Disease Proof

• All you hotheads look out. It seems anger and hostility might increase heart disease risk. Nicholas Bakalar of The New York Times reports:

The researchers measured blood levels of a protein called C3, a marker for the inflammation that is a risk factor for cardiovascular illnesses. After controlling for other variables, the scientists found that those in the highest one-quarter in hostility, anger and depression showed a steady and significant increase in C3 levels, while those in the lowest one-quarter had no increase.

• I’m a chicken. You’ll never catch me on a roller coaster. Especially now, Jia-Rui Chong of The Los Angeles Times reports that roller coasters may carry heart risks:

A new generation of faster, wilder roller coasters can make the heart race up to 155 beats a minute and spur dangerous changes to heart rhythm in some people, according to a study released today.

• Consider this. Maybe your posture has something to do with your blood pressure. The Cardio Blog has more:

Experts have long suspected a link between the blood vessels in the neck and back and a person's blood pressure and heart rate, and now they've found the proof. Due to a newly discovered neurological pathway it's now known that slouching at your desk, or neglecting to stand up straight, can end up raising your blood pressure and putting your health at risk.

• A new study outlines the heart risks for diabetics. Ed Edelson of HealthDay News is on it:

For example, 8.5 percent of people with diabetes who have severe heart attacks die within 30 days, compared to 5.4 percent of those who do not have diabetes. After compensating for factors such as age -- older people are more likely to have diabetes -- that translates to an 80 percent increased risk of death within one month, according to the researchers.

• The American Heart Association has revised its exercise recommendations. Jack Kelly of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has got it:

All healthy adults aged 18 to 65 need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five days each week, or 20 minutes of intense aerobic activity at least three days a week, the AHA and the ACSM said.

• The Detroit Free Press has come up with a new way to use the treadmill—lounge! Take a look:

Want to drip sweat and amp up your level of fitness? Try lunging on the treadmill. It's tricky and tough. In fact, you should have good cardiovascular endurance, balance, strength and flexibility.