Top Heart Disease News
Staying informed is key to battling heart disease. Treatment, diet, and suggested excercise are constantly changing. You'll also be surprised to learn what other factors can affect the health of your heart.
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Smog boosts blood pressure in the obese
People who are obese appear to suffer significant increases in blood pressure when they are exposed to air pollution, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Faster bone aging linked to hypertension in kids
Children who have hypertension may have the condition because their bones are more mature than average, researchers have found. Read Summary > -
Most heart failure patients don't get correct treatment
A new study at the Cleveland Clinic has found that three-fourths of heart failure patients are not given the recommended treatment for the condition in U.S. hospitals. Read Summary > -
CRP levels predict heart attack, but not stroke: study
Scientists have found that elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) boost the risk of heart attack and death, but they do not appear to increase stroke risk. Read Summary > -
FDA gives Micardis wider approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Micardis for use in people who can't take ACE inhibitors, and it has approved a new Micardis/Norvasc combo drug. Read Summary > -
Heart muscle 'patch' in the works
Scientists working with mouse stem cells are developing a heart muscle "patch" that can be used to help repair damaged cardiac muscle. Read Summary > -
Drinking may help the heart--but with risks
Drinking alcohol has been found to have some positive effects on cardiovascular health, but experts say the health risks associated with drinking far outweigh the potential benefits. Read Summary > -
AHA guidelines help hospitals save lives
According to a new study, hospitals that have received performance awards from the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) quality improvement program have a better record at saving heart attack and heart failure patients' lives than hospitals that have not received these awards. Read Summary > -
Heart attack education doesn't help, study finds
Teaching heart patients about the symptoms of a heart attack does little to help them respond more quickly when a heart attack occurs, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Vitamin B doesn't help the heart: study
The results of a new study suggest that taking vitamin B supplements is unlikely to help prevent strokes and heart attacks in people who suffer from or have risk factors for heart disease. Read Summary > -
Mangosteen juice may lower inflammation
Mangosteen juice may lower inflammation that can lead to diabetes and heart disease, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Statin muscle pain linked to gene mutation
Scientists at Duke University have found that people who take cholesterol-lowering statins and who have a common gene mutation are more likely to have muscle aches related to the drugs' use. Read Summary > -
Is your heart healthy? Touch your toes to find out
If you're over 40 and can sit on the ground and reach past your toes it may indicate that your arteries are also flexible. Read Summary > -
Mercury in fish boosts blood pressure: study
Results from a new study have linked mercury in fish and other seafood to high blood pressure, but experts say the link isn't so strong that people should stop eating it. Read Summary > -
Arrhythmia more common in women with diabetes
According to a new study, women who have Type 2 diabetes have a higher chance of suffering from atrial fibrillation, a potentially fatal type of irregular heartbeat. Read Summary > -
Eating fish does not prevent heart failure: study
Dutch researchers have found that eating fish does not prevent the development of heart failure, though doing so does appear to help protect against heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. Read Summary > -
Headphones may interfere with implanted heart devices
A new study has added to evidence that portable headphones create magnetic interference that can make implanted defibrillators and pacemakers malfunction. Read Summary > -
Dental problem may raise heart risks in black men
Black men who have a buildup of plaque on their teeth may be at increased risk for heart problems, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
How to call in sick without losing your job
Experts discuss the best ways to call in sick without jeopardizing your job, including how to make the call and which days of the week will arouse the most suspicion if you consistently choose them to call in sick. Read Summary > -
Inexpensive drug combo may prevent heart attack, stroke
According to new research, giving a daily statin and ACE-inhibitor to people at high risk for having a heart attack or stroke may reduce their chances of such a cardiac event by more than 60 percent. Read Summary > -
TV drug ads are increasing--and so are concerns
Pharmaceutical companies are spending more money on television drug ads than ever before, but some patient advocates and doctors say the ads are damaging to both patients and the healthcare system. Read Summary > -
New test could ID 'silent' heart disease
A simple test called a coronary artery calcium scan could detect blockages in coronary arteries and help doctors identify patients with so-called "silent" heart disease. Read Summary > -
Flu in Utero Linked to Later Heart Disease
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Mini-strokes happen before 1 in 8 strokes: study
Researchers in Canada have found that 1 in every 8 major strokes is preceded by a so-called "mini-stroke" called a transient ischemic attack. Read Summary > -
Heparin may cause skin lesions
The commonly used blood thinner Heparin may cause skin lesions that are themselves harmless in most cases, but which could be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Read Summary > -
Autoimmune condition boost heart attack, stroke risk in women
Women who have an autoimmune disease known as antiphospholipid syndrome are at greatly increased risk for heart attack and stroke, researchers say, and this risk is even greater if they take birth control pills or smoke. Read Summary > -
Heart patients helped by at-home care, study finds
According to new research in Italy, patients with worsening chronic heart failure may find "hospital-at-home" care improves their quality of life and depression symptoms, making it a good alternative to treatment in a traditional hospital. Read Summary > -
Timing has no effect on bypass outcomes: study
Scientists who analyzed how 18,597 people fared after having elective coronary artery bypass surgery found that there's no bad time of the day, week, or year to have the procedure. Read Summary > -
Diabetes a Risk Factor for Irregular Heartbeat in Women
Women with diabetes are at an increased risk for atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat, new research confirms. Read More > -
Senate Finance Committee rejects public healthcare option
Five Democrats voted with all of the panel's Republicans in opposing the inclusion of the government-run option in the bill in what is expected to be the first of several battles in Congress over the public option. Read Summary > -
Cardiologists look to new clot-busting treatments
Cardiologists are reconsidering the best dosages of the blood thinner Plavix for angioplasty patients, and at the same are looking at new clot-busting drugs being developed to replace the drug. Read Summary > -
Statins should treat inflammation: study
An analysis of a study of more than 17,000 people has found that statins should be used to treat people who have acceptable cholesterol levels but high levels of inflammation. Read Summary > -
Fructose linked to hypertension in new studies
Fructose, the sweetener found in soda and other sweetened foods, has been found to raise blood pressure in two new studies. Read Summary > -
Avoiding autumn chore injuries
Experts at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offer a list of tips for avoiding the falls and other injuries that often accompany autumn chores. Read Summary > -
Vitamin D Deficiency Predicts Hypertension
Vitamin D deficiency in premenopausal women may increase the risk of developing systolic hypertension 15 years later, according to a new study. Researchers examined women enrolled in the Michigan Bone Health and Metabolism Study and analyzed data from 559 Caucasian women living in Tecumseh, MI. The study began in 1992 when the women were 24 to 44 years old, with an average age of 38 years. Read More > -
Aspirin fights colon cancer: study
Scientists have found that a daily dose of aspirin can prevent colon cancer in people who have a genetic predisposition to develop the disease. Read Summary > -
Strokes among children more common than thought
Results from a new study suggest that the incidence of strokes among American children is two to four times greater than has been commonly thought. Read Summary > -
Vitamin D linked to high blood pressure
In a recent study, younger women who had low levels of vitamin D had three times the risk of having high blood pressure in later life. Read Summary > -
Preventing second stroke may protect against dementia
Researchers say reducing stroke patients' high blood pressure may not only protect them from having a second stroke, but may also stave off dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. Read Summary > -
Preventing chronic disease saves money later: study
According to new research, preventing such chronic diseases and hypertension, obesity, and diabetes both adds years to people's lives and decreases their lifetime medical expenses. Read Summary > -
Minorities less likely to have hypertension under control
African Americans and Hispanics who have a history of coronary artery disease and stroke are less likely to have their high blood pressure under control, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Smoking bans reduce heart attacks: study
Cities and towns that ban smoking in such public places as restaurants and bars demonstrate a quick decrease in heart attack rates, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Flu boosts risk of heart attack, but vaccine helps
People who get the flu--especially those with heart disease and diabetes--may have a higher risk of suffering a heart attack, British researchers say. Read Summary > -
3 factors cut 10 years off men's lives: study
Researchers in Great Britain have found that middle-aged men who smoke, have high blood pressure, or have high cholesterol reduce their life expectancy by 10 to 15 years compared to men without these heart disease risk factors. Read Summary > -
Pediatric Strokes Happen More Often Than Reported
Imaging studies show the rate of strokes in infants and children is two to four times higher than commonly thought, according to researchers. Read More > -
Experimental drug may help tough-to-treat hypertension
A new drug called darusentan has shown promise for treating people with hard-to-treat high blood pressure in a pivotal clinical trial. Read Summary > -
Combat causes chronic high blood pressure: study
A new military study has found that soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan who experience combat are more likely to develop hypertension over the long term than those who serve in supporting roles. Read Summary > -
Traffic noise boosts blood pressure
Living within earshot of rumbling engines and other traffic noises appears to boost people's blood pressure, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Air pollution linked to high blood pressure
According to a new study, people who breathe polluted air for as little as two hours experience an increase in blood pressure. Read Summary > -
New device cuts heart events--but not deaths
Experts say these findings about the MADIT-CRT device may help extend its use beyond the most severely ill heart failure patients. Read Summary > -
Blacks less likely to survive after cardiac arrest
According to a new study, black patients who suffer cardiac arrest while in the hospital are less likely to survive than white patients. Read Summary > -
Defibrillators may not help women: study
Researchers in Michigan have found that implantable defibrillators designed to help protect against deadly heart rhythms may not help women who have advanced heart failure. Read Summary > -
Thin thighs may signal heart disease
Results from a new Danish study suggest that having thin thighs may boost the risk of premature death and heart disease in both men and women. Read Summary > -
Most American adults have some heart disease risk
According to a new study, only 7.5 percent of Americans do not have risk factors for the development of heart disease, a figure that suggests decades of progress against the condition may be on the wane. Read Summary > -
Warning issued over heart device battery
Medtronic Inc. is warning doctors about problems with 6,300 implantable heart devices, saying the batteries in the devices drain sooner than normal. Read Summary > -
Making the most of expiring health insurance
A health reporter talks about how you can prioritize the use of your employer's insurance if you believe you're in danger of losing it. Read Summary > -
Lead exposure linked to heart deaths
Harvard scientists have found that long-term exposure to lead appears to increase a person's risk of dying from heart disease. Read Summary > -
For some, angioplasty can wait: study
Results from a new study suggest that some patients who arrive at the emergency room with evidence of having suffered a heart attack can safely wait as long as 21 hours to undergo an artery-clearing angioplasty. Read Summary > -
Severe depression linked to heart patient deaths
According to a new study, patients who suffer from severe depression before having a cardiac event such as a heart attack are more likely to die than patients who suffer from less serious forms of depression. Read Summary > -
Senator offers healthcare reform bill compromise
The new Baucus Proposal states that instead of a government-run insurance option favored by House Democrats, Congress would create a network of nonprofit cooperatives that would cover people without insurance. Read Summary > -
Unhealthy diet+coffee=heart risks
People who drink a lot of coffee but who don't follow a healthy, Mediterranean-style diet are more likely to suffer a form of heart arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation, new research has found. Read Summary > -
Statins before vein surgery cuts complications risk
Dutch scientists have found that patients about to undergo vascular surgery who are given a dose of a cholesterol-lowering statin before the procedure appear to have a reduced risk of complications and death. Read Summary > -
Crestor reduces risk of heart problems in the elderly, maker says
Drugmaker AstraZenaca is reporting that its cholesterol-lowering medication Crestor cuts the risk of heart attacks, angioplasty, strokes, and death in elderly people who take the drug. Read Summary > -
Protein links obesity, diabetes, heart problems
Japanese researchers say they've found a protein that may help explain why obesity leads to diabetes and heart disease. Read Summary > -
Figuring out your medical bills
A reporter discusses the best ways to navigate the sea of medical-billing red tape. Read Summary > -
Study: Cholesterol 'combo therapies' don't work
According to a new study, combinations of statins and other medicines such as niacin, bile acid sequestrants, and omega-3 fatty acids are not the most effective ways to lower cholesterol. Read Summary > -
Ankle circulation may predict future strokes
Doctors may be able to predict which of their patients are at the greatest risk for stroke by using a simple test that measures blood flow in the ankle. Read Summary > -
Study: Reflux drugs OK with blood thinners
People who take blood thinners such as Effient and Plavix can safely take drugs to treat acid reflux and heartburn, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Newer heart attack tests yield better results
According to two new reports, newer heart tests that are becoming available have a much better ability to diagnose heart attacks in the emergency room. Read Summary > -
Warfarin most helpful to oldest AF patients
Researchers have found that older patients or those with a history of stroke are most likely to benefit when using Coumadin (warfarin) to treat the heart rhythm problem known as atrial fibrillation. Read Summary > -
New drug beats Plavix for reducing heart risks
A two-year study has found that a new drug called Brilinta reduces heart patients' chances of dying by more than 20 percent compared to the standard treatment, Plavix. Read Summary > -
Low levels of vitamin D may double diabetics' heart risks
Low levels of vitamin D may double the risk of heart disease in diabetics, researchers in St. Louis say. Read Summary > -
Scientists find how bad feelings impact health
Researchers at McGill University in Canada have found that depression and the apathy that accompanies it can increase a person's risk of cardiovascular disease. Read Summary > -
Women more likely to die in the month after a heart attack
Researchers have found that women are more likely to die in the 30 days after suffering a heart attack, though they do not believe gender is itself responsible for the trend. Read Summary > -
Study: Surgery best for narrowed neck arteries
According to a new long-term study, surgery is more effective than angioplasty at clearing blockages in the carotid artery in the neck. Read Summary > -
Daily aspirin may harm healthy people
British scientists say healthy people who take a daily dose of aspirin may be doing themselves more harm than good. Read Summary > -
Study: Rates of rheumatoid vasculitis falling
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine have found that rates of rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) appear to be falling. Read Summary > -
Bran, whole grains may fight high blood pressure in men
Results from a new Harvard study show that eating whole grains and bran may help men fight hypertension. Read Summary > -
High blood pressure linked to thinking problems
People over age 45 who have high blood pressure may experience a loss of mental function, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Oxycholesterol may pose greatest heart risk
Chinese scientists say a little-known type of cholesterol called oxycholesterol may do the most damage to the heart. Read Summary > -
Heart experts say Americans should cut sugar intake
High sugar consumption has been linked to a number of health conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, and obesity. Read Summary > -
Worrying worsens peripheral artery disease: study
People who are negative and inhibited--a so-called "Type D" personality--may have a higher risk of death among patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), researchers have found. Read Summary > -
Low-Carb Diet May Harm Heart
Going low-carb to lose weight? New research shows you may be jeopardizing your heart health by trading in carbohydrates for protein. Read More > -
High Blood Pressure Linked to Memory Problems in Middle Age
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Even modest fitness may extend your life
If you think you need to be a hardbody in order to live a long, healthy life, experts say you should think again. Read Summary > -
Vitamins and herbs that can harm you
Natural remedies such as St. John's wort and fish oil can cause harm if taken in the wrong doses or in conjunction with other drugs, experts say. Read Summary > -
Online health programs proving successful
A number of successful online medical interventions have been reported recently, aiding people with such health issues as smoking cessation, alcoholism, psoriasis, and blood pressure management. Read Summary > -
Washing Away Varicose Veins
Experts estimate 50 percent of Americans over age 50 have varicose veins. For women -- and men -- they can be embarrassing, ugly, and even so painful it's hard to walk. Now, there's a new treatment option that uses foam to wash away problem veins. Read More > -
Can stem cells treat pulmonary hypertension?
A readers who suffers from pulmonary hypertension asks if a stem cell therapy available in the Dominican Republic could help treat her condition. Read Summary > -
Should you use a heart rate monitor during exercise?
