MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'heart'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:47:27 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181679&cid=t_91996_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fcardiac-output%2F The cardiac output is a commonly used parameter in the intensive care unit. It is considered an overall measure of cardiac function and is a calculated value as below: cardiac output = heart rate x stroke volume/1000 or CO = HR x SV/1000 Normal range is 4.0 – 8.0 L/min (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181679 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 06:00:21 +0100 5181679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181804&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthree-common-ailments-that-can-be-treated-with-regular-exercise%2F2011.08.31 It’s Wednesday, so I would like to tell you about some cool things I learned this past week about the science of how exercise can be used as a treatment for three common ailments. First, some background about exercise: The great thing about exercising every day that you eat is that this magic potion is not a shot or a pill. It does not involve a doctor burning or squishing anything in your body. There are no HIPAA forms, no insurance pre-certifications, and not even a co-pay. It’s as we say, easy and free. And drum roll please…exercise is active—not passive. Here’s the Mandrola take on how exercise might treat three specific medical conditions: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr John M* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181804 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:00:42 +0100 5181804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181784&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fpoor-sleep-linked-to-high-blood-pressure.html Older men who regularly miss out on deep, restorative sleep have an 80 percent increased risk of developing high blood pressure, according to a study out this week in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension. Researchers used in-home sleep monitors to measure how long and well 784 men 65 and older slept. After an average of 3.4 years, 243 men had developed high blood pressure. Men who spent less than 4 percent of their sleep time in of slow-wave sleep, considered the deeper, restorative stage of sleep, had the highest risk of developing high blood pressure. In addition, men with reduced slow-wave sleep had shorter sleep duration, more awakenings at night, and more severe sleep apnea. Nearly a third of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and the risk if higher in sen... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181784 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5181784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181786&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fcan-a-little-chocolate-really-cut-your-risk-of-heart-disease-and-stroke.html People who eat higher amounts of chocolate have a significantly lower risk of heart disease—37 percent lower, in fact—than those who consume less of the confection, according to a large-scale review published this week in the British Medical Journal. The study also found a 29 percent reduction in stroke risk and a 31 percent reduction in diabetes risk in people who consume higher amounts of chocolate. While none of the research involved randomized controlled trials, the evidence does hint at a rather sweet prospect: A little chocolate might be good for your heart as well as your soul. Researchers looked at the results of seven studies including 114,009 participants, and compared the group with the highest chocolate consumption with the group with the lowest. The studies did no... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181786 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5181786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174589&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F2BbP583QpPw%2F Superior to the Standard: Data from an 18,201-person study show that apixaban, a blood thinner being developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, reduced the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients by 21% and the risk of death by 11% compared to the standard treatment, warfarin, the WSJ reports. Apixaban also cut the risk of bleeding by 31% compared to warfarin. The drug will be submitted to the FDA for approval this year, the paper says. Bird Flu, Again: The United Nations is warning that a strain of avian flu against which current vaccines may not protect is spreading among birds in China and Vietnam, the Associated Press reports. Meantime, the avian flu virus, officially called H5N1, is now showing up in wild birds in areas that haven’t seen it for many years, thanks to mig... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174589 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:42:13 +0100 5174589 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181718&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F008263.html Time once again to remind you that you can make the excuse that you are only eating chocolate for your health. Less risk from heart attack or stroke for regular chocolate eaters. High levels of chocolate consumption might be associated with a one third reduction in the risk of developing heart disease, finds a study published on bmj.com today. The findings confirm results of existing studies that generally agree on a potential beneficial link between chocolate consumption and heart health. However, the authors stress that further studies are now needed to test whether chocolate actually causes this reduction or if it can be explained by some other unmeasured (confounding) factor. The meta-analysis looked at 7 studies and found the highest... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181718 Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5181718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174666&cid=t_91996_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F28%2Ftending-the-family-heart-wins-a-gold-young-voices-award%2F Psych Central is pleased to congratulate Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker, author of our first e-book, Tending the Family Heart on receiving a Gold “Young Voices Foundation Award” in the parenting category. This prestigious award is handed out only once a year, and Dr. Hartwell-Walker was the only winner this year in the parenting category. The Young Voices Foundation is the sponsor of the Young Voices Foundation Awards, which honors books and media that inspire, mentor and educate young people and their families. Judging is based on content (emphasis on strong family values and suitability for the specified age group), originality, design, and production quality. The judging panel for the award includes published authors, editors, publishers, educators, young readers, parents, and f... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174666 Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:58:39 +0100 5174666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174619&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmedical-news-stories-beware-of-insufficient-evidence%2F2011.08.28 After seeing the NBC Nightly News last night, a physician urged me to write about what he saw: a story about a “simple blood test that could save women’s lives.” Readers – and maybe especially TV viewers – beware whenever you hear a story about “a simple blood test.” And this is a good case in point. Brian Williams led into the story stating: “Two of three women who die suddenly of cardiac heart disease have no previous symptoms which is all the more reason women may want to ask their doctors about a blood test that can be a lifesaver.” Then NBC News chief medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman said: “It’s not a new test, it’s not an experimental test but nonetheless it’s a test not a lot of people know about and tha... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174619 Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:00:15 +0100 5174619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169546&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fresearch-shows-decrease-in-time-from-hospital-arrival-to-heart-attack-treatment%2F2011.08.27 Heart attack patients are now being treated on average 32 minutes faster than they were five years ago, and medical societies are touting it as evidence of the success of national campaigns to treat heart attacks more quickly. The study, “Improvements in Door-to-Balloon Time in the United States: 2005-2010,” found that the average time from hospital arrival to treatment declined from 96 minutes in 2005 to just 64 minutes in 2010. In addition, more than 90% of heart attack patients who required emergency angioplasty in 2010 received treatment within the recommended 90 minutes, up from 44% in 2005. Also, the study reported that (more…) *This blog post was originally published at ACP Hospitalist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169546 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 18:15:00 +0100 5169546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169547&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-importance-of-physicals-for-young-athletes%2F2011.08.27 Increasing numbers of young people participate in outdoor activities, including strenuous competitive athletics. In so doing, they subject their bodies to stresses that are more intense and prolonged than those presented by a largely sedentary life. Every story of a sudden death in a young person is a tragedy, and usually accompanied by commentary pondering the role and utility of pre-activity screening. Could the death have been prevented? What was the physiological condition of the deceased? Could the collapse, often attributed to a heart problem, have been predicted? Was there an examination or evaluation that might have indicated that the deceased was at greater risk, or should have been held out of the activity? These are all important questions, with no simple answers. Sudden collaps... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169547 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5169547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169503&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FwpbvAv8XtcY%2Fintuition-saved-patient-potentially-fatal-diagnosis.html I was working in a rural health clinic when I went into to see a new patient.  Amy was 18 years old, with her 6 day old newborn son by her side.I introduced myself and then asked, “what brings you into the clinic?”Amy responded, “Shortly after giving birth, I started having problems with shortness of breath, ankle swelling, and high blood pressure.  I told the OB residents and they brushed it off, said it would go away.”“So what happened after you went home?”Read the rest of Intuition saved this patient from a potentially fatal diagnosis on KevinMD.com.Category: Conditions | Tags: Heart, Primary care | 4 comments (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169503 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 13:00:18 +0100 5169503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158993&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcardiac-devices-causing-more-infections-whats-the-cause%2F2011.08.25 A new report published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and reported in theHeart.org and elsewhere, suggests the infection rate of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CEID’s) between 1993 and 2008 has greatly increased from 1.53% in 2004 to 2.41% in 2008 (p < 0.001) with a dramatic rise in 2005: Click image to enlarge The authors explain this sudden increase on the basis of comorbities: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr. Wes* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158993 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:00:00 +0100 5158993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5161563&cid=t_91996_7_f&fid=38807&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.theheart.org%2Fpodcasts%2FHeart-failure-and-transplantation-with-Dr-Ileana-Pina%2FMedia%2Fwomen-with-atrial-fibrillation-focus-on-etiology-and-treatment.mp4 An important observational study published in JAMA tracked over 34 000 women for more than 15 years and showed that cardiovascular mortality was significantly higher for women who developed atrial fibrillation as an incident event. (Source: Blogs@theHeart.org) Blogs@theHeart.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5161563 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:45:00 +0100 5161563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158969&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Ffda-warns-that-high-doses-of-celexa-are-linked-to-heart-problems.html People should not take more than 40 milligrams a day of the antidepressant citalopram (Celexa and generic) because higher doses appear to trigger potentially fatal heart rhythm problems, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday. People at greatest risk include those with heart conditions or low potassium or magnesium levels. The FDA's warning is based on reports it received of people taking the drug who developed abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that could lead to deadly heart rhythm conditions. In addition, a study involving 119 adults found that higher doses of citalopram (up to 60 mg per day) increased the abnormal heart activity. Other research suggests that doses over 40 milligrams are no more effective than lower doses. Bottom line: If you’re ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158969 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:55:00 +0100 5158969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158970&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fnuts-soy-lowers-cholesterol-better-than-low-saturated-diet.html Good news, tofu lovers. Soy-based foods, as well as oats, nuts, and lentils, can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels more than cutting back on saturated fats, says a study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In the study, 345 people with high cholesterol were placed on three different diets: a low-saturated fat diet; a diet high in cholesterol-lowering foods consisting of soy, fiber, and plant sterols, plus two counseling sessions; and those same foods combined with seven counseling sessions. After six months, the people who received counseling (either two or seven sessions) plus the cholesterol-lowering foods lowered their LDL by at least 13 percent, while the low-saturated fats group saw only a 3 percent reduction. Bottom line: The findings provide ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158970 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:05:00 +0100 5158970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158997&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-athletic-heart-how-it-functions%2F2011.08.24 It may seem a little formal to say this, but I would like to start by stating my goals for today’s post: Introduce the concept of the athletic heart; Touch upon the notion of sudden death of the athlete; Explain what an ECG really is, and how it may help diagnose heart disease; Review a recent study about the common ECG variant seen in athletes…Early repolarization. Intro: The adaptations of the human heart never cease to amaze me. Physical training transforms our hearts into high performance engines. Repeated sessions of interval training, combined with longer aerobic efforts, and sprinkled with adequate rest maximize our ability to keep pressure on the pedals, or run the sixth mile of the 10k at the same pace as the first, or for you swimmers, to keep getting back to the wall on th... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158997 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:00:14 +0100 5158997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158930&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FGM3h8DIfMuk%2F Food as Medicine: People who ate a diet rich in plant-based foods such as nuts, soy, plant-based margarine spreads, barley and oats saw levels of their “bad” cholesterol drop 13% more than people who simply cut back on saturated fats, the WSJ reports. Results from the randomized trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, add to the evidence suggesting it’s better to replace dietary saturated fats with healthy fats rather than with simple carbohydrates, an expert tells the paper. Interpreting Results: Another study appearing in JAMA, this one a review of previously published research, found that a new group of psoriasis drugs called anti-IL-12/23 agents doesn’t seem to raise the risk of serious heart problems — though the study has limitati... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158930 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:31:57 +0100 5158930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158933&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fuyz0A8eYTZA%2F As today’s Heart Beat column reports, a group of international experts recently published recommendations for interpreting the electrocardiograms of young athletes, hoping to reduce the number of false positive results that can spark further, costly testing. The debate over whether high-school and college athletes should routinely have ECGs added to their pre-participation physicals has been brewing for years, sparked by the rare but shocking deaths of young, seemingly healthy athletes on the field of play. Routine ECG screening for young athletes is currently not recommended by the American Heart Association nor mandated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, though some colleges do screen all or some of their athletes. The University of Washington, in Seattle, for example,... