Female only yoga classes boost cardiac rehabilitation completion rates

Completion and continuation of cardiac rehabilitation by female cardiac patients can be improved by offering a women-only yoga-based class, a pilot study shows

Writing in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing,  Associate Professor Sarah Zaman from Monash Health and colleagues noted that despite its benefits, women were significantly less likely than men to attend and complete cardiac rehabilitation.

In their study women were offered a female only one hour yoga session for 7 weeks or usual cardiac rehabilitation (CR) class. While attendance at the yoga class was not significantly higher than for usual CR the previous year (81% vs. 76%; P = 0.40), CR completion, and continuation were (95% vs. 56%; P = 0.02, and 72% vs. 12%; P < 0.001, respectively).

High blood pressure in pregnancy a missed opportunity: experts 

Hypertension in pregnancy has long been recognised as an opportunity for screening and early intervention but has still not been realised, experts say.

In a short communication published in Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol Associate Professor Gregory Davis from St George Hospital in Sydney wrote that given that more than 30, 000 Australian women each year are affected by hypertensive disorder during pregnancy the issue is a significant individual and public health burden.

“Recognition of this high-risk group is necessary and intervention, particularly in the high-risk groups such as early-onset pre-eclampsia, is needed,” they wrote.

They suggested that a co-ordinated follow-up program could be rewarded with Medical Benefits Scheme funding through a postpartum consultation item number.

“This would be important as GPs are going to be the group initiating the follow-up planning consultations.

Only then is this likely to achieve a priority that will not be swallowed up by numerous other competing demands in the postnatal years,” they added.

Potential new therapeutic target for diabetes induced heart failure 

Researchers have discovered a therapeutic target which could potentially treat diabetes induced heart failure.

In a pre-clinical animal model of diabetes-induced heart failure the team from Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Baker IDI found cardiac dysfunction and remodelling were reduced when they modified the O-GlcNAc myocardial protein.

“There are currently no specific treatment options to manage diabetic cardiomyopathy, so we’re very excited by the discovery of a potential therapeutic target which could reduce heart failure, and may improve the quality of life, for those living with diabetes,”says lead corresponding author Professor Rebecca Ritchie.