Experts discuss the pros and cons of using a heart rate monitor during exercise. Read Summary > -
Procedure could replace warfarin for arrhythmia
Scientists say a procedure that involves closing off the heart's left atrial appendage could offer an alternative to long-term treatment with the drug Coumadin (warfarin) for people who have non-valvular atrial fibrillation and who are at risk for stroke. Read Summary > -
Hospitals have improved heart attack survival: study
According to a new study, a government-led effort has helped hospitals that deal with heart attacks both improve their response to these emergencies and reduce the number of heart attack patients' deaths. Read Summary > -
Inexpensive Hypertension Drug Could Treat MS
Turning serendipity into science, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have found that a safe, inexpensive drug already widely used for high blood pressure may have therapeutic value in multiple sclerosis as well. Neurology professor Lawrence Steinman, MD, senior author of the study, cautioned that extensive clinical trial work is needed to determine if the drug, known as lisinopril, can do in humans what it does in mice. "We were able to show that all the targets for lisinopril are there and ready for therapeutic manipulation in the multiple-sclerosis lesions of human patients," Steinman was quoted as saying. "Without that, this would be just another intriguing paper about what's possible in the mouse." Read More > -
Chocolate may protect heart attack survivors
A new study in Sweden has found that eating chocolate may help reduce the risk of death in people who have suffered a heart attack. Read Summary > -
Cost of Medicare drug plan to go up
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services say most Medicare drug plan recipients will see a slight increase their drug plan premiums in 2010. Read Summary > -
Web site lets patients 'rate' their doctors
A new Web site called Patient Central is trying to help people choose their doctor by giving patients surveys about their experiences with physicians and then posting the results. Read Summary > -
Inflammation linked to several chronic diseases
Inflammation has already been linked to a number of conditions, but scientists are finding more ways it contributes to chronic disease. Read Summary > -
Older drivers often not aware of prescription risks
Only 28 percent of the people ages ages 56-93 surveyed in a recent study knew that their medicines could affect their driving ability. Read Summary > -
Download the healthcare reform bill here
H.R. 3200--the Obama administration's hotly contested healthcare reform bill--is available in its entirety as a free download from the Library of Congress Web site. Read Summary > -
4 things you should know about the healthcare reform bill
Dr. Bernadine Healy gives four things that you and your representatives in Washington should know about the healthcare reform bill known as H.R. 3200. Read Summary > -
Study: Aspirin may prevent colorectal cancer deaths
According to new research, taking aspirin may not only lower your risk of getting colorectal cancer, but it also might reduce the odds of dying if you have it. Read Summary > -
Stroke doubles risk of some fractures: study
People who have suffered a stroke have double the risk of hip and thigh fractures compared to people who have not had a stroke, Dutch researchers report. Read Summary > -
Mini-strokes linked to memory loss
New research published in the journal Neurology has found that identifying areas of brain damage caused by mini-strokes may help doctors predict memory loss in seniors. Read Summary > -
Heart patients most in need of intensive care don't get it: study
A study of 143,999 heart patients hospitalized for heart disease has found that patients most of in need of intensive care are less likely to get it. Read Summary > -
Optimism cuts women's risk of heart disease, death
Women who are cynical and see the darker side of life are more at risk for heart disease and death than women who tend to be more cheerful and optimistic, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Weight loss rejuvenates the heart: study
British researchers have found that losing a lot of weight--either by dieting or through weight loss surgery--rejuvenates the physical structure of the heart. Read Summary > -
Men with angina fare worse than women
In a recent study, men who suffered from angina had double the rate of heart attack and triple the rate of death than women who had the condition. Read Summary > -
Obama gives healthcare 'pep talk' to senators as they leave for break
The White House considers healthcare reform to be vital to a U.S. economic recovery and wants the legislation approved by the end of the year. Read Summary > -
Cholesterol Guidelines for Kids Need a Second Look
With an obesity epidemic brewing among U.S. children, there is concern that overweight and obese children need to be screened for chronic medical conditions including high cholesterol levels. University of Michigan researchers have determined, however, that body fat is not an effective indicator of high cholesterol in children. Read More > -
Study: High Cholesterol Increases Dementia Risk
Elevated cholesterol levels in midlife ? even levels considered only borderline ? significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia later in life, according to a new study by researchers at Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research and the University of Kuopio in Finland. Read More > -
Screen Time Linked to High Blood Pressure in Kids
Sedentary behaviors such as TV viewing and "screen time" at computers, videos and video games appear to be associated with elevated blood pressure in children, according to a recent report. Read More > -
Fish oil both prevents and treats heart disease: study
A review of studies involving more than 400,000 patients has found that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils may not only prevent heart disease, but may also help treat the condition once it has begun. Read Summary > -
Inducing labor improves outcomes for high-risk mothers: study
A new study has found that inducing labor at 37 weeks helps reduce risks for mothers with hypertension and mild preeclampasia. Read Summary > -
FDA approves Livalo to treat high cholesterol
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new statin called Livalo to treat high cholesterol. Read Summary > -
Induction of Labor Recommended for Women With High Blood Pressure
Inducing a pregnancy at 37 weeks, may be healthier for some women and their babies. Read More > -
Study: Hospital heart-attack response times vary
Quick defibrillation can save lives, but a new study has found that the amount of time before someone receives the procedure can vary widely from hospital to hospital. Read Summary > -
Defibrillators should be in high-traffic areas: studies
Experts say the results of two new studies suggest that population density--and not local or political initiatives--should dictate where the devices are placed. Read Summary > -
Children as young as 9 can learn CPR: study
According to Austrian researchers, children as young as nine can--and should--be taught CPR. Read Summary > -
Denny's sued over food's high salt content
New Jersey resident Nick DeBenedetto and a consumer advocacy group have filed a class action suit against restaurant chain Denny's, saying the company's menu items "are dangerously high in sodium." Read Summary > -
Kids Low on Vitamin D
Seven out of 10 U.S. children have low levels of vitamin D, according to a study of over 6,000 children by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Read More > -
Spleen may help immune system, heart recover from disease
In a study of mice, researchers found that the spleen is home to cells that may help the heart and other organs recover from disease. Read Summary > -
Calcium scans could spot heart trouble early
Scientists say they can better predict which patients with known heart disease are going to have a major cardiac event if they scan for levels of calcium in the patients' blood vessels during routine blood-vessel function tests. Read Summary > -
TV, gaming, computer time boosts kids' blood pressure: study
Watching television, using a computer, or playing video games increases a child's risk of developing high blood pressure, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
House panel approves healthcare reform bill
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved a sweeping bill designed to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system, clearing the way for a vote by the full House in the fall. Read Summary > -
'Silent strokes' a risk for people over 60
Australian researchers have found that people over age 60 are at risk for suffering "silent strokes," particularly if they have high blood pressure. Read Summary > -
Attention training may help victims of stroke
According to a new study, attention training may help stroke victims combat the inability to focus that often comes with the condition. Read Summary > -
FDA issues warning on body-building supplements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to consumers that they should avoid using body-building supplements that are marketed as containing steroids or steroid-like substances. Read Summary > -
Widespread availability of study data has changed stent use
According to a new report, the rapid availability of new data about the risks associated with the use of drug-eluting stents to clear blocked arteries has led to an almost immediate decrease in their use. Read Summary > -
Scientists create 'biological pacemaker' from stem cells
Researchers were able to use stem cells taken from a type of fat tissue to correct electrical problems in the hearts of mice. Read Summary > -
Injection may help heart heal after a heart attack
Scientists working with mice have found that injecting a growth factor known as neuregulin 1 (NRG1) can help fuel heart-muscle growth and cardiac-function recovery when it is injected after a heart attack. Read Summary > -
Study: Agent Orange boosts heart disease, Parkinson's risks
According to new research, exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange that were sprayed by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War appears to have put veterans at increased risk for heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Read Summary > -
Heart attack patients often not referred to rehab: study
Cardiac rehabilitation can help protect patients from further cardiac problems once they've been hospitalized for a heart attack, but only slightly more than half of patients are referred for the treatment, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Study predicts heart surgeon shortage
The aging population is growing rapidly, and experts predict there could be a severe shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons over the next 15 years as these patients require more and more heart procedures. Read Summary > -
Carotid artery areas react differently to plaque buildup: study
Researchers say this finding may help explain why deadly plaque accumulates at certain places in the artery. Read Summary > -
Should children take statins?
New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association that recommend statins for children as young as eight years old have sparked debate. Read Summary > -
Blood pressure drug may block overactive breast cancer gene
A medication used to treat high blood pressure may be able to block the activity of a gene linked to breast cancer. Read Summary > -
Drugmakers pour $40 million into healthcare reform debate
Statistics show that the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), a lobbying group that represents 32 brandname drug companies, and its member companies have spent $40 million lobbying Congress as the lawmakers work to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system. Read Summary > -
Doctors judge patients by their looks, studies show
Several studies have found that doctors treat patients differently depending on their race and body weight. Read Summary > -
Blood Pressure Drugs Save Memory?
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Stroke Survivors Relearning to Focus
Impaired attention is one of the most significant repercussions for stroke victims, reducing their ability to focus on tasks. A therapy called Attention Process Training (APT) may aid survivors in their rehabilitation process. Read More > -
Reid: No healthcare vote until after August recess
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says there will be no vote on healthcare reform before Congress takes its August break, a move that would go against President Obama's announced timetable for its vote. Read Summary > -
5 high blood pressure genes found in black Americans
Government researchers have found five genetic variants linked with high blood pressure in black Americans, and they hope these genes will become targets for therapies that prevent and treat this risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Read Summary > -
Studies affirm the value of a healthy lifestyle
Two studies have confirmed what all that heart-healthy advice has said: eating the right foods, losing weight, and exercising really do help both men and women avoid cardiovascular problems. Read Summary > -
Eating high-salt foods dampens hypertension drugs' effects
Scientists have found that eating a high-salt diet not only contributes to hypertension, but it can also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. Read Summary > -
Beta-blockers may boost cataract risk
According to a new study, the commonly used class of blood pressure drugs known as beta-blockers may increase users' risk of developing cataracts. Read Summary > -
How veins are removed for bypass affects outcomes: study
According to a new study, the way that the vein used for a cardiac bypass procedure is removed from the body appears to affect the long-term outcome of the surgery. Read Summary > -
New hope for damaged hearts
Mayo Clinic researchers say they have genetically engineered cells that help transform scar tissue into a type of cell that helps the heart repair itself after a heart attack. Read Summary > -
Scientists find how antioxidants help the heart
French scientists say they've begun to discover the exact molecular reasons foods such as orange juice and the popular spice tumeric help maintain heart and artery health. Read Summary > -
Varicose vein condition may mask clot disorder
Scientists found that one-quarter of the patients in a recent study who had superficial vein thrombosis--or varicose veins that have become swollen and painful--actually had the dangerous clot disorder deep vein thrombosis. Read Summary > -
Viagra Saving Children
Heart disease kills a half a million people year. Now toddlers -- even infants -- are being treated for it, and some with a very grown-up drug. Viagra was first studied as a heart medication, and doctors are now getting back to its roots in the young population increasingly affected by a dangerous condition. Read More > -
Heart Disease Linked to Alzheimer's
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AMA backs House healthcare reform bill
The American Medical Association (AMA) is urging approval for healthcare overhaul legislation currently moving through committees in the U.S. House of Representatives. Read Summary > -
Q&A: Is lisinopril causing my cough?
A reader who takes lisinopril to control her blood pressure wonders if her severe cough is being caused by the medication. Read Summary > -
Being fit may lessen stroke damage
According to a new study, people who have exercised for about 20 minutes per day at least three days a week in the years before suffering a stroke may have less damage from the stroke than those who did not exercise regularly. Read Summary > -
Strokes in kids rare but costly
Though strokes only strike three or four people under age 20 per 100,000 annually, these strokes cost about $42 million to treat, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Study IDs risk factors for death in young stroke patients
Heavy drinking, Type 1 diabetes, heart failure, and infection are among some of the factors that can increase the risk of death in younger adult stroke victims, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
House bill would make health care a 'right, responsibility'
Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives want to define health care as a right and a responsibility for all Americans. Read Summary > -
Girl's heart heals itself after transplant
Ten years after having a donor heart implanted directly into her damaged one, Hannah Clark's heart was able to heal itself. Read Summary > -
Lower IQ linked to greater heart death risk
The scientists say their finding suggests that public health messages on lifestyle issues such as smoking, diet, and exercise should be simplified to make them easier to understand. Read Summary > -
New method for leaky heart valve repair shows promise
A new reversible implant appears effective in repairing leaky mitral heart valves, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Heart defect may not need repair: study
According to a new study, people who have a heart defect known as patent foramen ovale don't seem to benefit from having the condition repaired. Read Summary > -
Surgeon General choice will put primary care at the forefront
Dr. Regina Benjamin, President Obama's choice for Surgeon General, puts the face of primary care at the forefront of the Obama administration's healthcare reform efforts, experts say. Read Summary > -
FDA approves blood thinner Effient
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new blood thinner called Effient, which will compete with the commonly used drug Plavix. Read Summary > -
Blood rush to the brain when angry a good sign: study
People with high blood pressure don't experience a rush of blood to their brain when they are angry or under mental stress, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Scientists ID genes for cellular cholesterol
German researchers are reporting that they have identified 20 genes that are linked to controlling cholesterol in cells. Read Summary > -
Statins linked to muscle damage in some patients
A new study has found that some patients with muscle pain continue to show muscle fiber damage even after they've stopped taking the cholesterol-lowering drugs. Read Summary > -
Charging medical bills a risky business
Unemployment rates are climbing and medical bills are mounting, forcing many American to pay their medical bills with credit cards. Read Summary > -
Mini-strokes linked to vision loss
Ophthalmologists in Hong Kong have found that people who suffer a type of mini-stroke called a silent cerebral infarct are more likely to develop glaucoma, even if they have normal pressure in the fluid in their eye. Read Summary > -
Stroke recovery often leads to slow decline: study
Results from a new study suggest that within five years of suffering a stroke, even people who initially recover often slip into a gradual decline, particularly if they have limited access to health care. Read Summary > -
Combo device reduces deaths from heart failure
Results from a new study suggest that a device that both acts as a defibrillator and as an aid to resynchronize the heart reduces deaths by nearly one-third in patients with mild heart failure. Read Summary > -
Travel--especially long flights--boost leg clot risks
People who travel have a significantly higher risk for developing potentially life-threatening blood clots in their legs, according to a review of past research that confirms what experts have long believed. Read Summary > -
HIV patients may have harder arteries
According to a new study, HIV patients who are receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy have arteries that are as stiff as healthy patients who have high blood pressure. Read Summary > -
EKG 'blip' may signal heart trouble
A slightly abnormal "blip" on an electrocardiogram that was formally thought to be insignificant may, in fact, be an early warning sign of heart trouble, researchers say. Read Summary > -
New drug eases stomach trouble from low-dose aspirin
British researchers say the drug famotidine prevents stomach and upper-intestinal ulcers in people taking low-dose aspirin to protect against heart disease and other conditions. Read Summary > -
Multaq approved for heart rhythm disorders
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug Multaq to promote normal heart rhythm in people who suffer from atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Read Summary > -
Raw chicken often contains hidden salt
Nutritionists say sodium levels in raw chicken often reach well over 400 mg per serving-- nearly one-third of the maximum daily intake of 1500 mg recommended for people at risk of high blood pressure. Read Summary > -
Anger takes a toll on the heart: experts
Scientists have found a strong relationship between anger and both the onset and progression of heart disease. Read Summary > -
New study supports wider use of statins
An analysis of previous research supports the idea that even healthy people who do not have heart disease can benefit from taking cholesterol-lowering statins. Read Summary > -
A heart-healthy guide to dining out
Experts offer suggestions for choosing heart-healthier options at your local Italian, Mexican, and Japanese restaurants, as well at your favorite steak houses and sandwich shops. Read Summary > -
Hospitals close to agreeing to accept Medicare cuts
According to Kaiser Health News, the hospital industry is about to agree to accept federal funding cuts of $150 billion to $170 billion over the next decade to help pay for efforts to reform the national healthcare system. Read Summary > -
Occasional blood pressure spikes boost hypertension risk
Results from a new study suggest that sporadic hikes in blood pressure in everyday life or in a medical setting such as a doctor's office can raise the risk of a person developing more sustained high blood pressure. Read Summary > -
Statins may ward off Alzheimer's
Patients who take a cholesterol-lowing statin may be protected against Alzheimer's disease, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Fast angioplasty best after a heart attack
Heart attack patients who are given a clot-busting drug after having a heart attack should undergo angioplasty to open blocked arteries as soon as possible afterward, Canadian researchers say. Read Summary > -
Study: New tests not better at predicting heart risks
Results from two new studies suggest that tests for biomarkers of cardiac risk are no better than using older, established factors such as high cholesterol and obesity to predict a person's heart risks. Read Summary > -
Wal-Mart supports employer health insurance mandate
The Associated Press is reporting that the nation's largest private employer, Wal-Mart, has announced that it supports an employer health insurance mandate. Read Summary > -
Depression, anxiety harm the heart
Depression and anxiety appear to boost the risk of angina and death due to heart-related problems, two new studies suggest. Read Summary > -
Coroner: TV personality Billy Mays died of heart disease
Television pitchman Billy Mays, best known for his OxiClean and Orange Glo commercials, died of heart disease, a Florida medical examiner says. Read Summary > -
How to get quick help in the ER
The average total wait time in an emergency room in the United States is four hours and three minutes, but experts say there are ways you can cut down your wait. Read Summary > -
LA coroner delays ruling on Jackson's death
The Los Angeles Coroner's Offfice called the autopsy performed on the body of pop star Michael Jackson "inconclusive," and he said it will take six to eight weeks before an official cause of death can be determined. Read Summary > -
Some Mediterranean diet ingredients healthier than others
Results from a new study suggest that some parts of the Mediterranean diet are more beneficial to good health than others. Read Summary > -
Statin-related muscle pain may be genetic: expert
A reader asks Joe and Teresa Graedon about the flu-like symptoms he experienced when he began taking the statin Lipitor, symptoms that stopped after his doctor took him off the cholesterol drug. Read Summary > -
Sources: Michael Jackson died from Demerol abuse
Friends and medical experts believe the narcotic painkiller Demerol was behind Michael Jackson's sudden death from cardiac arrest. Read Summary > -
Police seek Michael Jackson's doctor
Los Angeles police are looking for Michael Jackson's doctor, but so far they have been unable to find or contact him. Read Summary > -
FDA seizes generic maker's drugs
The seizure of meds from drugmaker Caraco affects 33 medications, and it could lead to a shortage of the painkiller choline magnesium trisalicylate. Read Summary > -
LAPD opens investigation into Michael Jackson's death
The Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) robbery/homicide division has opened in investigation into the death of pop icon Michael Jackson. Read Summary > -
Why is cardiac arrest more dangerous than a heart attack?