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158933 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:02:38 +0100 5158933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158973&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fhappy-marriage-healthy-heart.html The song goes “love will keep us together,” but love can help keep you alive after heart bypass surgery, too, suggests a study published online today in the journal Health Psychology. It found that happily married people who underwent coronary bypass surgery were more than three times as likely to be alive 15 years later as were their unmarried counterparts. Researchers at the University of Rochester tracked 225 people ages 33 to 80 who had bypass surgery between 1987 and 1990. They asked married participants to rate their degree of happiness with their marriage one year after surgery. The study adjusted for age, sex, education, depressed mood, tobacco use, and other factors known to affect survival rates for cardiovascular disease. After 15 years, 83 percent of happily wedd... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158973 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:30:00 +0100 5158973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158935&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FDE9jY4KlZcI%2F More heart-attack patients now than five years ago are getting a potentially life-saving procedure to open blocked arteries within the recommended time  frame, a new study shows. The so-called “door-to-balloon” time refers to how long it takes for heart attack patients who need an angioplasty  — an opening of the blocked artery using a catheter — to receive one once they’ve gotten to the hospital. The recommendation is to get the procedure within 90 minutes. Every minute is precious, because the longer patients go without the procedure, which restores blood flow to the heart, the lower their odds of survival. In 2005, only 44% of patients were getting treated within the recommended 90 minutes. But by 2010, that had increased to 91%, with 70% treated in less than ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158935 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:30:42 +0100 5158935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158919&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F820111 Erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator for heart disease in men. Dr. Terry Mason, Cook County Hospitals, calls erectile dysfunction the "canary in the coal mine." He says it can be a leading indicator of not only heart disease, but other diseases as well. Take a look: Permalink | Facebook | Twitter | Recent Headlines | News Feeds (Source: HealthNewsBlog.com) HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158919 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 02:00:00 +0100 5158919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139732&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-difficulties-of-managing-implanted-medical-devices%2F2011.08.18 With the explosion of medical devices to treat various medical ailments in medicine, we have seen significant improvements in quality and quantity of life. An underappreciated consequence of all of these electronic device therapies, however, has been the manpower and expertise required to manage these implanted electronic medical devices long-term. Problems with electromagnetic interference (EMI) with medical devices are real. Innovations in medicine have come from various portions of the electromagnetic spectrum including analog and digital wireless technology, diagnostic and therapeutic radiation therapy and magnetic resonance imaging. The effects of these technologies on implanted electronic medical devices can vary and specialty physicians, ancillary health care providers, and medical ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139732 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:17:00 +0100 5139732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139737&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F803342_pills_1.jpg A nurse recently asked a very important question that bears repeating: What effect does long-term use of pain pills have on pregnant women? She was concerned because of the increase in number of pregnant women who are taking pain pills on a long term basis based on previous surgeries, accidents or a history of chronic pain. The most common “pain pills” prescribed are opiates which effectively eliminate or reduce pain but have a great tendency to be abused. Opioids are natural and synthetic type drugs that have the characteristics of morphine. It can only be obtained with a prescription and unfortunately physicians contribute to the problem of dependency and abuse through their lack of scrutiny regarding patient requests. My present home state of Florida has the unsavory distinction of ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139737 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:00:46 +0100 5139737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130718&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F813111 The U.S. Postal Service has announced it will release a Heart Health stamp in 2012. The goal of the stamp is to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and preventing coronary heart disease (CHD). The design of the stamp includes a yellow sun, leafy green tree icon and apple. A striding man is featured on the stamp with a red heart on his chest. Art director Derry Noyes teamed up with illustrator Nicholas Wilton to create the stamp, which will be released as a forever stamp next year. Photo: United States Postal Service Permalink | Facebook | Twitter | Recent Headlines | News Feeds (Source: HealthNewsBlog.com) HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130718 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:00:00 +0100 5130718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118602&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FpeC19rp8Jrw%2F By Sophia Hollander and Katherine Hobson The death of two athletes in Sunday’s New York City Triathlon, both of whom were pulled from the water during the swim, is raising questions about whether that leg of triathlon can be made any safer. As the WSJ reports today, one 64-year-old male participant suffered a heart attack during the swim and was later pronounced dead at a hospital, while a 40-year-old female spotted floating face-down was taken to the hospital and died early Monday. The only other death in the race’s 11-year history also occurred during the 1,500-meter swim leg. And a study published as a research letter in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2010 found that of 14 deaths recorded in USA Triathlon-sanctioned events between Jan. 2006 and Sept... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118602 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:41:34 +0100 5118602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118629&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fbody-imaging-chain-hit-with-fines-for-unnecessary-medical-scans.html Colorado health officials levied a $3.2 million fine against Heart Check America for performing unnecessary X-rays and CT scans on consumers without a licensed doctor's request or oversight. The penalty—the largest ever imposed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment—comes after months of investigation into alleged operating violations, including using "unfair and deceptive business practices" to sway consumers into committing to too many costly medical screenings. A recent Consumer Reports Health report on treating heart disease suggests that such scare tactics by clinics and medical groups are becoming more commonplace. Kimberly Lovett, M.D., a physician at Kaiser Permanente and a member of the San Diego Center for Patient Safety at the University of C... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118629 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:00:00 +0100 5118629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107523&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-best-thing-a-patient-can-do-following-a-heart-attack%2F2011.08.07 I’ve been telling my smoking patients for years that nothing I do for them is going to make an ounce of difference until they quit smoking for good.  And the Italians are out to prove me right.  The American Journal of Cardiology reported July 11th, 2011 on the Effect of Smoking Relapse On Outcome After Acute Coronary Syndrome. In a study of just under 1,300 patients,  Reuters reports that just over 1/2 the patients started smoking within 20 days of hospital discharge, despite in-hospital smoking cessation consultation for all patients.   Researchers also found that resuming smoking increased  death 3-fold compared with those that did not relapse and quitting smoking had a similar lifesaving effect as taking cholesterol and blood pressure medications.  And I’m sure these ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107523 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5107523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103487&cid=t_91996_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fall-nature-sings-his-glory.html Praise flows from the million voices of crickets singing a late summer lullaby.Glory cascades from the yellowest sunset I've ever seen.Skepticism melts in the shadow of a gold harvest half moon.His presence shines from every one of the thousand stars visible tonight.He begs me for these: praise, glory, belief, presence with Him.In everything beautiful, and in everything ugly about this world,there is the shadow and whisper of His holiness.He is making all things new.Even my broken heart and shattered mind. (Source: Turquoise Gates) Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103487 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 04:11:00 +0100 5103487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103339&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmore-specialty-specific-apps-are-coming-on-the-market%2F2011.08.06 The explosive growth of medical applications for smartphones, launched by the  debut of the innovative Apple iTunes App store in 2008, promises to fundamentally change the physician’s tool set. While many specialties have always been heavily dependent on technology, such as radiology and cardiology, the ubiquity of these small, interconnected computers means that every physician will soon have access to a broad array of software and hardware to help them perform their daily work. At iMedicalApps.com, we have been reviewing the most interesting medical apps on the market today as well as watching for trends in mobile medical technology. The most popular categories thus far have been clinical reference and utility apps.  Some of the largest download numbers have been for apps that provid... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103339 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:00:33 +0100 5103339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103340&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftips-to-beat-the-heat%2F2011.08.06 Dehydrated, cramped, limping? on a bike. Road nationals 2010. People who exercise outdoors face a new threat. It’s unrelenting. Consistent. Inescapable. Perhaps, even more dangerous than distracted or mean motorists. It’s the heat. Gosh, is it hot. If only I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say, “Doctor M, you aren’t riding in this heat; are you?” Well…Other than the fortunate souls smart (or lucky) enough to live in cooler climates, most of us are facing an extreme wave of hotness. As a Kentuckian, I live in the epicenter of this summer’s cauldron. Louisville sits in a wind-protected valley alongside the heat sink that is the Ohio River. Think hot and steamy. The excessive heat smacked me hard last evening. Normally, my highly-veined skin and northern European h... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103340 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:00:01 +0100 5103340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096184&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fover-the-counter-lipitor-thats-risky.html Pfizer hopes consumers will soon be able to get its cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin) without a prescription, according to two news reports. But our medical advisors say that’s a bad idea because Lipitor and other statins are potent medications that can cause dangerous side effects, and should only be taken with a doctor's supervision. The company is likely looking for ways to make up lost sales—the drug racked up nearly $11 billion last year according to figures from IMS Health—when the patent expires in November. The Food and Drug Administration would have to grant permission for the switch, but that seems unlikely because it has previously said no to over-the-counter sales of two other statins—Mevacor (lovastatin) and Pravachol (pravastatin)&#8212... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096184 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:01:00 +0100 5096184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096186&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fsmoking-high-blood-pressure-may-shrink-your-brain-1.html The first study to look specifically at the links between smoking, blood pressure, weight and diabetes in middle age, and the way your brain changes as it ages, makes for troubling reading. Researchers carried out MRI brain scans on 1,300 people over the age of 50 (average age 54). They asked multiple questions about their health and lifestyle, and the people took tests to check their thinking and decision-making abilities. Ten years later, the tests and the scans were repeated. People with high blood pressure developed age-related changes in their brain at a faster rate than those with normal blood pressure readings. They also had a more rapid decline in scores on tests looking at their thinking and decision-making abilities. The researchers found that the brains of people with diabet... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096186 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:10:00 +0100 5096186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096125&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F008218.html Hens fed a diet low in omega-6 fatty acids and high in antioxidants produced eggs which are better for your arteries. Dr. Niva Shapira of Tel Aviv University's School of Health Professions says that all eggs are not created equal. Her research indicates that when hens are fed with a diet low in omega-6 fatty acids from a young age — feed high in wheat, barley, and milo and lower in soy, maize and sunflower, safflower, and maize oils — they produce eggs that may cause less oxidative damage to human health. That's a major part of what determines the physiological impact of the end product on your table. Eggs made from the conventional cheaper chicken diet produced worse effects... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096125 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5096125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096154&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FjQR12buOyUs%2F Pfizer is hoping to milk even more dollars from its blockbuster Lipitor by introducing an over-the-counter version of the cholesterol-lowering drug, the WSJ reports, citing people familiar with the matter. Whether Pfizer can get the FDA to swallow an OTC statin is another matter entirely. The WSJ reports the company would first need to conduct research demonstrating consumers could follow instructions and properly take an OTC iteration of Lipitor. (That wouldn’t happen before patent protection for the prescription drug expires in November.) Pfizer spokesman MacKay Jimeson tells us in an email that the company has “strategic plans in place for Lipitor’s loss of exclusivity and will comment no further at this time.” The notion of an OTC statin isn’t new. Merck tried ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096154 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:06:20 +0100 5096154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096188&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fct-angiography-gets-low-scores-in-our-updated-ratings-of-heart-screening-tests.html CT angiography, which is increasingly being advertised directly to consumers by hospitals and physicians, has little if any use in screening for heart disease in most people without symptoms, according to our updated Ratings of heart-screening tests. We gave it our lowest Rating for people who are at low or high risk of heart disease, and our second lowest Rating for people at moderate risk. CT angiography is a test that takes multiple X-rays to produce three-dimensional images of your coronary arteries, including possible blockages of those arteries. It can also be used to measure the amount of calcium in your arteries, which is associated with those blockages. But our medical experts say that, for several reasons, the test offers little beyond what you can learn from simpler, safer, and... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096188 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:00:00 +0100 5096188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096158&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FqLLArYGAJPM%2F A heart pump for kids awaiting a transplant appears headed for approval at the FDA, as the WSJ reports. It would help fill a void for lot of children hit by diseases usually associated with adults: the lack of kid-friendly devices to help in their care. The Berlin Heart can help keep kids’ hearts beating for several months if necessary until a donor organ can be found, much longer than a last-ditch heart-lung machine called ECMO that doctors sometimes use in such circumstances. The Berlin, which won unanimous recommendation from an FDA advisory panel last month, has been on the market in Europe since 1996 and available in the U.S. under a compassionate use protocol since 2000. A clinical trial presented at the FDA panel provided evidence of substantial benefit despite a risk of stroke. A ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096158 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:13:16 +0100 5096158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096195&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FzXJoBE2ln2E%2F By Stephanie Mensh. We are bombarded with conflicting messages on food.  