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.
People with a 70% blockage in the carotid artery and symptoms such as a mini-stroke may want to have surgery to unblock the artery sooner rather than later. Other options include angioplasty with stent placement and blood-thinning medicines.
A heart-healthy diet is low in salt and saturated fats and high in soluble fiber and nutrients. Making heart-healthy changes to your diet is easy if you make one change a month.
People consuming two servings of fish per week had a lower risk of stroke compared to people who ate one serving or less. Omega-3 fatty acid intake, such as from dietary supplements, is not associated with lower risk for stroke.
Studies of two new Alzheimer’s drugs ended in disappointment. Intravenous versions of the drugs failed to help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. But the studies also found reason to hope for better results with similar drugs.
A cup of beans or lentils each day, when combined with a low-glycemic diet, may help lower blood sugar levels and coronary artery disease risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. Legumes help dampen blood sugar responses and lower blood pressure.