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Is Medical Cannabis a Risk Factor for AFIB When used for Chronic Pain?

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Is Medical Cannabis a Risk Factor for AFIB When used for Chronic Pain?

(VORNews) – In a new study from Denmark, people with medical cannabis prescriptions are slightly more likely to develop atrial fibrillation within 180 days of beginning treatment.

According to the study, patients treated with medical cannabis were 0.8% more likely to develop new-onset atrial fibrillation in the first six months following treatment.

After 180 days, patients not taking medical cannabis had an increased risk of new-onset AFib of 0.4%. The federal government has approved medical cannabis for use in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and three territories as of April 2023. There are several European countries, such as the U.K., Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and others around the world, that now allow its legal medicinal use.

In the absence of treatment, atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is associated with more serious outcomes, including stroke, heart failure, and blood clots. Researchers compared data from 5,391 Danish people who used medical cannabis to relieve chronic pain with data from people who did not use cannabis.

Women constituted 63.2% of the participants, and their median age was 59. At six months, there was less than a 1% chance of developing AFib in both groups. Researchers found that patients with cardiometabolic disease and cancer experienced the greatest increase in AFib.

Medical Cannabis use after one year is associated with a lower risk

The association between medicinal cannabis usage and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation was most during the first six months but faded during the first year. Copenhagen University Hospital’s Department of Cardiology’s Dr. Anders Holt offered some potential answers as the study’s lead author.

He speculated that the differences might be less pronounced over a longer period of follow-up if the patient stopped taking the medication due to severe adverse effects. “It could be due to patients halting treatment during follow-up for other unknown reasons,” he added. Plus,

The overall picture may be less clear due to other complicating circumstances, as Dr. Holt also noted.

Cannabis increases AFib risk in young people

Dr. Holt stated that the results of his study are especially noteworthy because so little is known about the effects of medicinal cannabis. “But I don’t think there’s cause for serious concern about the health implications of this study because of its observational design and the small risk differences that were found,” he stated.

Dr. Holt tells the European Heart Journal in a news release that he doesn’t think “this research should make patients with chronic pain refrain from trying medical cannabis if other treatment has been inadequate.”

“This study should simply serve as a reminder that all medical treatment may carry the risk of side effects and that we should always make sure that benefits outweigh the possible risk,” Dr. Holt told Medical News Today.

Cardiologist and MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute medical director of the Structural Heart Program Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, who was not affiliated with the study, expressed concern over its findings.

A doubling of the danger, even if the absolute risk is tiny, was Dr. Chen’s statement. The fact that these patients are younger, in his view, shouldn’t be developing atrial fibrillation, is another source of concern for him.

Cannabis users and AFib

A medical cannabis patient may want to be aware of the following warning signs, according to Dr. Jayne Morgan, who was not involved in the study. “Symptoms of atrial fibrillation independent of any cause include palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.”

To that list, Dr. Chen added lightheadedness and fatigue.

Heart disease risk associated with recreational cannabis

Although there has been a dearth of clinical research on cannabis owing to its lengthy history of prohibition in many countries, more studies have looked at recreational cannabis than medicinal cannabis.

The first larger-scale cohort research to investigate cardiovascular adverse effects associated with medicinal cannabis prescriptions has never been conducted before, according to Dr. Holt.

If we want to make a difference, we need more research like this, Dr. Morgan remarked. Medical cannabis should be the subject of more rigorous research, according to Dr. Holt.

Dr. Chen stated that recreational cannabis use has been “linked to elevated risk of heart attack, particularly in younger individuals.” How cannabis affects the health of the elderly is one of the many unanswered questions at this time. ”

Cardiology patients with known cardiovascular disease tend to be older and more frequently encountered, so it’s important to take that into account,” Dr. Morgan noted. In addition, “been associated with an elevated risk of arrhythmia and acute coronary syndromes” was Dr. Holt’s commentary on recreational cannabis use.

The current study did find a correlation between medicinal cannabis and atrial fibrillation, but no such correlation with acute coronary syndrome, which is an intriguing finding.

How much medical cannabis should I take?

One of the challenging factors to monitor in the context of medicinal cannabis, according to Dr. Chen, is that “the medical model differs from that of prescribing a medication for a heart condition, in which physicians constantly observe patients closely for adverse effects and side effects.”