On one front, we have Michelle Obama railing against childhood obesity, and organizations like the American Heart Association and the federal government driving on diet-related diseases—diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and chronic conditions.  Countering these efforts all around us, are compelling mouth-watering advertisements for high calorie, high fat, high sugar foods.  Every activity—at work, at home, at the movies, at the mall, at the park, studying, watching TV—requires lots of food and sugary drinks. Resisting these omnipresent temptations requires an incredible amount of individual willpower or habits that go contrary to the average American routine.  Despite my active role in advocating for healthy ... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096195 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:15:28 +0100 5096195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096191&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fa-quarter-of-heart-surgeons-are-above-average-in-updated-ratings.html Eighty-one of 323 surgical groups that perform heart bypass surgery got three stars (above average) in updated ratings published today by Consumer Reports and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. In addition, 237 got two stars (average) and 5 received one star (below average). While several states require heart surgeons to report heart surgery data, many surgical groups—even some with just one star—voluntarily share that information with the public. Why? Because they know that ultimately translates into better care, as it helps surgeons identify the areas where they need to improve. In fact, the willingness of surgeons to track their performance has led to some important improvements, including a dramatic reduction in mortality over the past 10 years. For example, the differen... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096191 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:01:00 +0100 5096191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086102&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FtMmB7ZLuXKU%2Fdecision-aids-angioplasty-stents.html For those who have been following the back and forth over the Less is More blog I posted last week, here’s the poster that upset some cardiologists when it was up on the Parsemus Foundation’s site.Over the top? Of course it is — it’s satire! And like all good satire, it contains a few grains of truth mixed with a hefty dose of exaggeration.Still, it’s only fair to point out that stents aren’t really the modern equivalent of leeches. Back when bloodletting was in vogue, it was believed that an excess of blood (one of the four “humors”) was to blame for everything from epilepsy to rheumatism to tuberculosis. Got a fever? Let’s bleed you! Given the prevailing view of physiology, leeches were an obvious, if entirely wrong-headed, way to rid... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086102 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:00:35 +0100 5086102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086169&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fheart-health-related-to-satisfaction-with-life%2F2011.08.01 For centuries, health providers have focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. This time-honored paradigm has generated phenomenal advances in medicine, especially during the last 60 years. It has also created a bit of an image problem for providers. That’s because the paradigm encourages consumers to perceive health care as a negative good; an economic term describing a bundle of products and services that we use because we must, not because we want to. Recent trends towards empowered consumers are a symptom of this problem more than a solution to it, as I described here. Recently, the concept of Positive Health has emerged as a possible antidote for the malaise. Pioneered by University of Pennsylvania psychologist Martin Seligman, Positive Health encourages us to i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086169 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:00:39 +0100 5086169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077686&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcardiovascular-problems-stay-out-of-the-heat%2F2011.07.29 The brutal heat wave gripping much of the country this week is unpleasant for healthy folks. For people with cardiovascular trouble, hazy, hot, humid days can be downright dangerous. Your body shouldn’t get too hot (or too cold). If your temperature rises too far, the proteins that build your body and run virtually all of its chemical processes can stop working. The human body sheds extra heat in two ways, both of which stress the heart: Radiation. Like water flowing downhill, heat naturally moves from warm areas to cooler ones. As long as the air around you is cooler than your body, you radiate heat to the air. But this transfer stops when the air temperature approaches body temperature. Radiation requires rerouting blood flow so more of it goes to the skin. This makes the heart beat fa... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077686 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:00:46 +0100 5077686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077648&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F-ov1EUi1q9Y%2F Stroke rates are up in women who are pregnant and who recently gave birth, a new study shows. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at hospital-discharge data and found that between 1994-95 and 2006-07, the rate of stroke hospitalization rose 47% for expectant mothers, while climbing 83% for women in the three months after giving birth. The results are published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. The absolute numbers are still low — 0.22 stroke hospitalizations per 1,000 deliveries both for expectant and new moms. But the sharp increases suggests a need “to tease out what’s going on,” Elena Kuklina, lead study author and a senior service fellow and epidemiologist at the CDC’s division for heart disease and st... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077648 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:12:17 +0100 5077648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069473&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fone-nurse-opens-her-heart-and-talks-about-her-life-in-the-medical-field%2F2011.07.27 Well, not my heart. I was contacted awhile ago and asked if I wanted the chance to read and review Tilda Shalof’s new book, Opening My Heart.  (Amazon link, but NOT an affiliate link – I live in California and due to a new law, Amazon has cut all ties with us). I had the chance to include a story in a book that Tilda edited a couple of years ago called Lives in the Balance.  So I had fond memories I’ll say up front that I enjoyed the book.  I had a range of emotions while reading it – frustration, worry, happiness.  Frustration because although Tilda is a very experienced ICU nurse, she doesn’t take her own health seriously at all.  I read with disbelief as she described her incredible denial of the obvious need to treat the heart condition she was born with. I was amused a... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069473 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:00:14 +0100 5069473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069479&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnsaids-might-be-risky-for-people-with-heart-problems%2F2011.07.26 As if people with the combination of high blood pressure and heart disease don’t already have enough to worry about, a new study suggests that common painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) pose special problems for them. Among participants of an international trial called INVEST, those who often used NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, and others), or celecoxib (Celebrex) were 47% more likely to have had a heart attack or stroke or to have died for any reason over three years of follow-up than those who used the drugs less, or not at all. The results were published in the July issue of the American Journal of Medicine. Millions of people take NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation. They are generally safe and effectiv... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069479 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:00:35 +0100 5069479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062248&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdo-you-know-what-metabolic-syndrome-is%2F2011.07.24 People with metabolic syndrome are twice as likely to develop heart disease, and five times as likely to develop diabetes, as those who don’t have metabolic syndrome. But many people are not yet familiar with this relatively new term. Do you know what metabolic syndrome is? OECD Country Populations with a BMI > 30 (1996-2003) Metabolic syndrome is the combination of several medical problems associated with morbid obesity. In addition to obesity, these conditions include: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Columbia University Department of Surgery Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062248 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 12:00:10 +0100 5062248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057692&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FaTBZT44RdvU%2Fmksap-52yearold-man-coronary-artery-disease.html Test your medicine knowledge with the MKSAP challenge, in partnership with the American College of Physicians.A 52-year-old man is evaluated regarding treatment of his coronary artery disease. He had a myocardial infarction 8 years ago and was treated with a coronary stent placed in his right coronary artery. Over the last 8 years he did well with medical therapy, with only mild episodes of exertional angina that resolved with rest or sublingual nitroglycerin. One month ago, he noted worsening of his exertional angina. Coronary angiography showed 50% stenosis of the left main coronary artery, severe disease (75% stenosis) of the left circumflex artery, severe disease (70% stenosis) of the proximal left anterior descending artery, and in-stent restenosis (80%) of the stent within the right... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057692 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:35:57 +0100 5057692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057717&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fmarried-men-seek-help-for-heart-attacks-faster.html Men: Listen to your wives! It could save your life. Fast treatment after a heart attack can make the difference between life and death. So, if you experience chest pain, the sooner you get treated the better. But many people who get chest pain delay going to the emergency room, maybe because they don’t want to make a fuss, or they’re not sure whether their symptoms are serious. A new study shows that married men are much more likely to make it to the emergency room within six hours of chest pain starting, compared with men who are single or living alone. About 75 in 100 married people got help promptly, compared with 68 in 100 people who were single, 69 in 100 who were divorced, and 71 in 100 who were widowed. The study, which looked at 4,000 people in Canada, found men w... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057717 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:40:00 +0100 5057717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057718&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fdrug-used-to-treat-atrial-fibrillation-increases-heart-risks.html The drug Multaq, also known as dronedarone, which is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, appears to double the risk of premature death in patients with a long-term form of atrial fibrillation, according to early results of a major clinical trial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said yesterday. Patients 65 and older with the condition who took Multaq also faced a higher risk of stroke and hospitalizations for heart failure. It’s still unclear whether the drug poses similar risks to patients with other forms of atrial fibrillation. The FDA said patients taking Multaq should not stop taking the drug but should contact their doctor or other health-care professional. The agency also said doctors should not prescribe Multaq to patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. About ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057718 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:30:00 +0100 5057718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050712&cid=t_91996_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F22%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-22-2011%2F Yesterday, I was stuck in traffic when I had to consciously take a deep breath and go to my happy place so I wouldn’t freak out at the scene in front of me. There were three or four cars spread out in an accident across four lanes. A tow truck was on the right and its driver was cautiously, but assertively attempting to stop cars from hitting him as he walked valiantly across the freeway to help a car get towed. I was amazed by two things. First, that merely putting up his hand “sort of” stopped track. The second is that it didn’t stop cars completely. As I sat there, I saw cars wiggle next to me on my right almost hitting the truck driver in the process. I saw him make it to the shoulder lane, briskly carrying a crying little boy who had been in the car and helping... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050712 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:25:15 +0100 5050712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028185&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Flow-job-status-linked-to-high-blood-pressure.html People from disadvantaged backgrounds—based on their parents' jobs—run a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, researchers have found. People from a disadvantaged background who go on to get a higher status job have a reduced risk of high blood pressure, compared with people whose social status doesn’t change. Researchers from Sweden looked at 12,000 twins born between 1926 and 1958. They looked at how social and economic status affected people’s risk of high blood pressure, and what happened when people moved between socioeconomic groups. People whose parents had low-status jobs had a 42 percent higher risk of developing high blood pressure, compared with people whose parents had higher status jobs or were self-employed. Looking at people’s own j... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028185 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:40:00 +0100 5028185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028220&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmeta-analyses-and-a-capricious-drug-approval-process-the-actos-and-avandia-stories%2F2011.07.13 Both Germany and France have now suspended the marketing of Actos (pioglitazone) due to concerns of a link between Actos and bladder cancer. Though we have known about bladder cancer concerns for some time, these recent concerns about the bladder cancer link stem from a recent report analyzing the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS), which found that 93 cases of cancer were recorded between 2004 and 2009 in patients treated with antidiabetic drugs, of which 31 patients were treated with pioglitazone, representing a statistically significant increased risk of bladder cancer (ROR 4.30, 95% confidence interval, 2.82-6.52; P less than 0.0001). Interestingly, the FDA announced that it was going to look into the link between Actos and bladder cancer only a few days before it made i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028220 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:00:00 +0100 5028220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028188&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Ftoo-much-sodium-too-little-potassium-linked-to-increased-risk-of-early-death.html This study suggests that a high sodium intake, especially when combined with a low potassium intake, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Unfortunately, nearly all Americans consume too much sodium and far too little potassium. See our tips for reducing sodium intake and our list of foods that are rich in potassium. And see more tips for how to lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Sources Sodium and Potassium Intake and Mortality Among US Adults [Archives of Internal Medicine] Sodium and Potassium Intake: Mortality Effects and Policy Implications [Archives of Internal Medicine] (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028188 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:15:00 +0100 5028188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028033&cid=t_91996_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fradiation-exposure-heart-tests-increasing-future-cancer-risks-worrisome%2F Dr. Jersey Chen of Yale University and his colleagues have published a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology documenting the signficant increase in the number of ionizing radiation tests being administered each year and the unknown risk of possible increased cancer rates because of it. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028033 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 08:29:22 +0100 5028033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008174&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Ffor-high-blood-pressure-more-measurement-is-better.html If you have high blood pressure, you’re better off taking measurements periodically at home than relying on those taken in your doctor’s office, according to a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. It found that multiple home readings provide a more accurate picture of blood-pressure control—and thus might lead to better treatment. Researchers analyzed systolic (upper) blood-pressure measurements taken from 444 veterans with hypertension over 18 months. They had their blood pressure measured in three ways: via a home monitor that transmitted measurements electronically three times a week; during regular office visits (approximately once a month) with their primary-care provider; and at 6-month intervals by the researchers conducting the study. Rates of blood... