heart-letter
For people who faint because their heart rates suddenly plummet (a condition called cardioinhibitory syncope), a dual-chamber pacemaker has been shown to reduce fainting episodes by 57%.
The antibiotic azithromycin sometimes can trigger abnormal heart rhythms. Though uncommon, it is more likely to happen to people with heart failure, diabetes, or a previous heart attack.
I’m a little overweight, but my cholesterol numbers aren’t bad. Do I really need the statin my doctor wants me to take?
It’s a good idea to have your blood pressure measured in both arms every so often. A difference between the two readings of more than 10 points may indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are increasing the number of people who survive cancer. But they also cause cardiovascular disease in some of the people who get these therapies.
Women with heart disease or atrial fibrillation are more likely than men to have a stroke.
After angioplasty and stent placement, it may not be necessary to take aspirin plus Plavix-what’s called dual antiplatelet therapy-for more than a year.
New evidence-based recommendations from the American Heart Association answers questions about resuming sexual activity after a heart attack that many people (and their doctors) are too embarrassed to bring up.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators can stop a potentially deadly heart rhythm and restore a healthy one. Repeated bending and flexing can cause their leads to fail. Replacement or removal is an option.
Elderly people with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator that has never “fired” can consider having the device turned off.