedy that is purported to strengthen the immune system and fight infection, may cause mild or serious allergic reactions in people who use the herb to treat their allergy symptoms, according to two Australian researchers. Income Affects Care of Stroke Patients in Canada Lower-income stroke patients in Canada are more likely to die and less likely to receive rehabilitative services than their wealthier counterparts despite a system in which citizens have universal access t'o healthcare, researchers report. Limiting TV Could Help Cut Child Obesity-Experts Restricting the amount of television children are allowed to watch each day could help reduce obesity among youngsters, health experts said on Monday. Nicotine Damages Arteries, Ups Heart Disease Risk New research reveals that nicotine can damage the insides of arteries and raise the risk of developing heart disease. Spirituality Linked to Better Health in Arthritis A high level of spirituality appears to be associated with better health among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and could also help them cope with their illness more effectively, recent study findings suggest. The Power Game: He Says, She Does A new study found that while men establish dominance from the moment they enter a situation, women move more slowly, forming alliances that ultimately help them achieve their power. Dietitians Help With Care of Elderly Healthy people just breathe a little faster to excrete the carbon dioxide that's produced by eating sugar. But lungs damaged by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - one of the nation's top killers - can't handle both the extra work and the new pounds in elderly. Study says Diabetes Does Not Harm School Performance Despite some concerns over the effect type 1 diabetes might have on the brain, the condition does not appear to hinder children's school performance, new research shows. Diabetes Increases Disability in Older Women Older women with type 2 diabetes are not only at risk for serious medical complications but are also less able to perform day-to-day tasks such as walking two blocks or doing housework, researchers report. Exercise May Not Help Back Pain A study to test the conventional wisdom that low back pain can be limited by strengthening muscles around the hip has found that the training didn't help. Say 'Hands Off' to Cold and Flu Germs If you're concerned about staying healthy this cold and flu season, you need to be diligent about washing your hands at work. Even Young Kids Now Fixate on Weight Obsessive, irrational fears of getting fat have pushed millions of teen-age girls into unnatural eating and exercising patterns to make themselves thinner and thinner. Women Prefer Men Who Smell Like Dad The translation of a scientific T-shirt-sniffing study suggests that women are attracted to the smell of a man who has immune genes similar to those she inherited from her father. Herbal Supplement May Cause Liver Damage Health officials in Canada have issued a warning about the popular herb kava, citing European bans and reports of liver problems. Experts say further details are needed before the herb is condemned. Lack of Vitamin C May Trigger Fetal Membrane Break Women who get little vitamin C both before and during their pregnancies have an increased risk of suffering a ruptured membrane and subsequently delivering prematurely, according to research presented this week at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Feeling Stressed? Brain Cells May Pay the Price Even short but intense periods of stress may have long-term consequences on the physical functioning of the nerve cells in the brain, according to the results of a mouse study released on Thursday. For Elderly, Brain Ages More Gracefully Than Body Living to a ripe old age may sound appealing to some, but will the quality of life--including mental and physical health--ensure that those added years are worth it? A new report suggests that if a person is hale and hearty at age 75, they may enjoy more years with sharp wits than with a physically able body. Inefficiency May Be Behind UK Healthcare Woes-Study The problems of Britain's ailing healthcare system may not be due to underfunding but a failure to provide the most efficient and comprehensive service with the money available, doctors said on Thursday. Smoking-Cessation Drug Linked to 57 Deaths in UK Fifty-seven people have died and nearly 7,000 have reported suspected adverse reactions in Britain after taking GlaxoSmithKline's smoking cessation drug Zyban (buproprion), according to new figures from the UK Medicines Control Agency (MCA). Ginkgo Biloba Use Linked to Epileptic Seizures Elderly people with epilepsy who supplement their medication with the popular herb Ginkgo biloba in order to improve their memory may put themselves at risk of seizures, two case reports suggest. Low Birth Weight Problems May Last Into Adulthood A study of young adults born at very low birth weights suggests that certain deficits, such as lower IQ and academic achievement, persist beyond childhood. Heart Disease Still Enemy No. 1 Heart disease remains the leading killer, claiming more lives than cancer, Alzheimer's disease, accidents and AIDS combined. Brain Scans May Help MS Diagnosis MRI brain scans can help doctors predict whether people with possible early signs of multiple sclerosis will develop the central nervous system disorder and how severe it will be, a British study concluded. Strength Training May Be Good for Older Bones Strengthening exercises