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008174 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:00:00 +0100 5008174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008201&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Famerican-heart-associations-registration-page-demonstrates-gender-and-sexual-orientation-bias%2F2011.07.06 This afternoon I sat in my chair, revitalized form my weekend trip to the Jersey Shore, where I can assure you I did not partake in any fist pumping, spray tanning, pickle eating, or felonious activities, when I received an email from the American Heart Association announcing new scientific findings. I like these emails and generally find them informative. This particular email announced the placement of the first completely lab-grown human vascular grafts. The email linked to a presentation from Todd N. McAllister of Cytograft Tissue Engineering Inc. These blood vessels were apparently engineered from donor skin cells and: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at On Becoming a Domestic and Laboratory Goddess* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008201 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:00:52 +0100 5008201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008127&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FqRVbe1H99tY%2F A review of previously published research finds that telling people to reduce dietary sodium produces small reductions in blood pressure but has no effect on heart attacks or death from heart disease. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay to salt with abandon, an author of the study says. Rod Taylor, professor of health services research at the University of Exeter’s Peninsula Medical School, and colleagues crunched data from seven randomized controlled trials with at least six months of follow-up. But even with studies covering 6,250 participants, there wasn’t enough data to tell one way or the other whether lowering salt consumption helps people avoid heart issues or live longer. The findings were published in detail by the Cochrane Library and in abbreviated form in th... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008127 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:05:44 +0100 5008127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008176&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fis-it-worth-cutting-down-on-salt.html This study suggests that reducing salt alone may not be enough to make a difference to your chances of avoiding a heart attack or stroke. Blood pressure medicines may be needed as well. See more tips for how to lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Sources Taylor RS, Ashton KE, Moxham T, et al. Reduced dietary salt for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (Cochrane review) [The Cochrane Library] —Sophie Ramsey, BMJ Group ConsumerReportsHealth.org has partnered with The BMJ Group to monitor the latest medical research and assess the evidence to help you decide which news you should use. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008176 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:01:00 +0100 5008176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997525&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fomega-3-fatty-acids-the-science-behind-their-potential-heart-health-benefits%2F2011.07.03 The Biology of Omega-3 fatty acids: (Just a little science:) When fish, flax-seeds or Brussels sprouts pass through the intestine, pancreatic enzymes transform the fat to free fatty acids. These acids are quickly taken up by the cells. Once in the cell, these fatty acids enter the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and cytosol–places that you might recall because your mom helped you make a Cell sponge cake in 7th grade Biology. In the cells, the Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, DHA and EPA) exert their healthy influence in three major ways: in the control of chemical messengers; in the flux of ions—cell electricity; in the smoothness and health of the cell membrane. That’s enough about cells. How do these (good) fats help our bodies? Omega-3 fatty acids reduce Inflammation: –Omega-3s ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997525 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:00:49 +0100 4997525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997618&cid=t_91996_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F02%2Fkahlil-gibran-on-pain%2F One of my favorite passages on pain is what Kahlil Gibran writes in his classic, “The Prophet”: Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain. And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy; And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields. And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief. Much of your pain is self-chosen. (If I cut one line, it would be that one.) It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore trust the physician, and drin... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997618 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 19:34:09 +0100 4997618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984384&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FfeyO9s3QSqc%2Fsummer-palpitations.html by Katherine EllingtonIt was early Saturday morning, I was making my plans for the day, crossing-off a few items that seemed unreasonable with others that had been accomplished. As I moved toward the kitchen, a voice from the living room bellowed “the coffee is ready.”Turning my head I could see bright rays of sunshine making a visible path through the open front door.  My morning greeting followed with, “did you have breakfast?” She answered, “yes” so I grabbed a cup of yogurt, found a banana in the fruit basket and sat down with cinnamon coffee in my favorite cup.(...)Read the rest of Summer palpitationsCategory: Conditions | Tags: Heart, Patients | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984384 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:00:56 +0100 4984384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984562&cid=t_91996_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fcereal-bowl-americas-1-killer%2F Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer in the U.S.? Cancer is number two. That means that you have a 34 percent chance of dying of heart problems, and a 22 percent chance of dying from cancer.  This is despite all advances in medicine, a huge pharmaceutical industry, scientists and the Internet.  Why can’t we beat these two monsters that continue to take our lives?  It remained a puzzle until now.   A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association may be the explanation.  What they found was that people have a 35 percent increased risk of dying from heart disease and cancer because of something we deal with every day.  It was not cholesterol or other fats; it was not smoking or other toxins.   Sugar? No.  Sodas? No. We all know about... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984562 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:49:54 +0100 4984562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976112&cid=t_91996_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FqyMhgUbUfzA%2F We were hoping that even though we spend the majority of our working hours tethered to our computer, the fact that we exercise each morning would negate the consequences of sitting all day. But, according to the release of a 13-year study, even us athletes-by-morning, desk-jobbers-by-day have a higher risk of death than slackers who don’t exercise yet don’t sit all day either. Pardon??? You mean, running, swimming and biking all those miles each morning aren’t buying us extra time? According to the study published in the latest American Journal of Epidemiology, no. Researchers from the American Cancer Society reported that those of us who sit for more than six hours a day have an increased risk of death over those who don’t sit as much — even if we exercise. A... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976112 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:03:20 +0100 4976112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968494&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-is-it-appropriate-to-disregard-guidelines-in-medical-care%2F2011.06.24 Podcast: In an article appearing last week in the American Heart Journal, investigators concluded that if American doctors would prescribe for their patients with heart failure each of the six therapies which are most strongly recommended in current heart failure guidelines, 68,000 lives per year could be saved. The following (for the interest of the reader, and for the convenience of any attorneys who may follow DrRich’s offerings), is an ordered list of these six proven, life-saving heart failure therapies, along with the number of American lives that could be saved each year if only American doctors would stop grossly under-utilizing them in violation of published guidelines: aldosterone antagonist therapy – 21,407 lives beta blockers – 12,922 lives implantable defibrillators ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968494 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:00:47 +0100 4968494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968840&cid=t_91996_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancerlifeandme.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fhow-it-ends%2F Just a few nights ago, I was in a particularly fatalistic state of mind. A lot of times, I think in the moments before going to sleep. Sometimes I listen to music (with ear buds, to not wake Telly), and that was the case that night. Pandora was playing in my ear. I was feeling very Continue reading How it ends (Source: Cancer, life, and me) Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968840 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:47:50 +0100 4968840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968763&cid=t_91996_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FsETbs_zfuYA%2F I don’t clinically have attention deficit disorder, but I do have a hard time clearing my mind. Meditation used to be something that was especially painful for me. Sitting somewhat uncomfortably on my bedroom floor, Indian-style with my hands loosely laying on my knees, my back straight and my eyes closed, I was determined to meditate and discover what all the fuss was about. But for some reason, I could never get my mind to shut up. “What’s that smell,” I wondered. “I’m hungry. My nose itches. I should put some laundry in. What’s for dinner tonight? Maybe that salmon I bought on Monday. Oh wait, it’s probably bad by now. I have a million other things to do. Why do I have to just sit here?” And on and on it went. I would open my eyes an... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968763 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:23:32 +0100 4968763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997535&cid=t_91996_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FFAw3qq0vzrY%2F The AHA combine the acting skills of Ken Jeong, MD (trained physician and crazy-ass actor from the Hangover II) with the metronomic beat of Stayin' Alive to teach CPR rhythm. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997535 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:04:39 +0100 4997535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5020637&cid=t_91996_7_f&fid=38807&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.theheart.org%2Fpodcasts%2FHeart-failure-and-transplantation-with-Dr-Ileana-Pina%2FMedia%2Fcrt-and-icd-implantation-in-difficult-times-following-the-guidelines-providing-evidence.mp4 An examination of the data from controversial recent studies into appropriateness of ICD implantation and cardiac resynchronization therapy underlines the importance of following the guidelines to ensure optimum patient care. (Source: Blogs@theHeart.org) Blogs@theHeart.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5020637 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0100 5020637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4954393&cid=t_91996_7_f&fid=38807&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.theheart.org%2Fpodcasts%2FHeart-failure-and-transplantation-with-Dr-Ileana-Pina%2FMedia%2Fcrt-and-icd-implantation-in-difficult-times-following-the-guidelines-providing-evidence.mp4 An examination of the data from controversial recent studies into appropriateness of ICD implantation and cardiac resynchronization therapy underlines the importance of following the guidelines to ensure optimum patient care. (Source: Blogs@theHeart.org) Blogs@theHeart.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4954393 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0100 4954393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953396&cid=t_91996_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fi-always-had-good-blood-pressurewhat.html My last physical revealed that, for the first time in my life, I had borderline high blood pressure. What happened? Where did I go wrong? I've always prided myself in having good blood pressure. 130 to 140 over 70 were standard readings for me. In fact at my physical a few years ago, my doctor said that for my age my blood pressure was really good. Okay, so the "at your age" part didn't thrill me, but knowing that my blood pressure was good did.That all changed during my last physical. There are many factors. My weight was a little bit more, but my BP has been good at this weight. There has been a great increase in stress...big time...over the past several years, maybe that is catching up with me? My diet is pretty good, but maybe there are things I need to address in the diet. Here are a ... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953396 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:03:00 +0100 4953396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952724&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2F95G4g0Cvm_c%2Fexplaining-ekg-works.html by Edward Pullen, MDWhat is an EKG?EKG stands for electrocardiogram.  It should probably and sometimes is abreviated ECG, but EKG seems to have stuck as more popular.Scientists have known for over 120 years that the heart gives off electrical currents when it beats, but it was the Dutch scientist Willem Einthoven in the early 20th century who discovered the nature of this phenomenon and who developed the electrocardiogram as a tool to look at the electrical conduction of the heart.  It has been a staple of diagnostic cardiovascular medicine since then.  The basic tracing used has changed little in decades, although the sophistication of the recording devices and the computer algorithms for automated interpretation have made dramatic changes in the last 20 years.(...)Read the rest of Exp... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952724 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:00:03 +0100 4952724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952846&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-new-world-view-of-coronary-artery-disease%2F2011.06.20 In 2007, when the results were published from the COURAGE trial, all the experts agreed that this study would fundamentally change the way cardiologists managed patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).* ____ *”Stable” CAD simply means that a patient with CAD is not suffering from one of the acute coronary syndromes – ACS, an acute heart attack or unstable angina. At any given time, the large majority of patients with CAD are in a stable condition. ____ But a new study tells us that hasn’t happened. The COURAGE trial has barely budged the way cardiologists treat patients with stable CAD. Lots of people want to know why. As usual, DrRich is here to help. The COURAGE trial compared the use of stents vs. drug therapy in patients with stable CAD. Over twenty-two hundred patie... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952846 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:00:25 +0100 4952846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952848&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-a-routine-case-in-the-ep-lab-goes-awry%2F2011.06.20 Easy case. Seen it a hundred times. Old guy (or gal). Comes into ER. Found “down.” “Hey doc, looks like his hearts goin’ slow. I think he (or she) needs a pacer.” “On any meds that might do this?” “Nah.” “How’s his (her) potassium?” “4.3, normal.” And like lots of times, you head in. Glad you can help. Call-team’s on their way, thanks to you. Called the device rep to make sure they can be there just in case, too. Cool as a cucumber. Nothin’ to it. Been here, done this. You arrive to a guy (or gal) that looks pretty good. Maybe has one or two medical problems. Heart rate’s better thanks to the atropine and the fluids they gave him (her) on arrival. The intraosseus line in the tibia is impre... