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.
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.
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?
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.
Women who are considering having a hysterectomy to relieve heavy menstrual bleeding may find microwave endometrial ablation a less invasive option.
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.
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?
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?
Many people who visit their doctor’s office now see a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. Two studies show that patients in such a setting are receiving high-quality, professional care.
A long-term study of treatment for stable coronary artery disease found that angioplasty was no better than the combination of medication and lifestyle changes at preventing future heart disease or prolonging life.