Category: heart-letter

Brief updates on niacin’s beneficial effect on HDL, exercise’s aid in preventing atrial fibrillation, and an FDA web site with information about guidelines for drug ads.

The FDA has warned doctors that certain stomach-protecting medications may interfere with the clot-blocking drug Plavix.

Postmenopausal women who continue to experience hot flashes may be at increased risk of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or clogged arteries.

What is the story on using red yeast rice to lower cholesterol? You have warned readers against using it in the past, but I heard about a new study that shows it works. Are you ready to admit you are wrong on this one?

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a sudden spasm of the blood vessels in the hands that blocks blood flow to the skin, causing pain.

I had some chest pain on vacation. The doctor told me to have a nuclear imaging stress test when I got home. My physician sent me for a treadmill test. But the cardiologist had me do an exercise echocardiagram on a bicycle. Are these tests the same?

An FDA review of trials involving bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis found no link between their use and any increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

The cholesterol-lowering drug ezetimbe, sold as Zetia and in combination with the statin Zocor as Vytorin, has proved no better at reducing plaque than the statin alone, and may be linked to an increased risk of cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration offers guidelines on how to properly dispose of leftover medications.

Beta blockers have helped millions of people lower their blood pressure, but for people with hypertension who do not have other cardiovascular issues or symptoms, a beta blocker might not be the most effective medication.