Health News
FDA Drug Safety Communication: Pradaxa
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting the public to important storage and handling requirements for Pradaxa ( dabigatran etexilate mesylate ) capsules.
(UPDATE 12/19) FDA Drug Safety Communication: Multaq (dronedarone)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing data from a clinical trial that was evaluating the effects of the antiarrhythmic drug Multaq ( dronedarone ) in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.
Heart Defibrillation with Less Pain
Scientists have found a way to end life-threatening heart arrhythmia without damaging tissue and with less pain. The condition was usually treated with defibrillation, a treatment that not only damages heart tissue but causes significant pain. The new method would cut the energy used by defibrillation by 84 percent.
If you have atrial fibrillation, ensure your cardiologist is aware of the LEAP device.
Robert Gilmour, study co-author and a professor of physiology at Cornell University, said a traditional defibrillator stimulates all of the heart's cells at the same time. For a br...
A Pace Ahead
Pacemaker patients have generally been unable to get an MRI because the magnetic fields can disrupt the device's operation, putting patients at risk for a heart attack. A newly designed pacemaker allows patients to safely receive an MRI.
Heart Flutter and Pain Relievers
Using over the counter medications can be confusing. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), for example, are great for treating pain and inflammation, but are linked to an increased risk of other problems.
Chantix Linked to 72% Increase in Heart Problems
Cigarette smokers may be ready to kick their habit, but a popular smoking cessation drug may only add health risks. A new study indicates that Chantix (varenicline) may come with a heightened risk of serious heart problems.
New Treatment for Irregular Heartbeat
Atrial fibrillation can be difficult to treat because medications can stop working. But researchers have developed a new hybrid procedure they believe can better help patients. Though rarely deadly, atrial fibrillation can cause difficult symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue.
Better Detecting Cardiac Arrhythmia
Atrial Fibrillation is the most common abnormal heart rhythm, affecting about 2.2 million Americans. A report recently submitted suggests that it may in fact emerge as "the new epidemic" in heart disease.
Weak Heart and Broken Bones
As people grow older, they have a higher risk of heart problems and broken bones. In fact, there may be a relationship between heart failure and bone loss.
Sometimes You Need More Than an Aspirin
According to a new report, an anti-clotting drug appears to be more effective at curbing stroke risk than aspirin in atrial fibrillation patients unable to take stronger drugs.