By the way, doctor: Which is better, flaxseed or fish oil?
For the healthy omega-3 fats we hear so much about, which is better – ground flaxseed or fish oil capsules?
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Advanced pacemaker gets the heart in sync
One-third of people with heart failure have ventricles that beat out of sync. A biventricular pacemaker sends electrical signals to the ventricles to keep them working together, making everyday activities easier.
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Does fitness offset fatness?
A person can be overweight and still be fit and healthy, but it is still better for the body to lose weight if possible, and even better to lose weight and get regular exercise.
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Ask the doctor: Is warfarin turning my toes purple?
I take warfarin. I have blood blisters on my arms and sporadically on my legs. Recently I developed purple toes on one foot. My cardiologist didn’t seem concerned and wouldn’t explain whether it was the warfarin. Can you shed some light on this?
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Should women with normal cholesterol be taking a statin?
The results of the JUPITER trial suggested that people with normal cholesterol should take a statin, but questions remain about long-term effectiveness. One’s level of cardiovascular risk should be the primary factor in deciding whether to take a statin.
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Ask the doctor: Is weight lifting safe if I have a stent?
I am 58 and have had several stents implanted. I used to lift weights, but stopped after getting the stents. My blood pressure is good, and I take medications. I want to resume lifting but worry that it could cause a heart attack. Is that possible?
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By the way, doctor: Does hormone therapy cause dementia?
The Women’s Health Initiative found that hormone therapy wasn’t helpful for avoiding dementia there was some suggestion that it might even cause cognitive problems. Am I at risk for dementia by continuing hormone therapy?
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By the way, doctor: Is vaginal estrogen safe?
My doctor prescribed a low-dose vaginal estrogen cream, applied twice a week, for atrophic vaginitis. I’ve heard this dose is so low that it carries no health risk. Do you agree?
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Ask the doctor: Does Tricor cause gallstones?
I started taking Tricor because I have low HDL and high triglycerides. Someone I know at work developed gallstones after being on Tricor for a while. Is this a common side effect? If so, is there another medication I can take?
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Heart Beat: More evidence against trans fats
Researchers measured the amount of trans fat in blood cells and found that those with higher levels in their blood had a higher risk of having a heart attack or dying of heart disease.
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