Positive Health Online

Abstract

RUIZ-REJON and colleagues, Seccion de Cardiologia, Hospital de Mostoles, Madrid write that heart attack incidence in Spain is low despite the high prevalence of smoking and hypertension. They theorise that natural antioxidants such as vitamin E derived from a diet rich in fruit, oils and vegetables may protect against heart attacks. @m: Included in the study were 62 patients aged 30-70 years old admitted to hospital with a first heart attack or patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) by arteriography. 62 control patients were selected from patients with minor surgical conditions, free of CHD. Blood samples for vitamin assays were taken in the first day following admission. @r: Compared to controls, adjusted blood levels of vitamin E and vitamin A were lower in heart attack cases. @c:CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between acute heart attack and reduced blood levels of vitamins A and E, not accounted for by decrement in blood lipids levels. Accordingly, low blood levels of fat soluble vitamins may be a risk factor for heart attack and CHD.

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References

Ruiz-Rejon F et al. Plasma levels of vitamins A and E and the risk of acute myocardial infarct. Rev Clin Esp 197(6): 411-6. Jun 1997.