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.
Three large studies showed an association between hot flashes and increased risk of heart disease or stroke.
A study sparked concern about a possible link between multivitamins and an increased risk of prostate cancer, but the evidence is unclear and further study is needed.
Two new medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, one for people with atrial fibrillation and one that works to fight the formation of clots.
Restless legs syndrome prevents people from getting the sleep they need. The cause is unknown but may be linked to low levels of dopamine. Certain medications may ease the symptoms, allowing for improved sleep.
In a randomized clinical trial, volunteers are given either a medication or a placebo without knowing which one they are receiving. Sometimes, those who receive the placebo report that it makes them feel better, which is called the placebo effect.
What do you know about the health supplement Ambrotose? I looked it up on the Internet, where it’s described as an “advanced glyconutrient.”
The FDA has ordered a warning label be put on the diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos due to evidence from studies that the medications may increase the risk of heart attack or death from cardiovascular disease.
Brief reports on a potential alternative to warfarin, the added harm of cholesterol in fried foods, reducing stroke risk, and comparing higher doses of a statin with a combination drug.