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952848 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4952848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952831&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fnearly-forty-percent-of-cardiac-patients-dont-benefit-from-crt.html Nearly 40 percent of heart-failure patients who use pacemakers get little or no benefit from them, according to a study published online this week in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Pacemakers are battery-powered devices sometimes used in heart-failure patients to get the heart’s lower chambers, or right and left ventricles, beating in sync. But the new study suggests that the criteria currently used to determine who’s a candidate for that treatment, called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), are too broad. Current American Heart Association guidelines say that patients with a QRS (the measurement of the activity of the heart's left and right ventricles) of greater than 120 milliseconds should be treated with CRT. But the study found that patients with a QRS between ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952831 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:45:00 +0100 4952831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4945199&cid=t_91996_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FbndcK1mN0Gc%2F Yet another problem for Pfizer and its controversial smoking-cessation drug. The FDA has just decided to add a warning on the product labeling about an association with a small, but increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events in patients with cardiovascular disease. These are people who, of course, should not be smoking, but they are now being told the drug may be off limits. In reaching its decision, the FDA reviewed a study in which 700 patients with cardiovascular disease received either Chantix or placebo, and the results showed the Pfizer drug was effective in helping them quit smoking and remain abstinent for up to year. But Chantix was also linked more frequently to “certain events, including heart attack” (here is the statement and data summary). This is only the l... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4945199 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:57:21 +0100 4945199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934138&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fpour-on-the-olive-oil-for-lower-stroke-risk.html Regularly consuming olive oil might help prevent a stroke, particularly if you’re 65 or older, suggests a study published online Wednesday in the journal Neurology. Researchers looked at olive-oil consumption over five years in 7,625 French seniors with no history of stroke. Those who consumed the most olive oil (using it both for cooking and as dressing or with bread) had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke than those who never used it. Heavy and moderate olive-oil users also tended to have a lower body mass index (BMI), lower triglycerides, and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Bottom line: The next time you’re in the kitchen preparing dinner, pour on the olive oil, for improved health—and taste. Olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, is a key ingredient in the Medite... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934138 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:45:00 +0100 4934138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934044&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F008141.html A French study of 7,625 people ages 65 and older found that higher olive oil consumption is associated with 41% lower risk of stroke over 6 years. ST. PAUL, Minn. – A new study suggests that consuming olive oil may help prevent a stroke in older people. The research is published in the June 15, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. "Our research suggests that a new set of dietary recommendations should be issued to prevent stroke in people 65 and older," said study author Cécilia Samieri, PhD, with the University of Bordeaux and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Bordeaux, France. "Stroke is so common in older... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934044 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4934044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934140&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fdoes-tv-raise-the-risk-of-diabetes-heart-disease.html Americans do love their TV time, watching around five hours of programming a day on average. But this most beloved of passive pastimes may exact a high price, with new research linking TV viewing to a raised risk of diabetes and heart disease. It's no secret that spending hours in front of the television isn't the healthiest of habits. Studies show that people are more likely to eat high-fat, high-calorie foods while watching the small screen—perhaps swayed in part by ads for soft drinks, chips, and convenience foods. And people who watch a lot of TV also tend to be less active, as more time on the couch can mean less time for exercise. For these reasons, TV viewing is often blamed as contributing to the rise in obesity in the United States and other developed countries. And it's w... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934140 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:01:00 +0100 4934140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934095&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F9FKcbVKIg40%2F Inadvisable Use?: Pricey heart devices used in cardiac resynchronization therapy may not help 38% of the patients for whom they’re currently indicated, the WSJ reports, citing a study published online by the Archives of Internal Medicine. The devices — whose makers include Medtronic, St. Jude and Boston Scientific — help synchronize the contraction of the left and right ventricles, but a subset of patients don’t seem to receive any benefit. The president of the Heart Rhythm Society says the study isn’t enough to change current practice guidelines. Humira Suit: A man who took Abbott’s Humira for rheumatoid arthritis has sued the company, saying it failed to warn him about the risk of the serious fungal infection he developed, Bloomberg News reports. The s... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934095 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:26:45 +0100 4934095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934274&cid=t_91996_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fti_slRi8WQ4%2Fshout-outs_14.html David, Health Business Blog, is the host for this week’s Grand Rounds.  You can read this week’s edition here. When I first hosted Grand Rounds six years ago, the iPhone, iPad and Twitter didn’t exist, and Facebook was not yet available to the general public. Barack Obama had not appeared on the scene and there was no discussion of the Affordable Care Act. Yet a lot of the topics in that edition would be familiar to today’s reader including firearms, RomneyCare, patient safety and Google. Two blogs (InsureBlog and Clinical Cases) that were featured in that early edition are featured here, too.. …….. …………………………… Yesterday,  NPR ran this  article by Carrie Feibel:  Heart With No Beat Offers Hope Of New Lease On Life  (photo credit... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934274 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:06:32 +0100 4934274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934147&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fteens-who-eat-right-weigh-less-later-in-life.html Trying to convince my 15-year-old daughter to eat more fruits and vegetables by pointing to statistics about heart disease, cancer, and diabetes is like trying to convince her to think about retirement or funeral arrangements. Thanks Mom, talk to me in a couple decades. But a recent study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine might give me a more compelling argument. It found that teenage girls who ate the most fruits and vegetables were less likely to become overweight later in life. Researchers in the National Growth and Health Study recorded dietary information on 2,327 girls in three U.S. cities from when they were nine or 10 years old till they were 19. Those whose diets most closely matched the recommendations of the DASH diet—which was developed by the NIH's Na... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934147 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:30:00 +0100 4934147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921406&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Ffda-links-zocor-to-muscle-damage-especially-in-women.html Most people should not take the 80 milligram dose of simvastatin (Zocor, Vytorin, and generic), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said this week after it found a clear link between that dose and muscle pain as well as rare but potentially deadly muscle damage. Our medical consultants go one step further than the FDA, and say people taking any cholesterol-lowering drug should start at the lowest necessary dose. The FDA made the announcement after reports to its adverse-events database and a recent clinical trial found that people who took high-dose simvastatin had a substantially greater risk of developing muscle problems. The danger was greater in older women and those who took simvastatin in addition to blood-pressure drugs known as calcium-channel blockers, particularly diltiazem (... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921406 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:30:00 +0100 4921406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911479&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstatins-reduce-heart-disease-risk-but-probably-not-because-they-lower-cholesterol%2F2011.06.08 When cyclists find out that I am a heart doctor, they most frequently ask about cholesterol numbers. “…My cholesterol is this…What do you think?” “…My doctor wants me to take a statin…But I read that these drugs might lower my functional threshold power 2.014 watts/40km.” All this focus on numbers saddens me. Remember, I am a forest guy, not a tree guy. What’s more, as a doctor that revels in the adrenaline rush of ablating rogue circuits with technology that would impress even a twenty-something, I find questions about biochemistry dreary–like eating quinoa. I wish folks would ask me about how to terminate AF with a catheter, or how an (evidenced-based) ICD saved a mom’s life, or perhaps even this: “Do you do heart surgery?” But more often than not people want t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911479 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:00:58 +0100 4911479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911820&cid=t_91996_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWRej8NgksWI%2F Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? A scorcher is predicted to envelope the Pharmalot corporate campus. We plan to keep cool by perusing interesting documents and chatting up interesting people. We will also break later to appear on a PhRMA panel on social media. To prepare, we are downing a few cups of stimulation - our flavor today is Southern Pecan. Meanwhile, here are some nifty tidbits from around your world. Watch out for the heat and see you soon… Pfizer Teams With Harvard In $100M Drug Discovery Deal (Bloomberg News) Merck Ends Trial Of Intercell Vaccine For MRSA (Reuters) Covidien Seeks A Buyer For Its Pharma Unit (Bloomberg News) Orphan Drug Development Success Remains Elusive (Gen New) US Seeks Prison Sentences For Device Execs (Associated Press) Glaxo Faces Adv... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911820 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:08 +0100 4911820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911472&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fquitting-smoking-cuts-womens-risk-of-artery-disease.html There are lots of good reasons to quit smoking, including a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung problems. If you're a woman, new research suggests yet another incentive: a lower risk of peripheral arterial disease. If you have peripheral arterial disease (PAD for short), large arteries in your body—usually in your legs—become too narrow. Not enough blood gets through to nourish your cells, which can lead to aching pain, numbness, tingling, and tiredness in your legs. If a leg is severely damaged by PAD, it may need to be amputated. Studies have already linked smoking to a higher risk of PAD, but they have typically included more men than women. They also haven't explored whether stopping smoking might lower the risk of PAD. To learn more, researchers followed nearl... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911472 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:45:00 +0100 4911472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902424&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fan-interview-with-a-cardiac-cath-lab-nurse%2F2011.06.05 Ready to learn more about nurses who work beyond the bedside?  Nurses who work in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab (CCL) play an important role in cardiac care.  Amy Sellers, RN BSN CCRN CSC CMC blogs at Nursing Influence and graciously agreed to give us a peek at what a nurse is responsible for doing in the CCL. Amy has worked in the Cath Lab for about 6 months now.  She previously worked in CVICU for almost 5 years before deciding that she needed a new challenge.  She is paid hourly and works three 12 hour shifts per week (all daytime Mon-Fri) with lots of opportunities for overtime and call shifts. A cath lab is an area of the hospital that uses fluoroscopy and contrast dye to check for narrowing/blockages in arteries or veins in the body. Using special equipment, they are able to pe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902424 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:30:43 +0100 4902424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893818&cid=t_91996_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fopposite-side-of-pride-or-how-to-accept.html After you admit your fault, rebuild the fence, and make appropriate amends, then move forward. There are certain debts that you cannot pay without the ability to go back in time and choose different actions. Any attempt to earn back your reputation and good name is only to serve a shrouded sense of personal pride. I’m specifically talking about people who run the risk of tying themselves down to rigorous religion, becoming more concerned with rules and regulations as a means to outwardly prove that the insides have changed. You cannot earn a gold heart. You cannot perform to become. When the inside has changed, the outside has remnants. Refuse to work outward-in. Commit to an inward-out approach and keep it personal. Pride is the messenger of the soul who refuses to accept the free ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893818 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 09:32:00 +0100 4893818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893333&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FOnydn3zPlXI%2Fnurses-work-cardiac-catheterization-lab.html by Gina, RNReady to learn more about nurses who work beyond the bedside?  Nurses who work in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab (CCL) play an important role in cardiac care.  Amy Sellers, RN blogs at Nursing Influence and graciously agreed to give us a peek at what a nurse is responsible for doing in the CCL.Amy has worked in the Cath Lab for about 6 months now.  She previously worked in cardiovascular intensive care unit for almost 5 years before deciding that she needed a new challenge.  She is paid hourly and works three 12 hour shifts per week (all daytime Mon-Fri) with lots of opportunities for overtime and call shifts.(...)Read the rest of Nurses who work in the cardiac catheterization labCategory: Patient | Tags: Heart, Hospital, Specialist | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medic... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893333 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:00:00 +0100 4893333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893453&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstop-watches-may-be-better-than-ct-scans-at-predicting-heart-disease%2F2011.06.02 It is hardly news to say that we need better means to predict who will die of heart disease. No matter how much you may hear about medical errors, hospital acquired infections, or even distracted driving, it’s still heart disease that kills the most of us. The inflammation that begins narrowing our arteries starts when we are young. It percolates quietly, stealth-like for years. The young usually skate by unscathed. But all the cookies, beers, chips, inactivity and work stress adds up. The tension of life squeezes our arteries, daring them to crack or fissure. This cataclysm is one of the ways that middle age may introduce herself. A friend, or colleague, or sibling dies suddenly of heart problems. Those of us that our “masters-aged” have likely felt these sensations of sadness, and ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893453 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:00:39 +0100 4893453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883526&cid=t_91996_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F31%2Fhow-to-fail-at-building-a-relationship-with-a-patient-or-this-is-how-professional-fitness-cheerleaders-discourage-people%2F With the current car-free situation, I have been walking at least 2.5 extra miles each day, often more. This is objectively good for me – as long as I avoid cars that don’t bother to stop for pedestrians and too much sun. It’s a positive thing. Based on my recent experience with folks whose job it is to motivate people to be healthier, I should just be worried and OMG and am practically about to drop dead. Because my blood pressure was 120/70. No, really. It was a weight and blood pressure check thing, and I was curious about whether the walking had changed my weight any. I should have known better. I already know what ZOMG-GONNA-DROP-DEAD! BMI category I’m in. So this lady looks at my weight, and immediately asks, before the blood pressure cuff even went on, &#822... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883526 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:51:14 +0100 4883526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883518&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2F7dt1YUYrJ74%2Fmedicine-greatest-save-save.html by Shantanu Nundy, MDIn the real world of medicine, “great saves” are rare. Most patients that you expect to die will die, and those who experience a cardiac arrest or code rarely survive. Mr. GR is the closest I’ve seen to an exception to both of these rules, and his story illustrates the best but also the worst of what our health care system achieves.I first met Mr. GR in the emergency room. As the cardiac ICU resident on call, I was urgently paged down to the E.R. for a “cath lab activation.”