Although nearly 80% of people who undergo angioplasty and stenting discuss the procedure with their doctor, less than 20% are told about possible drawbacks, and only 10% are told about other options.
Some men who took finasteride for urinary problems (Proscar) or balding (Propecia) have reported permanent sexual side effects such as low sex drive or ejaculation problems. It is not established for certain that the side effects are caused by the drug.
Type O blood is associated with the lowest risk of coronary artery disease. People with type A, B, and AB have risks 5%, 10%, and 23% higher than those with type O, respectively.
Sleep apnea may cause or aggravate heart disease by creating surges of adrenaline, which likely contribute to high blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
Botox injections work just as well as oral anticholinergic medicines in reducing urge incontinence, although side effects of the two treatments can differ. This study suggests that Botox might be a first-line treatment option for incontinence.
Many older women have an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, yet don’t meet the criteria for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. A blood test can reveal a subclinical thyroid problem.
It appears that colon cancer patients whose tumors have a mutated form of the PIK3CA gene may live longer if they take aspirin. Aspirin may also help fight other kinds of cancers and protect heart health.
Living at 6,000 feet of altitude causes the heart to work more efficiently. It results in more oxygen-carrying red blood cells and less fluid in the blood.
Testosterone therapy is popular but controversial. Treatment makes men feel better. But diagnosing low testosterone is tricky, and doctors debate whether T therapy raises risk for blood clots, heart disease, and prostate cancer.
People with aortic stenosis eventually need to have the aortic valve replaced. Whether it is done before or after symptoms appear depends on whether the goal is to prevent sudden death (a common consequence of aortic stenosis) or preserve quality of life.