In Brief: Secondhand smoke and the brain
Research on secondhand smoke found that its effects were the same on the brains of both smokers and nonsmokers.
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Month: August 2011
Educating and empowering families
When a person is struggling with a mental illness, there are probably family members who are also in need of guidance. A free course is available to help family members cope with these challenges.
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Heart Beat: Pause in CPR before shock reduces survival
When pausing CPR before administering a shock from a defibrillator, the shortest possible pause will help increase the cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival.
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Heart Beat: Failing hearts linked to broken bones
Researchers believe there may be a connection between heart failure and an increased incidence of broken bones.
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Ask the doctor: Do I need to take warfarin for occasional lone atrial fibrillation?
I’m 64 and have had lone atrial fibrillation for about a decade. My doctor wants me to take a blood thinner, but I’d rather not do this. Should I follow her recommendation? Also, is it possible that endurance-type exercise led to my atrial fibrillation?
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Abundance of fructose not good for the liver, heart
A high intake of fructose, in foods like soda, pastries, and breakfast cereals, can lead to a buildup of fat in the liver, as well as an increase in bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and other factors that are bad for the heart.
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Peripheral artery disease often goes untreated
Peripheral artery disease often goes untreated until it is too late, and research suggests that millions of people with peripheral artery disease are not taking the appropriate medications to control it.
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On call: Electronic cigarettes
After smoking for over 15 years, I finally quit eight months ago, but I still miss my cigarettes. I recently heard about electronic cigarettes. Are they safe?
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Heart Beat: “Polypill” test raises questions
Researchers are still exploring the concept of a pill that combines aspirin, a statin, and two or more blood pressure medications.
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The crucial, controversial carotid artery Part II: Treatment
Carotid arteries that become narrowed by atherosclerosis can lead to a transient ischemic attack or a stroke. This situation can be treated by either an artery-opening procedure, or by medical therapy.
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