Category: heart-letter

I take warfarin for my atrial fibrillation. I know it can increase the risk of bleeding. Is it okay for me to take ibuprofen for my arthritis?

Classic heart attack symptoms most often arise from a blockage in a coronary artery. But a condition called takotsubo cardiomyopathy can produce the same sudden heart symptoms even when the coronary arteries are clear.

People who achieve a systolic blood pressure (the first number in a reading) of 120 mm Hg may have fewer cardiovascular problems than those who reach a goal of 140 mm Hg. But they may need to take an average of three medications to reach the lower goal.

For many people, lowering dietary cholesterol alone has little effect on their blood cholesterol level. Limiting saturated fat may help, but only if the missing calories are replaced with unsaturated fats instead of refined carbohydrates.

Sex rarely triggers heart attacks, and sex after a heart attack is safe for most people. But some drugs to treat heart disease can cause erection problems, and others may have dangerous interactions with drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.

People who work at least 55 hours per week may face a higher risk of stroke than people who work 35 to 40 hours per week. Working long hours may lead people to sit more, sleep less, and have higher stress levels-all of which can boost stroke risk.

Nearly 15 million Americans have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes the often-overlapping conditions of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It often coexists with other diseases, especially heart disease.

People who feel dizzy or lightheaded when they stand up may have orthostatic hypotension, a condition in which blood pressure drops dramatically upon standing. As many as 30% of emergency room visits for fainting may be due to orthostatic hypotension.

A regular walking routine can lower blood pressure, stave off diabetes, and prevent heart disease. Finding walking buddies, using a pedometer, and following a walking workout plan may help people stick to a program.

In the setting of holiday fun, the willpower to make heart-healthy food choices can quickly evaporate. Planning ahead can help you navigate the hazards of holiday overindulgence while enjoying the flavors of the season.