heart-letter
Men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should be tested for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This potentially life-threatening condition is a ballooning in the wall of the aorta, the heart’s largest artery, in the abdomen.
High blood sugar and other diabetes-related problems harm the heart in several major ways. There are now many ways to better control diabetes and reduce heart risk.
More and more people who receive heart transplants can expect to live at least 20 years. Continuing improvements in immune-suppressing medications may help people who receive transplants live longer, healthier lives.
A pharmacological stress test is a good alternative to a standard exercise stress test when a condition makes exercise difficult. Both can help detect heart problems, but the exercise test can also help a doctor determine a safe level of exercise.
Angioplasty and stent placement, which widens a narrowed coronary artery, quickly restores blood flow during a heart attack or unstable angina.
Atrial fibrillation is a fast irregular rhythm in the heart’s upper chambers. It is a major risk factor for stroke. A host of new devices and technologies offer promise to people with atrial fibrillation who are not helped by medications.
Statins, which are widely used to lower cholesterol and reduce heart attack risk, are unlikely to cause memory problems, despite an FDA warning to the contrary. But further research is needed in people who take high doses.
A variety of conditions can lead to heart failure. Regardless of what sets the process in motion, recognizing the problem early and taking appropriate action can help improve quality and length of life.
Individuals who have migraine with the visual disturbances known as aura are more likely to have strokes than those who have migraine without aura. These people should take steps to minimize other stroke risk factors.
Borderline high blood pressure still raises stroke and heart disease risk. Making diet and lifestyle changes proven to lower blood pressure can prevent or delay the need to take high blood pressure medicines in the future.