may help healthy older men and women preserve their bone mass, the results of a small study suggest. Which Medicines Do You Really Need? Expert advice on how to avoid taking unnecessary pills or supplements. PMS Remedies Millions of women retreat to their beds, baths and heating pads each month as they wait for their PMS to pass. But more of them are demanding better treatment options and physicians, herbalists and nutritionists are trying to meet their needs. Many U.S. Adults at Risk of Heart Disease, Diabetes More than one-fifth of US adults--roughly 47 million Americans--are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and death, an analysis of national medical data reveals. Many Mix Prescription Drugs with Herbals One in six Americans taking a prescription drug is also taking one or more herbal or dietary supplements, raising concerns about the possibility of adverse interactions, according to a new study. Stress Management May Help Heart Disease Patients Adding stress management to routine heart disease treatment might lessen some patients' long-term risk of complications, study results suggest. Role Models Help Kids' Grades, Self-Esteem Teens who have role models, especially ones close to them, seem to have more self-esteem, higher grades and a stronger sense of ethnic identity, the results of a new study suggest. Ma Huang Ups Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, Death Dietary supplements containing the herb ma huang can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and sudden death--even in healthy people who take the recommended doses, a new study reveals. Study Links Car Exhaust, Asthma Children who live near a busy road may be at increased risk of wheezing, a symptom of asthma, researchers report. Gene Could Help Predict Human Life Span Scientists have discovered a gene that appears to influence the length of a person's life. Australian Cigarettes May Carry Graphic Pictures Australian health organisations have called for the government to include graphic anti-smoking pictures on cigarette packets, following the success of such packaging in Canada. Rapid Scan Detects 'Economy Class' Blood Clots British researchers said on Monday they had discovered a fast, accurate method to detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT), potentially deadly blood clots that can develop during long-distance travel. Modest Weight Loss May Cut Heart Risks of Obesity Obese people may lower their heart disease risk by losing a moderate amount of weight, as shedding pounds appears to cut blood levels of proteins involved in inflammation, according to Italian researchers. Concussions, Depression Linked Concussions and other head injuries in early adulthood may significantly raise the risk of depression decades later, a study of World War II veterans found. Test May Spot People with Undiagnosed Diabetes A simple test that measures long-term blood sugar may help identify millions of people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, US researchers report. World's Children Die Needlessly of Cancer Eighty percent of children with cancer worldwide die of the illness because lifesaving treatments are not available in poor countries, cancer experts said on Monday. Stuffy Nose? How to Tell if It's a Cold or Flu Scratchy throats, stuffy noses and body aches all spell misery, but being able to tell if the cause is a cold or flu may make a difference in how long the misery lasts. Alcohol Laws Cut Fatal Car Crashes Restricting the availability of alcohol could significantly cut the rate of fatal car accidents in US urban areas, researchers report. Antibiotics Fail to Treat Many Urinary Infections About one in seven women who receive an antibiotic to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI) will require a second course of medication, UK researchers report. Top 10 Diet Blunders Ninety-five percent of diets will be abandoned before springtime. But dietitians say just knowing the top 10 diet blunders will safeguard your goal. Researchers Investigate Links Between Spirituality and the Brain Believers from every tradition and around the world have reported similar sensations of religious experience - a feeling of completeness, absence of self, or oneness with the universe, feelings of peace, freedom from fear, ecstatic joy, visions of a Supreme Being. Arthritis: Many Victims, Not Enough Funding As the baby boom generation ages, its members may be thinking about their vulnerability to such illnesses as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Diet Alone Won't Drop Those Holiday Pounds Halloween candy. Thanksgiving turkey. Christmas cookies. New Year's Eve celebrations. The extra calories eventually catch up with us, but dieting after the fact may not be enough to drop the pounds. Doctors Urged to Bone Up on Alternative Medicine Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the elephant in the waiting room that doctors can no longer ignore, the nation's leading group of orthopaedic surgeons says. Breast Cancer Strikes Poor the Hardest Illness strikes both rich and poor, but a new study confirms the wealthy may be better equipped to act before it's too late. Cold Weather, Not Flu, Ups Death Risk in Winter An increase in deaths that occurs during the winter months in some countries is often blamed on influenza, more commonly called the flu. But according to a new report, cold weather, rather than the flu virus, is to blame. Chromosome Region May Have a Role in Psychosis A small study of people with a rare genetic