For unexplained shortness of breath, cardiopulmonary exercise testing may solve the mystery. Shortness of breath can often be eliminated or reduced with medical or surgical treatment, or cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation.
Information on heart surgeons is widely available on the Internet. But a Harvard study shows that most consumers often do not correctly interpret the data the way they are presented.
A high blood glucose level may signal increased risk of diabetes, but in the absence of common symptoms of diabetes, a hemoglobin A1c test may provide a more accurate diagnosis.
Overdrinking, particularly binge drinking, can trigger the fast, erratic heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. Because this tends to occur during holiday celebrations, the condition is known as “holiday heart syndrome.”
High LDL cholesterol levels are known to increase the risk of heart attack, and lowering LDL levels has been proven to help protect against heart attack.
The influenza vaccine dramatically reduces the number of heart attacks and cardiovascular deaths. Anyone with heart disease should get a flu shot (not the nasal drops) every year.
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can greatly improve quality of life for people with heart failure who are too old for a heart transplant.
Caffeine may help us produce more tears, but doctors don’t recommend it as a treatment for dry eye syndrome. Instead, use artificial tears, topical anti-inflammatory treatments, and sometimes procedures to plug tear ducts.
A rating system called the glycemic index can help you choose healthy sources of carbohydrates. Focus on foods with a low glycemic index (55 or less), and try to limit those with a high glycemic index (70 or higher).
Extremely vigorous exercise may help reduce the risk of new cases of psoriasis. Doctors recommend at least 3-4 hours of vigorous exercise per week (such as tennis, swimming, or running), as long as your doctor says it’s okay.