Diagnosing and treating interstitial cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a painful, chronic bladder condition. There are several theories regarding its origin, but the exact cause is not known.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
DNR Orders Delayed When Family Decides
It takes longer for do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders to be written in the hospital when a spouse, relative or family member (“surrogate”) rather than the patient is making the decision, according to a new study. A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order means that if the heart stops, a patient does not want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other live-saving measures. The study looked at the hospital records of 668 people 65 and older that had a DNR order placed by a doctor. Doctors prefer to have patients make the decision regarding DNR. However, many patients are too ill or have impaired brain function to make this decision. Researchers asked doctors to indicate if the DNR order came following discussion with the patient, a surrogate or both.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Tingly Tongue
My tongue is red and tingly. What could this mean?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Ask the doctor: Is swimming in cold water okay for my heart?
I love to swim in the ocean for 20 or 30 minutes. The water is cold (55? F) but I don’t mind. I’m almost 80. I had my mitral valve repaired five years ago, and my heart rate is sometimes irregular. Are my cold-water swims okay for my heart?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Update on aspirin
For people who have not had a heart attack, the question of whether or not to take a daily aspirin is a matter of weighing potential benefits against potential harm.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Heart Beat: Research continues to serve up heart perks for coffee drinkers
Evidence of coffee’s cardiovascular benefits continues to accrue.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Trial clouds use of niacin with a statin
A clinical trial of niacin in combination with a statin to lower cholesterol was stopped early because of safety concerns.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Sliding scale for LDL: How low should you go?
Research has lowered the target for the level of “bad” LDL cholesterol, but an individual’s cardiovascular risk should factor into determining the appropriate target.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Ask the doctor: What should I do about high triglycerides?
On my last blood test, my triglycerides were 280. Should I be worried about that? My doctor wants me to start taking something called Lopid. Is there another solution?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Heart Beat: No connection between ARBs and cancer
The Food and Drug Administration has concluded that angiotensin-receptor blocker medications used to treat high blood pressure do not increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
Content restricted. Requires subscription