Household biomass fuel use, blood pressure and carotid intima media thickness; a cross sectional study of rural dwelling women in Southern Nigeria.

Background: Rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease requires in-depth understanding of predisposing factors. Studies show an association between air pollution and CVD but this association is not well documented in southern Nigeria where the use of biomass fuels (BMF) for domestic purposes is prevalent.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the association between household BMF use and blood pressure (BP) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) among rural-dwelling women.

Risk assessment in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in low-resource settings.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is increasing in low- and middle-income countries. Total risk assessment is key to prevention.

Methods: Studies and guidelines published between 1990 and 2013 were sought using Medline database, PubMed, and World Health Organization report sheets.

Palm oil and the heart: A review.

Palm oil consumption and its effects on serum lipid levels and cardiovascular disease in humans is still a subject of debate. Advocacy groups with varying agenda fuel the controversy. This update intends to identify evidence-based evaluations of the influence of palm oil on serum lipid profile and cardiovascular disease.

Serum uric acid and target organ damage in essential hypertension.

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, as it acts through its effects on target organs, such as the heart and kidneys. Hyperuricemia increases cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension.

Objective: To assess the relationship between serum uric acid and target organ damage (left ventricular hypertrophy and microalbuminuria) in untreated patients with essential hypertension.

Left ventricular dysfunction in normotensive type II diabetic patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is on the increase globally. Cardiovascular complications, such as left ventricular dysfunction is a major cause of death in patients with type II DM. Prior to the development of symptomatic heart failure, subclinical left ventricular dysfunction (systolic and diastolic) may exist for some time.

Type 2 diabetes in adult Nigerians: a study of its prevalence and risk factors in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes and to determine potential associated risk factors of the disease in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Research Design And Methods: Five hundred and two (502) subjects aged above 40 years, obtained by a two-stage cluster sampling technique participated in this survey. Casual (random) plasma glucose estimations were done for all subjects after relevant personal data were obtained.