(May 20, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Japan - According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, cardiorespiratory fitness can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. In a meta-analysis of 33 studies involving over 187,000 patients, researchers found that those with low measures of cardiorespiratory fitness had a 56% higher risk for coronary heart disease and a 70% higher risk for all-cause mortality during follow-up than those who scored highly on aerobic fitness scales.

From Arizona - According to research presented to the American Thoracic Society, maternal smoking increases the risk that a child will grow up to be a smoker. In a study of 730 participants, researchers found that the children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy and the preschool years of a child's life were 3 times more likely to be smokers by the age of 22.

And finally, from the Netherlands - According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, bone marrow may be used to treat ischemic heart disease. In a study of 50 patients, researchers found that those who received an intramyocardial injection of bone marrow cells experienced significant improvements in anginal symptoms, myocardial perfusion, and left ventricular function.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.