In Brief: Cocoa beats tea
A comparison of studies found that drinking cocoa lowered blood pressure approximately as much as blood pressure medication did, while drinking tea did not produce any change.
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Ask the doctor: How do I handle conflicting advice about exercise?
Last year, I had an aortic dissection. My surgeon says not to do any cardio or resistance exercise and to keep my heart rate down. My cardiologist says I can do light cardio and resistance exercise but to watch my blood pressure. Whom should I believe?
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In the journals: Experts revise guidelines for irritable bowel syndrome
A panel of gastroenterology experts has revised the guidelines for irritable bowel syndrome, simplifying the definition of the disorder and the tests typically required for a diagnosis.
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Burning mouth syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is a burning or stinging pain in the mouth. While a burning sensation in the mouth can be caused by other conditions and some medications, the primary form of the disorder may be caused by faulty nerve fibers.
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In the journals: Nonsurgical approach unlocks contracted fingers
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition in which one or more fingers is chronically bent. A nonsurgical treatment uses an injection of an enzyme solution that allows the contracture to be released.
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What to do about Bell’s palsy
Bell’s palsy is an inflammation of the facial nerve, believed to be caused by a viral infection, that results in paralysis of one side of the face. It can take several weeks to return to normal, and treatment is typically a corticosteroid medication.
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By the way, doctor: Must I take aspirin?
I have ulcerative colitis and diabetes. My new doctor has been pushing aspirin therapy. My gastroenterologist feels that I should consider aspirin if and when there are signs that I would benefit from it and not to risk having problems with my colitis.
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Finding ovarian cancer early
Ovarian cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed early enough, but it is often difficult to detect. Women who experience unusual abdominal pain, bloating, or digestive problems over a period of two or three weeks should see a doctor.
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Seeing the heart with sound
An echocardiogram creates images of the heart using sound waves. It can reveal a great deal of information useful to doctors in treating heart patients.
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Special section: Feet: How your feet work – and three steps for keeping them healthy
Our feet are marvels of anatomical engineering, but they can also cause problems. Common sense when choosing footwear can ease the pain and pressure on feet.
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