In 2014, the top 10 advances to treat and prevent heart disease and stroke include novel drugs and procedures, as well as improvements in and newfound benefits from existing treatments to address cardiovascular problems and related risks.
A Dutch study indicates that screening mammograms lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment in women over 70. Women should discuss screening with their doctors.
Premature ventricular contractions happen when one of the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) contracts early. This common, usually harmless condition is often described as feeling as though the heart has skipped a beat.
A study in New Zealand showed that simple and relatively inexpensive modifications to the home environment significantly reduced the number of falls people experienced over three years.
Holiday heart syndrome is a temporary irregular heartbeat that may result from consuming too much alcohol. It can be made worse by salty food and caffeine.
Electronic devices such as computers and smartphones are now common tools used in health care. Doctors and patients use them to access electronic records and health apps and to communicate with each other.
Generic discount drug programs, which offer many generic medications for just a few dollars, are gaining in popularity.
Cold weather brings a number of health risks for older adults, such as cold and flu, hypothermia, dry skin, heart attack, and falls.
Keeping the leg and hip muscles strong and coordinated helps prevent knee injuries and reduce pain.