"King of Pop" Michael Jackson has died of a heart problem known as cardiac arrest, leading many to wonder about the causes of this condition and how differs from a heart attack. Read Summary > -
Reports: Michael Jackson dead from cardiac arrest
Pop star Michael Jackson has died after suffering cardiac arrest. Read Summary > -
Opioids lessen stroke damage in new animal study
Researchers working with rats have found that a form of hibernation induced by opioid drugs reduced brain damage and behavioral dysfunction in the animals that experienced an experimental stroke. Read Summary > -
A few extra pounds may extend life: study
According to a new Canadian study, being overweight--but not obese--may help people live longer. Read Summary > -
6 things patients do that doctors hate
Patients are full of complaints about their doctors, but many doctors feel the same way about some of their patients. Read Summary > -
Heart attacks less often fatal
Researchers say people who have a first heart attack are more likely to survive today than they were decades ago. Read Summary > -
Music, heart can keep the same rhythm
A new study in Italy has found that people's cardiovascular rhythms can "sync" with musical ones. Read Summary > -
Phone, Internet interventions help heart patients: study
Researchers in Australia have found that telephone and Internet interventions may help heart attack survivors and other cardiac patients improve their heart health and prevent further cardiac events. Read Summary > -
Study: Patients often not told lab test results
According to a new study, patients who have routine blood tests done by their primary care physician often are never informed about the results. Read Summary > -
Xience stent performs well in first 'real-world' test
In a recent study, the Xience stent significantly reduced the risk of major cardiac events when compared to both bare-metal and another type of drug-eluting stent. Read Summary > -
Drugmakers offer millions in senior discounts to help healthcare reform
U.S. drugmakers have agreed to pay out $80 million in discounts to seniors over the next decade in an effort to help pay for President Obama's healthcare reform plan. Read Summary > -
Study: Radiation Increases Risk of Stroke
Patients treated for Hodgkin lymphoma with radiation therapy have a substantially higher risk of stroke, according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Radiation to the neck and mediastinum was associated with increased risk, whereas chemotherapy was not. Read More > -
What you should know about healthcare reform
A health reporter answers some of the most commonly asked questions about healthcare reform to help you understand this process as it moves through Congress. Read Summary > -
Lifestyle may override hypertension genes
According to a new study, just because you're born with genes that make you prone to high blood pressure doesn't mean you're doomed to have it. Read Summary > -
Study: To lower blood pressure, little steps go a long way
According to a new study, patients who make small changes in an effort to lower their blood pressure experience major reductions in their risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Read Summary > -
Study: Psoriasis boosts risk of heart attack, stroke, death
People who have the skin condition psoriasis have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, most likely due to the inflammation common to the conditions. Read Summary > -
Insurance companies refuse to stop cancelling sick patients' policies
Despite calls to stop the practice, executives from the insurance industry's top three insurers--UnitedHealth Group, Wellpoint, and Assurant--say they will continue to cancel the insurance policies of some sick patients. Read Summary > -
New anti-clotting pill shows promise
Results from a new clinical trial show that the new anticoagulant Xarelto lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death people who have had a heart attack or suffer from unstable angina. Read Summary > -
Scientists ID how red wine boosts health
Scientists say they may have found out why the French suffer far less heart disease than Americans, despite having a diet high in fat and alcohol consumption, especially wine. Read Summary > -
Red yeast rice may help those who can't take statins
In a new study, Pennsylvania researchers found that a commercially available red yeast rice product significantly decreased the cholesterol in 62 patients with high cholesterol. Read Summary > -
9 medicines that do 'double-duty' work
Experts discuss a hair loss drug that fights prostate cancer, a cough medicine that may increase the chances of conception, and seven other drugs that work to treat more than one condition. Read Summary > -
White bread, cornflakes may increase heart risks
Researchers say eating foods with a high-glycemic index such as cornflakes and white bread may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease by interfering with the way your blood vessels work. Read Summary > -
Obama may limit medical malpractice lawsuits
President Obama told members of the American Medical Association (AMA) that imposing limits on medical malpractice lawsuits may be a "necessary part" of healthcare reform. Read Summary > -
Study: Too few women in clinical trials
According to a new study, many women appear to lack the resources or time to participate in a clinical trial. Read Summary > -
Veggie Heavy 'Eco-Atkins' Diet Improves Cholesterol
One of the hottest diet trends of the past decade is back, but this time, meat is taking a backseat to vegetables. Read More > -
Old medications? Don't flush them
Flushing expired or unused prescription medications may seem like a safe and easy way to dispose of them, but health experts say this practice harms the environment. Read Summary > -
Ignorance of basic anatomy may hinder health care: study
In a recent study, British researchers found that only half of the people asked where their heart was could identity where it was located. Read Summary > -
Zocor may block nerve repair
New research published in The American Journal of Pathology has found that the cholesterol drug Zocor (simvastatin) may block the body's ability to repair damaged nerve tissue. Read Summary > -
Scientists Unlock Secrets of Red Wine's Health Benefits
For nearly 200 years, red wine has been touted for its unmatched health benefits. It's been shown to do everything from preventing cancer to protecting the heart and brain from damage to preventing age-related disorders such as diabetes and inflammation. Now, researchers said they are finally starting to scientifically explain these widespread benefits. Read More > -
What are your odds for heart failure?
One study isolates four risk factors for heart failure, while another has developed a "calculator" that can predict a person's risk for developing the condition in the next 30 years. Read Summary > -
Fewer people dying from brain bleeds
Researchers say better diagnostic methods and more effective treatments are behind the decrease in deaths from subarachnoid hemorrhages. Read Summary > -
Sleeplessness can lead to high blood pressure
Adults who don't get enough sleep are at greater risk for developing high blood pressure over time, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Study: Drug-coated stents OK after age 70
According to new research, age shouldn't be a factor when doctors are deciding whether to use artery-opening drug-coated stents, since these devices appear to be effective on heart patients ages 70 years and older. Read Summary > -
Another blood fat linked to increased heart risks
People whose genes give them higher levels of a blood fat called lipoprotein(a) appear to have an increased risk of heart attacks, Danish researchers say. Read Summary > -
FDA: Do not use Clarcon skin products
Officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are warning consumers not to use Clarcon skin sanitizers and skin protectants because they may be contaminated with a bacteria that could make users sick. Read Summary > -
10 easy food swaps that cut cholesterol
It's hard to think of getting rid of favorite foods for the sake of cutting cholesterol, since many people think losing their favorites also means losing flavor. Not so, say these experts. Read Summary > -
Drugs, Surgery Produce Similar Death Rates in Diabetics With Heart Disease
For patients with both Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, choosing drug therapy or surgery produces similar death rates, according to a new international, multicenter study. Read More > -
Drugmaker seeks approval for new combo cholesterol pill
Drugmakers have asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve a new cholesterol medicine that combines TriLipix and Crestor. Read Summary > -
5 ways to avoid fake healthcare scams
A health reporter gives fives ways you can know if a medical discount or insurance plan is a scam. Read Summary > -
Meds as good as stents for diabetics with heart disease: study
Diabetics who have stable heart disease fare just as well with medications alone as they do with invasive heart procedures such angioplasty or bypass surgery, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Nerve stimulation may help hand control in stroke victims
Electrical nerve stimulation may help people who've had a stroke relearn how to control their hands, German researchers say. Read Summary > -
Stroke treatment window opens wider
According to a new study, the clot-busting drug tissue known as plasminogen activator (tPA) is effective 4.5 hours after stroke symptoms begin, 1.5 hours longer than previously thought. Read Summary > -
Mini-stroke can mean major stroke within hours: study
British researchers say about 50 percent of the people who suffer a major stroke after having a mini-stroke do so within 24 hours of the minor stroke event. Read Summary > -
Consumer group asks FDA to halt blood thinner study
A consumer advocacy group is urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to halt its review of a new blood thinner called prasugrel because the group is concerned about the safety of the drug. Read Summary > -
Videos help solidify end-of-life decisions
Experts say that videos help make the reality of diseases and treatment decisions easier for people to understand. Read Summary > -
5 surprising heart attack triggers
Experts give this list of five surprising heart attack triggers. Read Summary > -
Heart drug combo linked to GI bleeding
According to new research, common drug combinations used to treat heart disease may increase a patient's risk of developing upper gastrointestinal tract perforations or bleeding. Read Summary > -
Obesity, diabetes boost heart failure risk
Scottish researchers say the dual epidemics of Type II diabetes and obesity will fuel an explosion on the number of people who suffer heart failure. Read Summary > -
'Tomato in a pill' may help prevent heart disease
Scientists have found that a supplement made from tomatoes may block the buildup of bad cholesterol that can cause heart attacks and strokes. Read Summary > -
Study: Aspirin to prevent heart attack too risky for some
According to new research, taking aspirin may reduce the risk of heart attack in people who have no history of vascular disease, but it also increases their risk of internal bleeding. Read Summary > -
BP Drug Blocks Breast Cancer
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Heart Health Not Hurt by Cancer Treatments
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Hauser case brings up issue of parents' rights
Who has the right to make decisions about a child's medical needs--the parents, the doctors, or the courts? Read Summary > -
Compression stockings little help post-stroke: study
A study of more than 2,500 stroke patients has found that compression stockings don't reduce the risk of blood clots in these patients. Read Summary > -
Study: Stroke risk factors more common in whites
Researchers say that though blacks are more likely to have risk factors such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation--a major stroke cause--is more common in whites. Read Summary > -
New drug approved for pulmonary hypertension
The drug, which will be sold under the brandname Adcirca, contains the same ingredient found in the erectile dysfunction drug Cialis. Read Summary > -
FDA says music, images in drug ads distract viewers
Prescription drug advertisements have drawn fire for portraying healthy-looking, smiling patients while explaining benefits, and then rushing through or providing distractions when required risk information is given. Read Summary > -
Time in the sun may cut elderly's heart, diabetes risks
Experts say spending more time in the sun may help seniors cut their risk of heart disease and diabetes because sun exposure helps the skin make vitamin D. Read Summary > -
Higher fitness levels lower heart, death risks
New research suggests that staying healthy means a quality life that lasts longer. Read Summary > -
Gene links gum disease to heart disease
German researchers say they have found a genetic link between the gum disease peridontitis disease and heart disease. Read Summary > -
Study: Cholesterol meds prevent second stroke
A new study strengthens previous research that showed statins were effective at preventing a second stroke. Read Summary > -
Diabetes and Sleep Apnea
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Diabetes and Sleep Apnea Linked
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Women Shortchanged on Heart Care
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Health Insurance 101: Advice for the recent grad
Most new college graduates say they're ready for the "real world." But are they ready for the world of health insurance? Read Summary > -
Study: Too-low blood pressure also dangerous
Though most people are aware the having high blood pressure is dangerous, a new study suggests that having low blood pressure may be risky as well. Read Summary > -
Ordinary virus may cause high blood pressure
In a new study performed on mice, scientists found that the herpes virus cytomegalovirus (CMV) appears to increase inflammation in the blood vessels, which boosts blood pressure. Read Summary > -
Study: Fast treatment matters with heart attacks
New research published in the British Medical Journal has found that people who have suffered a heart attack should be given balloon angioplasty as soon as they enter the hospital in order to decrease their risk of dying. Read Summary > -
Medical advances mean fewer heart surgeries
The development of better prevention methods and medical advances is likely behind a drop in bypass procedures, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Hidden salt in foods may harm people with heart failure
A new study has found that people with heart failure often have high sodium intake levels, despite their efforts to cut back on salt. Read Summary > -
Estrogen may protect men's hearts
But researchers say too much or too little of the hormone can also be damaging. Read Summary > -
Heart rate may predict heart attack risk: study
French researchers have found that a mental stress-related increase in heart rate before exercise appears to be associated with an increased risk of heart attack later in life for men. Read Summary > -
Obese patients appear to do better with heart disease
Carrying extra body fat is a risk factor for developing heart disease, but researchers say that obese heart disease patients appear to have an easier time fighting it than their slim peers. Read Summary > -
Urine test may predict DVT, lung clot risk
In a new study, those with elevated albumin levels were more likely to get DVT, pulmonary embolisms. Read Summary > -
Drugmaker offers free medications to unemployed
Drugmaker Pfizer is making 70 of its most popular medications--including Lipitor, Viagra, and Celebrex-- available at no cost to people who have lost their jobs and do not have health insurance. Read Summary > -
5 tips for getting insurance with a pre-existing condition
A health reporter gives five tips for getting health insurance coverage if you have a pre-existing medical condition, including using COBRA, finding assistance through your state, and becoming a "group of one." Read Summary > -
A little drinking helps men live longer: study
According to a new study, a half a glass of wine or other alcohol beverage each day boosts men's life expectancy by five years. Read Summary > -
Chewable aspirin may be better after heart attack
California researchers have found that chewable aspirin is more readily absorbed into bloodstream, which may make it a better choice for people who've suffered a cardiac event such as a heart attack. Read Summary > -
Ginseng fights inflammation, scientists find
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have identified anti-inflammatory compounds in the traditional remedy. Read Summary > -
Impact of Smoking
Results from a large study show what many of us already know: smoking is bad for your health. However, researchers say the new data show the "tremendous" impact cigarettes have in promoting a variety of diseases and death. Read More > -
Study: Aspirin lowers stroke risk in PAD patents
But researchers say their findings may be limited by the lack of studies on the subject. Read Summary > -
DASH diet may offer specific benefits for women
A diet designed to lower blood pressure--called the DASH diet--also lowers the risk of heart failure for women, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Genes offer clues to hypertension
Researchers found 13 gene regions not previously linked to blood pressure differences, a finding that could lead to better hypertension treatments. Read Summary > -
Seniors often mistake stroke history
According to a new study, giving seniors MRI scans may offer a more accurate stroke history for doctors than patient-answered questionnaires. Read Summary > -
High blood pressure, smoking account for 1 in 5 U.S. deaths
And experts say prevention methods on both fronts have "run out of steam." Read Summary > -
All blood pressure drugs lower heart risks: study
Two new studies suggest that all blood pressure medications work to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, though which drugs are best varies according to the cardiovascular event. Read Summary > -
Genes Predict Kidney Disease?
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Telling heartburn from a heart attack can be tricky
Because of similar symptoms, doctors urge overreaction if in doubt. Read Summary > -
Study: Using CPAP after heart surgery may boost outcomes
A new study suggests that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment after heart surgery may help prevent complications and cut hospital readmissions. Read Summary > -
Hands-only CPR may help save lives
According to cardiac experts, doing CPR using chest compressions alone--also known as hands-only CPR--may actually be more effective at saving lives. Read Summary > -
Device may treat leaky heart valves
A new device may be option for those too sick for open-heart surgery, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Transplant Lengthens Lives of Diabetics With Kidney Disease
Type 1 diabetics in need of a kidney transplant may increase their long-term survival rate with a simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant, although this option also brings some increased surgical risks. Read More > -
FDA warns Cheerios maker on heart claims
Officials the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have sent a warning letter to General Mills, the maker of Cheerios cereal, saying the company made inappropriate claims about the popular cereal's ability to lower cholesterol and treat heart disease. Read Summary > -
Health literacy boosts happiness in older adults: study
Older adults who are able to read, understand, and use health and medical information are happier, new research suggests. Read Summary > -
Slow, long, frequent walks better for cardiac rehab
Experts suggest a change of pace for cardiac rehab, saying walking slowly, often, and for long periods is better. Read Summary > -
Heparin under review after two deaths
Two patients in Delaware have died after receiving the drug heparin, a widely used blood thinner made by Baxter International Inc. Read Summary > -
New report highlights women's mental health issues
According to a new government report, women are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer from major depression, three times more likely to attempt suicide, and two to three times more likely to experience anxiety disorders than men. Read Summary > -
30-year study shows benefits of not smoking
Most people know that smoking is unhealthy, but a new 30-year study shows just how much health benefit non-smokers have over smokers. Read Summary > -
Study: Phone monitoring helps lower blood pressure
In a new study, weekly contact with patients via an automated system proves beneficial in helping them lower their blood pressure. Read Summary > -
Elderly should not use NSAIDs long-term: experts
An expert panel of American Geriatrics Society is all but "crossing off" non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from its list of recommended drugs for older adults with chronic, persistent pain. Read Summary > -
Report: Disabled Boomers a growing concern
A new report published the the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that over the next 20 years, aging Baby Boomers are expected to cause large increases in the number of U.S. adults with disabilities. Read Summary > -
Study: Clinics less likely to send patients to cardiologists
A new study has found that women especially are affected if their primary care came from a community outlet. Read Summary > -
Urine test may uncover heart disease
The test looks for fragments of the protein collagen, which plays a major role in blocking heart arteries. Read Summary > -
Poll: Public lacks confidence in the FDA
According to a new poll, more than half of U.S. adults surveyed believe the federal agency is falling behind in safeguarding food, drugs. Read Summary > -
Study: Managing cholesterol, BP lowers heart risks
A new study shows that people who've suffered a stroke may be able to lower their chances of having another stroke or a heart attack by reaching optimal cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Read Summary > -
Elderly should not use NSAIDs long-term: experts
An expert panel of American Geriatrics Society is all but "crossing off" non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from its list of recommended drugs for older adults with chronic, persistent pain. Read Summary > -
FDA orders new Botox warnings
Using injections of Botox to relax muscle spasms carries severe risks, the federal agency says. Read Summary > -
Atrial fibrillation after angioplasty a bad sign: study
Researchers say having atrial fibrillation after the procedure ups a patient's long-term risk of dying. Read Summary > -
Study: Work stress leads to heart stress
Scientists say the link between work stress and heart stress is clear, but the solutions for the problem are less so. Read Summary > -
Computer scan correctly IDs heart disease: study
The new scan helps prevent unnecessary testing and hospitalization for heart disease, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Co-pays keep chronically ill from getting meds: study
Researchers have found that many patients are waiting years after a diagnosis to fill a first prescription because of high co-pay costs. Read Summary > -
Fatty fish may cut men's heart failure risk
A new study finds benefit from men consuming just one serving of fatty fish a week. Read Summary > -
Survey: Many more need statins
But a new survey finds that lack of access to medical care is a big factor in people not using the cholesterol-lowering drugs. Read Summary > -
Statins may protect against prostate cancer, ED
Several new studies suggest that cholesterol-lowering statins help prevent prostate cancer and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Read Summary > -
Waking up during surgery common: study
U.S. researchers have found that waking up during surgery is surprisingly common, affecting 1-in-500 surgical cases. Read Summary > -
Canada becomes third nation to confirm swine flu cases
Canada became the third country to confirm human cases of swine flu Sunday as other nations considered wider measures to curb the spread of the virus. Read Summary > -
White House: Be prepared, not panicked about swine flu
Officials in the Obama administration are seeking to reassure an edgy public about a potential swine flu outbreak, stressing the need for patience and preparedness, not panic. Read Summary > -
3 ways to protect yourself from swine flu
Reporter Ben Sherwood offers this list of three ways you can protect yourself from the swine flu virus. Read Summary > -
State of emergency declared as U.S. swine flu cases rise to 20
The federal government has declared a public health emergency to deal with swine flu, the Associated Press reports. Read Summary > -
Botox may free muscles damaged by stroke
