Health News

(UPDATE 12/15) FDA Announces New Safety Recommendations For High-Dose Simvastatin
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today is announcing safety label changes for the cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin because the highest approved dose--80 milligram (mg)--has been associated with an elevated risk of muscle injury or myopathy , particularly during the first 12 months of use.
Heart Attack Fear Leads to Worse Prognosis
It's fairly common for patients suffering from a heart attack to experience intense distress combined with a fear of dying. It's almost expected.
New Way to Block Cell Death
Scientists at the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have found a way to block stress-related cell death. Ultimately the discovery could lead to the development of new drugs for conditions including heart attacks, strokes and Parkinson's disease.
Childhood Surgeries Now, Worry Later
Promises of eating ice cream for days usually does little to allay children's fears about getting their tonsils removed. The removal of an appendix is an even scarier proposition. But there may be some reason for that childhood apprehension.
Extinguishing Tobacco Deaths Around the World
Did you know that tobacco will kill 6 million people around the world this year? And by 2030, that number will be 8 million. The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading the fight against this epidemic.
The Highest of the High Risk
Diabetes can be scary. It can cause all sorts of health problems, as many patients face a high risk of early death from heart attack or stroke. Now, research shows that a common test could spot those patients with the highest risk of early death.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Know Your Risk
Do you know how fast you can run a mile? If not, maybe you should find out. It could let you know your risk of dying of heart attack or stroke.
Former Cowboy Ron Springs Dead at 54
Ron Springs, former running back for the Dallas Cowboys, died last Thursday from a heart attack, according to the Cowboys website. He was 54 years old.
Defibtech Lifeline and ReviveR Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Recall
AUDIENCE: Emergency Medicine, Risk Manager ISSUE: Devices subject to this recall include Model DDU-100 series with software version 2.004 or earlier, sold under the brand names Lifeline and ReviveR . AEDs using software version 2.004 or earlier may cause the device to cancel shock during the charging process. Failure to provide appropriate therapy may result in failure to resuscitate the patient. BACKGROUND: AEDs are used on victims of sudden cardiac arrest when the patient is unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing. RECOMMENDATION: Defibtech will provide customers with a fr...
Signs of Danger after Heart Surgery
While heart surgery is meant to save people's lives, it can sometimes lead to other problems or even death. Now, researchers have found a way to spot patients who are at risk of death after heart surgery.