heart-letter
I am a fairly healthy 52-year-old man. For many years I have felt like I have ADHD. A recent work-up confirmed my suspicion. My doctor suggested I take Ritalin. Is that okay for the heart?
I often get mail from companies like Life Line Screening about having tests to look for “hidden” heart risks. The events are usually held at a local church and cost about $130. Are these tests valid? Are they worth the money?
For people who need medication to lower blood pressure, there are two types of drugs available. ACE inhibitors have been available longer than ARBs. They are comparably effective, though several ACE inhibitors are available in generic form.
Isolated systolic hypertension, when the systolic blood pressure is above 140 while the diastolic pressure is below 90, is caused by stiffening of large arteries. Medication may be prescribed, but lifestyle changes will have more impact on overall health.
There is some concern that drugs used to keep airways open in people with COPD may increase the risk of heart disease, but the testing done so far suggests that the medications are safe.
Eating meals more slowly allows the stomach time to signal the brain when it is getting full, which can result in lower overall food consumption. Drinking water with your meals can also help by making you feel fuller.
Start the year with these tips for heart care and healthier living. Suggestions include learning CPR, reducing stress, establishing an advance care directive and choosing a health care proxy.
Stroke victims are more likely to have a patent foramen ovale, a hole between the heart’s left and right atria, but closing the hole may not prevent the occurrence of another stroke.
Using a special garment to squeeze the legs in time with the heart can ease chest pain. The inflammation that causes rheumatoid arthritis affects the heart as well as the joints.
People who exercised, ate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, drank alcohol in moderation, and did not smoke lived an average of 14 years longer than others who did not do any of these things.