disorder suggests that chromosome abnormalities that underlie the condition may also contribute to psychotic illness in the general population. Argentina Crisis Triggers Health Emergency Two shipments of insulin, donated by the Brazilian government, reached Argentina Wednesday night in order to relieve the health crisis of about 200,000 patients with type 1 diabetes. Controversy Surrounds Carbohydrates in Dieting For millions trying to lose weight, the familiar message has been to eat less fat and more carbohydrates. But experts say this shift to pasta and potatoes has potential problems. A Running Start for Heart Help The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week approved the world's first hand-held, portable electrocardiograph (ECG). The action comes closely on the heels of another FDA approval, that one for a portable heart monitor for patients with implanted defibrillators. Both approvals are part of the growing trend towards miniaturization and mobility in the medical field. Home Is Danger Zone for Passive Smoking Living with an average 15 cigarettes-a-day smoker results in four times the exposure to secondhand smoke compared with someone in a smoke-free household, researchers said on Thursday. Fiber-Rich Diet May Cut Women's Heart Attack Risk A diet rich in fiber may lower the risk of heart disease in women, study results suggest. Parents Should Teach Good Diet Habits by Example Parents who practice what they preach in terms of good eating habits may be more likely to have children who also eat well than parents who encourage their children to eat well but do not lead by example, according to new study results. Graphic Cigarette Pack Labels Curb Canadian Habit Graphic images of lung tumors and bloody, diseased gums emblazoned on Canadian cigarette packs have made smokers more likely to try to quit, said a government-funded study released on Wednesday. The Pill of Protection A new study says the protection of the pill could be linked to its level of progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. The higher the level, the researchers suggest, the greater the protection. Tap Water Chemical Risky for Pregnant Women High levels of chlorination byproducts (CBPs) in drinking water put pregnant women at a higher risk for miscarriages or having children with birth defects, according to a study released on Tuesday. Mom's Diet Affects Adult Child's Blood Pressure Pregnant women who consume a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates may be putting their children at risk of high blood pressure decades later, UK researchers report. Oral Sex May Transmit AIDS-Related Cancer Virus The cancerous skin lesions known as Kaposi's sarcoma are closely related to HIV/AIDS, but the virus that causes Kaposi's was prevalent among US gay men before the HIV epidemic ever started, California researchers report. Many Gym Goers Use Performance Enhancers Millions of gym-going Americans are using performance-enhancing dietary supplements, some at levels that may expose them to dangerous side effects, a survey released Tuesday suggests. More Treated for Depression Among people receiving treatment for depression in the U.S., the percentage of those on antidepressant medication has risen dramatically, while fewer are opting for time on the couch in psychotherapy, according to a new report. Vitamin B Supplements Exceed Safe Levels Some vitamin B supplements may contain more than the recommended amount of the nutrients, according to a new report by ConsumerLab.com. Diet, Sunlight Link Breast Cancer Risk A study of eating patterns across different countries confirms an association between breast cancer and diets heavy in animal fats--and suggests that sunlight exposure may be protective against the disease by elevating the body's vitamin D supply. Health Spending Growing Faster Than Economy For the first time in almost a decade, federal health economists reported Tuesday, health expenditures outpaced the growth of the economy. Bacteria, Virus Exposure Linked to Heart Disease Heart disease patients who have had a greater exposure to bacteria and viruses tend to have more clogging in their arteries and a worse prognosis than patients exposed to fewer infectious agents, German researchers reported on Monday. Diabetes Care Not Linked to Learning Problems Children with Type I diabetes don't seem to suffer any learning problems from the treatment for their blood sugar disease, a new study says. Friends Vital for Happiness, but No Guarantee Having extensive social networks is key to attaining happiness, although it does not necessarily guarantee it, psychologists report. CDC Gives New Growth Guidelines for Kids New growth charts used to help doctors diagnose growth and weight development in children are much improved, according to a study in the latest issue of Pediatrics. Study Shows Link Between Child Abuse, Drugs Repeated sexual abuse makes physical changes in the brain, changes that can explain why abused children often use illegal drugs later in life, researchers said this week. Quitting Smoking Lowers Cataract Risk Slightly Quitting smoking over the long term can lead to a modest reduction in the risk of developing cataracts, new research suggests. Step Aerobics May Raise 'Good' Cholesterol Level A study found that women who combine aerobics with weight training burn more calories -- even after they've stopped exercising -- than women who opt only for aerobics. Vitamin A Helpful vs. Disease Vitamin A supplements could help improve growth in children