Heart beat: Trial gives nod to home warfarin monitoring
Home monitoring devices for use by people taking warfarin compared favorably to regular blood tests done at a medical facility.
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On call: MRIs and coronary stents
When I had an MRI of my knee, I was told the test was dangerous for people who have metal devices in their bodies. Since then, I developed angina and my cardiologist put in a metal stent. If I need an MRI in the future, will I be able to get one?
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Staying independent in our later years
Aging does not automatically mean relinquishing independence. Independent living can be sustained through attention to health issues like diet, exercise, control of blood pressure, vision, and maintaining a safe home environment to prevent falls.
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Heart Beat: Teachable moment
Research has established that heart disease tends to run in families, so if a family member has a heart attack or stroke, it should serve as a motivator for other family members to see their doctors.
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The shingles vaccine: Why hasn’t it caught on?
The shingles vaccine Zostavax has not turned out to be as popular as was expected, due in part to its high cost and questions about its effectiveness.
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By the way, doctor: Is it okay to switch from Avodart to finasteride for BPH?
I have been taking Avodart for my BPH, along with Flomax, but finasteride may be less expensive. Should I switch?
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When quitters are winners
Many people do not realize that smoking is as bad for cardiovascular health as it is for the lungs. Quitting has some almost-immediate benefits, and after 20 years quitters have the same risk of death as nonsmokers.
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His and hers heart disease
It is now understood that heart disease affects men and women differently, so doctors should consider these gender differences in diagnosis and treatment.
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Tests for breast cancer
Digital mammography is poised to replace the standard version, but studies show them to be about equal in effectiveness at detecting cancers, depending on age and breast density. Ultrasound and MRI are also useful tools for detection in some women.
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In brief
Brief reports on giving proper attention to high triglycerides, undermining cardiovascular drug therapy with unhealthy lifestyle choices, and an apparent bonus from taking a statin: reduced risk of blood clots.
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