Anyone at risk for complications from the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery should have the procedure performed without it, or “off-pump.” For everyone else, whether or not to use the pump should be left up to the surgeon.
Pertussis rates are rising in all age groups. An Australian study found that older adults with pertussis are more likely to need hospitalization, which underscores the need for older adults to get vaccinated.
In a study of healthy people, taking high doses of a statin drug to lower “bad” cholesterol doesn’t cause muscle weakness but does trigger minor muscle pain in a small number of cases.
Acupuncture may be helpful for reducing pain in many chronic conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and headache.
High-intensity interval training offers an excellent cardiovascular workout. Anyone with heart disease who has not been very active and wants to try this approach should have a stress test first.
The typical causes of cramps in the hands include dehydration and straining the muscles with repeated motions like typing. Low calcium or magnesium or a compressed nerve in the wrist may also cause cramping. Stretching the fingers may help.
Social engagement, or how connected you are to other people, can be as important to healthy aging as not smoking or maintaining a good weight. Social engagement may also help to preserve memory. Volunteering is a good way to foster social connection.
A nasal saline wash may help prevent sinusitis flare-ups. A steroid nasal spray may also help.
Taking a daily multivitamin does not reduce the rate of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, revascularization, or death. It may lower the risk of cancer by 8%.
Researchers have been studying the use of stem cells to repair damage caused by a heart attack. Some studies show that stem cell therapy can reduce scar tissue and improve the heart’s function.