I’ve heard all of my life that it was harmful to hold in your anger and that it was just better to let it out. There may be some proof for certain people that this is true.

Research published in the latest issue of the American Journal of Cardiology says that for people with coronary artery disease holding in anger is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and cardiac death.

It was noted by the authors of the study that there may be a great deal of anger in patients who outwardly appear to be well adjusted and without anger. With the increased likelihood of cardiac events these patients require recognizing and possibly treating from a mental health standpoint. bjmdjd

Material modifications since posting: none

American Journal of Cardiology · anger · cardiac death · heart attack

Red yeast rice is a product of yeast grown on rice and is served as a normal part of the diet in some Asian countries. Extracts of red yeast rice have been used in China for hundreds of years to treat patients with circulatory and digestive disorders. It also has been known for many years to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff).

Researchers writing in the January 15, 2010 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology reported that red yeast rice lowered LDL comparable to the cholesterol lowering prescription drug pravastatin (Pravachol).  Certain types of red yeast rice cultivated with a specific mold actually contain lovastatin which is the cholesterol lowering drug Mevacor!

These findings show great promise in patients who are forced to discontinue various cholesterol lowering drugs because of the fairly frequent side effect of muscle aches and pains. In these patients  the red yeast rice was well tolerated and could be a treatment option in the future.

One of the main problems now is making the determination as to whether to classify red yeast rice as a drug or as a dietary supplement which would then involve the Food and Drug Administration. Their involvement would be necessary in order to regulate and control for contaminates and consistency between different manufacturers.

If you have high cholesterol and either can’t tolerate the current cholesterol lowering drugs or you would rather take something that is thought to be better tolerated in many patients, discuss it with your doctor.  bjmdjd

Material modifications since posting: none

American Journal of Cardiology · cholesterol lowering drug side effects · health · healthcare · high cholesterol · LDL · lovastatin · pravastatin · red yeast rice · wellness