Heart Beat: Atrial fibrillation and blood pressure
People with atrial fibrillation benefit from aggressive blood pressure control, resulting in fewer deaths from stroke and other cardiovascular causes.
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Follow-up
Having a home defibrillator was found to be no more useful at saving the life of someone in cardiac arrest than having family members trained in CPR.
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In brief
Brief updates on a drug combination that may cause muscle damage, a blood test for rejection after a heart transplant, a possible link between retinopathy and heart disease, and running for heart health and longevity.
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In brief
Brief updates on the benefit of the Maze procedure, St. John’s wort’s interference with statins, the safety of angioplasty performed through the radial artery, and the cardiac risks of newer antipsychotic drugs.
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Up with HDL, the “good” cholesterol
While attention to cholesterol has largely focused on lowering LDL through the use of statins, raising HDL is equally important, if not more so. Niacin boosts HDL, but its side effects can be tricky, so some people try exercise and dietary changes.
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Heart Beat: Exercise benefits clogged leg arteries
People with peripheral artery disease will most likely benefit from an exercise regimen, regardless of whether or not they are experiencing the leg pain that frequently accompanies the condition.
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Medical memo: Soy and sperm
A study suggests that high soy consumption may lower sperm count, though the test subjects who ate the most soy were still considered fertile, and eating soy products has other health benefits.
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Defining a moderate-intensity workout
A researcher has determined that the recommended “moderate intensity” exercise level can be accomplished by walking at least 100 steps per minute. An inexpensive pedometer can help you determine your walking speed.
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Floaters, flashes, and retinal tears
Floaters and flashes in the eyes are fairly common among older people, but sometimes they can indicate a retinal tear, which, if not treated promptly, can lead to retinal detachment.
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Preparing for a colonoscopy
Preparation for a colonoscopy involves taking a substance the day before the procedure that induces bowel-clearing diarrhea. It’s unpleasant and takes several hours, but adequate preparation can make the process somewhat easier to endure.
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