(...)Read the rest of In medicine, the greatest save is not having to make a save at allCategory: Physician | Tags: Emergency, Heart, Hospital | 2 comments (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883518 Tue, 31 May 2011 15:00:46 +0100 4883518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883569&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fthe-good-hdl-the-bad-ldl-and-the-ugly-truth.html This study points out at least two shortcoming in medical research: The first is the frequent focus on markers of disease, such as HDL levels, instead of the important stuff: how many lives are saved or heart attacks prevented. That doesn’t just apply to HDL. For example, improving bone density with drugs doesn’t always prevent fractures. And tightly controlling blood sugar levels doesn’t reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The second is that we should almost never rely on the results of observational studies, which can only suggest associations with disease but not prove them. Randomized controlled clinical trials, such as the recent HDL study, remain the gold standard. Without it we would still be treating post-menopausal women wi... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883569 Tue, 31 May 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4883569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883676&cid=t_91996_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F31%2F10-steps-to-conquer-perfectionism-2%2F Perfectionism. It’s the enemy of creativity, productivity, and, well, sanity. In The Artist’s Way, author Julia Cameron writes: “Perfectionism is a refusal to let yourself move ahead. It is a loop — an obsessive, debilitating closed system that causes you to get stuck in the details of what you are writing or painting or making and to lose sight of the whole.” But you don’t even have to be creating anything to be crippled by perfectionism. It can also frustrate your efforts as a mom, a wife, a friend, and a human being. Because no one and no thing is perfect in this blemished world of ours. I tackle this adversary everyday. And although my inner perfectionist clearly has hold of my brain many days, I do think I am handcuffed less often by the fear of mes... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883676 Tue, 31 May 2011 10:52:40 +0100 4883676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876419&cid=t_91996_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F29%2F7-good-reasons-to-cry-the-healing-property-of-tears%2F New York Times reporter Benedict Carey referred to tears in a piece as “emotional perspiration.” Given that I sweat a lot and hate deodorant, I suppose it makes sense that I weep often. But I’m not going to apologize for that, because after a good cry, I always feel cleansed, like my heart and mind just rubbed each other’s backs in a warm bath. In his intriguing article, “The Miracle of Tears”, from which I’ve borrowed some of the research for this post, author Jerry Bergman writes: “Tears are just one of many miracles which work so well that we taken them for granted every day.” Here, then, are seven ways tears and the phenomenon we call “crying” heal us physiologically, psychologically, and spiritually. 1. Tears help us ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876419 Sun, 29 May 2011 10:58:25 +0100 4876419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876374&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FSYZiZH09bGo%2Fmksap-healthy-68yearold-man-cigarette-smoking-history.html Test your medicine knowledge with the MKSAP challenge, in partnership with the American College of Physicians.A 68-year-old man is evaluated during a routine examination. He has a 5 pack-year cigarette smoking history but stopped 12 years ago. He has no history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke, or transient ischemic attack. He has no claudication. He is being treated for hyperlipidemia. There is no family history of premature coronary artery disease. He has noted no change in his bowel movements, and his most recent screening colonoscopy, performed at age 60 years, was normal. His only current medication is lovastatin.Blood pressure is 130/82 mm Hg. BMI is 24. Physical examination reveals no abnormalities. Total cholesterol level on his most recent lipid profile was 213 mg/dL (5... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876374 Sat, 28 May 2011 17:00:00 +0100 4876374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872090&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fiphone-app-can-substitute-for-expensive-pulse-oximeter%2F2011.05.27 The Electrical and Computer Engineering in Medicine (ECEM) research group in collaboration with the Pediatric Anesthesia Research Team (PART) at the University of British Columbia have developed a mobile solution to measuring key vital signs — called the “Phone Oximeter”. The Phone Oximeter uses a traditional FDA approved pulse oximetry sensor, but researchers have modified it to interface with a phone, in this case, your iPhone. Currently the setup is being interfaced with an iPhone for trial studies, but is compatible with Android, and other mobile operating systems. What makes the Phone Oximeter special is its ability to capture SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation), heart rate, and respiratory rate — then dynamically comprehend the variables using the decision support software, giving... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872090 Fri, 27 May 2011 18:00:12 +0100 4872090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872053&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fo0F-VmVKWyc%2F Study’s Reverberations?: Abbott’s Niaspan setback has implications for Merck and Roche, which are also trying to develop drugs that raise good cholesterol and can be added to statins, which lower the bad kind, the WSJ reports. Merck, for example, is conducting a 25,000-person trial to test its own niacin-based drug tredaptive. A Merck exec tells the WSJ it’s way too early to judge niacin’s potential by these latest results alone. Unifying Records: The Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs plan to jointly develop a computerized system to keep military members’ health records in one place throughout their career and retirement, the New York Times reports. Officials say an interoperable system will reduce lost paperwork, speed the delivery of care... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872053 Fri, 27 May 2011 12:44:45 +0100 4872053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872093&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffrom-the-cdc-top-ten-greatest-public-health-achievements%2F2011.05.27 The Center for Disease Control published the top ten public health achievements from 2001-2010, the first decade of the 21st century.  In no order they are: Vaccine-preventable Diseases – new vaccines for herpes zoster, pneumonia, HPV and rotavirus have saved thousands of lives  When you add in the older vaccines for diptheria, pertussus, tetanus and measles/mumps millions of lives have been saved around the world.  (I saw diptheria in Haiti and it is horrible) Tobacco Control- We have been battling tobacco since 1964 but there is finally progress with more states enacting smoke-free laws and raising cigarette taxes.  By 2010, the FDA banned flavored cigarettes and established restrictions on youth access.  We have a long way to go.  Smoking costs us all about $193 billion... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872093 Fri, 27 May 2011 11:00:00 +0100 4872093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872366&cid=t_91996_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fgeneration-gap.html On Tuesday, as I waited at the Heart Institute for my regular echocardiogram, I had the following brief conversation with the older gentleman sitting beside me.Me: Is that a Playbook?Him: I don't play! This is an ipad!Me: Oh. I was just curious about the Blackberry version of the tablet.Him  (scornfully): Do you have a Blackberry?Me: I do.I didn't bother explaining that I don't find touch screens to be intuitive and that I prefer an actual keyboard for sending emails and texting. Instead, I pulled out my knitting, thus eradicating all doubt that I was the Luddite in our conversation.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872366 Thu, 26 May 2011 23:47:00 +0100 4872366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872054&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fqs92KgB3naE%2F Today’s news that an NIH-funded trial of cholesterol drugs ended 18 months early after it found no benefit from Abbott’s Niaspan is the second setback in a week for the drug maker’s cholesterol franchise. The trial, called AIM-HIGH, looked at whether adding Niaspan — a high-dose, extended-release form of niacin, or vitamin B3 — to certain heart-disease patients’ statin drug regimens would prevent more cardiac events than a statin alone. As the WSJ reports, it didn’t; more details from the study will be out later this year. At this point, the FDA has recommended no change to how the drug is currently used. Abbott, meantime, said in a statement the final results of the trial would be reflected in the Niaspan product label, but that it’s still u... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872054 Thu, 26 May 2011 19:18:15 +0100 4872054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872023&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FmWCX5NQrA3E%2Fdoctors-screen-patients-disease.html by Alex Lickerman, MDI had a patient once who wanted an exercise stress test even though he had neither symptoms nor risk factors to suggest the presence of coronary artery disease (such as chest pain with exertion).  I argued vociferously against it.  However, extenuating circumstances (not relevant here) prompted our mutual decision to go ahead with it anyway.  To our surprise and dismay, it came back positive.(...)Read the rest of Why doctors can’t screen patients for every diseaseCategory: Physician | Tags: Heart, Patients, Primary care | 14 comments (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872023 Thu, 26 May 2011 19:00:34 +0100 4872023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4873217&cid=t_91996_7_f&fid=38807&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.theheart.org%2Fpodcasts%2FHeart-failure-and-transplantation-with-Dr-Ileana-Pina%2FMedia%2Foptimal-medical-therapy-holds-its-own-in-stich.mp4 . An examination of the "crossover patients" in STICH shows that optimal medical therapy must never be overlooked. (Source: Blogs@theHeart.org) Blogs@theHeart.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4873217 Thu, 26 May 2011 18:50:00 +0100 4873217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872056&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FPCUX1nLz6Eg%2F Not Going Away: Republicans continued to support Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to overhaul Medicare despite its apparent role in an election defeat this week, the WSJ reports. Ryan’s plan, which would convert Medicare to subsidies with which seniors could purchase private insurance, was a flashpoint in a special congressional election in New York, in which a Democrat won a seat in a traditionally Republican district. How Much Hypertension?: A large new study finds that 19% of young adults aged 24 to 32 have high blood pressure, USA Today reports. The government-funded study, published in Epidemiology, conflicts with another big study that found 4% of Americans aged 20 to 39 have hypertension, the paper says. Ruled Incompetent: Jared Loughner, the accused gunman in the shootings that ki... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872056 Thu, 26 May 2011 12:29:51 +0100 4872056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862452&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2F5u5qaEztU8k%2Fomega-3-fatty-acids-prevention-heart-disease.html by PalMDOmega-3 fatty acids (more properly called “n-3 fatty acids”) are a group of naturally occurring fat molecules.They are found mainly in fish and other marine-derived oils, but some can also be extracted from plants.  Omega-3′s are currently very popular, but the evidence for their usefulness isn’t so clear.   A recent study failed to show any benefit in preventing dementia.   A new study out of the Netherlands looked at omega-3′s in heart disease.  In order to understand the study, we need to back up for a moment.(...)Read the rest of Omega 3 fatty acids and the prevention of heart diseaseCategory: Meds | Tags: Heart, Medications | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862452 Wed, 25 May 2011 17:00:42 +0100 4862452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862529&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fmore-baked-and-broiled-fish-lowers-heart-failure-risk.html Women who ate five or more servings of baked or broiled fish a week had a 30 percent lower risk of heart failure compared with those who ate less than one serving per month, according to a very large study published Tuesday in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation: Heart Failure. But the opposite was true for the fried version—just one serving per month appears to increase risk by 48 percent. Researchers looked at the diets of 84,493 women 50 to 79. The benefits were stronger among women who ate lots of baked or broiled dark fish, such as blue fish, mackerel, and salmon than among those who ate mostly tuna or white fish, such as snapper, or cod. Consuming baked or broiled fish also seemed to protect against atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, high blo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862529 Wed, 25 May 2011 15:25:00 +0100 4862529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862534&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fconsumerlabcom-finds-problems-with-red-yeast-rice.html Tests of 11 brands of red yeast rice supplements have found that some samples contained amounts of cholesterol-lowering compounds that varied by more than 10-fold, and some were contaminated with a potential toxin, according to a report released this week by ConsumerLab.com, an independent group that conducts product evaluations. Red yeast rice is a rice extract fermented with a strain of red yeast. It has been touted to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol almost as effectively as certain cholesterol-lowering statin drugs because it can contain a naturally occurring substance that's essentially identical to the prescription statin drug lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor, and generic). The red yeast rice supplements that were tested didn’t list how much lovastatin and related substances they c... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862534 Tue, 24 May 2011 20:34:00 +0100 4862534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862535&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2F7-test-and-treatments-doctors-say-you-probably-dont-need.html The National Physicians Alliance and the Archives of Internal Medicine recently surveyed family and internal medicine doctors about medical tests and treatments that are often performed—but often unnecessary. Here are seven that made their lists, plus our take on each. 1. Imaging for low back pain within the first six weeks. The doctors said that’s generally necessary only if there are red flags, such as progressive neurological problems or serious underlying conditions, such as osteomyelitis, a bone infection. Otherwise, the tests—including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans—just increase costs without improving results. Our take: Our report on back pain also concluded that the tests are overused. If your doctor orders one, ask why, and how it will affect your treatment... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862535 Tue, 24 May 2011 19:35:00 +0100 4862535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862501&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FzsD7Il1kI1Y%2F Hep C Drugs: Incivek, the hepatitis C drug from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson, won FDA approval, setting up a marketing battle with Merck’s new drug Victrelis, which was approved a week ago, the WSJ reports. Both drugs are added to existing therapies and will be expensive; a course of Victrelis will cost between $26,400 and $48,400, and 12 weeks of Incivek will cost $49,200, the paper says. Paper vs. Paper: Two seemingly conflicting studies have been published on the subject of serotonin levels and bone density, with one research group finding that blocking serotonin production in the guts of mice can help stave off osteoporosis and another group finding no connection, the New York Times reports. The question is important because if there is a causal relationship, ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862501 Tue, 24 May 2011 12:31:12 +0100 4862501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862537&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fct-angiography-a-treatment-trap.html Many healthy patients undergoing CT angiography—a high-tech and widely advertised test increasingly being used to screen for heart disease—are being lured into a prevention trap. That’s one of the conclusions I draw from a major study and editorial being published online today by the Archives of Internal Medicine. Why? I’m concerned that people who undergo the test, which uses multiple CT scans to produce a three-dimensional image of the heart, often go away thinking either that they are free of the disease or, if the results are worrisome, that it saved their life by identifying heart disease early. But the study published today found that while people who got the test were more likely to be treated aggressively, including with invasive and potentially risky proce... