Women are three times more likely than men to get migraine headaches, in part because of the hormone estrogen. A number of different medications are available to prevent migraine and stop them when they first start.
Developing chest pain while taking an exercise stress test is worrisome.
About 50% of Americans don’t take their medications properly. A new “smart” pill that reveals whether a medication has been taken as prescribed could improve medication taking.
In addition to blood pressure, doctors are now considering all factors that increase an individual’s cardiovascular risk as a guide to whether to begin antihypertension medications.
Having an annual mammogram starting at age 40 can catch breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Women who are comfortable doing breast self-exams should do them to look for changes in their breasts.
The widely prescribed ACE inhibitor drugs cause coughs in some people, but the cough may also help to prevent pneumonia.
Chronic heartburn is usually caused by a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Simple self-help steps can keep GERD in check. When they don’t, a proton pump inhibitor medications offers the most effective relief.
A joint statement by 15 medical organizations concluded that hormone therapy is safe as a treatment for hot flashes as long as women take it early in menopause and use it for the shortest time possible.
The surgical procedures known as endarterectomy and noninvasive stenting are equally safe and effective treatments for preventing stroke in people with blocked or narrowed carotid arteries.
Medications and devices can help many people with heart failure with low ventricular ejection fraction live longer with a better quality of life. But not all therapies are right for everyone, and treatment must be individualized.