Cats More Effective Than Cholesterol Meds for Preventing Heart Disease Deaths
I would like to begin this report by looking at how we address high cholesterol as an example of how money drives medical decision making. Taking cholesterol medications decreased heart attacks by 29% and in those without angina or a previous heart attack, taking statin medications (e.g., Mevacor, etc.) did not significantly prevent death from heart disease at all.1 Taking a baby aspirin daily was even more effective than expensive statin medications.
On the other hand, the news is much better for cat owners. A research study found that having a cat can reduce stress in people's lives, and consequently lowers the risk of having a heart attack or stroke or developing a heart disease. The findings are based on a 10-year study, carried out by the researchers at the Stroke Research Center at the University of Minnesota. The study, which looked at 4,435 Americans aged 30 to 75, showed that those who did not have a cat had a 40 percent higher risk of having a heart attack and a 30 percent greater risk of dying from other heart diseases than those who have or have had a cat. The study was presented at the American Stroke Association meeting in New Orleans. Unfortunately, in this study owning a dog did not have the same heart protective benefits. Several studies have confirmed that owning a pet reduces stress, decreases blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduces risk of depression. This makes cats (and other natural alternatives) much safer, cheaper, and more fun than cholesterol lowering medications!
As a thought, roughly 9 million cats and dogs are euthanized every year because homes cannot be found for them. To find an adoptable pet, visit www.petfinder.com. The life you save may be your own.
For information on addressing heart disease naturally, see "Heart Health."
References:
- Reported in the November 27, 2006, issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. A report on the study can be seen at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/57687.php.
- http://www.enews20.com/news_Cat_Owners_Less_Exposed_to_Cardiovascular_Diseases_Study_Finds_06060
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.
