heart-letter
The average American’s cholesterol level has dropped for the first time, but this is due more to the prevalence of statin drugs than to improvement in people’s dietary habits.
I have a prescription for nitroglycerin, but I rarely need it. Every once in a while on the treadmill, I feel my chest tighten up. I take a pill, then continue exercising. I read a column by a doctor who said this is “ludicrous.” What do you think?
Angioplasty to treat chest pain will be most efffective if the procedure is done within the first 12 hours after onset. If you have had symptoms for longer, drug treatment is likely to be as effective as angioplasty.
A very small percentage of those who receive a drug-coated stent experience a clot. The most likely cause is discontinuing the clot-preventing combination of aspirin and Plavix too soon after surgery.
Mitral valve prolapse is a bulging of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. Most people with the condition need no treatment and can expect to have a normal life span, though in certain cases the valve can start to leak.
A minimally invasive version of heart surgery to replace or repair a mitral or aortic valve has shown excellent results and has a shorter recovery time on average, making it an option that older people should consider.
Roller coasters and other high-velocity amusement park rides can cause spikes in heart rate and blood pressure that may be dangerous for riders with heart problems.
Splitting statin pills saves money without risk to cholesterol control. Treating or preventing heart disease lowers the risk of memory loss. Tests of coenzyme Q10’s effectiveness are inconclusive.
Hormones produced by the ovaries are beneficial, but taking a hormone medication increases certain health risks.
I had a mechanical valve put in to replace a stiff aortic valve. But it hasn’t made a big difference in how I feel. I still get short of breath when I try to walk fast. Could it be the wrong size, or not working properly?