Dosing medical cannabis differs from administering known-quantity tablets or capsules to a patient regularly. Dr. Chen stated that his knowledge of the prescription process for medical cannabis is limited.

Nevertheless, he stated, “From what I understand, a significant number of patients can obtain a prescription for cannabis from a third party and have it filled elsewhere.” Furthermore, the current state of monitoring in the United States appears to differ significantly from that of a typical medication prescription.

Further information regarding administration and dosing, in addition to short-term and long-term adverse effects, was requested by Dr. Morgan. For instance, medicinal cannabis may be vaporized, inhaled, ingested, or applied.

“When conducting research, we attempt to compare apples to apples,” explained Dr. Chen. “If the dosage is administered “as required” and there is significant variation in the way the medication is administered, it becomes considerably more challenging to identify patterns.”

Dr. Morgan stated, “As medical cannabis use increases and the principle of avoiding harm prevails, more rigor and data will be required for physician prescribing guidance in this area, including whether reversible arterial vasospasm, endothelial inflammation, and possibly vasospasm exist.”

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Salman Ahmad is a seasoned freelance writer who contributes insightful articles to VORNews. With years of experience in journalism, he possesses a knack for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers. Salman's writing style strikes a balance between depth and accessibility, allowing him to tackle complex topics while maintaining clarity. His commitment to thorough research ensures his pieces are well-informed and thought-provoking. Salman's contributions enrich VORNews' content, offering readers a fresh perspective on current events and pressing issues.

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US Health Agency Issues Dengue Virus Infection Warning

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States of America has published a health alert warning both the general public and authorities in the healthcare industry about the growing danger of dengue virus infections in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States of America has published a health alert warning both the general public and authorities in the healthcare industry about the growing danger of dengue virus infections in the United States.

US health agency issues dengue virus infection advisory

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States of America has published a health alert warning both the general public and authorities in the healthcare industry about the growing danger of dengue virus infections in the United States.

Puerto Rico, a commonwealth of the United States, has declared a public health emergency due to the over 1,500 cases that have been reported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been a record 745 disease cases among visitors in the United States this year.

The CDC issued an alert on Tuesday stating that the 9.7 million dengue cases reported in the Americas this year are more than twice as many as the 4.6 million cases registered in the previous year.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito bites carry the disease dengue, which has the highest incidence ever recorded, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Officials believe that the higher temperatures that have been brought about by climate change are acting as a driving force behind this trend.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States of America has published a health alert warning both the general public and authorities in the healthcare industry about the growing danger of dengue virus infections in the United States.

Dengue fever is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical professionals should treat people who have recently traveled to regions known to have frequent or continuous dengue transmissions with increased suspicion.

Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urged medical professionals to order the required detection tests and swiftly report the findings to the authorities in charge of public health.

In addition, the United States Agency for Health Care encouraged healthcare providers “to promote mosquito bite prevention measures” among individuals and tourists who reside in or visit regions that have “frequent or continuous dengue transmission.”

Most of the time, dengue infections do not cause any symptoms. However, they might sometimes cause a moderate sickness. Dengue fever, on the other hand, may sometimes present itself as a serious condition that might result in death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that after a fever caused by dengue has gone, further symptoms may appear. These symptoms include severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, fast breathing, bleeding gums or nose, exhaustion, restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, intense thirst, pale and chilly skin, and weakness.

US Health Agency Issues Dengue Virus Infection Warning

Dengue virus does not have a particular therapy; nevertheless, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), most cases are treated with pain medication, yet recovery might take several weeks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 505,430 cases of dengue virus worldwide in 2000. Seventeen years after its first report, that number increased to at least 5.2 million instances,.

Because dengue virus is often misdiagnosed and underreported, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised that the aforementioned statistic probably underestimated the number of occurrences.

Related VOR News:

Man Dies After H5N2 Bird Flu Infection

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9 Effective Ways to Loss Weight Without Exercise

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9 Effective Ways to Loss Weight Without Exercise

Loss Weight Without Exercise: Losing weight is frequently associated with going to the gym, but what if I told you that you might lose those excess pounds without entering a fitness centre? Yes, you heard that correctly! There are effective strategies to lose weight without exercising, such as focusing on long-term food and lifestyle modifications that are simple to adopt into your daily life.

