November 9th, 2015
Newsletter  
Dr. Claudia Rodrigues, Stop Heart Disease Researcher of the Year
Nancy Cavalie, Acting CEO with Dr. Claudia Rodrigues
Florida Heart Research Foundation, Inc. named Dr. Claudia Rodrigues its thirteenth "Stop Heart Disease Researcher of the Year" at the annual meeting of the Florid a Chapter of the American College of Cardiology in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.  With this award, FHRF recognizes Floridians  whose research  has the broadest impact on the advancement of knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Rodrigues from the interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami has recently found that cMyc, a protein that promotes tumor growth by enhancing blood vessel proliferation in cancer, also plays an important role in the control of blood vessel inflammation. Dr. Rodrigues is investigating the contribution of this protein to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes associated cardiovascular complications and pulmonary hypertension associated heart failure.  A native of Brazil,  Dr. Rodrigues moved to the United States 15 years ago to pursue her doctoral studies. She has published 37 research articles in important scientific journals and has received support from our institution, the American Heart Association, and the National Institute of Health.  Dr. Rodrigues received $25,000 from FHRF to be applied towards future cardiovascular research in our state. This funding was made possible through the sale of the STOP HEART DISEASE Florida specialty license plate. 

Dr Bruce Wilkoff delivers the Callen Lecture 
Dr. Bruce Wilkoff

Dr. Bruce Wilkoff, Director of Cardiac Pacing and Tachyarrhythmia Devices at the Cleveland Clinic and Professor of Medicine at Case Western University, delivered the 27th annual Irving R. Callen MD Memorial Lectureship at the at the American College of Cardiology meeting on August 16, 2015 at Lake Buena Vista, Florida. He spoke about the impact and effectiveness of implantable cardioverter defibrillators on survival of patients who suffer from dangerous disorders of the heart rhythm.  The Miami Heart Research Institute's Irving R. Callen Memorial Lecture provides continuous education to cardiologists and heart researchers on important findings in the field. The Lectureship honors the memory of a dedicated physician, educator and humanist of the Miami Heart Institute Hospital.  Through his tireless efforts in his pursuit of knowledge Dr. Callen enhanced and invigorated professional cardiovascular educational programs.
 

Help us Stop Heart Disease

You can help us fight heart disease and support the research needed to overcome Florida's and America's leading cause of death. Here are two simple ways:
  • Select the STOP HEART DISEASE license plate when you renew your tags each year.
     
  • Send your tax deductible contribution to Miami Heart Research Institute, 4770 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500, Miami, FL 33137.  If you wish, you may give a donation in memory of a loved one. Starting in January 2016, MHRI will list the names of persons honored by such memorial gifts on our website.  

Cardiovascular Health News
Couch Potato, Humor, potato on a couch with a remote on a white background

Sedentary Behaviors
Dr. David Alter from the University of Toronto, Canada, reports that extensive sitting and inactivity can be bad for your health, even if you exercise regularly - and it's worse if you don't. More than half of the average person's waking hours are spent sitting; commuting, working in front of a computer or watching TV.  Sitting for long periods of time is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and premature death. These findings were identified through his analysis of multiple studies.  Dr. Alter recommends standing and walking two to three minutes every half hour. As standing or walking burns more calories than sitting, developing this habit may also help you control your weight.
  
New Blood Pressure Goal heart with arms and legs measuring blood pressure isolated 3d illustration
The National Institute of Health reports findings of a study of people aged 50 and over that maintaining a systolic blood pressure (the upper number) under 120, reduces rates of cardiovascular events by almost a third and the risk of death by almost a quarter, compared with targeting a top number of 140 (the target of current guidelines.) Cardiovascular events include heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Patients who are being treated for hypertension, are advised to talk to their doctors to determine whether this lower goal is best for their individual care. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems.  An estimated 1 in 3 people in the United States have high blood pressure.

  
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