Conversation with an expert: Plavix: What you need to know
Dr. Patrick O’Gara, a member of the Health Letter’s editorial board, talks about safety issues regarding the use of Plavix after angioplasty.
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Month: December 2010
Top five habits that harm the heart
Five poor heart habits are responsible for the majority of heart disease, but their opposite, healthy behaviors can help protect the heart and improve overall health.
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Tiny pumps can help when heart failure advances
A ventricular assist device helps boost the heart’s pumping capacity in people with advanced heart failure, allowing them to resume some normal mobility and activities.
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Finding lung cancer early
A large study evaluating the effectiveness of using CT scans to screen for lung cancer could lead to earlier detection and treatment, and possibly fewer deaths.
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Ask the doctor: Do I really need surgery to fix my aortic valve?
I have had a leaking aortic valve for many years. I get an echocardiogram every six months. After the latest one, my doctor told me that my heart was enlarging. He wants me to have surgery to replace the valve. Should I do this at age 68?
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Ask the doctor: Should I stop taking Avandia?
Because of the recent news about Avandia, my physician has advised me to stop taking it. Is that wise?
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In Brief: Old noses have more room inside
Researchers found that the nasal cavities of older people were larger than those of younger people.
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On the brain: Maybe more than one way to beat cognitive decline
Physical activity and mentally challenging and engaging activities may help prevent cognitive decline.
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Penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer surgery
Men who experience erectile dysfunction as after a prostatectomy may benefit from penile rehabilitation in the form of now-common ED medications.
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Ask the doctor: Should I be worried about my blood pressure medication causing cancer?
I heard about a study that found that ARBs can cause cancer. I am taking one, Cozaar, because of high blood pressure. Should I stop taking it?
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