Health News
Kidney Patients Who Need Statins Might Not Take Them
Two major health groups recommend statins for many patients with chronic kidney disease. But a new study found that many patients who should take statins didn't take them — even after a doctor recommended that they do so.
Gene Mutations May Lower Cholesterol, Heart Attack Risk
Mutations to a single gene may lower cholesterol, a new study found. These findings may mean that a cholesterol-lowering medication that targets that same gene could have a new use with preventing heart attacks.
Abnormal Heartbeat Rx May Pose Major Bleeding Risk
When the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dabigatran in 2010, it highlighted the medication's ability to prevent stroke. Since then, some have raised concerns that the blood-thinning medication may cause severe bleeding.
Arthritis Pain Relievers May Raise Risk of Death From Stroke
Arthritis can be painful and prevent patients from doing daily activities. But certain medicines to relieve arthritis pain may increase patients' chances of dying from a stroke, a new study found.
Some Heart Symptoms May Not Have Physical Causes
Chest pain is always a good reason to see the doctor. But, in some cases, heart symptoms like chest pains may not have a physical cause.
Even Without Blockage, Artery Disease May Still Be a Threat
With coronary artery disease, plaque may block blood vessels. Sometimes, however, plaque that does not restrict blood flow may develop. But even this type of plaque buildup may raise the risk of heart attack.
Chagas Disease Parasite Found in Texas
Chagas disease is usually thought of as a tropical disease, found in places like Guatemala or Brazil. But researchers recently found that the parasite that causes Chagas disease was present in the blood of some Texans.
Irregular Heartbeat May Raise Risk for Silent Stroke
Millions of patients may have strokes each year and not realize it. These “silent” strokes can cause memory loss but have no outward symptoms. And those with atrial fibrillation may be especially at risk.
Some Ethnic Groups Had Higher Heart Disease Risk Than Others
When it comes to heart disease risk, ignorance may not always be bliss. Some ethnic groups had a higher risk for heart disease, but they were less aware of that risk than other groups, a new study found.
Health Officials Release New Stroke Prevention Guidelines
The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have updated their guidelines for stroke prevention. The new guidelines focus on healthy eating, normal blood pressure and exercise as ways to lower stroke risk.