in developing countries with HIV, malaria and persistent diarrhea, a study in Tanzania found. Some Herbs Don't Deliver on Promises Some of the six best-selling herbal treatments may not live up to their claims, and one may be useless, a new report says. Depression, Anger Affect Elders' Immune System For older men, feelings of depression may weaken the immune system, new research suggests. And anger seems to have a similar effect in both men and women caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's disease. Young Female Smokers More Likely to Try to Quit Younger female smokers are more likely to try to extinguish their habit than their older counterparts, Swiss researchers report. Managing Stress Keeps Type II Diabetes in Check A study from Duke University found that patients who took five stress management classes and then incorporated what they learned into their daily lives had, on average, a 0.5 percent drop in their blood sugar levels when compared to diabetics who only took general diabetes education classes. Seat Belts Can Save Others' Lives Too Most people know that wearing a seat belt can save their life, but now a new study shows that buckling up can also save the lives of the other people in the car. Stomach Bug, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Up Ulcer Risk For people who are about to start taking a common class of anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis and other chronic conditions, it may be a good idea to be tested and treated for an ulcer-causing bacteria, researchers report. Some Unsaturated Fats Promote Inflammation A type of unsaturated fatty acid found in corn and safflower oil appears to activate genes that promote inflammation inside blood vessels, a risk factor for heart disease, new research suggests. Maternal Smoking Linked to Diabetes Smoking while pregnant is not healthy for babies in the short term, and new research suggests that ill effects may extend well into adulthood. Rate of Cancer Highest in North America North America leads the world in the rate of cancers diagnosed in adults, followed closely by Western Europe and Australia and New Zealand, according to a recent estimate of worldwide cancer rates. Pain Untreated in Some Mentally Impaired Children Children with certain mental impairments may commonly suffer pain, yet receive no treatment, a small UK study suggests. Tumor-Fighting Gene May Accelerate Aging Part of the body's natural defense against cancer may have a downside, research in mice suggests. Scientists found that mice with high activity in the tumor-suppressing p53 gene had low rates of cancer, but aged prematurely. Human Heart Can Repair Itself In a study that turns on its head the traditional view that the heart cannot help heal itself, scientists have found evidence that the organ may indeed harbor stem-cell reserves capable of regenerating damaged tissue. Liars' Flushed Faces Could Reveal Their Guilt Researchers may have discovered a new technique for detecting untruths as they trip off the liar's tongue. Blood flow, and therefore heat loss, increases around the eyes when a person tells a lie, lead investigator Dr. James A. Levine of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, explained in an interview with Reuters Health. Review Offers Lowdown on Who Needs Vitamins Most people could probably benefit from taking a multivitamin, say researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, but popping a pill can't erase the health effects of a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. 'Pill' Hormone Linked to Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk Evidence suggests that women who use birth control pills have a decreased risk of ovarian cancer. Now new research has zeroed in on the hormone progestin as the reason why. Straights, Gays Equally Happy with Life Gay adults are just as pleased with their overall quality of life as their straight counterparts, a team of researchers reports. Many with Allergy, Asthma Use Alternative Therapy Nearly half of all asthma or seasonal allergy sufferers say they turn to alternative therapies for relief, researchers report. Hangover Helper Ah, yes, you've got that throbbing head, a pasty taste in your mouth, nausea and the feeling that death would be preferable to opening your eyes and getting out of bed. Welcome to the holiday hangover. Here's some expert advice on hangovers and recovering from them. Many Diabetics Fail to Control High Blood Pressure In the United States, more than two thirds of adults with diabetes also have high blood pressure, putting them at extra high risk of heart attack and death, but many fail to receive appropriate treatment, according to federal health workers. Healthy Diet May Keep Brain Sharp Into Old Age Elderly individuals who consume a healthy diet may be less likely to suffer symptoms of dementia as they age, study findings suggest. Old Memories Must Make Way for New Forming new memories as an adult may rely on the brain's ability to clear away those that are no longer needed, study results suggest. Heart Disease Still Number-One Killer in US Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the US, according to a report released Monday by the American Heart Association (AHA). Few Are Eating Their Fruits and Veggies While more Americans have taken to heart dietary recommendations to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, there is still room for improvement, according to an annual report issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).