Dr. Susan Sharma: This is insidermedicine in 60. From Boston, according to research in Circulation, air pollution can harm those who have suffered a heart attack. In a study of 48 patients, researchers found that the tiny particles found in air pollution can disrupt the ability of the heart to conduct electrical signals. This can be particularly harmful in those with coronary artery disease. The researchers recommend staying indoors on smoggy days and avoiding heavy traffic after being discharged.
From Oxford, according to research in the journal Neurology, a vitamin found in meat, fish and milk may help prevent memory loss in the elderly. A study of 107 volunteers, researchers found that those with the lowest levels of vitamin B12 were much more likely to show signs of brain shrinkage over a five-year period. The researchers are now planning a trial on B vitamin supplements, to see if taking them can slow brain shrinkage in the elderly.
And finally, from Rome, according to information presented at the meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, a new diabetes medication is showing considerable promise. In a study involving over 1,300 patients, combining the new drug, saxagliptin, with metformin resulted in up to 45% of patients experiencing decreases in hemoglobin A1c compared to 29% of those taking placebo. The drug is currently awaiting approval by the FDA. For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.
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