A health reporter talks to Francine V. Corso about how Botox has helped return mobility to her stroke-damaged limbs. Read Summary > -
Psoriasis Associated With High Blood Pressure, Diabetes in Women
Women with psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, appear to have an increased risk for developing diabetes and high blood pressure, Harvard researchers said. Read More > -
Breastfeeding boosts mother's heart health
Breastfeeding brings mothers cardiovascular benefits decades later, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
New scan may spot "silent heart attacks" early
A new cardiac imaging technique may help doctors screen for "silent heart attacks," a type of heart attack that has no symptoms and that older EKGS can miss. Read Summary > -
Specialists should implant ICDs, study suggests
U.S. researchers have found that heart patients who get their defibrillator from a doctor who specializes in the heart's electrical system fare better than those whose devices are implanted by doctors of other specialties. Read Summary > -
Prison time boosts blood pressure risk: study
Young adults who have served time in prison have a greater risk of developing an enlarged heart and high blood pressure than those who have never spent time in jail. Read Summary > -
Battle of the Sugars: Fructose vs. Glucose
Fructose may pose a more serious threat to cardiovascular health than glucose, new research suggests. Read More > -
Psoriasis boosts hypertension, diabetes risk
People who suffer from the skin disorder psoriasis have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Study: Atkins diet harder on heart after weight loss
A new study found worse cholesterol, blood vessel health in patients on the Atkins diet than in patents who used the South Beach or Ornish regimens to lose weight. Read Summary > -
Laughter may be the best medicine: study
Laughter may help lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease, a small new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Blueberries may help ward off diabetes, heart disease
A heart-healthy diet that includes blueberries may help ward off belly fat, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Read Summary > -
Scientists ID stroke genes
Researchers at New York University say they have identified a chromosomal region that may contain two genetic variations responsible for boosting the risk of ischemic stroke. Read Summary > -
Acetaminophen, statins may fight strokes
A new study suggests that the cholesterol-lowering drugs could help prevent an attack, while the painkiller might minimize damage. Read Summary > -
Foods that affect both health and appearance
In this article, a health reporter talks to experts about foods that help such areas as your skin, hair, eyesight, bones, brain, and heart. Read Summary > -
Preventing Stroke in Kids: Good and Bad News
The good news is more children with a condition that puts them at risk for stroke are undergoing ultrasound screening. The bad news is only a limited number of labs offer this test. Read More > -
Aspirin linked to microbleeds in the brain
Dutch scientists have found an increased rate of tiny bleeding episodes in the brain in people who regularly take aspirin. Read Summary > -
Heart can make new cells: study
The discovery, which solves a long-standing debate, could lead to ways of regrowing damaged cardiac tissue, experts say. Read Summary > -
Finger device may detect heart disease
A fingertip sensor tracks changes in blood flow, predicting odds for heart attack, experts say. Read Summary > -
Stems cells reduce angina pain in new study
An early study have found improved ability to exercise within six months of the stem cell treatment. Read Summary > -
Danon disease quick, deadly: study
Heart experts stress the importance of genetic testing and diagnosis for this rare genetic disease. Read Summary > -
Drug-eluting stents don't up clot risk: study
A new large study has found that there does not appear to be an increased risk of clots inside drug-eluting heart stents. Read Summary > -
Sudden cardiac death genes found
The finding could prevent fatal arrhythmias by limiting meds in those with risk factor, scientists say. Read Summary > -
FDA to check old medical devices
In a step that critics have long requested, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will begin checking the safety of some of the riskiest medical devices. Read Summary > -
Grapefruit, birth control pills can lead to dangerous clot
The fruit, combined with contraceptive pill and a genetic mutation, almost cost woman her leg, doctors say. Read Summary > -
Talk therapy may ease post-heart surgery depression
Two techniques worked for patients after heart bypass procedures, study finds. Read Summary > -
Obesity linked to heart failure risk
Waist size important in women, not men, researchers report Read Summary > -
Obesity Rates Based on Ethnicity
Obesity rates may be affected by a child's ethnicity and race starting as early as four years old. Read More > -
Get Aggressive to Beat Smoking
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Packing on Pounds Impacts the Gums
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Brush Your Way to a Healthy Baby
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Kroger recalls mayonnaise in 3 states
Grocery store chain Kroger has recalled some store brand mayonnaise because it may be contaminated with salmonella. Read Summary > -
Plavix plus aspirin lowers stroke risk
The clot-busting combo can boost outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation, study finds. Read Summary > -
Kidney ailments may rise along with blood pressure
New findings emphasize the value of early screening programs for kidney problems, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Using too much salt common in U.S., CDC says
A new report finds that Americans' average sodium intake far exceeds recommendations, raising health risks. Read Summary > -
Study: Relaxine eases heart failure
An international team of scientists has found that Relaxine--a drug made from a naturally occurring hormone that helps women adapt to pregnancy--may be an effective treatment for acute heart failure. Read Summary > -
Energy drinks and heart problems don't mix: study
According to new research, people who have high blood pressure or heart problems should avoid consuming energy drinks. Read Summary > -
New surgery for heart failure ineffective
Isolating damaged heart tissue does not produce better outcomes, study finds. Read Summary > -
New guidelines for treating heart failure
The new criteria include an added section on hospital care and advice on the drugs most effective in blacks. Read Summary > -
10 best heart-healthy foods
A health reporter offers a list of 10 foods that will help keep your heart in tip-top shape. Read Summary > -
Some digoxin tablets recalled
Drugmaker Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd. is recalling all lots of Digoxin tablets because the product might vary in size and deliver different doses of the drug. Read Summary > -
FDA panel backs new heart drug Multaq
A panel of experts that advises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that a new heart drug called Multaq should be approved for delaying symptoms of atrial fibrillation and reducing hospitalization among patients with this condition. Read Summary > -
Investigational drug may prevent blood clots
Researchers say the new drug made from the magnolia tree works even when common blood thinners also are taken along with it. Read Summary > -
Registry created for broken heart syndrome
Two-thirds of the people in the new registry had suffered an extremely stressful emotional or physical event just before they arrived at a hospital with heart attack-like symptoms. Read Summary > -
Omega-3s no help to heart attack patients
The standard drug therapy for people who have had a heart attack wipes out any protection the supplement might provide, study finds. Read Summary > -
One pill might prevent heart disease
A new study has found that five drugs in one dose reduced heart attack, stroke risk. Read Summary > -
Statins may help before artery-opening surgery
New Italian studies report fewer heart attacks after procedures when patients took statins. Read Summary > -
High blood fat levels common in Americans
High levels of blood fats, called triglycerides, may contribute to heart risk, study finds. Read Summary > -
TriLipix, Crestor combo better at improving heart risks: study
A new study has found that patients who take a combination of the cholesterol drugs TriLipix and Crestor improve their heart risk factors more than patients who take the individual medications alone. Read Summary > -
Walgreens offers free care to unemployed, uninsured
The drugstore chain Walgreens is offering free clinic visits to people who lose their jobs and health insurance through the end of this year. Read Summary > -
Q&A: ADHD, stimulants, and heart risks
A reader wants to know if children taking stimulants for ADHD should have a heart evaluation before beginning medication. Read Summary > -
Avoid pistachios, FDA says
Officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are warning consumers not to eat any products containing pistachios because the nuts may be contaminated with salmonella. Read Summary > -
Pediatric Heart Patients Deserve Happy Ending
Children who undergo surgical repair of complex heart defects have a good prognosis these days. More than 90 percent survive the operation. Read More > -
Kroger recalls pistachios in 31 states
The recalled products may be contaminated with salmonella, Kroger officials say. Read Summary > -
Crestor cuts risk of vein blood clots by 43 percent: study
This clotting, called venous thrombosis, is very common, and it can be disabling and even fatal. Read Summary > -
Tips for shopping for health insurance
A health reporter talks to experts about how you can navigate the "minefield" of choosing a private health plan. Read Summary > -
5 operations you don't want--and what to do instead
Experts say there are alternative treatments you may want to try before agreeing to heartburn, lower-back, and heart surgery. Read Summary > -
Many Americans will become "medical tourists"
Experts say that next year, 6 million Americans will travel abroad for medical treatment in order to cut costs. Read Summary > -
Experts Push for Salt Regulation
Solutions to the problem of excess salt consumption in the United States need to be put into practice as soon as possible, experts say, and those strategies need to involve the government and food industry. Experts met at the 7th National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke to push forward with changes at both levels. Read More > -
FDA panel backs new anti-clotting drug for hip, knee replacement
The drug, rivaroxaban, could replace heparin after hip- or knee-replacement surgery. Read Summary > -
Family history plays key role in blood clot risk
A new study finds a family history more than doubles odds, especially if kin was diagnosed at young age. Read Summary > -
Yellow pea protein may lower blood pressure
The finding from a study in rats holds promise against kidney disease, too, experts say. Read Summary > -
Study: Genetics should decide warfarin dose
A new study confirms previous research that found what works for some people might be dangerous for others. Read Summary > -
Some propafenone HCL tablets recalled
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reporting that some propafenone HCL tablets are being recalled. Read Summary > -
Study: Lowest cholesterol, blood pressure best
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have found that people who maintain the tightest control over the major risk factors for heart disease seem to have the greatest protection against cardiovascular problems. Read Summary > -
Eating fish may not be as healthy as we think
New research shows recent recommendations to eat more fish may not be best for us -- or for fish. Read Summary > -
Drug fails to slow the progression of atherosclerosis
Pactimibe also was associated with more risk of major heart problems, study finds. Read Summary > -
Study finds millions more may benefit from statins
New prescribing criteria could prevent thousands of heart attacks, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Tool: Calculator for determining Type 2 diabetes risk
British scientists have developed an online calculator that can help you predict your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Read Summary > -
Diabetics, Older Patients Benefit From Heart Bypass
It may be a more invasive surgery, but new research shows heart bypass surgery leads to longer lives than angioplasty for specific groups of patients. Read More > -
Obesity can trim 10 years off your life
Being obese can trim as much as a decade off your life--a consequence similar to lifelong smoking--a new study has found. Read Summary > -
FDA: Zencore Plus recalled
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a nationwide recall of the men's supplement Zencore Plus. Read Summary > -
10 ways to save on prescriptions
A recent study by Consumer Reports has found that 28 percent of Americans have taken dangerous steps to cut the cost of their prescription medications. Read Summary > -
Millions of Americans with chronic ills put off health care
Survey shows they suffer consequences of delaying doctor visits, filling prescriptions. Read Summary > -
High rate of early heart failure seen in blacks
Biggest risk factors were hypertension, obesity, study found. Read Summary > -
Brain hemorrhage may explain Natasha Richardson's death
In the wake of the sudden death Wednesday of actress Natasha Richardson, reports that she suffered critical brain damage after a seemingly minor fall on a Canadian ski slope on Tuesday have many people wondering how this could happen. Read Summary > -
Aging Baby Boomers may swamp cardiac care
"Diabesity" renders them more prone to heart attacks than their predecessors, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Any exercise good after a heart attack
But inactivity makes benefit vanish quickly, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Defibrillator may not help many with heart failure
The elderly need to make tough choice on whether it's worthwhile to have one of the devices, expert says. Read Summary > -
Experts revise guidelines on daily aspirin for heart
Taking a lower dose appears safe and effective against heart attack in men, stroke in women, experts say. Read Summary > -
Good cholesterol has genetic links
Good blood could run in your blood, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Fish Eating Frenzy
Hold the salmon! New research shows recent recommendations to eat more fish may not be best for us -- or for fish! Read More > -
Depression boosts heart risks more than genes, environment
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found that a history of major depression boosts a person's risk of having heart disease more than any genetic or environmental risk factors. Read Summary > -
Cholesterol meds may reduce asthma symptoms
Asthma patients who take statins make fewer trips to the emergency room, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Migraines in pregnancy boost vascular risks
Headaches should be seen as indicator of other problems, expert says. Read Summary > -
Many seniors not selecting lowest cost Medicare drug plans
Too many choices along with confusing options are throwing up roadblocks to making the smartest decision, report says. Read Summary > -
Drug-eluting stents show promise for leg arteries
Fewer repeat procedures were needed in people with peripheral arterial disease, study finds. Read Summary > -
Traffic jams hard on the heart
Researchers find that the chances of heart attack triples in first hour after being a traffic jam. Read Summary > -
Cholesterol drugs linked to increased fatigue
A new study shows a trend, but heart specialists remain skeptical. Read Summary > -
Slight cut in salt intake would mean fewer heart attacks, deaths
Just one less gram a day could produce dramatic results, study says. Read Summary > -
Some elderly heart failure patients get little help from meds, study finds
Experts say new drugs and guidelines are needed to treat diastolic dysfunction. Read Summary > -
Gold Standard for Dialysis Patients
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Supreme Court rejects limits on drug-injury lawsuits
The Supreme Court made the ruling based on a case involving a Vermont musician who lost her arm to an anti-nausea drug. Read Summary > -
Doctors barring patients from writing online reviews
Doctors say negative online reviews of their services can ruin their reputations, but consumer advocates say patients have a right to post reviews on their care. Read Summary > -
Ankle blood pressure test may spot hidden heart risks
The test, as well as two "unconventional" blood workups, might help point out trouble, experts say. Read Summary > -
U.S. diet needs heart-felt overhaul
Doctors urge all levels of society to encourage good eating habits, and cut coronary risks. Read Summary > -
Red or White: Could one Prevent Breast Cancer?
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10 things you shouldn't keep from your doctor
According to experts, people lie to their doctors for a number of reasons, but keeping secrets from your doctor can endanger your health. Read Summary > -
A primer on national healthcare reform
A reporter answers some of the most common questions about how healthcare reform may--or may not--change the way you manage your health. Read Summary > -
Bad Marriages Break Women?s Hearts
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Barbara Bush recovering after heart surgery
A family spokesperson says Barbara Bush, the former First Lady and mother of former President George W. Bush, is recovering well after undergoing open heart surgery in Houston this week. Read Summary > -
Even mild strokes may do harm
If you knew you were having a stroke, you'd seek immediate medical attention. But what if your symptoms were mild or ambiguous? Read Summary > -
Men's stroke risk rises in mid-40s: study
The factors that contribute to these strokes are often those seen in older patients, study finds. Read Summary > -
Risk score may predict abnormal heart rhythm
The finding could be first step in finding way to prevent atrial fibrillation, experts say. Read Summary > -
Study: Sodium, potassium ratio affects heart health
A team of researchers has found that consuming twice as much potassium as sodium may halve a person's risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Read Summary > -
Plavix, heartburn drug combo boosts risks after heart attack: study
People who suffer a heart attack and are given a combination of Plavix and a proton pump inhibitor such as Prilosec or Nexium may increase their risk of death or another heart attack, new research suggests. Read Summary > -
Night shift work is hard on the heart: study
New research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that working the night shift might lead to hormonal and metabolic changes that raise risks for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Read Summary > -
Kids Who Watch R-Rated Movies More Likely to Smoke
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Study: Crestor cuts stroke risk nearly in half
According to a new study, the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor cuts the risk of stroke nearly in half in seemingly healthy people. Read Summary > -
Genetics may help fine-tune warfarin dosage
Using a formula that includes DNA data proves faster, more accurate in early tests, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Exploring the genetic link between migraines, cardiovascular trouble
A suspected variant is not a player, but researchers say two genotypes might be. Read Summary > -
Genes that control body's salt level are identified
But whether the finding will lead to treatment improvements remains unclear, experts say. Read Summary > -
Is bypass truly better than stenting?
Read the fine print, experts say in disputing a new study's finding. Read Summary > -
Obama to send $15 billion for state Medicaid programs
In a recent meeting with governors at the White House, President Barack Obama said his administration intends to distribute $15 billion within two days to help with states' Medicaid payments to the poor. Read Summary > -
Five ways to get EMTs to take you seriously
A reporter talks to experts about the best ways to deal with emergency medical personnel so that you and your symptoms are taken seriously. Read Summary > -
Add more facts to drug ads, experts urge
A new study wants the FDA to mandate boxes that clearly state how well a medication works. Read Summary > -
Silent strokes more common in younger people than thought
The symptomless events are five times more prevalent than full-blown stroke in people under 65, MRI study shows. Read Summary > -
Fast arrival at hospital after stroke pays off
These patients were twice as likely to get clot-busting drug, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Working with robots may help after stroke
People who lost use of a hand recaptured movement, a recent study has found. Read Summary > -
Experience brings better angioplasty outcomes
Patients treated by skilled doctors at high-volume hospitals do best, study finds. Read Summary > -
New drug shows promise against heartbeat abnormality
Dronedarone reduced strokes, heart attacks in those with atrial fibrillation, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Deciding which heart tests to have--or skip
A health reporter talks to doctors and other experts about which heart tests you should definitely have, and which you might be able to skip. Read Summary > -
Coffee drinking lowers women's stroke risk
Two or more cups a day boosts protection for nonsmokers, study finds. Read Summary > -
Salt boosts blood pressure in high-risk patients
Metabolic syndrome may enhance sodium's effect on the body, study suggests. Read Summary > -
Not many U.S. kids need statins
Fewer than 1 percent of American kids with high cholesterol aged 12 to 17 meet the criteria for taking these drugs, study shows. Read Summary > -
Get help here if you've lost your health insurance
If you're one of the millions of Americans who is living without health insurance, experts say there are things you can do to gain or regain health coverage. Read Summary > -
Americans Living Longer Thanks to Cleaner Air
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Inactivity Starts in Preschool
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Medicine's Next Big Thing: Nanomedicine
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Healing Hearts to Prevent Stroke
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Female hormones deter salt-sensitive hypertension
Hormones and a cell receptor in the kidneys may explain why premenopausal women have fewer problems than men with salt-sensitive hypertension, a new study says. Read Summary > -
Lay-off fears can lead to healthcare mistakes
A health reporter talks to experts about the top three mistakes people can make with their health insurance during these uncertain economic times. Read Summary > -
How to save on prescription drugs
Experts say there are ways people can save money on prescriptions during these hard economic times, including comparing retail outlets and talking to their doctors about less expensive options. Read Summary > -
5 things that can age you before your time
From losing belly fat to cutting stress, Dr. Mehmet Oz says there are five things that people can do to actually slow the aging process. Read Summary > -
Drugmaker recalls dozens of generic drugs
The medications--which includes generic formulas of such medicines as OxyContin, Toprol XL, and Norvasc--were made under conditions that did not comply with standard manufacturing practices, but patients are advised to continue taking them as prescribed and to be in touch with their doctors about any problems related to the drugs. Read Summary > -
Worm offers new clues to stroke, heart disease
A genetically engineered worm that can live with every little oxygen are teaching scientists how to help oxygen-starved cells in people who've suffered a heart attack or stroke. Read Summary > -
Erectile dysfunction may predict heart disease
A new study suggests that erectile dysfunction increases the risk for heart disease. Read Summary > -
Too much, too little sleep linked to inflammation
People who sleep too much or too little are at risk for disease, and new research suggests that inflammation may be the link. Read Summary > -
Women with heart attacks experience delays in care: study
New research published in the journal Circulation suggests that women who call 911 with cardiac symptoms took longer than men to get to the hospital after emergency medical teams arrived in response to the call. Read Summary > -
Stimulus plan would pour millions into healthcare
The economic stimulus plan currently being debated in Washington would pour millions of dollars into healthcare, experts say. Read Summary > -
Can having sex cause a heart attack?
