The promise of a total artificial heart
A growing number of people with failing hearts are being given total artificial hearts as they wait for donor hearts to become available.
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Month: August 2012
High HDL may not protect the heart
People with naturally high levels of protective HDL cholesterol have lower rates of cardiovascular disease. New studies suggest that boosting low HDL with medication may not pay off as much as lowering harmful LDL cholesterol.
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Ask the doctor: Should I buy a blood pressure monitor?
If you have high blood pressure, it makes sense to buy a blood pressure monitor and check your blood pressure at home. This gives a more accurate view of your blood pressure than intermittent office-based readings or the occasional check.
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In the journals: Knee injections offer minimal relief from arthritis pain
Injections of hyaluronic acid into the knee, a treatment known as viscosupplementation, offers little relief from painful knee osteoarthritis.
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In the journals: Still smoking? Study finds quitting has benefits at any age
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that it’s never too late to improve your health by quitting smoking. Even smokers in their 80s reduce their risks when they kick the habit.
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Ask the doctors: Why did my heart rate slow down?
The combination of a beta blocker and digoxin to treat atrial fibrillation can cause the heart rate to slow too much. Most people need a resting heart rate in the 60s to 80s to feel well.
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On call: When to get your hearing checked
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Protect your brain with “good” fat
Foods that harm the heart, especially those rich in saturated fat, may also harm the brain. Women with the highest consumption of saturated fat had worse memory and cognition over time than those who consumed the least saturated fat.
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In the journals: An apple a day-plus a walk-might contribute to a longer life
A new study that evaluated the combined effect of diet and exercise on longevity has a simple message for living longer: Eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise daily.
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In the journals: Unique stroke risks in women with atrial fibrillation
Women with atrial fibrillation, a common heart-rhythm problem, are at greater risk for a stroke than men, and may need to be treated more aggressively with medicine that protects against stroke by preventing the formation of blood clots.
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