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.
Many heart attacks that occur at an early age result from an inherited condition that leads to very high cholesterol levels.
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.
Several large clinical trials have failed to show a benefit from drug therapy to raise HDL cholesterol. Lifestyle change such as increasing aerobic activity, losing weight, and avoiding trans fats may be most effective.
Women who drink more milk may be able to fend off severe osteoarthritis longer, a new study suggests. The study included 1,260 women and almost 900 men with knee arthritis. They answered questions about what they ate. Researchers also X-rayed people’s knees at the start of the study and then each year for 4 years. Osteoarthritis grew worse more slowly in women who drank more low-fat or fat-free milk. But it got worse faster in women who ate more cheese. Eating yogurt had no effect. None of these links were seen in men. The study does not show that drinking milk actually prevented arthritis from getting worse. Researchers said more studies are needed. Experts interviewed by HealthDay News noted that milk contains calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients that have a role in bone health. They noted that estrogen also affects bone health.
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An education program for parents can reduce incorrect use of medicines and emergency room visits for colds, a new study found. The study included 154 families enrolled in Early Head Start. This is a government program for low-income infants, toddlers and pregnant women. Parents were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group learned about what causes colds and flu. They were taught about how to use saline drops, a bulb syringe, a humidifier and other tools that did not involve medicines. The program also discussed over-the-counter medicines. Parents learned when and how to use them, when to avoid them and how to measure them. They also learned about proper use of antibiotics and home remedies and when to see a doctor. The other group of parents got no extra instruction. Families then reported weekly for 5 months on illnesses in their children and how they cared for them.