Though movies and television shows make having a heart attack during sex seem like a common occurrence, the odds of literally succumbing to passion are quite low, experts say. Read Summary > -
Could you have heart failure and not know it?
Heart failure affects more than five million Americans, but experts say many people have this condition and don't even know it. Read Summary > -
Too much, too little sleep linked to inflammation
People who sleep too much or too little are at risk for disease, and new research suggests that inflammation may be the link Read Summary > -
Experts rethink the best way to protect the heart
Experts say new strategies have emerged for helping people protect their hearts. Read Summary > -
Studies challenge Framingham Heart Risk score
Two new studies have questioned the reliability of the long-established Framingham Risk Score in predicting people's risk of heart disease and cardiac death. Read Summary > -
Healthcare expenses you can't afford to skip
As people cut healthcare spending to make their monthly bills, experts say there are some health-related expenses that you can't afford to skip. Read Summary > -
38 companies now involved in peanut butter recall
Experts say Americans eat 700 million pounds of peanut butter every year, which is complicating the recall effort. Read Summary > -
FDA issues warning about skin-numbing drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to healthcare providers and consumers about serious and life-threatening risks associated with improper use of prescription and over-the-counter topical anesthetics. Read Summary > -
New guidelines needed for bad cholesterol: study
A major new study of almost 137,000 patients has found that more than 75 percent of people hospitalized for heart attacks had cholesterol levels that would indicate they weren't at high risk. Read Summary > -
A simple checklist makes surgery safer, study finds
The 19-item checklist includes such basic steps as having the doctors and nurses introduce themselves, ensuring that adequate blood is on hand, and making certain that all equipment needed is present. Read Summary > -
A list of Kellogg's recalled peanut butter products
This article contains a list of the products voluntarily recalled by the Kellogg Co. because they could be contaminated with salmonella from a Georgia peanut processing facility. Read Summary > -
FDA warns consumers to avoid peanut butter products
Officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are warning consumers to avoid eating all products that contain peanut butter or peanut butter paste, except for jarred peanut butter. Read Summary > -
FDA eases off-label drug regulations
The move, which has been opposed by pharmaceutical industry critics, allows drugmakers to distribute medical journal articles that describe unapproved uses for drugs. Read Summary > -
Hormone Therapy Linked to Brain Shrinkage but Not Stroke
Two new studies offer insight into the side effects of hormone therapy. Researchers discovered taking estrogen may cause the brains of older women to shrink, while another study reveals hormone therapy is not linked to "silent strokes." Read More > -
Q&A: Obama's healthcare headache
Physician and health and science reporter David Brown discusses how President-elect Obama's promise to reform the U.S. healthcare system is going to be more difficult than many imagine. Read Summary > -
Obama wants digital health records in 5 years
In an effort to both revive the economy and modernize health care, President-elect Obama has proposed that all medical records be standardized and made electronic within the next five years. Read Summary > -
Obama's health secretary pick vows healthcare reform
Former Senator Tom Daschle has vowed that if chosen to be health secretary, the healthcare reform process will be aggressive and open, and it will move quickly to improve care while lowering costs. Read Summary > -
Some wary of Sanjay Gupta as surgeon general
Some believe Gupta is already recognized as a spokesperson for good health, while others believe he lacks the experience or depth of knowledge of the world of public health to be an effective surgeon general. Read Summary > -
How Viagra Protects the Heart
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Health secrets for busy people
Nutritionists and personal trainers say it's easier to fit in healthy habits than many people think. Read Summary > -
Novel Treatments Improve Cancer Survival
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Statins may prevent heart surgery delirium
Experts say up to 47 percent of people who have heart surgery experience this type of confusion, which can lengthen patients' hospital stays and increase their health care costs. Read Summary > -
Fish oil's effects remain elusive
Experts say more funding is needed for the study of fish oil's effects on heart health, both to clarify these effects and to help protect the world's marine life. Read Summary > -
Even a little extra weight, inactivity harms the heart
A new study of American doctors has found that even a few extra pounds and a little inactivity can increase a person's risk of heart failure. Read Summary > -
The top health-related stories of 2008
A reporter picks the top six health stories of 2008, including stem cell research, autism, and health care reform. Read Summary > -
Go Nuts for Good Health
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Past TV Habits Weigh in at Mid-Life
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Turn Off the TV to Prevent Diabetes
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Elderly at risk for harmful drug interactions
The increasing number of medications -- prescription and nonprescription -- used by older people has raised the potential for harm from serious drug interactions, doctors warn in a report published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Read More > -
FDA approves TriLipix for high cholesterol
TriLipix is in a class of drugs called fibrates, and it can be used alone or in combination with such statins as Lipitor, Zocor, and Crestor, its maker says. Read Summary > -
Psychological Distress-Heart Disease Link
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For Diabetics, Low-Carb Diet may be Best
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Digoxin linked to breast cancer
Researchers have found that digoxin use of at least one year's duration appears to increase a woman's odds of developing breast cancer by 30 percent or more depending on her length of use. Read Summary > -
Study: Stress triggers heart-damaging habits
Being under stress pushes people to develop bad habits that can endanger their hearts, British researchers say. Read Summary > -
Deaths from heart disease, stroke drop 30 percent
Experts say advances in medicine deserve most of the credit for this drop, since more Americans are sedentary and obese than ever before. Read Summary > -
Psoriasis and Obesity
Patients with psoriasis may have higher levels of an obesity-related hormone. Read More > -
Video: One woman's battle with high cholesterol, hypertension
In this short video from the New York Times, a reporter talks to Jane Titus, a woman who suffered a stroke two years ago and who continues to battle high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Read Summary > -
Statins don't interfere with Rituxan: study
Mayo Clinic researchers say taking statins won't interfere with the drug Rituxan (rituximab), a medication used to treat lymphomas, and it may even help slow the progress of some lymphoma types. Read Summary > -
Gene mutation may protect against fatty diet
Researchers have found that a mutation on the gene known as APOC3 appears to protect people from the heart-damaging effects of a fatty diet. Read Summary > -
E-prescriptions could save patients money
A new study suggests that an electronic prescribing system that tells doctors which drugs are the least expensive could save patients millions of dollars each year. Read Summary > -
Heart Attack Treatment Favors Men
Although heart attack kills an equal number of men and women in the hospital, new research shows women are twice as likely to die if hospitalized for severe heart attack. Read More > -
Trouble Sleeping Linked to Diabetes
The identification of a new mutation associated with type 2 diabetes suggests abnormal sleep patterns could be linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. Read More > -
Preventing Stroke in Kids with Sickle Cell
A technique used to prevent stroke in children with sickle cell disease reduced stroke incidence by 90 percent. Read More > -
Healing Holes in the Heart
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Is butter or margarine healthier for baking?
The holiday season is a time for baking for many people. But is butter or margarine the healthier choice for your cookies and cakes? Read Summary > -
Scientists identify 11 new cholesterol genes
Researchers have identified 11 more genetic regions that control levels of blood fats such as bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Read Summary > -
Good Cholesterol Sometimes Bad
If you're not one of the 17 percent of Americans who have high cholesterol, you may consider yourself healthy overall. New research that shows some good cholesterol can negatively affect your health may change your mind Read More > -
Some Diabetics at Higher Risk for Heart Disease
The combination of genetics and glycemic control may make some diabetics more likely to have heart disease. Read More > -
Diabetes Medication: More Harm than Good?
A medication for diabetics may do more harm than good. Doctors are concerned rosiglitazone may increase older patients' risk of death and heart failure. Read More > -
Genes and Diabetes Increase Heart Problems
Type 2 diabetes is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It increases a person's risk of having a major cardiac event in their lifetime by two to four times compared to people without diabetes. Now researchers believe patients with type 2 diabetes along with a genetic variation have an increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Read More > -
The Ups and Downs of Alcohol
The negative health effects and social impacts of alcohol abuse are well know, but moderate alcohol intake can be beneficial. Read More > -
Hypertension stalks many U.S. adults
According to new research, seven in 10 Americans don't do enough to keep their blood pressure under control and protect themselves from having a stroke. Read Summary > -
Winter can boost heart risks
Researchers at Loyola University in Chicago say that the lack of sunshine in the winter can cause people to become vitamin-D deficient, and this can harm their cardiovascular health. Read Summary > -
Experts urge caution in the rush to statins
A reporter talks to doctors and scientists who are urging caution about statin use, saying that the keys to heart disease prevention are healthy behaviors and screening rather than a preventative pill. Read Summary > -
Genetic Screening for Diabetes?
Using genetics to predict type 2 diabetes may not be as big of a breakthrough as researchers hoped -- at least not yet. Read More > -
Substitutions can make your holiday healthier
According to experts, you may not have to give up your favorite foods during the holiday season if you're willing to experiment with their recipes. Read Summary > -
Study: New arthritis drug better for blood pressure than naproxen
Drugmaker NicOx is reporting that its experimental arthritis drug naproxcinod was more beneficial for blood pressure than naproxen in a recent study. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: Add-on treatment for high cholesterol
Call for adults who take statins to control high cholesterol to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
12 things to know about aspirin
In this article, an expert has compiled a list of 12 things you should know about aspirin and the possible effects of its regular use. Read Summary > -
Chronic conditions may lead to health anxiety
One in four people who suffer from such chronic health conditions as backache, heart disease, or multiple sclerosis become so worried about their health that they develop health anxiety. Read Summary > -
Poor sleep linked to heart risks for people with hypertension
Japanese researchers have found that people who have hypertension and get less than the recommended amount of sleep are a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Read Summary > -
Study: Plavix should be stopped before heart surgery
A new study has found supporting evidence for guidelines that recommend patients stop taking the blood thinner Plavix before undergoing bypass surgery. Read Summary > -
Feel-good music, laughter may help your heart
Researchers have found that listening to music that makes you feel good may be a good preventative treatment for your heart. Read Summary > -
Low vitamin D linked to heart problems
German researchers have linked low levels of vitamin D to heart problems, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Read Summary > -
Measure Your Waist to Save Your Life
Having a normal body mass index (BMI) doesn't necessarily mean you're free of dangerous body fat. New research shows weight around your waist that may escape a BMI test could be deadly. Read More > -
Doctors debate cancer risk of Vytorin, Zetia
Hundreds of heart experts attended a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association to debate the benefits and risks of the cholesterol drugs Vytorin and Zetia. Read Summary > -
Five ways to get a second opinion online
Experts say the Internet may offer patients an easier way to have doctors review their case and provide advice. Read Summary > -
How to get "medicine smart"
Building a relationship with your family pharmacy, asking questions about your meds, and keeping track of the drugs you're taking are all ways to get "medicine smart," experts say. Read Summary > -
Do Patients Get a Bad Deal?
Has the desire not to stigmatize mental health problems resulted in a situation where treatments are inadequate? Read Summary > -
Obese Kids at Risk for Heart Disease
Obesity in children has been linked to diabetes, low self-esteem and other problems. Now, research is showing that obese kids may have another problem lurking -- heart disease. Read More > -
Low Potassium Leads to High Blood Pressure
Getting enough potassium may be even more important than lowering sodium for maintaining a healthy blood pressure -- especially for African Americans. Read More > -
Headphones and Pacemakers
People may want to use extra caution when listening to music with mp3 headphones if they have implantable cardioverter devices (ICD) like pacemakers and defibrillators. New research suggests the magnets in mp3 headphones can have an interactive effect with ICDs when they are in close contact, causing them to work improperly. Read More > -
The Folate Debate
An estimated one-third of adults in the United States currently take a multivitamin containing folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12, but the supplement might not be doing any good when it comes to cancer. Read More > -
Flu Shot Reduces Blood Clots
by 26 percent. VTE is a dangerous condition because if a clot were to break loose, it could travel through the blood stream and lodge in the heart, lungs or brain, causing potentially catastrophic damage. Read More > -
Conditions Shorten Lives in Alzheimer?s Patients
Studies show the average lifespan of a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is between three and nine years, but new research shows having diabetes or high blood pressure may subtract years from that time frame. Read More > -
Brain Stimulation Improves Dexterity
Stimulating the brain could make it easier for people to use their hands. Read More > -
Wines Found Contaminated With Metals
If you're living by the idea that wine protects your heart with antioxidants, you may want to consider new research that states otherwise. Read More > -
Diabetes Drug Lowers Risk of Heart Problems
A common diabetes drug may help keep patients from dying from one of the complications of the disease. Read More > -
Existing Conditions Delay MS Diagnosis
Having a pre-existing medical condition may mean a delayed diagnosis or increased severity at the time of diagnosis for people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). Read More > -
FDA: Bayer marketing unapproved aspirin products
According to the FDA, Bayer Women's Low Dose Aspirin + Calcium and Bayer Aspirin with Heart Advantage are new drugs that require an approved new drug application to be able to be sold legally in the United States. Read Summary > -
Study: Rheumatoid arthritis boosts heart attack risks
Three new studies have provided evidence that people diagnosed with RA have twice the risk of suffering a heart attack, and RA patients who have a heart attack are more likely to have heart-related complications following the attack. Read Summary > -
New artificial heart almost ready for human trials
A fully implantable heart that researchers say will help alleviate the worldwide need for heart transplant donors will be ready for human trials in 2011, scientists say. Read Summary > -
Study: Tart cherries may cut heart risks
University of Michigan researchers working with rats have found that eating tart cherries cut the animals' risk of developing heart disease. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: Lipitor, new med combo's effects on high cholesterol
Call for adults ages 18 to 75 years old who have high cholesterol to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: Iloprost's effects on pulmonary arterial hypertension
Call for adults with PAH who are currently being treated with a stable dose of either bosentan or sildenafil to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
Heart pumps recalled after deaths
Thoratec Corp. has issued a recall of some of its small mechanical heart pumps after five deaths were reported in users of the device. Read Summary > -
Common class of drugs may impair thinking in seniors
Wake Forest University researchers say that a commonly used class of drugs may slow down mental and physical function in seniors. Read Summary > -
Study: Heart failure boosts fracture risk
Canadian researchers have found that people who suffer from heart failure have a higher risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures. Read Summary > -
Effects of Glucose Control Last Years
Diabetes patients treated with drugs may be less at risk for some major complications of their disease even after therapy is discontinued, new research shows. Read More > -
Saving Organs, Saving Lives
When a patient is treated for kidney cancer, surgeons remove the affected kidney as part of treatment. However, new research suggests kidney-sparing surgery may be a better option. Read More > -
Health Tip: Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Things you can control ... and things you can't Read More > -
Heart defect not behind migraines: study
Researchers in Florida have completed a new study that appears to debunk the theory that patent foramen ovale (PFO) can cause migraines. Read Summary > -
Five ways to get a second opinion online
Experts say the Internet may offer patients an easier way to have doctors review their case and provide advice. Read Summary > -
Disco song may help you perform CPR
The Bee Gee's 1977 hit song "Stayin' Alive" has 103 beats per minute, which officials is an almost ideal rhythm for performing CPR. Read Summary > -
Study: Women's heart symptoms often mistaken for anxiety
Though heart disease is a leading cause of death in women, scientists have found that many women's heart symptoms are often attributed to anxiety and left untreated. Read Summary > -
Western diet boosts heart attack risk by 30 percent
Researchers say that the fried foods and high-salt snacks and meats that make up the bulk of a Western diet are responsible for about 30 percent of heart attack risks worldwide. Read Summary > -
Blood pressure drug may fight artery plaque
Research presented at a recent scientific conference suggests that Benicar, a drug used to treat high blood pressure, may also help reduce the buildup of artery plaque. Read Summary > -
Statins may help prevent miscarriages
Women who suffer from pregnancy complications caused by a condition known as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) may be able to reduce their risk of having a miscarriage by taking cholesterol-lowering statins Read Summary > -
Study: Statins reduce risk of Alzheimer's
A new long-term study published in the journal Current Alzheimer's Research has found that statins reduce users risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Breathing Polluted Air
Suggestions to minimize symptoms Read More > -
Health Tip: Quit Smoking During Pregnancy
Advice on how to stop Read More > -
Angioplasty patients often not given needed tests
According to Medicare records, more than half of the people who undergo angioplasty to clear blocked arteries are not given the recommended cardiac stress test before the procedure. Read Summary > -
Warfarin underprescribed for some heart patients: study
Doctors aren't prescribing warfarin often enough or at the right dosages, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Study: Aspirin does not prevent first heart attack, stroke
Contrary to current recommendations, new research published in the British Medical Journal suggests that aspirin does not reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke for people with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. Read Summary > -
Study: Chicken soup lowers blood pressure
In a recent study, investigators found that collagen proteins found in chicken appear to act like the blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors. Read Summary > -
Report: Kids need more vitamin D
Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics say children and teens don't get enough vitamin D in their diet to receive the vitamin's disease-fighting effects. Read Summary > -
Poor sleep boosts teens' hypertension risk: study
Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep may raise the risk of high blood pressure in teens, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Americans' blood pressure is on the rise
According to a new report from the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, more Americans are being treated for high blood pressure than ever before. Read Summary > -
Alcohol may shrink the brain
New research suggests that drinking alcohol may shrink the brain. Read Summary > -
Doctors offer guidelines for cutting heart patients' GI risks
Three medical associations have teamed up to help heart disease patients reduce the gastrointestinal and ulcer risks associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antiplatelet meds, the drugs commonly used to treat the condition. Read Summary > -
Pneumonia vaccine lowers heart attack risk
Canadian researchers say people who receive a pneumonia vaccine may halve their risk of having a heart attack two years later. Read Summary > -
Q&A: Coumadin may interact with Pepto-Bismol, Bengay
Joe and Teresa Graedon of The People's Pharmacy caution Coumadin users about such over-the-counter remedies as Pepto-Bismol and Bengay. Read Summary > -
Q&A: Can I lower my cholesterol without statins?
A reader asks Joe and Teresa Graedon of the People's Pharmacy if it's possible to lower cholesterol without taking statins. Read Summary > -
Menopause does not raise blood pressure, study finds
Two new studies suggest that the increase in blood pressure and cardiovascular risk that starts in many women after menopause is not caused by menopause itself. Read Summary > -
Early data finds no Spiriva, stroke connection
Preliminary data from the UPLIFT clinical trial suggests that there is no link between the Spiriva HandiHaler and stroke risk, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Can a bad economy make us more healthy?
