Vegetarian diet linked to lower blood pressure
Compared with meat eaters, people who followed a vegetarian diet had lower blood pressure.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Aspirin Recommended to Prevent Preeclampsia
A daily low-dose aspirin may help prevent preeclampsia in women at high risk of this dangerous pregnancy problem, an expert group says. The new advice comes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This independent group provides guidance to doctors and the government on preventive care. Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine. It can decrease the blood supply to the fetus and to the mother’s organs. The fetus may grow slowly. Early delivery may be required to prevent stroke in the mother. Preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, which produces seizures. Preeclampsia is more likely for women who had high blood pressure or diabetes before pregnancy and for those pregnant with twins or more. For these women and some others, the task force recommends a daily baby aspirin (81 milligrams) starting in the second trimester.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Taking Lyme disease to heart
Lyme disease, an infection transmitted by the tiny deer tick, can cause systemwide problems, including a potentially life-threatening heart condition called AV block.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Heart attack and stroke: Men vs. women
Cardiovascular disease poses an equal threat to men and women, but the risks, symptoms, and outcomes for heart attack and stroke can differ along gender lines.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Eat more fiber-rich foods to foster heart health
Many studies suggest that fiber-rich diets may help prevent heart disease. But most Americans eat only about 16 grams of fiber a day-far less than the recommended amounts.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Ask the doctor: Erratic blood pressure readings
There can be many reasons for erratic blood pressure readings. Some people may also have higher readings in the doctor’s office, called white-coat hypertension.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Another kind of heart rhythm problem
Sick sinus syndrome is a set of heartbeat irregularities that can cause fainting, weakness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Once diagnosed, the problem is easily treated with an implanted pacemaker.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
When very high cholesterol runs in the family
Many heart attacks that occur at an early age result from an inherited condition that leads to very high cholesterol levels.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Common blood pressure drugs can trigger rare allergic reaction
People who take blood pressure drugs known as ACE inhibitors should be aware of a rare side effect that causes the lips, tongue, and face to swell.
Content restricted. Requires subscription