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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
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.
Content restricted. Requires subscription