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862537 Mon, 23 May 2011 21:01:00 +0100 4862537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852811&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FAQrtzIiey2M%2Fvascular-diseases-present-obstructive-atherosclerotic-arterial-disease.html by Joe F. Lau, MD and Jeffrey W. Olin, MDPhysicians who perform percutaneous endovascular procedures encounter a multitude of vascular diseases that may masquerade as obstructive atherosclerotic arterial disease. While atherosclerosis is clearly the most common condition seen, complex inflammatory, genetic or structural processes may either not be amenable to an endovascular approach or actually be harmful and thus lead to outcomes that are not satisfactory.(...)Read the rest of Vascular diseases that present as obstructive atherosclerotic arterial diseaseCategory: Conditions | Tags: Heart, Specialist | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852811 Mon, 23 May 2011 13:00:39 +0100 4852811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852850&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Feating-dairy-doesnt-raise-heart-attack-risk.html Eating dairy products doesn't raise the risk of a heart attack, even though high-fat dairy products may raise cholesterol, new research has found. But positive effects from nutrients in dairy, and negatives from saturated fats, may be cancelling each other out. Dairy products are a good source of nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals. But doctors have long worried that high-fat dairy products, like butter and some cheeses, may raise cholesterol and clog up the arteries, increasing your chances of heart disease. They’ve been puzzled that this doesn’t seem to be borne out in research. But there are lots of things that can give muddled messages from research into diet, from whether people actually answer correctly (do they say butter when they eat margarine, or vice ver... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852850 Mon, 23 May 2011 11:45:00 +0100 4852850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841460&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fselenium-pills-dont-improve-cholesterol-levels-much.html Selenium supplements might slightly improve cholesterol levels in people with low blood levels of the mineral, according to a study in this week’s Annals of Internal Medicine. But the effect is too small to make taking the supplement worthwhile for most people in the U.S., who typically get enough selenium from foods. Researchers studied 501 adults 60 to 74 from the United Kingdom, where average selenium intake is lower than in the U.S. After six months, those who took 100 micrograms of selenium a day, 200 mcg/day, or 300 mcg/day had, on average, a slight drop in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. People taking the highest dose also had a very slight increase in HDL (good) cholesterol levels. But the researchers said it was unclear whether those doses would have the same effect in peop... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841460 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:35:00 +0100 4841460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841686&cid=t_91996_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D267 What a revolutionary concept: reshaping the heart to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) and mitral regurgitation.  Each year an estimated 95,000 surgical procedures are performed to treat the 500,000 Americans that are diagnosed with heart valve disease.  Although mitral valve surgery has improved over the years, the procedure it is not without risks.  Damage to the heart muscle as a result of the surgery has mortality ranges from 2% to 7%, depending on the condition of the patient. The promise of preventing heart valve leakage without the need for surgical replacement or cardio-pulmonary bypass technology has several companies developing devices.  Designs are based on a combination of biocompatible mesh wraps and strips that are implanted around the heart.  These can be adjusted to ... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841686 Thu, 19 May 2011 17:41:38 +0100 4841686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841468&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fare-heart-patients-having-unnecessary-surgery.html Less than half of people having angioplasty surgery for heart disease were taking the best combination of drugs before their procedure, new research shows. This could mean their surgery was not needed. Coronary angioplasty (also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI) is life-saving in the right situation—for example, if you’ve just had a heart attack. But for the many folks with stable heart disease, its benefits are less certain. Research has proven that taking the right combination of medications—aspirin or a similar drug, a statin to lower cholesterol and a beta-blocker to lower blood pressure—works just as well to prevent heart attacks and prolong life, compared with angioplasty. Angioplasty may have the edge on control of symptoms, such as angin... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841468 Tue, 17 May 2011 16:05:00 +0100 4841468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829211&cid=t_91996_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitepebble.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fno_canticle.mp3 Free and legal daily download from Largehearted Boy Filed under: music Tagged: Ghost Heart, Largehearted Boy, MP3 (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829211 Tue, 17 May 2011 12:17:22 +0100 4829211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828881&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fheart-attack-survivors-should-avoid-certain-pain-medicines-nsaids%2F2011.05.17 This study looked at patients who had already had an MI.  But for those patients, the over-the-counter pain relievers should be avoided.  Many patients with heart disease also have arthritis or other pain syndromes.  We need to come up with safe treatments for pain or use “safer” NSAIDs like low dose Naprosyn or Ibuprofen only when the benefit is weighed with the risk. Just because something is sold without a prescription does not mean it is without risk.  Tell your doctor every medication you take. *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828881 Tue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4828881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828873&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fstudy-finds-no-heart-risk-for-adhd-drugs-but-still-be-careful.html Drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might not pose as much of a risk to the heart as previously thought, suggests a study published online today in Pediatrics. But we think that children and adults with heart defects or other heart-related problems should continue to avoid the drugs for now, until the results from larger studies become available. ADHD drugs such as the amphetamine salt combination drug (Adderall and related generics), atomoxetine (Strattera), and methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, and generic), currently carry a warning about the increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden death. The new study, which reviewed the medical records of 241,417 kids ages three to 17, found no significant difference in the rate of attacks or strokes betwe... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828873 Mon, 16 May 2011 14:10:00 +0100 4828873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820857&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-industry-largesse-is-a-necessary-part-of-good-healthcare%2F2011.05.12 Largesse: (Form thefreedictionary.com): 1. a. Liberality in bestowing gifts, especially in a lofty or condescending manner. b. Money or gifts bestowed. 2. Generosity of spirit or attitude. Two days into last week’s Heart Rhythm Society meeting, Propublica, an independent online investigative journalism-in-the-public-interest endeavor published a series of high profile articles as part of their Dollars for Docs series. Their marquee piece, published prominently in the USA Today, chronicled the strong financial ties (the ‘largesse’) that bind medical societies to industry. Reporters Charlie Ornstein and Tracy Weber highlighted the meeting’s ‘mansion’-sized exhibits, intense advertising, and the fact that most of the opinion leaders, officers of medical societies and guideline wri... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820857 Thu, 12 May 2011 15:30:02 +0100 4820857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813667&cid=t_91996_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FU-E_cUnzOJg%2F Good morning, everyone, and nice to see you again. A busy day is planned here on the Pharmalot corporate campus as we hustle to meet some deadlines and undertake our own version of R&D. No doubt, you relate. So please join us for that mandatory cup of stimulation. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits we found floating about. Hope you conquer the world and see you later… Takeda In Talks To Buy Nycomed For $12 Billion (Bloomberg News) Carl Icahn And His Big Bet On Biotech (The Boston Globe) Glaxo & Astra Hook Up With Academia For Inflammation Research (Pharma Times) Experimental AIDS Vaccine Shows Promise In Monkeys (Reuters) Shire Eyes Big Sales For New Vyvanse Uses (Reuters) Procrit And Epogen May Worsen Heart Attacks (Health Day) Docs Busted For Supplying Oxycodone Network (Th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813667 Thu, 12 May 2011 12:15:38 +0100 4813667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813212&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fhas-heart-rhythm-society-become-more.html ProPublica's and USA Today's joint investigation of one medical society's ties to industry has created a stir.  (The full ProPublica version is here.)  It's worth doing a little reading between the lines to see its further implications.The Basic StoryThe story focused first on the annual meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), a sub-specialized medical society for cardiologists who specialize in electrical or rhythm disorders.  The meeting seemingly has become a giant marketing opportunity, supported by $5 million in industry money, in which practically every flat surface became a medium for advertising.  (The ProPublica article included multiple pictures of branded items from carpets in the exhibit halls to the backs of the seats in shuttle buses... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813212 Wed, 11 May 2011 20:02:00 +0100 4813212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813287&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcould-a-low-salt-diet-be-bad-for-your-heart%2F2011.05.11 In this study of 3,681 men and women from Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Romania and Russia whose health was followed for eight years, participants with the lowest sodium excretion (which is a good measure of sodium intake) were 56% more likely to have died from cardiovascular disease than those with the highest sodium excretion. Among the nearly 2,100 participants with normal blood pressure at the study’s start, sodium excretion (sodium intake) had no effect on the development of high blood pressure. These are startling findings. If true, they would undercut major programs by the U.S. government to reduce Americans’ intake of salt—the main source of sodium—from prepared and processed foods and at home. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Harvard ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813287 Wed, 11 May 2011 16:00:07 +0100 4813287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813634&cid=t_91996_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fthat-lovely-place-to-wait.html I feel like I should run around quoting 'Candide', where the cast runs around wishing for the best of all possible worlds in the middle of the Spanish inquisition where its 'oh what a day for an auto-da-fe'. Basically incredible amounts of optimism in the midst of chaos and bad things.Yesterday I had a wonderful time at the hospital. I met with my back pain doctor and we discussed my back and how it actually feels better these days due to my new drugs and my actually making it to the gym regularly. He also gave me a greatly appreciated cortisone injection in my left hip which has been full of bursitis recently. My back feels okay - meaning it doesn't give me nearly constant pain, but it is not and will never be cured so don't jump up and down with optimism for me. I don't have to see him f... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813634 Wed, 11 May 2011 10:03:00 +0100 4813634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813208&cid=t_91996_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F10%2F2011-tennessee-womens-health-report-card-highlights%2F Today marked the release of the 2011 Tennessee Women’s Health Report Card, a publication which provides a snapshot of the health status of women in our state, and the disparities they experience. It’s a handy resource for anyone interested in making a case – or understanding the need – for improved health services and community programs, and includes statistics that clearly illustrate some of the challenges we face. Among them: 18.4% of us – or almost 1 in 5 – smoked while we were pregnant. The rate is highest (21.4%) among white women, and lower among African American (10.3%) and Hispanic (2.4%) women. African American women experience tremendous disparities in their infant mortality rate, with 16 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 6 for... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813208 Wed, 11 May 2011 00:48:20 +0100 4813208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803135&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcalcium-supplements-good-for-your-bones-but-bad-for-your-heart%2F2011.05.10 Calcium is good for us, right? Milk products are great sources of calcium, and we’re told to emphasize milk products in our diets. Don’t (or can’t) eat enough dairy? Calcium supplements are very popular, especially among women seeking to minimize their risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis prevention and treatment guidelines recommend calcium and vitamin D as an important measure in preserving bone density and reducing the risk of fractures. For those who don’t like dairy products, even products like orange juice and Vitamin Water are fortified with calcium. The general perception seemed to be that calcium consumption was a good thing – the more, the better. Until recently. In a pattern similar to that I described with folic acid, there’s new safety signals from trials with calciu... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803135 Tue, 10 May 2011 13:00:59 +0100 4803135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803124&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fcommon-painkillers-risky-for-heart-attack-survivors.html People who have suffered a heart attack should try to limit their use of common pain relievers such as celexoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren and generic), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and generic), suggests a study released Monday in the journal Circulation. Danish researchers found the drugs—known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—appear to increase the risk of another heart attack or death, even when used for only a few days. Researchers analyzed the medical records of more than 83,000 Danish people who had suffered a heart attack. Those who later received a prescription for an NSAID faced an increased risk of another heart attack or death within the first week of taking the medication. Diclofenac posed the highest risk; naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, and ge... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803124 Tue, 10 May 2011 12:50:00 +0100 4803124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803448&cid=t_91996_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Ftruth-feel-praise.html Psalms is not a book I've always found inspiring. However, dissection - of anything, animal, plant, insect and word - happens to be my strong suit. When I heard this explanation of the lyrical form of the Psalms, I immediately started reading them.Face the truth of your situation. God never tells us to be perfect, to be nice and  pretend.Feel everything in the moment. I am the worst possible example of this phrase, numbing out instead. Search your heart, have the courage to feel and to be exposed.Praise God for Who He really is. All the powers of evil can't hold a candle to God's greatness.This is a practice for everyday Christian living, especially for those of us under emotional or spiritual fire. Face the truth, feel, then praise. Each point is key - without facing the truth we don... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803448 Tue, 10 May 2011 09:50:00 +0100 4803448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803140&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fgender-disparities-in-heart-attack-treatment-women-more-likely-to-die%2F2011.05.09 One-third (33.5%) of female heart attack patients receive surgery or angioplasty compared to nearly half (45.6%) of men, and among heart attack patients receiving an intervention such as coronary bypass surgery or angioplasty, women had a 30% higher death rate compared to men, reports HealthGrades. The findings are based on an analysis of more than 5 million Medicare patient records from 2007 to 2009 and focused on 16 of the most common procedures and diagnoses among women. The most noticeable disparities were in cardiovascular care. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in America, surpassing all forms of cancer combined, the company said in a press release. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803140 Mon, 09 May 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4803140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794852&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2F7-heart-healthy-gifts-for-mom.html If the Mom in your life doesn’t need another picture frame, pan set, or vacuum cleaner, go with something that keeps her smiling, feeling young, and on her toes—the gift of heart health. Here are seven ideas. 