Aldosteronism: Too much of a good thing
An excess of aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, causes hypertension in some people. Treatment depends on whether one gland or both is affected.
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Statins for aortic valve narrowing?
Some research suggests that cholesterol-lowering statins may help prevent narrowing or hardening of the aortic valve, but there is not enough evidence to indicate you should start taking a statin if you are not taking one already.
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DHEA and health: More questions than answers
DHEA, a steroid hormone, has been promoted as a supplement that can help men lose weight, protect against heart disease, and improve memory. But none of these assertions has been proven.
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Different shades of gray for post-heart attack depression
Depression can often develop as a result of a heart attack or cardiac surgery, and has more serious effects on heart health and overall health than depression that was present before a heart attack.
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Mixed marks for heart surgery report cards
A few states have begun to compile data on the success rates of cardiac surgeons, but the information may be outdated or otherwise inaccurate. One suggestion is to choose a doctor who regularly performs the surgery you need and has done it many times.
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Heart Beat: New Start! for exercise
The American Heart Association has launched a web site to help people track their eating habits and exercise, and offers tips and encouragement toward living a healthier life.
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A better way to predict cardiovascular risk
The Framingham risk-assessment tool is used to evaluate a person’s risk of heart attack, but it does not consider the influence of inflammation. Researchers have developed a new tool that uses three additional factors to evaluate your heart attack risk.
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C. difficile-associated disease on the rise
C. difficile, a bacterium that can infect the digestive tract, was formerly a problem primarily for the elderly and hospitalized. But the number of cases of C. difficile-related illness is growing, and they are more severe and harder to treat.
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What to do about tennis elbow
Tennis elbow can persist for months, and is often prolonged by returning too soon to the activities that caused it. Various treatments can offer temporary relief, but the best course of action is to limit activity and take a pain reliever.
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Ask the doctor: Does it matter when I take a statin?
My doctor put me on a statin and told me to take it after dinner. I would rather take it with breakfast. Does it matter?
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