Heart Beat: Shellfish for the heart?
Shellfish may not offer the same protection against heart disease as finned fish, but it is still a healthier alternative to red meat.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Month: April 2010
The ups and downs of folic acid fortification
Folic acid is essential to the production of new cells, and helps protect against certain kinds of birth defects, but studies have suggested that an excess of folic acid may contribute to the growth of cancer cells.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Heart Beat: Paying attention to potassium in heart failure
Some medications taken by people with heart disease to counteract water buildup in the body can remove too much potassium from the body, while others can leave too much behind.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Slow rehabilitation of drug-coated stents
Drug-coated stents were thought to cause a higher occurrence of thrombosis (clots) compared to bare-metal stents, but further research has shown the incidence to be about the same. Many people with a blocked artery could benefit from a drug-coated stent.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Ask the doctor: Is canned fish good for the heart?
I know that eating fish is good for the heart. But fresh fish costs a lot and I can’t get to the grocery store very often. Does eating canned fish help?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Observing JUPITER
The results of a large trial suggest that people with LDL cholesterol in the normal range but with a high C-reactive protein level may benefit from taking a statin. This may lead to increased use of the CRP to test for heart disease.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
In the journals: Endometrial ablation is shown to be safe and effective
Women who are considering having a hysterectomy to relieve heavy menstrual bleeding may find microwave endometrial ablation a less invasive option.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Exercise as medicine
Even as people become more sedentary, evidence continues to accumulate showing that regular exercise is crucial to staying healthy. Getting started on a regular routine is often the most difficult step.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
On call: Tests for statin users
I am pretty healthy for a 73-year-old, but my cholesterol is 280, and my doctor wants me to take Lipitor. I’m willing to do so, but I need to know what tests I should have to be sure I’m not getting side effects. What do you suggest?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
By the way, doctor: Does having ridged and split fingernails mean I’m unhealthy?
I’m 63, and I’ve begun to notice a decline in the quality of my fingernails. They have up-and-down ridges, and at the tips, they’re always splitting. I’ve heard you can tell a lot about a person’s health from her nails. What does this say about mine?
Content restricted. Requires subscription