heart-letter
Heart disease, once thought to be a man’s disease, is now understood to affect women and men equally, but there are still disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women.
Women who drink too much alcohol risk cardiovascular problems and an increased chance of breast cancer, but in moderation (no more than one drink per day) alcohol is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Aspirin plus warfarin is an effective defense against stroke-causing blood clots, but many people cannot take warfarin. A study found that aspirin plus clopidogrel (Plavix) was also effective.
Brief updates on niacin’s beneficial effect on HDL, exercise’s aid in preventing atrial fibrillation, and an FDA web site with information about guidelines for drug ads.
The FDA has warned doctors that certain stomach-protecting medications may interfere with the clot-blocking drug Plavix.
Postmenopausal women who continue to experience hot flashes may be at increased risk of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or clogged arteries.
What is the story on using red yeast rice to lower cholesterol? You have warned readers against using it in the past, but I heard about a new study that shows it works. Are you ready to admit you are wrong on this one?
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a sudden spasm of the blood vessels in the hands that blocks blood flow to the skin, causing pain.
I had some chest pain on vacation. The doctor told me to have a nuclear imaging stress test when I got home. My physician sent me for a treadmill test. But the cardiologist had me do an exercise echocardiagram on a bicycle. Are these tests the same?
An FDA review of trials involving bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis found no link between their use and any increased risk of atrial fibrillation.