Taking calcium-channel blockers long-term to control high blood pressure may increase the risk of breast cancer. Other types of blood pressure drugs don’t seem to have the same effect.
Having high blood sugar, even without diabetes, can increase the risk for dementia. The higher blood sugar rises, the more that risk goes up.
Thick, discolored nails may be signs of a fungal nail infection. These infections are often treated with oral antifungal drugs.
Women are less likely than men to receive clot-dissolving medicine for an ischemic stroke (caused by a blockage in an artery to the brain), likely because they are delayed in getting to the hospital for treatment.
Before having any medical imaging test, such as a CT scan or x-ray, a woman should ask her doctor how the test will be used to guide her treatment and whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Research is finding that omega-3 fatty acids have real heart benefits. They help lower heart rate and blood pressure, and improve blood vessel health. Experts recommend that people get their omega-3s by eating two servings of fatty fish a week.
It is very important to address depression because of its negative effect on your health and well-being. Antidepressants and talk therapy are the first-line treatments. Talk to your doctor about getting medical help if you’re feeling consistently down.
Foods rich in certain nutrients can help preserve eye health. For people with intermediate or advanced age-related macular degeneration, specific supplements may slow the progression of the disease.
Reading, writing, and staying mentally active at all stages of life can help slow the rate of memory decline with age.
Monitoring blood pressure at home is easy and convenient, and it can help women with high blood pressure fine-tune their treatment plan.