1. Go out for Greek dinner. Mediterranean-style food isn’t just delicious, it can be quite healthy, too. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish with some olive oil, nuts, and, yes, red wine, lowers heart disease risk, and might keep depression, type 2 diabetes, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease away, too. 2. Give a fruit basket. It’s a no-brainer, eating a wide variety of fruits is an easy way to protect the heart. In a recent study, women who ate dried apples every day for a year lowered their LDL (bad) cholesterol by 23 percent, in... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794852 Sat, 07 May 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4794852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794805&cid=t_91996_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fhorse-trainer-heart-transplant-patient-kathy-ritvo-hopes-derby-win-mucho-macho-man%2F Kathy Ritvo received a heart transplant in 2008 and was told to avoid horses because of her lowered immunity. Brushing that advice aside, she has Mucho Macho Man in competition for the 2011 Run for the Roses. Churchill Downs on Derby Day (photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons) (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794805 Fri, 06 May 2011 21:28:13 +0100 4794805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794808&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2Fxr_lCnwtcVM%2Fchoices-patients-health-care-consolidation.html by John Mandrola, MDAs a specialist, one of the saddest truisms about practicing medicine in the private world has always been how little one’s clinical skills determines referrals. Unfortunately, as our present healthcare climate pushes “providers” to consolidate along the lines of major hospital networks this injustice will only worsen.A decade-or-so ago when I started private practice it was obvious that referrals came to me because of my association with an established group. This association was essential, as one could have been the next Michael Jordan of electrophysiology, but referrals would still have gone along historic lines, to the favored group. It would have taken a herculean effort, over years, to encroach upon such long established referral patterns–etched ov... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794808 Fri, 06 May 2011 19:00:43 +0100 4794808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794853&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fheart-bypass-surgery-on-the-decline.html You might think that a drop in heart bypass surgeries would be good news. But some patients who would have undergone bypass surgery a decade ago are now instead having other procedures, such as angioplasty, that might not be as effective for them, according to a study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Heart bypass surgery (in which heart surgeons use grafts to reroute blood around blocked coronary arteries) and angioplasty (where doctors use balloons to push the blockages aside and then place stents to prop open the arteries) are among the most common and costly procedures performed in U.S. hospitals. Over a million occur each year, and Medicare pays more than $6.5 billion for them. The new study tracked the rate of the procedures at U.S. hospitals... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794853 Fri, 06 May 2011 15:15:00 +0100 4794853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794904&cid=t_91996_109_f&fid=38951&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarlatpsychiatry.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Flub-dub-lub-lub-lub-dubka-ching.html (Source: The Carlat Psychiatry Blog) The Carlat Psychiatry Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794904 Fri, 06 May 2011 14:55:00 +0100 4794904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795056&cid=t_91996_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FgtIUt5aYG24%2F How closely tied are professional medical societies to drug and device makers? Just how much money do some receive? And how obvious is the spending at annual meetings? The answers - some have very close ties, get lots of money and the outlay can be enough to burst a blood vessel. Take the Heart Rhythm Society, which is holding its annual to-do in San Francisco this week. For instance, Sanofi-Aventis shelled out a total of $351,00, which was divided this way: $110,000 on programs & guides; another $110,000 on educational support; $96,000 for exhibit space; $25,000 for ‘turndown service,’ and $10,000 for bag inserts and cards. Similarly, Johnson & Johnson spent $386,750. Here’s how: $275,000 for exhibit space and lounge;s $36,000 on educational support; $25,000 for ban... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795056 Fri, 06 May 2011 13:44:32 +0100 4795056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794854&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fbigger-belly-poorer-outlook-for-heart-patients-heart-disease-risk.html Here's more reason to dislike that beer belly or muffin top. New research suggests that carrying even modest amounts of extra fat around your middle can raise your risk of dying early if you have heart disease—even if you're at a normal weight. The researchers looked at five large studies on heart disease that measured people's waist, their waist-to-hip ratio (how large a person's waist is in relation to their hips), or both. They then pooled these studies' findings to see what conclusions they might draw about people's risk of dying, based on their belly fat. The studies followed participants from six months to 16 years. Overall, people with extra fat around their middle were nearly twice as likely to die during the studies as those with normal waistlines. The researchers likened... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794854 Fri, 06 May 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4794854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794817&cid=t_91996_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F06%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2011-vol-305-no-16%2F This article aims to  evaluate the association between low health literacy and all-cause mortality and hospitalisation among outpatients with heart failure. The article concludes that among patients with heart failure in an integrated managed care organisation, low health literacy was significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online, alternatively contact the Library for a copy of the article. Filed under: Athens Password, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Health Care Assessment, Heart Failure, Mortality, Outcome, Patient Education (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794817 Fri, 06 May 2011 12:14:05 +0100 4794817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794814&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FrARBS53oSyA%2Fimproving-atrial-fibrillation-communication-doctors-patients.html by Mellanie True HillsI have heard from thousands of atrial fibrillation patients who have shared their afib experiences with me. For so many of us, the diagnosis and treatment of afib is confusing and scary.To improve communication between patients and their health-care providers, and ultimately, provide better care, I recently shared with doctors at the Western Atrial Fibrillation Symposium some “dos” and “don’ts” that afib patients have shared with me. While these comments are from atrial fibrillation patients, they are likely to apply to all patients.(...)Read the rest of Improving atrial fibrillation communication between doctors and patientsCategory: Patient | Tags: Heart, Patients, Specialist | 1 comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794814 Fri, 06 May 2011 11:00:10 +0100 4794814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789414&cid=t_91996_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D255 We have great news for cardiology service lines: the 2011 payment level for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation will see an increase from $38 to $69 (APC 0095).  This may not seem like it will make a significant impact, but considering that CMS covers up to 36 one-hour sessions per patient, this translates to over $1,100 in additional revenue (per patient) for hospitals and $200 for physicians.  Rehab programs are intended to limit patients’ chances of a new heart attack and to help them return to society as quickly as possible.  Clinical trials show that attending all 36 sessions reimbursed by Medicare lowers the risk of death (47%) and heart attack (32%) when compared to attending fewer sessions or no rehab at all.  Each year, approximately 4.7 million patients with congestive heart ... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789414 Thu, 05 May 2011 13:54:13 +0100 4789414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789200&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F-p7_8FhFjL8%2F A new study on salt and health is shaking up some controversy. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the observational study tracking 3,681 Europeans who originally had no hypertension found that people who consumed less salt were actually more likely to die from a heart attack or stroke. And, it found that people consuming more sodium didn’t have a higher risk of hypertension. Those people did, however, see a slight uptick in systolic blood pressure over a period of about six years. By dint of its design, the study can’t conclude for sure what salt intake does to the body. But study authors say the findings  — while not negating the need for sodium restriction in people who already have hypertension — don’t support a society-wide cutb... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789200 Wed, 04 May 2011 17:12:58 +0100 4789200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780289&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F9Yti_L8juzY%2F It’s Pfizer’s Turn: Pfizer said first-quarter profit rose to $2.22 billion, or 28 cents a share, from $2.03 billion, or 25 cents a share, in the previous year, the WSJ reports. Stripping out restructuring and other charges, earnings were unchanged from last year at 60 cents, a penny higher than analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected. Revenue was $16.5 billion; analysts had expected $16.63 billion. Medicaid Rules: The Obama administration is proposing a rule that would hold steady or even push up Medicaid payments to providers in order to improve access to health care, the New York Times reports. Some state officials tell the paper the proposed rule gives too much authority over the program to the federal government. State Medicaid programs are paid for with both fede... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780289 Tue, 03 May 2011 12:38:47 +0100 4780289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775390&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbig-brother-taken-to-another-level-physician-movements-tracked-with-rfid-tags-at-medical-conferences%2F2011.05.02 Not everything that counts can be measured. Not everything that can be measured counts. -Albert Einstein Recently, a disturbing trend of monitoring physician quality and accountability has taken another ominous turn: tracking physician’s movements at scientific conferences (so called “tag and release”) using RFID tags imbedded in attendees name badges at national scientific sessions. Having had personal experience with the recent American College of Cardiology meeting, this technology will also be imbedded in the name badges for attendees at the upcoming Heart Rhythm Society meeting to be held in San Francisco in May. On first blush, it shouldn’t be such a big deal, right? It was all just a great way for companies to obtain, for a fee, the names and institutions of ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775390 Mon, 02 May 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4775390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767994&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbeer-bellies-anyone-waist-measurement-can-determine-risk-for-heart-disease%2F2011.04.30 Extra fat that accumulates around the abdomen goes by many names: beer belly, spare tire, love handles, apple shape, middle-age spread, and the more technical “abdominal obesity.” No matter what the name, it is the shape of risk. Abdominal obesity increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and other woes. The danger zone is a waist size above 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women. As I describe in the April 2011 issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch, beer is not specifically responsible for a beer belly. What, then, is to blame? Calories. Take in more calories with food and drink than you burn up with exercise, and you’ll store the excess energy in fat cells. Many studies indicate that people who store their extra fat around the midsection (ap... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767994 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:00:10 +0100 4767994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767989&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fhow-much-salt-and-wine-is-too-much.html Quick quiz: Is sea-salt a low-sodium alternative to table salt? How much sodium should you consume anyway? And, yes, red wine might be good for you, but how much is too much? If you don’t know, join the club. Americans, overall, are a little fuzzy on the answers, according to a survey 1,000 adults just released by the American Heart Association. Forty percent of those surveyed didn’t know that the AHA recommends no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day—less than half of what most Americans eat. And nearly two thirds said that sea salt had less sodium than table salt. In fact, it doesn’t matter if your salt comes from a shaker or the sea, if it’s finely ground or in big chunks, or if it’s kosher or not, it’s all pretty much the same. Finally,... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767989 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:20:00 +0100 4767989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767921&cid=t_91996_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FpGNr-vT9OW0%2Ftips-prevent-heart-disease-women.html by Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPAAmerican Heart Month may be officially over, but don’t let the lack of media attention fool you into thinking heart disease isn’t a critical issue.We still need to be mindful of the fact that heart disease is the number one killer of women.There are simple lifestyle choices you can make to help prevent you from heart disease.(...)Read the rest of Tips to prevent heart disease in womenCategory: Conditions | Tags: Heart, Patients | 1 comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767921 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:00:09 +0100 4767921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753687&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fblood-pressure-deaths-downbut-not-far-enough.html First, the good news: premature deaths from high blood pressure are down compared with 20 years ago, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And now the bad: People with high blood pressure are still more likely to die younger than others. The report, in the April 26 issue of Circulation, found that between 1992 and 2006 the mortality rate among adults age 25 to 74 with high blood pressure dropped from 18.8 deaths for every 1,000 people followed for a year to 14.3 in 2006. But the mortality rate in people with high blood pressure is still 57 percent higher than it is in those without it. People with high blood pressure were also more likely to have diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and be overweight, and less likely to quit smoking. Bottom ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753687 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:01:00 +0100 4753687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753696&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstatin-use-is-increasing-dramatically-are-americans-healthier-for-it%2F2011.04.25 Baseball fans have the Baseball Prospectus annual. Political junkies can get their fix from Nate Silver’s 538 blog. For those of us with geeky interest in health and medicine statistics, graphs, and charts, the Health, United States, 2010 report from the National Center for Health Statistics is that kind of treat. The 41 charts and graphs and 148 trend tables in the 2010 report (it’s dated 2010 but was released earlier this year) could keep me happily occupied for hours. One graph that really caught my eye shows the percentage of Americans that take a statin. Statins are prescribed mainly to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, but they may have other benefits, too. The statins include atorvastatin (sold as Lipitor), rosuvastatin (sold as Crestor), and simvastatin (sold as Zocor but also a... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753696 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:00:48 +0100 4753696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742365&cid=t_91996_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FrM1J-KB4oAE%2F A study published this week by BMJ suggests that taking calcium supplements may slightly raise the odds of a heart attack in postmenopausal women. That’s likely to give pause to many women taking calcium supplements to shore up their bones. But physicians say there’s still no solid evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship, and that while more research is needed, the study shouldn’t scare women away from supplementing with calcium up to the recommended daily level. Researchers from the University of Auckland and University of Aberdeen took data from a large Women’s Health Initiative study on calcium and vitamin D consumption and used it to update their analysis of previously published research. That WHI study found no overall ties between calcium supplement use an... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742365 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:46:43 +0100 4742365