Going gluten-free just because? Here’s what you need to know
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On call: Chelation for heart disease
Many people try chelation therapy for a variety of reasons, but it is unproven and potentially risky as a therapy for heart disease. Instead, use proven measures like daily aspirin, exercise, blood pressure control, and lowering “bad” cholesterol.
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12 “superfoods” you should be eating
One way to get more nutrients into the diet is to eat more “superfoods,” such as broccoli, salmon, eggs, beans, walnuts, oatmeal, olive oil, tea, quinoa, and dark chocolate.
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Heart Beat: ECG? There’s an app for that!
People with heart disease will soon be able to transmit information about their heart rhythm to their doctor’s office using an iPhone app.
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Should bypass surgery be done off-pump?
Anyone at risk for complications from the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery should have the procedure performed without it, or “off-pump.” For everyone else, whether or not to use the pump should be left up to the surgeon.
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In the journals: Why you still need pertussis vaccination
Pertussis rates are rising in all age groups. An Australian study found that older adults with pertussis are more likely to need hospitalization, which underscores the need for older adults to get vaccinated.
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In the journals: Statins linked to leg pain but not weakness
In a study of healthy people, taking high doses of a statin drug to lower “bad” cholesterol doesn’t cause muscle weakness but does trigger minor muscle pain in a small number of cases.
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Needling away chronic pain
Acupuncture may be helpful for reducing pain in many chronic conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and headache.
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Ask the doctors: Is interval training safe for someone with heart disease?
High-intensity interval training offers an excellent cardiovascular workout. Anyone with heart disease who has not been very active and wants to try this approach should have a stress test first.
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Remedies for hand cramps
The typical causes of cramps in the hands include dehydration and straining the muscles with repeated motions like typing. Low calcium or magnesium or a compressed nerve in the wrist may also cause cramping. Stretching the fingers may help.
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