The psychology of risk perception
An expert identifies more than a dozen factors that influence our perception of how dangerous a circumstance or situation is.
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In Brief: Nicotine replacement therapy may ease agitation for hospitalized patients with schizophrenia
Patients with schizophrenia who received nicotine replacement therapy during hospitalization experienced a decrease in agitation during their stays.
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Is sex exercise? And is it hard on the heart?
Sexual activity does not provide much in the way of exertion or calorie burning, and while it could trigger a heart attack or arrhythmia, the risk of such an occurrence is very small.
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Who needs an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?
Thousands of people receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators each year, but not everyone who receives the device really needs it, and some people would be better off pursuing other treatment avenues.
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Ask the doctor: Why does my heart sometimes feel like it stops, then starts up again with a jerk?
I am 92 and have atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure, both controlled by medication. Every so often when I am relaxing after dinner, my heart feels like it stops and then starts up again with a jerk. Is this something I should worry about?
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Ask the doctor: My defibrillator has never “fired.” Should I keep it or have it taken out?
My doctors recommended I get a defibrillator as “insurance,” but I have had it for eight years and it has never gone off. My doctor wants to put in a new battery. At age 86 I’d rather not. Could I just leave the device in place or have it taken out?
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On call: Excessive perspiration
Compared to the problems your readers ask about, my issue may seem silly. But I hope you’ll give me some advice, since it really is very annoying. I’m troubled by excessive sweating.
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Specialized care improves stroke survival
Care at a specialized center may provide a better chance of surviving a stroke, even if it requires extra travel time to reach.
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Heart Beat: Mediterranean-type diet can fix multiple problems
Eating a Mediterranean-style diet can help with a number of health issues.
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In Brief
Brief reports on hypertension statistics, a theory about why some people show more of an HDL cholesterol benefit from exercise than others, and more about the connection between depression and heart disease.
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