Ask the doctor: Is low blood pressure a problem?
You are always talking about high blood pressure. Mine is always on the low side, about 80/60. Is that a problem?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Month: April 2010
Ask the doctor: Can I keep myself from fainting when I have blood drawn?
I want to donate blood, but I faint or come close to it nearly every time I have blood drawn at the doctor’s office. Can I do anything to keep myself from fainting?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Troublesome medications
Several medications commonly prescribed to heart patients can cause adverse reactions, even when taken as directed. Therefore caution should be used and any unusual symptoms or side effects should be reported to a doctor right away.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Mini strokes are a maxi problem
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), while seemingly insignificant, often lead to strokes within a short time span. If you experience a TIA or have symptoms that suggest one, take it seriously and seek treatment right away.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Heart Beat: Too few get the best therapy for an ailing heart
Cardiac rehabilitation programs have been shown to reduce deaths in the years following a heart attack or stent procedure, but not enough patients participate in the programs.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Driving under the influence of abnormal heart rhythms
The guidelines for how long to wait before driving after having an ICD implanted have been revised, to reflect the growing number of people who receive the device preventively.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Progress report on ovarian cancer screening
Ovarian cancer has a high survival rate if detected early, but early detection is difficult due to the absence of precancerous lesions, the lack of a reliable biomarker, and the uncertainty of results of transvaginal ultrasound screening.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
On call: Toenail fungal infections
I have two really ugly toenails. I assume I have a fungus. What can I do about it?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Conditions: Cold fingers, cold toes? Could be Raynaud’s
In Raynaud’s phenomenon, even a slight decrease in temperature can cause a pronounced loss of blood flow to the hands. It can often be treated by protecting against exposure to cold, avoiding medications that constrict blood vessels, and exercising.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
When doctors disagree: How to cope with conflicting results
Medical research frequently contradicts or refutes the results of a previous study. Individuals should interpret health information with regard to its significance, compare the risks to the benefits, and consider personal preferences and priorities.
Content restricted. Requires subscription