Heart Beat: Trial Watch
A new study is comparing methods of treating leg pain caused by peripheral artery disease.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Pain relief, opioids, and constipation
Opioid drugs like morphine are the most effective pain relievers, but constipation is a typical side effect. it is therefore advisable to take a stool softener and a laxative when taking an opioid.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Heart beat: CT scans may interfere with pacemakers, other devices
People with a pacemaker or ICD know they need to avoid MRIs. The FDA says that the CT scans may also interfere with these devices, but that they can be safely shut off for the duration of the scan.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Trial fails to enhance cholesterol drug’s reputation
Research found that the cholesterol drug Vytorin, which combines Zetia with the statin Zocor, is no more effective than a statin alone at preventing plaque from growing in arteries.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
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.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
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?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
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.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
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.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
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.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
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?
Content restricted. Requires subscription