Understanding Loss Weight

The Science of Loss Weight

Before discussing the tactics, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals of weight loss. At its foundation, weight reduction is about creating a caloric deficit, which means eating fewer calories than your body requires to maintain its present weight.

Caloric Deficit Explained.

Eating less or burning fewer calories can produce a caloric deficit. When your body does not receive enough calories from food, it begins using stored fat for energy, resulting in Loss Weight.

Metabolism and its Role

Metabolism influences how quickly your body burns calories. Age, gender, and genetics can all influence your metabolic rate, but certain lifestyle adjustments might help raise it, resulting in weight loss.

Common Myths about Loss Weight

Numerous myths exist concerning weight reduction, such as “carbs are bad” and “you must exercise to lose weight.” It is critical to dispel these fallacies and focus on evidence-based tactics that genuinely work.

Diet-based Strategies

Focus on Whole Foods

One of the simplest strategies for reducing weight is to eat more whole foods. Whole foods are minimally processed meals high in nutrients and free of artificial ingredients.

Benefits of Whole Foods

Whole foods are high in important vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which can help you feel fuller for longer and lessen the urge to snack on harmful foods.

Examples of Whole Foods

Think on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and legumes. These meals offer a well-balanced mix of nutrients without the added calories found in processed foods.

Portion Control.

Even healthful meals can cause weight gain if consumed in high quantities. Portion control is essential for managing your caloric intake.

Understanding Portion Sizes

It is easy to overestimate portion sizes, especially when dining out. Understanding what a healthy portion looks like will help you avoid overeating.

Tips For Managing Portions

Use smaller dishes, read nutrition labels, and be cautious of portion proportions. These simple methods can significantly reduce your caloric intake.

Mindful eating

Mindful eating entails paying attention to what and how you eat to have a healthier relationship with food.

What is Mindful Eating?

Mindful eating entails being present during meals, savoring each bite, and detecting hunger and fullness signs.

How to Practice Mindful Eating.

Eat carefully, avoid distractions such as television or phones during meals, and watch your body’s signals. This exercise can help you avoid overeating and Loss Weight.

Lifestyle Changes

Increase daily activity.

Being active does not require going to the gym. Increasing your everyday movement might greatly impact your Loss Weight journey.

Simple Ways to Move More.

If you work in a sedentary environment, use the stairs instead of the lift, walk or bike to nearby locations, and take short breaks to stand up and stretch.

Benefits of Increased Activity

Regular movement increases your metabolism, improves your mood, and can help you burn more calories even if you don’t follow an organized workout routine.

Improve sleep quality.

Sleep is sometimes disregarded in Loss Weight plans despite its critical function in regulating hunger hormones and metabolism.

Relationship Between Sleep and Weight

Sleep deprivation can affect hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, which regulate hunger and fullness and increase appetite and weight gain.

Tips for Improved Sleep

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, establish a relaxing environment, and avoid using devices before bedtime. Quality sleep promotes general health and weight management.

Reduce stress levels.

Stress can be a major impediment to Loss Weight, frequently leading to emotional eating and weight gain.

Effects of Stress on Weight

Chronic stress causes the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases hunger and promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdomen.

Stress Management Techniques

Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. Finding good stress-management strategies can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Staying hydrated is important for Loss Weight.

Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health and can help you Loss Weight by increasing satiety and metabolism.

Drinking Water Before Meals.

A glass of water before meals can help you feel fuller and reduce your food intake. This simple behavior can result in a calorie deficit.

Healthy snacking habits

Choosing Nutrient-dense Snacks

Instead of empty-calorie snacks like chips and candy, choose nutritious foods that will keep you fuller for longer. Examples include nuts, fruits, and yogurt.

Avoiding empty calories.

Foods having little to no nutritional value, such as those high in added sugars and harmful fats, provide empty calories. Limiting these can help you control your weight better.

Conclusion

With the appropriate tactics, you can lose weight without exercising. You can achieve long-term Loss Weight by focusing on whole foods, portion control, mindful eating, increasing daily activity, improving sleep quality, lowering stress, staying hydrated, and selecting nutritious snacks. Remember that consistency is vital, as is making tiny, attainable adjustments you can stick with.