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Statins don't boost Lou Gehrig's disease risk, FDA says
An analysis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found no evidence that cholesterol-lowering statins increase users' risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Read Summary > -
Heart patients should be screened for depression, experts say
Experts say that depression is about three times more common in patients following a heart attack than in the general population. Read Summary > -
Low-birth-weight children should have blood pressure checked
A recent study in the medical journal Pediatrics suggests that children who were born with very low birth weights should have their blood pressure checked. Read Summary > -
Antioxidants linked to pulmonary hypertension
Cleveland Clinic researchers have found that low levels of antioxidants in the cells that line the blood vessels of the lungs may contribute to pulmonary hypertension. Read Summary > -
Some gyms tailor workouts to health conditions
More health clubs and gyms are offering workouts and classes specifically designed for people with chronic health conditions. Read Summary > -
Statins may slow artery aging in heart disease patients
British researchers have found that cholesterol-lowering statins may help prevent premature artery aging in people suffering from advanced heart disease. Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Meeting Criteria for Blood Donation
They include your health history Read More > -
Inexpensive ways to lower blood pressure
In this article from U.S. News & World Report, a reporter has compiled a list of five cheap ways to lower blood pressure. Read Summary > -
Ex-smokers lower stroke, heart risks
A study of more than 475,000 Korean men has found a significant decrease in stroke and heart attack risks among men who quit smoking. Read Summary > -
Six ways to save money on health care
A reporter has compiled six Web sites that may help you save money on such health care expenses as dental work, prescriptions, and contact lenses. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: New device for hard-to-treat hypertension
Call for people ages 21 years to 80 years old who have hard-to-treat high blood pressure to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
Study: Lipitor ads may mislead women
Researchers say that though the cholesterol-lowering drug has long been marketed to both men and women, they have been unable to find adequate evidence that Lipitor actually helps women lower their risk of having a heart attack. Read Summary > -
Caffeine energy drinks need warning labels, experts say
Researchers say some of these high-energy drinks contain as much caffeine as 14 cans of Coca-Cola, which can cause such health problems as nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and tremors. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: Zetia+Zocor versus Lipitor in elderly patients
Call for adults ages 65 years and older who have high cholesterol and a high to moderately high risk of coronary heart disease to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: New drug for atherosclerosis
Call for people ages 18 years to 75 years old who have coronary heart disease (CHD) or other risk factors for CHD to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
A good time to have your cholesterol checked
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, and if you haven't had your blood cholesterol checked in a while, this may be a good month to do it. Read Summary > -
Study: Beta blockers not effective against heart failure
According to a new analysis, beta blockers don't prevent the development of heart failure in people suffering from high blood pressure. Read Summary > -
Mediterranean diet again linked to increased lifespan
A new, comprehensive study has once again linked a strict Mediterranean diet to a reduced risk of chronic disease. Read Summary > -
Are you one teaspoon away from hypertension?
Experts say that most Americans eat twice the amount of salt each day than is recommended by the American Heart Association. Read Summary > -
Study: Heavier people have heart attacks sooner
A team of researchers has found that the heavier you are, the more likely you are to have a heart attack earlier in life. Read Summary > -
Brushing your teeth may help your heart
Researchers say people who have bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene and not brushing their teeth regularly could be increasing their risk of heart disease. Read Summary > -
Study: Statins lower stroke risk in older people
A new study suggests that taking a cholesterol-lowering drug after suffering a stroke or mini-stroke reduces an older person's risk of having another stroke much as it does in younger stroke patients. Read Summary > -
FDA lists drugs under safety review
The current list contains adverse reports on 20 medications, including Dilantin, Cymbalta, Humira, OxyContin, Seroquel, and Tysabri. Read Summary > -
Daytime sleeping slows recovery in rehab
Researchers have found that people who sleep more during the day while undergoing rehabilitation from a stroke have a longer recovery period. Read Summary > -
5 mistakes that lead to medical debt
In this article, CNN reporter Elizabeth Cohen lists five mistakes that will land you in medical debt, and she talks to experts about how you can avoid them. Read Summary > -
Why Gastric Bypass Helps Diabetics
New evidence explains why patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery get their diabetes symptoms under control quickly -- often within days -- while those who have lap-band surgery do not. Read More > -
Newer blood pressure med better for diabetics
Scientists say there may be a new alternative for heart patients and diabetics who are unable to take ACE inhibitors to keep their blood pressure under control. Read Summary > -
Angioplasty needs more follow-up than bypass, study finds
A new study has found that people who have angioplasties are twice as likely to require another procedure within a year than people who have bypass surgery. Read Summary > -
Studies: Fish oil helps heart failure, but statins don't
A new study suggests that daily supplements of fish oil--which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids--may reduce the number of deaths and hospitalizations from heart failure, while a parallel study found that cholesterol-lowering statins do not appear to help the condition. Read Summary > -
Experts clash on Vytorin, cancer link
Experts are debating whether the cholesterol-lowering drug Vytorin is safe after the full results of a recent study were presented at a medical conference in Europe. Read Summary > -
Fat Causing Diseases
a component of all cells that helps synthesize proteins and monitor how they are folded. Read More > -
Teenage sleep habits linked to high blood pressure
Teenagers who have trouble falling to sleep at night or who wake up too early may be at an increased risk for high blood pressure when compared to teenagers who sleep well, according to a new study. Read Summary > -
Living longer with high blood pressure
aaa Read Summary > -
Snoring Linked to Childhood
Your childhood environment may determine whether you will snore when you are an adult. Read More > -
FDA investigates Vytorin, cancer link
The FDA's move comes in response to a recent trial that found a higher incidence of cancer in Vytorin users. Read Summary > -
Study: Statins don't cause cancer
A team of researchers who reported a link between cancer and the use of drugs such as Crestor, Lipitor, and Zocor last year say further studies have disproved this link. Read Summary > -
Vitamin B, folate may not help the heart
A new study designed to see if taking vitamin B and folate supplements helps the heart has been cut short, because the pills weren't doing any good and might have even caused participants harm. Read Summary > -
Study: Red Bull energy drink boosts stroke risk
Australian researchers say just one can of the popular stimulant energy drink Red Bull can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, even in young people. Read Summary > -
Treating Obesity as an Addiction?
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Silver Reduces Risk of Pneumonia
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Orange, apple juices may also interfere with meds
Grapefruit juice isn't the only fruit juice that interferes with the proper absorption of medications. Read Summary > -
Fruit Juices Hamper Drugs’ Benefits
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Immune System May Reject Stem Cells
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Statins may help reverse ED in some men
Men who suffer from metabolic syndrome and have problems with erectile dysfunction (ED) may find fast relief from their ED by taking statins, new research suggests. Read Summary > -
Study: Mevacor may fight cancer
The cholesterol-lowering drug Mevacor may help people who suffer from melanoma and other cancers achieve remission, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Keep Cholesterol Under Control
Doing so may require lifestyle changes Read More > -
Air Pollutant Mimics Cigarette Smoke
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Experts: More docs should recommend exercise for hypertension
Exercise can be the most important way for people to lower their blood pressure, but a new study has found that many doctors fail to urge hypertension patients to do it. Read Summary > -
Study: Stents no better than meds after three years
A new study suggests that though people who undergo angioplasty rather than treat their heart condition with meds have improved quality of life afterwards, these advantages disappear by three years after the procedure. Read Summary > -
Stroke risk falls sharply with healthy lifestyle
Researchers say following healthy habits such as not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight could cut a person's stroke risk by about 80 percent. Read Summary > -
Running may help keep you young
A new study has found that running may help you live a longer, healthier life. Read Summary > -
Is Smoking in Our Genes?
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Low Vitamin D Levels, High Death Risk
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Marathon Runners: How do they do it?
The men's marathon Olympic event will take place on August 24th. Many of the eager fans waiting at the finish line are probably wondering how long-distance runners can endure such a strenuous sport. Now, researchers say they may have the answer. Read More > -
Immediate Weight Loss Key for Diabetics
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Obesity Is Not Always the Enemy
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Anxiety Connected to Genes
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Experts push aggressive cholesterol control in kids
Experts say cholesterol-lowering treatments are often coming too late for patients to receive the maximum benefit. Read Summary > -
Study: Soy doesn't lower cholesterol
Though eating soy has been promoted as a way to lower cholesterol, researchers say they've failed to find evidence that this is the case. Read Summary > -
Immigrant Children Less Active?
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Cholesterol, heart med combo may cause muscle damage
People who take the cholesterol drugs Zocor (simvastatin) or Vytorin along with a medication used to control irregular heartbeat have an increased risk of suffering severe muscle damage, the FDA says. Read Summary > -
Potassium may lower blood pressure
The typical American diet contains about double the sodium and half the potassium that is currently recommended in dietary guidelines. Read Summary > -
Study: Plavix works harder in smokers
The blood thinner appears to have a stronger effect in people who smoke, researchers say, but it's not a reason to start or continue smoking. Read Summary > -
Many stroke victims miss out on treatment
A new study has found that most stroke victims don't act quickly enough to get the clot-dissolving drugs within the three-hour treatment window that can limit brain damage. Read Summary > -
Injectable blood pressure drug approved
Cleviprex in an injected drug designed to to treat high blood pressure in people who can't or don't want to use tablets. Read Summary > -
Fat deposits boost heart attack risk more than BMI
Fat deposits located around the heart may be more relevant to your heart attack risk than your body mass index (BMI) or waist measurement, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Fish may keep the brain healthy
Eating several servings of tuna or other broiled fish may be the key to keeping your brain healthy into old age, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
The do's and don'ts of taking prescription meds
Dr. Larry Weinrauch responds to a reader's question about the best ways to take prescription medications. Read Summary > -
Stroke rehab harder for RA patients
The swelling and pain that accompanies RA and lupus appears to interfere with stroke rehabilitation, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Migraine may boost heart, stroke risks
Researchers say women who have migraine with aura and a specific gene variant have higher risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Read Summary > -
Most heart patients have unhealthy cholesterol levels
Only 17 percent of cardiovascular disease patients were at recommended levels for all lipids in a new study. Read Summary > -
Blood pressure meds may guard against Alzheimer's
People who take angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to lower their blood pressure may also be reducing their chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. Read Summary > -
Study: Smoking boosts spouse's stroke risk
People who have a husband or wife who smokes have a higher risk of suffering a stroke, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Patch may help damaged hearts heal
A mesh patch designed to help hearts heal after a heart attack has shown positive results in early trials. Read Summary > -
Stem Cells for Better Blood Clotting
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Cholesterol Drugs May Protect Memory
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FDA issues warning about CT scans, implanted devices
The FDA has issued an alert warning of the possibility that CT scans may cause some implanted and external electronic medical devices to malfunction. Read Summary > -
Ditch the Pounds for Good!
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Obesity driving kids to use adult meds
According to new data, hundreds of thousands of children are taking meds to treat Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and acid reflux. Read Summary > -
Study: Gene causes statin-related muscle pain
Some people who take cholesterol-lowering statins experience muscle pain or weakness, and British researchers say they may have discovered why. Read Summary > -
7 reasons not to ignore statin-related pain
A reporter, in conjunction with health experts, has compiled this list of seven reasons you shouldn't ignore statin-related muscle pain. Read Summary > -
Many women struggle to control blood pressure
Only about 60 percent of women with high blood pressure are having it controlled, experts say. Read Summary > -
When are you most at risk for a heart attack?
Experts say the human circadian rhythm makes people more prone to suffering a heart attack at certain times of day. Read Summary > -
Video: Heartburn or heart attack?
A reporter talks to a 41-year-old woman who suffered a heart attack but did not seek medical treatment immediately because she thought her pain was caused by heartburn. Read Summary > -
Coffee, Cigarettes and AA
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5 steps for lowering blood pressure without meds
An expert gives a list of five simple steps people with hypertension or prehypertension can take to lower their blood pressure without medications. Read Summary > -
Study gives "troubling" results about Vytorin
In the new study, the combo cholesterol med failed to reduce heart valve problems, and trial patients taking the drug appeared to have a higher cancer risk. Read Summary > -
New cholesterol test may better predict heart risks
New research suggests that measuring proteins that carry cholesterol may help doctors predict patients' heart attack risk better than measuring their cholesterol. Read Summary > -
Plant sterols may pose health risk
Plant sterols have been said to lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease, but new research suggests these compounds may have their own risks. Read Summary > -
Recruiting Young Smokers
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Too much and not enough sleep increase stroke risk
A new study found that women who regularly sleep more than nine hours or less than six hours per night have a greater chance of having a stroke than women who sleep seven hours per night. Read Summary > -
Heart failure patients should take beta blockers, study finds
A new study is the latest in the back-and-forth story about the role of beta blockers in heart failure, which is the progressive loss of the heart's ability to pump blood. Read Summary > -
Study: Neighborhoods affect blood pressure
Building better neighborhoods might also improve residents' cardiovascular health, new research suggests. Read Summary > -
Ankle-arm blood pressure test may predict heart risk
Scientists say adding a diagnostic test that measures blood pressure in both the ankle and the arm may help doctors better predict a person's risk of heart disease and stroke. Read Summary > -
Can an apple a day really keep the doctor away?
Most people are familiar with the "apple a day" addage, but is it fact or a medical myth? Read Summary > -
Always tired? 7 causes of daily fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most commonly cited health symptoms, and many people assume it's their high-stress lifestyle causing the problem. Read Summary > -
Study: Stop Smoking Treatments Don?t Last
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Analysis: Red yeast products often contaminated
Walgreen's Finest Natural Red Yeast Rice, Natural Balance Red Yeast Rice Concentrated Extract, Solaray Red Yeast Rice, and VegLife 100% Vegan Red Yeast Rice were found to contain a toxic contaminant in a recent analysis. Read Summary > -
Study: Patients more likely to stay on Lipitor
Patients who take the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor are more likely to stay on the medication than those given the generic form of Zocor, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Genetics Make Quitting Harder
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Health Tip: Monitoring What You Drink
When you have heart failure Read More > -
Tilapia may not help your heart
Experts say tilapia is unhealthy because the food the fish are fed to keep their cost low is adversely affecting the animals' nutritional value. Read Summary > -
FDA approves new drug-coated stent
The Xience stent is an artery-opening, metal-mesh tube that's coated with everolimus, a drug that helps prevent the blood vessel from becoming blocked again with plaque. Read Summary > -
Heart disease prevention tips save lives, experts say
Prevention efforts such as losing weight, quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, and taking an aspirin a day could cut heart attacks in the United States by 36 percent and strokes by 20 percent in the next three decades, a new report suggests. Read Summary > -
Watermelon may help heart, libido
Researchers have found that watermelons contain compounds that can benefit the heart and circulatory system and may even provide a Viagra-like lift to the libido. Read Summary > -
Healthy oils may protect the heart
New research has added to the evidence that consuming vegetable oils and foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids helps the heart. Read Summary > -
Pregnancy may boost heart attack risk
About 250 pregnant women in the United States each year suffer a heart attack, and experts say mortality can be high among these women because a diagnosis of heart problems is often missed or delayed. Read Summary > -
Heart Attack Warning for Pregnant Women
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Controlling blood pressure can cut Alzheimer's risk
Research from two studies suggests that lowering blood pressure in middle and old age may drastically reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Read Summary > -
The “Write” Way To Lose Weight
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Benefits of Red Wine
A new study says a large dose of one particular ingredient in red wine can ward off the effects of age on the heart, bones, eyes and muscles. Read More > -
Tips for avoiding the ER this summer
Summer is a time for outdoor fun, but it can also be a time for emergency room visits, experts say. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: New cholesterol med's effect on CHD
Call for adults ages 18 years to 80 years who have coronary heart disease (CHD) or CHD risk-equivalent disease and take statins to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
Cutting the fat from your diet
Experts give advice on the different kinds of fats and how to cut unhealthy foods and oils from your diet. Read Summary > -
Cholesterol screening urged for kids
New guidelines are urging wider cholesterol screening and more aggressive use of cholesterol-lowering drugs in children as young as age eight. Read Summary > -
Healthy diet lowers women's death risk
Researchers say a low-fat, low-sugar diet that's heavy on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is a woman's best defense against death from heart disease and other conditions. Read Summary > -
Online program helps treat hypertension
Monitoring blood pressure at home and reporting those results to a pharmacist via the Internet helps keep patients' blood pressure readings lower than standard care does, researchers say. Read Summary > -
New anti-clotting pill shows promise
The drug, rivaroxaban, was more effective at reducing potentially fatal blood clots than heparin in three new studies. Read Summary > -
Hearing loss linked to stroke
A new study is Taipei has found that sudden hearing loss may be an early warning sign of an impending stroke. Read Summary > -
Milk Does the Heart Good
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Low-fat diet as heart-healthy as Mediterranean
The two diets provide similar amounts of protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol, and unhealthy saturated fats, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Statin use jumps more than 150 percent
A new government report has found that statin use rose 156 percent between 2000 and 2005. Read Summary > -
Study: Trans fat labels are misleading
No amount of trans fat is good for you, and researchers say Nutrition Facts labels do a poor job of getting this message across to consumers. Read Summary > -
Working while tired may harm the heart
Doing mental or physical work while you're tired may lead to high blood pressure and heart disease, a U.S. study suggests. Read Summary > -
Tracking top BP number may be enough
Systolic blood pressure (the top number) is the pressure exerted at the start of the heart's pumping cycle, while diastolic pressure (the bottom number) records the lowest pressure during the heart's resting cycle. Read Summary > -
Study: ACE inhibitors may cause swelling
New research suggests the risk of a relatively rare type of swelling is higher in people who use ACE inhibitors to control their blood pressure. Read Summary > -
Leukemia med may treat strokes
The leukemia drug Gleevec may help reduce complications associated with a medication given to stroke patients, researchers say. Read Summary > -
"Silent strokes" strike one in 10 healthy adults
According to new research, if you're a healthy older adult, the chances are one in 10 that you've had a stroke and didn't even know it. Read Summary > -
Study: Medicaid co-pays reduce use of meds
A new U.S. study has found that adding even small co-pays to Medicaid prescription drug plans reduces the use of medications in patients with chronic conditions. Read Summary > -
Saving Children’s Hearts
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5 tips for finding the right cardiologist
A reporter from CNN has compiled this list of five factors you should consider when choosing your heart specialist. Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Check Blood Pressure at Home
Regular monitoring can keep it under control Read More > -
Low vitamin D level may up death risk
A new study again links low vitamin D levels with an increased risk of death. Read Summary > -
Exercise Reduces Hunger for Some Women
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Good cholesterol med may be delayed until 2013
Drugmaker Merck says it may have to wait until 2013 before the FDA will consider MK-0524A for approval. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: Migraine med for adults with vascular disease
Call for adults who have stable vascular disease and suffer from migraines to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: Avandia's effect on atherosclerosis
Call for adults ages 30 years to 80 years old who have Type 2 diabetes and suspected heart disease to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
Video: Shopping for heart-healthy foods
A dietician takes viewers on a tour of the grocery store to help them choose foods that are effective at lowering cholesterol and promoting heart health. Read Summary > -
Coffee Could Lower Death Risk
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Study: Abilify has lower diabetes, heart disease risk
Patients who suffer from schizophrenia and take Abilify may have a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease than those who take older antipsychotic drugs, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Coffee drinkers may live longer
A new study has found that drinking up to six cups a day of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee daily does not increase the risk of death and may even help the heart, especially for women. Read Summary > -
Study: Lifestyle counseling reduces heart risks
Intensive lifestyle counseling may help people at high risk for heart disease, a new British study suggests. Read Summary > -
Med effective against heart-lung condition
Tracleer (bosentan) may help patients with early-stage pulmonary arterial hypertension, Italian researchers say. Read Summary > -
Diabetes Drug Slows Early Puberty in Girls
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Ruling delays generic Lipitor until 2011
Generic versions of the cholesterol drug won't be available on the U.S. market until November 30, 2011, under the terms of a new agreement. Read Summary > -
Child Diabetes Testing Missing the Mark
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Smoking Vaccine Being Developed
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Deadly type of stroke targets women, Mexican Americans
Subarachnoid hemorrhages, a type of stroke, usually begin with a "thunderclap" headache that sufferers describe as the worst headache they've ever had. Read Summary > -
Study helps explain why statins don't work for everyone
California researchers say a genetic "quirk" may explain why some people don't get the full cholesterol-lowering effect of statins. Read Summary > -
Chinese red yeast rice may prevent heart attacks
Researchers say Chinese red yeast rice may soon be used much the same way as cholesterol-lowering drugs to prevent heart attacks. Read Summary > -
Study: Black, white patients treated differently
Some black patients are less likely to gain long-term control of their blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure levels than white patients, new research suggests. Read Summary > -
Some heart failure patients may be misdiagnosed
Diastolic heart failure is characterized by a reduced ability of the heart to relax to allow filling, a condition that researchers say could be mimicked by the effects of aging or other conditions. Read Summary > -
When is the right time to take meds?
