Research we’re watching: Arsenic and heart disease
A 20-year study of Native Americans suggests that low-to-moderate consumption of inorganic arsenic is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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Emotional stress induced ischemia
Mental or emotional stress can cause inadequate blood flow to the heart that may increase heart attack risk. Learning to cope with stress is the best first option; some people may benefit from antidepressants or other drugs.
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How to manage your medicines
Each time you get a new prescription, it’s important to find out why your doctor is prescribing it. You should also talk to your doctor before changing or stopping any medicine.
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Research we’re watching: Stents work well in women
Stents used to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow are safe and effective in women. The newest-generation drug-coated stents seem to work best at preventing a heart attack or stroke.
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Can you name that headache?
The most common types of headaches in older adults include tension, migraine, and sinus headaches. Knowing which type of headache one has will indicate which medications to use first.
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News briefs: Is your cholesterol drug putting you at risk for vision loss?
It appears that people who take statins to keep their cholesterol in check may also be at increased risk for developing cataracts. However, doctors do not advise stopping statin use because of the risk.
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Caffeine caution: Watch for surprising sources
Caffeine is showing up in non-natural places such as snacks, energy bars, meal replacements, and other processed foods. It’s listed on food labels only when it is added to a food. If it occurs naturally in an ingredient, caffeine will not be listed.
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Exercise: 15 minutes a day ups lifespan by 3 years
Just 15 minutes of physical activity a day can increase your life span by as much as three years. The benefits increase with each added minute of activity.
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Ask the doctor: Yearly stress test
Stress tests used to be part of routine check-ups for middle-aged and older people. But practice has changed.
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News briefs: How long will you stay healthy?
It appears that people in the United States are enjoying about two more years of good health than Americans of 20 years ago. Experts chalk it up at least partly to healthier lifestyles, medical advances, better treatments, and new drugs.
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