New oral blood thinner rivaroxaban ( Xarelto ) has been shown to be safer for treating a pulmonary embolism as compared to enoxaparin ( Lovenox ) injections, and was found to be just as effective.

Chemical signals in the body regulate the immune system. One of the more powerful groups is the category known as cytokines. Early attempts to use the immune system to attack cancer were abandoned because of the many side effects caused by immune system dysfunction.

Following hospitalization, heart patients may do significantly better in remembering to take their medications with intervention that includes reminders, checklists and educational materials.

Cancer cells divide quickly, meaning that their genetic material is unprotected more often than normal cells. Radiation therapy targets the tumor to increase mutations, damaging the tumor cells to the point of killing the cell.

Grappling with blood pressure that is slightly elevated? Eating raisins regularly may offer a significant blood pressure benefit, says the first controlled research to study the dried grapes.

A second large study has revealed less than stellar results for an experimental Merck blood thinner. Researchers found that while it reduced cardiovascular events, it also increased the risk of major bleeding.

As healthcare has improved, it's no longer uncommon for patients to live past age 90. Guidelines do not currently address older heart attack patients receiving a stent to prop open a blocked artery.

Recent research has revealed much about the inner workings of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Now, a computer program has been developed that can predict when specific symptoms may occur.

Infusing anticoagulant drug ReoPro ( abciximab ) straight into the coronary artery appears to help reduce the amount of damage to the heart a month after a certain kind of heart attack.

Established guidelines form the baseline for cancer treatment, and oncologists tailor the standard therapy based on individual response. Movement to personalized treatment based on genetic variations instead looks to be the future of cancer therapy.