Millions of people take medications, but most are not aware that the drugs may be more effective if taken at certain times of day. Read Summary > -
Toenail clippings may predict heart risk
Biomarkers of cigarette smoke exposure now used only reflect exposure within the past few days, the researchers say, but because toenails grow slowly, they may offer a better way to estimate a person's total level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Read Summary > -
Good oral hygiene helps fight heart infections
A new study suggests that taking good care of teeth and gums may be vital to preventing infective endocarditis, a dangerous type of heart valve infection. Read Summary > -
Q&A: How long should I take Plavix?
Cardiologist Thomas H. Lee responds to a reader's question about how long someone who's had stents inserted should stay on Plavix. Read Summary > -
Chinese Remedy may Prevent Heart Attacks
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Ultrasound may help predict artery disease
Intravascular ultrasound has already been found effective at monitoring the progress of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries. Read Summary > -
5 ways to raise good cholesterol
Many people take statins to lower their bad cholesterol, but experts say raising good cholesterol levels is important to heart health as well. Read Summary > -
Doctors explain heart screening advice for ADHD patients
The American Heart Association clarified a recent recommendation about stimulant medications and heart screenings by explaining that it is not mandatory to obtain an electrocardiogram and treatment for ADHD should not be withheld because an ECG is not done. Read Summary > -
Mediterranean diet may prevent diabetes
A Mediterranean-style diet may dramatically reduce your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, a new study has found. Read Summary > -
Study: Heart failure patients misjudge life expectancy
Heart failure is considered the worst type of heart disease, with a life expectancy that is as bad or worse than for patients with cancer. Read Summary > -
Low-salt diet may not be best for your heart
A surprising new study suggests that eating a diet low in salt may be worse for your heart than eating a diet rich in salt. Read Summary > -
Bad cholesterol linked to metabolic syndrome
Signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome include abdominal obesity, high fasting blood sugar levels, and high blood fat levels. Read Summary > -
When to avoid a massage
Most experts agree that getting a massage is a good thing, but for people who suffer from some health problems, massage can actually make their conditions worse. Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Living With a Pacemaker
Suggestions for how to manage Read More > -
Antidepressants may prevent post-stroke depression
More than half of the 700,000 people who will have a stroke in the United States this year will develop depression, and this depression is associated with difficulty in stroke recovery and an increased risk of death. Read Summary > -
Anti-clotting meds give mixed results
Researchers say that two anti-clotting drugs were no help to heart attack patients awaiting angioplasty, while a third, newer drug did reduce the incidence of major problems and death. Read Summary > -
Studies: ED predicts heart trouble in diabetic men
Diabetes appears to affect the nervous system and blood vessels, researchers say, and this links male sexual failure to heart disease. Read Summary > -
Report: 60 percent of adults have chronic health woes
A chronic medical conditions is defined as one expected to last at least one year and result in limitations or the need for ongoing care. Read Summary > -
Survey: Many women unaware of heart disease risk
Many women don't know that their risk of heart disease increases significantly as they get older, according to a new survey of women in Britain. Read Summary > -
Experts: People should monitor blood pressure at home
Experts say there is strong evidence that home blood pressure monitoring leads to better control of blood pressure, which can lower a number of serious health risks. Read Summary > -
Hypertension slipping past doctors, experts say
In a recent study, only 56 percent of patients seen in U.S. doctors' offices had their blood pressure checked. Read Summary > -
Study: Music lowers blood pressure
Thirty minutes of music per day could substantially lower blood pressure, a new Italian study has found. Read Summary > -
Stroke victims at higher risk for falls
Of 1,104 stroke patients included in a new study, 37 percent suffered a fall during the first six months after their stroke. Read Summary > -
Marijuana may boost heart risks
Marijuana may cause the liver to produce too much of a protein that boosts fat levels in the blood, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Teen Donors Plagued by Complications
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Health Tip: Heart-Healthy Diet Should Start in Infancy
Here's what the American Heart Association recommends Read More > -
Diabetics' blood pressure may be poorly controlled
Uncertainty about a patient's "real" blood pressure reading may be keeping some diabetics from better hypertension control, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
CPAP may lower blood pressure
A device that regulates breathing in people with sleep apnea may reduce blood pressure in addition to treating the nighttime breathing disorder. Read Summary > -
Sleep apnea raises risk of death for stroke patients
People who have had a stroke and have obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of dying than people with central sleep apnea, according to new research. Read Summary > -
Grape, apple juice may prevent clogged arteries
Purple grape juice, apple juice, and the fruits themselves were found to cut atherosclerosis risks in hamsters in a new study. Read Summary > -
What boosts your cholesterol risk?
In this article from CNN, a reporter talks to health experts about what most of us don't know about cholesterol and its health risks. Read Summary > -
FDA to consider phone numbers on TV drug ads
In 1997, the federal government eased the rules on advertising on TV and radio, allowing drug companies to shorten the warnings on side effects in commercials. Read Summary > -
Heart-friendly cities for women
Cities in the West dominated the list of heart-healthy cities, while Southern and Midwestern cities brought up the rear. Read Summary > -
Statins may help women's irregular heartbeat
Study scientists say statins' anti-inflammatory effect may be behind the decrease in atrial fibrillation in older women. Read Summary > -
Four unusual markers may predict heart deaths
Scientists say they've found four "offbeat" biomarkers that can accurately predict the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Read Summary > -
Study: Bedtime aspirin helps prehypertension
Prehypertension, which is defined as blood pressure just below the 140/90 level, is a known warning sign of future risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Read Summary > -
Beta blockers may raise risks after surgery
Beta blockers are often given to patients after non-cardiac surgery to reduce the surgery's strain on their heart, but researchers say this could actually boost some risks for these patients. Read Summary > -
Study: Heart failure like cancer for patients
Researchers say people who suffer heart failure are dealt a crushing psychological blow that's similar to the one experienced by people with advanced cancer. Read Summary > -
Stroke patients may walk better with human help
Robotic devices have been developed to take some of the physical demands off therapists helping stroke patients, but now researchers say human help may benefit these patients more. Read Summary > -
Scientists find clues to arrhythmia, sudden death link
New information about the molecular causes of irregular heartbeat may have given scientists clues about how these arrhythmia trigger sudden cardiac death. Read Summary > -
Artery sounds could spot heart risks
Researchers say doctors may be able to hear a noise that's linked to increased heart risks by using a simple stethoscope. Read Summary > -
Cholesterol, hypertension linked to eye disease
High cholesterol and high blood pressure have been linked to retinal vein occlusion, a condition that leads to vision loss. Read Summary > -
Meds alone won't lower heart risks of overweight
Medications can only do so much to prevent cardiovascular problems, researchers say, and people must shed pounds to keep these problems away. Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Can You Quit Smoking Without Weight Gain?
Suggestions to stay smoke-free and healthy Read More > -
Early-stage heart test underused, experts say
Women, elderly people, ethnic minorities, and people with lower incomes are the most likely to miss angina testing, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
New med helps when statins aren't enough
Darapladib works by fighting an enzyme found in artery plaque that makes the plaque more likely to rupture and block blood flow. Read Summary > -
Study: Folic acid doesn't help your heart
Another study has shown that folic acid doesn't offer any protection from heart disease or stroke. Read Summary > -
Bone loss linked to heart disease
A small study suggests that people with osteoporosis may be more likely to have obstructive coronary artery disease also. Read Summary > -
Most don't know all stroke symptoms
A new study has found that only 44 percent of Americans know all five symptoms of stroke. Read Summary > -
Study: Home monitoring helps heart patients
New research suggests that remote monitoring can improve the condition of mobile heart failure patients and may reduce hospital readmissions. Read Summary > -
Heart risk drops quickly for women who stop smoking
A new study shows that the risk of dying from heart disease drops 21 percent in the first five years after a woman quits smoking. Read Summary > -
Lack of sleep linked to metabolic syndrome
Two new studies have shown a connection between not getting enough sleep and developing metabolic syndrome. Read Summary > -
Tips for sorting out medical bills
Jeanne Sather, author of The Assertive Cancer Patient, offers five tips for dealing with medical bills. Read Summary > -
Get help with your bills from a specialist
Writer Jeanne Sather explains how a medical billing specialist can help you manage your medical bills, find billing errors, and save money. Read Summary > -
Study: Chocolate bar lowers cholesterol
The results of a University of Illinois study have demonstrated an effective way to lower cholesterol levels - by eating chocolate bars. Read Summary > -
Can Women be fat and fit?
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Health Tip: Healing Mentally After a Heart Attack
Don't neglect your emotional needs Read More > -
Thyroid Hormone Linked to Heart Disease
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Birth Control for Brain Injuries?
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FDA approves artery plaque device
The InfraReDx LipiScan NIR Catheter Imaging System works by inserting a catheter with a fiber-optic laser light into the artery and measuring the light reflected back from the artery wall. Read Summary > -
Fosamax linked to heart ailment
The osteoporosis drug Fosamax appears to double a woman's odds of developing atrial fibrillation, a chronic irregular heartbeat, a study reported Monday. Read Summary > -
Secondhand smoke prevents artery repair
Scientists have found that secondhand smoke both damages cells that line blood vessels and prevents these cells from being repaired. Read Summary > -
Study: Wealth cuts stroke risk
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Wealthier people are less likely to have a stroke, but the benefit appears to fade out with age. Read Summary > -
Heart Danger for Osteoporosis Drug Users
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FDA rejects new cholesterol med
The med, called Cordaptive (MK-0524A), lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol and has been recommended for approval in Europe. Read Summary > -
Don’t Sleep too Much or too Little
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Alert: Digitek heart tablets recalled
The FDA has received reports that some of these tablets may be double the appropriate thickness and contain twice the approved level of active ingredient. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: Combo treatment for high cholesterol
This national study is currently recruiting adults who have high cholesterol and who take statins. Read Summary > -
Seawater may make tomatoes more healthy
Experts say you can grow a healthier tomato by watering it with diluted seawater. Read Summary > -
Cholesterol woes hit boys in their teens
Experts say hormones may explain why girls don't suffer the same symptoms of increased cardiovascular risk. Read Summary > -
Skin test spots cholesterol, heart risks
The test requires a small sample of skin cells scraped off the palm of the hand and measures levels of skin sterol, a molecular relative of blood cholesterol. Read Summary > -
Gene variant protects some black heart patients
Researchers say that to their knowledge, this is the first case where a genetic variant mimics the activity of a drug used to treat a disease. Read Summary > -
New compact heart device approved
The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System is three inches in length and weighs about one pound. Read Summary > -
New drug-coated stent shows promise
Researchers say that the new Xience stent is more effective at reducing major cardiovascular events at the time of implant than the older Taxus stent. Read Summary > -
Retinopathy may predict heart failure
Diabetics who have retinopathy are twice as likely to suffer from heart failure as other diabetics, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Heart Tests for Kids With ADHD
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Overeating, Not Fat, Causes Metabolic Syndrome
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Home defibrillators may not boost survival rates
Researchers say that putting external defibrillators in the homes of people who've had a heart attack does not improve patient survival rates. Read Summary > -
"Telemedicine" may help cut heart attack risk
Researchers say their finding suggests that telemedicine may help patients and doctors communicate with less cost and time commitment than frequent doctor visits. Read Summary > -
Migraine frequency influences some heart risks
Researchers say the number of migraines a woman has in a week or month may influence her risk for heart attack or stroke. Read Summary > -
Study: HRT safer at younger age
It may be safer for women to take hormone replacement therapy during the first few years of menopause, according to a small study. Read Summary > -
Low vitamin D levels linked to higher PAD risk
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614576 Read Summary > -
Health Tip: If You Have High Cholesterol
Suggested questions to ask your doctor Read More > -
Statins may lower blood pressure
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/104138.php Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Having High Blood Pressure
Are you at risk? Read More > -
Heart failure med may boost bone loss in men
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614510 Read Summary > -
Heart Medication Leads to Hip Bone Loss
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High blood pressure may prevent headaches
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614536 Read Summary > -
Lipitor, Celebrex may fight prostate cancer
Scientists have found that the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor and the painkiller Celebrex may help control prostate cancer. Read Summary > -
Stroke Treatment Unclogs Neck Arteries
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Study: Heart health not linked to sexual satisfaction in women
THURSDAY, April 10 (HealthDay News) -- Sexual dissatisfaction in postmenopausal women isn't associated with cardiovascular disease, say U.S. researchers. Read Summary > -
Apples at the Core of Good Health
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Kids With Heart Disease: Behavior Issues
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Research your meds on the Treatments tab
Our new Treatments tab makes it easier for you to find articles on the specific medications you take. Read Summary > -
"Formularies" can change the doctor's orders
If you have health insurance that includes prescription drug coverage, the pharmacy card in your wallet gives your insurance company more power over your prescriptions than you may realize. It allows the insurer--not your pharmacy--to set the price of your prescription. Find out why and what you can do about it. Read Summary > -
Some foods are medicine, studies find
Tart cherries, green tea, and caffeine may each protect people from certain diseases, new research suggests. Read Summary > -
Get Moving to Kick the Habit
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One third of dementia cases linked to diabetes, blood pressure
SUNDAY, April 6 (HealthDay News) -- Small blood vessel damage caused by hypertension and diabetes may be among the leading causes of dementia, according to new research. Read Summary > -
Two studies show Crestor's effectiveness against heart disease
http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20080401/statin-drug-crestor-slows-artery-plaque Read Summary > -
Avandia may fight atherosclerosis in some bypass patients
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614140 Read Summary > -
Actos may slow heart disease in diabetics
(CBS) Most diabetics die from heart attack or stroke. But a study presented Monday by Dr. Read Summary > -
Diabetics have a doubled heart attack risk
MONDAY, March 31 (HealthDay News) -- Diabetics are more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease, putting them at the same risk level as non-diabetic Read Summary > -
Most older Americans living longer, better lives
A new report has found that older Americans are living longer, more healthy lives. Read Summary > -
Study: Elderly benefit from high blood pressure treatment
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614016 Read Summary > -
Angioplasty is "reasonable" bypass alternative, experts say
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614050 Read Summary > -
Hands-only CPR effective for cardiac arrest
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614000 Read Summary > -
Study: Drug-eluting stents safer after heart attack
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614028 Read Summary > -
New blood thinner may beat Plavix in angioplasty patients
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=613999 Read Summary > -
Study: ACE inhibitors as effective as pricier meds
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614019 Read Summary > -
Study: Two meds better than one for hypertension
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614055 Read Summary > -
Is your medicine made in a place you can trust?
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lazarus30mar30,0,4371528,full.column Read Summary > -
Viewpoint: Are we healthier than we think?