FAQs

Can you lose weight without exercising?

You can lose weight without exercising by making dietary and lifestyle modifications that cause a calorie deficit.

How crucial is nutrition for Loss Weight?

Diet is important for Loss Weight since it affects your caloric intake. A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet is vital for weight loss and overall health.

How does sleep affect Loss Weight?

Sleep is essential for balancing hunger hormones and metabolism. Poor sleep can increase appetite and lead to weight gain, whereas adequate sleep promotes weight management.

How can I limit my servings without feeling hungry?

Portion management can be achieved by using smaller plates, eating slowly, and choosing fibre- and protein-rich foods that keep you satiated for longer.

What are some simple strategies to alleviate stress?

Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and indulging in enjoyable hobbies are all simple ways to reduce stress.

 

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Man Dies After H5N2 Bird Flu Infection

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H5N2 Bird Flu Infection
H5N2 Bird Flu Infection

A new strain of bird flu, H5N2, was recently discovered in Mexico City, following the death of a 59-year-old male. The strain is distinct from the H5N1 avian flu that has affected three dairy farm workers in the United States. Part of the concern is that the man was bedridden at home and had no prior exposure to birds or animals.

The individual did have underlying diabetes and severe kidney disease, both of which increase susceptibility to infections. He was ill on April 17 with a fever, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. He died on April 24. None of his contacts have tested positive for influenza A to date.

However, El Universal claimed that “12 contacts (seven symptomatic and five asymptomatic) were identified near the patient’s residence” and that serology results are awaiting. H5N2 is reported to be circulating in local birds.

It’s difficult to remember the names of all the numerous flu types—H5N1, H5N2, bird flu, swine flu, flu A, flu B, and more.

The three major strains of influenza, A, B, and C, are named after core proteins. We get annual epidemics of influenza A, which is the most severe. The 1918 influenza A H1N1 pandemic was deadly. Flu B is typically less severe and produces illnesses every few years. Flu C has not caused outbreaks.

The letters “H” and “N” in the names relate to surface proteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which help the virus adhere to and penetrate cells. Sometimes strains mutate and switch genetic material, making them more infectious.

H1N1 and H2N2 mutated

This occurred when H1N1 and H2N2 mutated in birds, creating a “bird flu” capable of infecting humans. This culminated in the 1957 influenza pandemic in Asia caused by H2N2, a novel (to humans) strain.

Strains are also classified as highly pathogenic avian influenza or low pathogenic. The main concern in recent months has been HPAI H5N1.

H5N1 is the strain that has decimated several chicken flocks and dairy cows. We know it has spread enough to cause illness in a few people, but the magnitude is unknown due to limited and insufficient testing.

There has been a continuing H5N1 outbreak in Asia, with substantially greater mortality rates. Given the increased numbers, Pekosz stated that there has been “better documentation of the case fatality rate there.” “The high number of cases in Asia is mostly attributable to increased human-poultry contact in that region of the world.

If you restrict live bird markets and give poultry farm workers with simple protective gear, you may significantly reduce human H5N1 cases anywhere, but especially in Southeast Asia.”

Hantavirus

The H5N1 virus is becoming increasingly common in wild animals, most recently in cats and mice. Dr. Rick Bright, a virologist, pandemic expert, and former director of the United States Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, told The Telegraph, “This gets the virus closer to human homes. It raises the danger of direct exposure and illness.

It will make any control attempts much more difficult because the mice can rapidly transmit infection. Rodents are known for creating epidemics, including the Black Death (bubonic plague), Lassa fever in Africa, and Hantavirus in the Southwest United States.

Another complaint of current control attempts is the weeks-long wait in making data public, as well as the lack of genetic sequencing to detect strain similarities. Bright stated, “Need to urgently see sequences to know if it was fully avian virus, or possible reassortant with human H3N2 virus.”

People are also calling for vaccinations for dairy workers, which have begun in Finland.

For the time being, the recommended safety precautions are to wear masks and goggles when around milking cows and to avoid raw dairy products. I would also avoid 4H club shows and county fairs. If you can’t avoid going, it’s best to wear a mask and goggles, given what we know about transmission.

Source: Forbes

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