Heart Beat: Billions for heart care
In 2006 Americans spent more than $190 billion on heart-related health care issues, nearly one-fifth of total health care costs that year.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Heart Beat: A heartfelt legacy from long-lived parents
According to the long-term Framingham Heart Study, having parents who live to age 85 or beyond may offer a greater degree of protection from heart disease and stroke.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
By the way, doctor: Do I need a booster vaccination against whooping cough?
A friend was recently diagnosed with whooping cough. Her doctor told her that everyone, no matter what age, should be vaccinated for the disease every 10 years. Is that true?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
By the way, doctor: Do I need to take a cholesterol-lowering drug?
I’m 53 and on the fence about taking a medication for cholesterol. My father had three bypass surgeries during his lifetime. My cholesterol is high (256), but my good cholesterol is also high (62). My LDL cholesterol is 161. Should I take a medication?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
In Brief: Hysterectomy doesn’t harm – and may help – sexual function
Researchers found that women who had a hysterectomy did not suffer a decline in sexual satisfaction after the surgery, but rather an improvement.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
On call: Cholesterol rings in the eyes
At my last visit to my eye doctor, he told me that I had a cholesterol ring. What can you tell me about this condition?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Exercise and your joints
Some people believe that exercise is harmful to their joints or even causes arthritis, but research shows that this is not true, and in fact exercise can strengthen and protect joints.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Special section: Cardiovascular connections: Testosterone, sex, and the heart
Low levels of testosterone have been linked to many health problems in men.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Follow-up
Brief updates on tingling stents, Alzheimer’s disease and blood pressure, exercise as medicine, and vascular disease in women.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Why regular check-ups are still a good idea
Although guidelines recommend an as-needed, prevention-based approach to check-ups, both doctors and patients prefer an annual physical exam because it fosters and strengthens their relationship, leading to better overall care.
Content restricted. Requires subscription