Heart patients with depression more likely to be readmitted to hospital

Researchers at Tel Aviv University (TAU) say that mental health can play a role in how well a patient recovers after a heart attack.  Patients with depression have 14% more days of hospitalisation and are more prone to future problems including chest pains and cardiac events, leading them to be readmitted to hospital.

During the study, Vicki Myers from TAU's Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Dr, Yariv Gerber and other members of the Israel Study Group of First Acute Myocardial Infarction, carried out research into the links between depression in heart attack patients and hospital admissions for a decade after a heart attack.

As part of the study, the data from 632 heart patients was collected.  The data was taken from patients aged under 65 and admitted into hospital between 1992-1993.  The patients' recovery was then compared with follow-up data taken from 2005.

Researchers state that although a "large percentage" of patients with heart attacks will be readmitted, patients who were even mildly depressed were far more likely to be readmitted.

It is also clear that lifestyle choices do play a part in this data.  As Myers explains depressed patients are less likely to take part in rehab.  The data also shows that patients with depression were 20% less likely to take part in exercise, 26% less likely to take part in cardiac rehabilitation and 25% less likely to give up smoking.

Commenting on the study, Myers said:

"The message is that doctors cannot ignore psychological factors in patients who have had a heart attack. Patients who exhibit signs of depression need to be followed more closely, and may need extra help in following lifestyle recommendations. Ignoring this problem weighs heavily on health services,"

Campaign begins to protect children from smoking in cars

The Welsh Government announced a new campaign today aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke in cars.

The new campaign has been called "Fresh Start Wales" and urges parents and carers not to light up a cigarette while children are in the car to protect them from the effects of second-hand smoke.  As part of the campaign they'll be advertising on billboards, local radio, bus-backs and shelters.  They'll also be a dedicated website called www.freshstartwales.co.uk

A recent survey suggests that 20 per cent of 11-16 year olds in Wales were exposed to cigarette smoke when they last travelled in a car.

Commenting in a press release, the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, said:

"Children are particularly at risk from second-hand smoke, especially in vehicles where a confined space means there is no respite from the harm of the toxic chemicals in cigarettes. Exposure to these chemicals puts children at risk from a range of conditions, including sudden infant death syndrome and asthma.

"There is robust evidence that the level of toxic chemicals is very high in cars, even with a window open. The Fresh Start Wales campaign aims to make people aware that smoking in cars is dangerous for their passengers, particularly children."

The announcement today could be part of a bigger effort to stop children being exposed to cigarette smoke while they are in cars.  Last year, the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said the Welsh Government might consider imposing a ban on smoking for cars carrying children if the amount of children being exposed to the potential harmful effects doesn't fall over the next few years.

Commenting on the new campaign in a press release Jones said:

"This campaign is clear in its message: smoking in cars poisons your children.

"Wales was the first UK country to vote in favour of a ban on smoking in public places and if necessary we will not shy away from considering legislation to further protect children from second-hand smoke.

"A ban on smoking in cars carrying children will be considered later in this five-year term of Government if smoking levels do not reduce as a result of the campaign. We have commissioned research to measure levels of smoking in cars and public attitudes towards it, which will be revisited throughout the campaign to evaluate its success."

There is already a similar ban in some provinces in Canada and a number of states in Australia.

Hospital in Houston first to offer new foot drop device

A hospital in Houston has become the first in the area to offer a new rehabilitation system which could help patients with foot drop or drop foot.  The Methodist Hospital says that the system can be used for people that have foot drop through stroke, traumatic brain injury, MS, spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy.

The system is called NESS L300® Plus System  and it uses electrical stimulation to help reduce foot drop.  Electrical stimulation is often used to help aid this condition and can be used to help build muscles which have atrophied.

Dr. Jenny Lai, section chief of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, said:

“The condition of foot drop is not only frustrating, but can also cause a great deal of embarrassment because it causes people to trip or fall.”

“The fact that this device allows foot drop sufferers to lift their foot and advance their leg without thinking about it is a very big deal."

A while ago, a similar system was introduced by a NHS hospital which involved implanting a device for patients with foot drop and electrical stimulation products are readily available.  However, patients considering using this form of treatment need to be aware that there are many contraindications and the use of this type of treatment should be discussed with a doctor first.

Lai said:

“People with foot drop tend to lose muscle mass because they cannot properly use their foot."

“We hope this new device will not only stimulate the nerves and help bulk up the muscle enough to increase muscle mass that has been lost, but also give patients more confidence when they walk and a better quality of life.”

Aside from electrical stimulation, there are other options available such as using walking splints.

You can find out more about the system here.