Weight gain appeared to be at least one mechanism behind the increased risk; as there are plenty of excellent reasons to kick the habit, smoking cessation should be accompanied by efforts to control weight and other risk factors for diabetes, say researchers. Heartwire
Vitamin E supplements are widely believed to be inoccuous, but this meta-analysis indicates that they may be associated with an increased risk of specific types of stroke. British Medical Journal
Current and former cigarette smokers both had independently elevated risks of atrial fibrillation in a prospective, European population-based study. Heartwire
Researchers in Hong Kong are embarking on a study to identify genes that are responsible for high cholesterol and heart disease in patients in southern China, which they hope will pave the way for the design of better drugs. br / iReuters Health Information/i
A somewhat conflicted Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee has voted against approving the obesity drug Qnexa, expressing concerns about its safety. Medscape Medical News
