HeartCare
Think positive to help your heart
Perhaps we should all follow Grammy award-winning musician Bobby McFerrin’s advice: “Don’t worry, be happy!” read more »
Mark spitz still making a splash
If you are too young to remember 1972, then you may not know that…
Mark Spitz was widely recognized as the 22-year-old handsome swimmer with a dark mustache. At the ’72 summer Olympics, he entered seven events and won the gold medal in each one. He became then, and remains now, the only athlete to win seven gold medals at a single Olympics. read more »
Blood pressure readings-Does the left arm know what the right arm is doing?
It’s common for blood pressure readings in one arm to be a bit different from those in the other, with readings slightly higher in the right arm. read more »
Hold the (cell) phone...but not too close, High-tech tips for cardiac device users
Electrical and strong magnetic devices can interfere with signals put out by pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). read more »
Upper-extremity DVT: Don’t take it lightly
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the body’s deep veins, causing complete or partial blockage of blood flow. read more »
Dangerous drinks: Scary new findings about soda
Soda—regular or diet—can be hazardous to your health, according to a recent study. read more »
PLAVIX approved to prevent blockage after severe heart attack
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the antiplatelet agent Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) as a treatment for preventing new blockages in arteries that have already been damaged by a severe heart attack. This severe type of heart attack is caused by the sudden, total blockage of an artery. Plavix first came on the market in November 1997 to reduce platelet activity in people with decreased blood flow to the heart due to coronary artery disease. Platelets are sticky blood cells that contribute to blood clot formation and blood vessel blockages. read more »
New approaches to fight risk factors for stroke
Recent guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) provide new ways of combating some established risk factors for stroke. For example, the organizations now recommend that people with high blood pressure—a major risk factor for stroke—lower it by consuming at least 4,700 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day and restricting sodium (salt) intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day. In addition, individuals with diabetes should control their blood pressure and perhaps take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs as well. read more »
