Heart beat: Sweeter note sounded for iPod users
An earlier advisory to keep an iPod away from the heart of a pacemaker wearer may not be necessary, but caution is still advised.
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Month: April 2010
Medical memo: Paternity and prostate cancer: Can a look down the family tree provide clues?
A study of possible genetic links to prostate cancer questioned whether the number of children a man fathered might affect his risk of prostate cancer, while another looked at whether the sex of a man’s offspring was significant.
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Ask the doctor: Can I stop taking my blood pressure medicine?
After taking atenolol for years, my doctor suggested cutting the dose. Then my cardiologist suggested that I stop taking it altogether. On the first day I didn’t take it I felt “buzzed.” My pressure began to creep upward. Did I bail out too quickly?
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Heart Beat: Lack of sex affects the heart
A lack of interest in sexual activity may be connected to cardiovascular issues.
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Heart Beat: Sexy supplements can be bad for the heart
Several supplements marketed to men claiming to enhance sexual function were found to contain substances similar to erectile dysfunction drugs, which can be dangerous for men who take certain medications for heart disease.
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Walk often, walk far
A cardiac rehabilitation program can help people with heart disease regain strength and stamina. An exercise program that emphasizes frequent walking over a more intense workout can result in greater loss of weight and body fat.
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In the journals: More studies find that regular exercise helps protect aging brains
Several studies add to the growing evidence that regular exercise offers a measure of protection to the aging mind, along with the benefits of keeping the body physically healthy and fit.
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Aspirin for hypertension?
A study from Spain found that a low dose of aspirin at bedtime caused a decrease in blood pressure. The researchers are not certain how this occurred, so more study is needed.
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In Brief: Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin may slow macular degeneration
Diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, typically found in fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Researchers will attempt to determine if taking the substances in a supplement can produce similar benefits.
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Ask the doctor: Can I take a diuretic?
I had to take hydrochlorothiazide and Lasix together. After an electrolyte imbalance, my doctors told me never to take these medications again. I recently had my aortic valve replaced, and am retaining water. Are there any diuretics I can safely take?
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