Gene therapy to regenerate heart muscle
Research using animal models shows that gene therapy may one day be used to stimulate damaged heart cells to regenerate after a heart attack.
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Update: Quality of life after aortic valve replacement
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement offers a minimally invasive way to replace a stiff, failing aortic valve.
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Vegetarian diet linked to lower blood pressure
Compared with meat eaters, people who followed a vegetarian diet had lower blood pressure.
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Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills
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Risk factors for testicular cancer?
I was diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly after a bad case of chickenpox. Could it be related? What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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