According to author Shannon Brownlee, Americans are bombarded with medical news in an attempt to raise their 'awareness' of health conditions such as high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and pre-diabetes. Read Summary > -
Experts issue warning about Vytorin, Zetia
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/business/30cnd-vytorin.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin Read Summary > -
Anniversary of parents' passing can trigger sudden death
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614027 Read Summary > -
Health Tip: How a Pacemaker Helps the Heart
Why the device is prescribed Read More > -
Depression after stroke can be debilitating
Australian researchers have found that depression stops stroke victims from returning to work almost as much as physical disability does. Read Summary > -
Chemo-induced anemia ups breast cancer recurrence
Patients with breast cancer who developed anemia during chemotherapy had nearly three times the risk of local recurrence as those who did not, according to a study published in the April 1 issue of Cl Read Summary > -
Happy marriage, happy heart
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSSP20111820080320?sp=true Read Summary > -
iPods don't interfere with pacemakers, study finds
http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=613952 Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: Niacin+statins to prevent heart disease
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00120289 Read Summary > -
Create a test calendar to track your health
Many of us with diabetes feel better now than before our diagnosis. That�s probably mostly because we take better care of ourselves now and get more exercise. Read Summary > -
Poor sleep worse for women's hearts
FRIDAY, March 21 (HealthDay News) -- Women suffer more damage to their cardiovascular health from poor sleep than men do, and researchers at Duke University Medical Center believe they've determined w Read Summary > -
Drug therapy boosts heart attack survival
MONDAY, March 24 (HealthDay News) -- The long-term survival of older Americans who have heart attacks has improved steadily in recent years and apparently is due to the drugs they are prescribed, a ne Read Summary > -
Study: High blood pressure runs in the family
MONDAY, March 24 (HealthDay News) -- A 54-year study has solidified the link between parents' high blood pressure and the chances their children will develop this significant risk factor for cardiovas Read Summary > -
Blueberries may fight cholesterol, colon cancer
(NaturalNews) Two recent studies conducted on animals suggest that eating blueberries may contribute to healthier cholesterol levels and help stave off colon cancer. Read Summary > -
Severe menopause symptoms boost women's heart risks
FRIDAY, March 14 (HealthDay News) -- Women who have the most severe menopausal symptoms may also be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
'Melt-away' stents show promise in trial
THURSDAY, March 13 (HealthDay News) -- A polymer stent that is quietly absorbed by the body after it has done its job of keeping a coronary artery open has worked well in an international trial, resea Read Summary > -
FDA identifies heparin contaminant
WEDNESDAY, March 19 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. Read Summary > -
Skip the Elevator and Take the Stairs!
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Surgery Safe for Seniors
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Study: White men with chest pain seen fastest in ER
FRIDAY, March 14 (HealthDay News) -- White men who arrive in emergency rooms complaining of chest pains get treatments for heart trouble faster than African-Americans or women do, a new U.S. Read Summary > -
Caregivers of heart patients boost their own heart risks
Caregivers were also more likely to be depressed after six months than those who provided little or no care. Read Summary > -
Taking a vacation from exercise ups disease risk
UESDAY, March 18 (HealthDay News) -- Forget about regular, scheduled exercise for a minute. Read Summary > -
Study: Angioplasty, diagnostic tests OK for elderly
TUESDAY, March 18 (HealthDay News) -- People over 80 can safely have diagnostic radiology tests and procedures such as artery-opening angioplasty without being hospitalized for their safety, a new stu Read Summary > -
Angina more common in women than men
MONDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) -- While men suffer more heart attacks than women, women have a 20 percent higher prevalence of stable angina, according to a new study that conflicts with convention Read Summary > -
Secondhand Smoke Affects Toddlers Most
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Clinical trial: New med for high cholesterol
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of the study drug, AEGR-733 alone and in combination with the medication, atorvastatin (Lipitor), on cholesterol in volunteers with moderately hi Read Summary > -
New soy cereal may help cholesterol, cancers
Breakfast of champions? Read Summary > -
Genes found that protect against atherosclerosis
One way of combating atherosclerosis is to reduce levels of "bad cholesterol" in the blood. Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Cardiac Rehabilitation
Why it's often recommended Read More > -
High GI diet linked to diabetes, heart disease, gall stones
If your breakfast usually consists of white bread and sugary cereals, you may be increasing your risk of diabetes, heart disease and possibly cancer, new Australian study finds. Read Summary > -
Study: Heart implants can be hacked
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Implanted heart defibrillators, which automatically shock a fluttering heart back into a normal rhythm, can be hacked from the outside, U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday. Read Summary > -
Aromatherapy helps mood--not pain
(CBS) Believers swear by aromatherapy, in which certain scents are supposed to have a positive effect on a person's mood or health. Read Summary > -
Wii may help with stroke, brain-injury rehab
All Things Considered, February 25, 2008 � A game system popular with teens is finding its way into rehabilitation centers. Read Summary > -
Women less likely to be given common heart meds
Women and men experience a similar prevalence of adverse drug reactions in the treatment of coronary artery disease; however, women are significantly less likely than their male counterparts to be tre Read Summary > -
What to do when statins hurt
Doctors generally agree that all statin medications on the market are extremely safe, but none is completely free from the possibility of side effects, some quite serious. Read Summary > -
Dieticians may help lower cholesterol
March 7, 2008 -- Looking to tame your high cholesterol? New research shows what results you might get if you consult a registered dietitian. Read Summary > -
Moderate drinking in middle age cuts heart risks
FRIDAY, March 7 (HealthDay News) -- If you start drinking moderate amounts of alcohol in middle age, particularly wine, you can lower your risk of heart attack by up to 68 percent, compared to nondrin Read Summary > -
Vaccine may one day control high blood pressure
THURSDAY, March 6 (HealthDay News) -- A vaccine that blocks so-called angiotensin II receptors, thus relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure, may one day replace current blood pressure medicati Read Summary > -
Study: RA meds may cut heart risks
THURSDAY, March 6 (HealthDay News) -- People taking medications for rheumatoid arthritis may also be reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
'Clear link' between stress and strokes
MONDAY, March 3 (HealthDay News) -- The notion that stress can help bring on a stroke may have merit, British researchers say. Read Summary > -
Curry ingredient may cut heart risks
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Curcumin, an ingredient in the curry spice tumeric, can reduce heart enlargement and may lower the risk of heart failure, Canadian researchers say. Read Summary > -
Clearing confusion about stents
FRIDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- To stent or not to stent? Which type of the artery-opening device is best? When is heart bypass surgery smarter than getting a stent? Read Summary > -
New stroke treatments show promise
FRIDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Several new studies point to the promise of new ways to treat different types of stroke. Read Summary > -
Age-related eye problem may boost cardiovascular risk
THURSDAY, Feb. 28 (HealthDay News) -- People suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have twice the risk of dying from heart attack or stroke, Australian researchers report. Read Summary > -
Stroke risk factors may drain memory
FRIDAY, Feb. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: Vytorin vs. Lipitor in seniors with high cholesterol
Call for people ages 65 years and older who have high cholesterol to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
Adult stem cells could treat some heart, autoimmune diseases
TUESDAY, Feb. Read Summary > -
Statins may cause tendon problems
But experts say the risk of tendon problems is small and that the cardiovascular benefits of statin use outweigh this risk. Read Summary > -
Daytime sleeping may warn of a stroke
Older Americans who fall alseep during the day may have a higher risk of stroke than people who don't. Read Summary > -
Survey: Americans getting less and less sleep
A study of almost 20,000 adults in four states showed that 10 percent of adults don't get enough sleep on a regular basis. Read Summary > -
Q&A: Does chocolate have health benefits?
Experts at WebMD answer common questions about chocolate, including those concerning the food's health benefits. Read Summary > -
Overweight Hispanic Kids Show Early Markers for Diabetes
Blood vessel damage sets stage for insulin resistance, heart disease, study finds Read More > -
Tips for troublesome medications
Over half of the medication-related ER visits involved one of 10 common meds. Read Summary > -
Indoor air filters may boost heart health
Using high efficiency particle air filters significantly improved a key measure of cardiovascular health in elderly people, new research has found. Read Summary > -
Nine natural ways to lower cholesterol
Experts at WebMD offer this list of nine supplements and foods that have been found to affect high cholesterol. Read Summary > -
Do statins cause memory loss in women?
Doctors say they've seen women lose cognitive abilities while taking statins, only to have the abilities return when women stop taking the meds. Read Summary > -
Statins may ease irregular heartbeat
People who take statins may reduce their risk of atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat that boosts the risk of stroke. Read Summary > -
Costco offers discount drug plan for uninsured customers
Costco is offering a prescription-medication program to uninsured customers that provides instant price comparisons and recommends the cheapest option when filling a prescription at Costco stores. Read Summary > -
Report : Most Americans don't know heart attack signs
Most Americans don't know the five warning signs of heart attack, which are pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back; feeling weak, lightheaded or faint; chest pain or discomfort; pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder; and shortness of breath. Read Summary > -
Caffeine, alcohol mixture may reduce stroke damage
The mixture, called caffeinol, is equivalent to four to six strong cups of coffee and a shot of alcohol. Read Summary > -
Cats may protect owners from heart attack
Owning a cat may reduce your risk of having a heart attack by as much as one-third, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Mammograms may spot stroke risk
Mammograms may reveal calcium deposits in the breasts that could put women at greater risk for having a stroke, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Depression, hostility combo raises heart risks
Both depression and hostility have long been known to be risk factors for heart problems, but researchers say the combination of the two is particularly potent in boosting inflammation in the body. Read Summary > -
Music helps stroke recovery
Stroke patients who listened to music showed better signs of recovery than those who listened to audiobooks or to nothing at all, researchers in Finland have found. Read Summary > -
Study: Free meds after heart attack would save lives
Most people don't stay on prescribed medications after they suffer a heart attack, and researchers say making the medications cost-free would help reduce this problem. Read Summary > -
FDA approves combo cholesterol med Simcor
Simcor is a combination of Niaspan and Zocor. Read Summary > -
Some blood pressure meds may prevent Parkinson's
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder affecting at least one million people in the United States and six million people worldwide, according to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Read Summary > -
Living to 100--even with chronic disease
Lifestyle--not genetics--may play the biggest role some experts say. Read Summary > -
Most hypertension patients don't follow diet
Only a small percentage of hypertension patients follow the recommended diet for controlling the condition, a new report suggests. Read Summary > -
Drugmaker stops Heparin production
Baxter's announcement means that there could be a shortage of the medication, and health officials are working with other manufacturers to fill the production gap. Read Summary > -
Ask the Editor: What's so 'good' and 'bad' about cholesterol?
MedTrackAlert Editor Amy Tudor answers a reader's question about good and bad cholesterol. Read Summary > -
Discovery could make statins work even better
Researchers may have found a way to make cholesterol-lowering statins work better. Read Summary > -
Beet juice may help control blood pressure
Just one 500 ml glass of beetroot juice could reduce blood pressure, British researchers report. Read Summary > -
Muscle fatigue drug may help heart failure patients
A new medication helps keep muscles from feeling tired, and it could help chronic heart failure patients fight off the severe exhaustion they experience while performing daily tasks. Read Summary > -
Heart attack seldom leads to better diet
Many patients do not find a heart attack sufficient reason to change their diets, researchers say, which is putting them at risk for another coronary event. Read Summary > -
FDA approves new human heart valve
The new valve is designed to reduce the risk of the body rejecting the replacement. Read Summary > -
Inflammatory arthritis gene boosts heart risk
The discovery a gene that links inflammatory arthritis and heart disease could lead to new treatments, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Experts: For complex cases, drug-coated stents best
Patients with such high-risk factors as kidney failure or a recent heart attack fare better with drug-coated stents, new research suggests. Read Summary > -
GPS device could track peripheral artery disease
The same device that keeps people from getting lost while driving could help doctors diagnose the severity of PAD, researchers say. Read Summary > -
First 90 days dangerous after stopping Plavix
Patients' risk of an adverse event increases twofold in the first 90 days after they stop taking the anti-clotting med, researchers say. Read Summary > -
New cholesterol med shows promise in early trials
Sobetirome is a new selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist that's designed to lower bad cholesterol levels. Read Summary > -
FDA Approves New Drug-Eluting Stent
To help people with narrowed arteries Read More > -
Health Tip: Understanding an Aneurysm
Requires immediate evaluation and treatment Read More > -
FDA will wait for further tests on Vytorin
Vytorin is a combination of the Zocor (simvastatin) and Zetia (ezetimibe); about 60 percent of U.S. patients who are taking Zetia now receive the drug as part of Vytorin. Read Summary > -
MedTrackAlert now offering text alerts
Readers can now get health news on their cell phones. MedTrackAlert is publishing health-related content through a text messaging service. Consumers may subscribe to the opt-in service here. Read Summary > -
Western diet again linked to heart disease, diabetes risk
A person is thought to have metabolic syndrome if he or she has three or more of the following cardiovascular risk factors: large waist circumference, high blood pressure, high fasting glucose levels, low good cholesterol levels and high triglycerides. Read Summary > -
Genes may influence blood pressure meds
Experts say studies such this one could one day lead to so-called 'personalized medicine,' in which medications are matched to a patient's genetic type. Read Summary > -
High blood sugar boosts women's heart disease risk
Women have a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease than men, especially if their blood sugar is elevated, a new study suggests. Read Summary > -
Drug-free stent coating shows promise
The new stents are coated with a polymer that helps prevent blood clots of the buildup of deposits that could re-clog vessels. Read Summary > -
Smallest air pollution particles hurt heart the most
Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates fine pollution particles, but it doesn't monitor ultrafine particles like those identified in this study. Read Summary > -
Immune therapy may help heart failure patients
According to the American Heart Association, some five million Americans have heart failure. Read Summary > -
Aspirin resistance boosts heart risks
Currently, there is no agreed-upon method for identifying aspirin-resistant patients, and there is ongoing debate about why a person may be aspirin-resistant in the first place. Read Summary > -
FDA approves new hypertension med
Tekturna HCT combines a blood pressure medication and a drug that helps keep the kidneys from retaining water. Read Summary > -
System may speed heart attack treatment
A citywide system used in Canada has cut the time heart attack patients must wait for angioplasty procedures almost in half, experts say. Read Summary > -
Calcium supplements may boost heart risk for some women
TUESDAY, Jan. Read Summary > -
Test spots heart defect in young athletes
The study comes amid intense debate about whether young U.S. athletes should be screened for heart problems. Read Summary > -
Scientists work to create new hearts
Researchers are working on a way to create a human heart from a patient's own stem cells. Read Summary > -
Seven cholesterol-regulating genes discovered
U.S. researchers looked at over 20,000 people in three countries to identify the new cholesterol-regulating genes. Read Summary > -
Vitamin C may help prevent strokes
Researchers say people with higher blood levels of vitamin C have a lower risk of suffering a stroke. Read Summary > -
Vytorin no better than generic, study finds
Patients in a recent study who took a generic form of Zocor had less artery-clogging plaque than those who took the brandname combination med. Read Summary > -
Minor leg injuries could cause blood clots
Muscle pulls, sprains, may triple people's risk of developing blood clots in the veins, researchers say. Read Summary > -
Study: Zetia has 'no medical benefit'
About 1 million Americans take Zetia, either alone or as part of the cholesterol combo med Vytorin. Read Summary > -
Science affirms oatmeal's effect on cholesterol
Experts say the findings are even stronger than when the FDA first approved the health claim's appearance on oat products in 1997. Read Summary > -
Restless leg syndrome may cause heart problems
A new study suggests that people with restless leg syndrome are more than twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke than people without the sleeping disorder. Read Summary > -
Study: Post-9/11 stress raised heart disease risk
Researchers say acute stress reactions, including PTSD, increased heart disease risk following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Read Summary > -
Study: Exercise, moderate drinking helps save the heart
But researchers say more studies are needed before alcohol use is recommended as a heart disease treatment. Read Summary > -
Lowering co-pays may help fight chronic disease
Many insurers raised co-pays on Jan. 1, but researchers say keeping co-pays low could boost the use of preventative meds in patients with chronic diseases. Read Summary > -
What to do if you forget to pack your pills
A pharmacist offers advice on what to do you if you go on a trip but your medications get left at home Read Summary > -
Congress investigates Lipitor ads
Some members of Congress are concerned that ads featuring Dr. Robert Jarvik could mislead consumers into taking the cholesterol-lowering med. Read Summary > -
Vitamin D linked to heart risk
Vitamin D--which the body acquires from sunlight, supplements, and some foods--is known to be essential for strong bones. Read Summary > -
Study: Anxiety boosts heart attack risk
Scientists say that though stress has been linked to a higher risk of heart problems, this is the first study to identify chronic anxiety as a cardiovascular risk factor. Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Low-Sodium Meals
Suggestions to lower your salt intake Read More > -
AHA: Americans' cholesterol still too high
Experts say cardiovascular disease will take the lives of almost one million Americans in 2008. Read Summary > -
Video: Wide-awake heart surgery
A reporter from WebMD talks to doctors and a patient about a heart bypass operation in which patients are wide awake during the procedure. Read Summary > -
Clinical trial: New add-on treatment for high cholesterol
Call for adults with high cholesterol to participate in a study. Read Summary > -
Study: High triglycerides boost stroke risk
Researchers say these findings suggest that reducing triglycerides may be even more important than reducing bad cholesterol for lowering people's cardiovascular risk. Read Summary > -
Top 5 women's health stories in 2007
The Society for Women's Health Research has selected improvements in recognizing ovarian cancer symptom and in finding tumors in woman at high-risk for breast cancer as the most important news stories in 2007. Read Summary > -
Understanding the myths of menopause
A women's health nurse practitioner explains common misconceptions about hormone therapy, sexual desire, and hot flashes. Read Summary > -
Long-term use of the pill linked to heart disease
Women who use oral contraceptives face an increased risk of plaque buildup in their arteries, according to a recent study. Read Summary > -
Study: Taking blood pressure meds at night may be better
This simple change could reduce heart risks for some hypertension patients, Italian researchers say. Read Summary > -
Heart attack diagnosis can be wrong, study shows
Doctors who diagnose heart attacks in emergency rooms are mistaken 9.2 percent of the time, new research suggests. Read Summary > -
Bystolic approved for hypertension
The FDA has approved the new beta blocker after four studies found it effective in treating high blood pressure. Read Summary > -
New statin-free cholesterol med shows promise
KB2115 is designed to mimic the action of the thyroid hormone and speed up the hormone's ability to rid the body of bad cholesterol. Read Summary > -
Diovan approved for use in kids
The drug has been approved for use in children and teens ages six to 16 who have high blood pressure. Read Summary > -
FDA panel rejects non-prescription statin
For the third time in seven years, a panel that advises the FDA has voted to reject and over-the-counter version of the cholesterol-lowering drug Mevacor. Read Summary > -
Health Tip: Help Keep Diabetic Hearts Healthy
Lifestyle changes can make a big difference Read More > -
Statins may boost brain hemorrhage risk after stroke
But researchers say this risk needs to be balanced against the overall benefits of statins in lowering patients' risk of suffering a second stroke or heart attack. Read Summary > -
Micardis potent for preventing stroke
Scientists say the drug provided complete stroke protection in a recent animal study. Read Summary >

