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.
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My tongue is red and tingly. What could this mean?
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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?
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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.
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Evidence of coffee’s cardiovascular benefits continues to accrue.
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A clinical trial of niacin in combination with a statin to lower cholesterol was stopped early because of safety concerns.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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I really appreciate the dietary guidelines that you publish from time to time, but my wife and I find it hard to do the math in a busy supermarket. Can you give us targets that are easier to use than “percentages of daily calories”
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