Healthy Living News

May032012

2 Blood Thinners Equal for Heart Failure

by Robert H. Shmerling, M.D.
Harvard Medical School

Aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) are equally effective in preventing strokes and death for many people with heart failure, a new study finds. The study included 2,300 people with severe heart failure. All of them had a normal...read more

Categories: Heart Health

Apr252012

Only 13% in U.S. Have High Cholesterol

by Howard LeWine, M.D.
Harvard Medical School

Though Americans have high levels of obesity, only 13% have high total cholesterol. That's the finding of a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The numbers come from a survey of 6,000 adults...read more

Categories: Cholesterol, Heart Health

Apr102012

Study: Fish Oil Pills Don't Aid Heart Disease

by Howard LeWine,
M.D. Harvard Medical School

Taking fish oil pills won't protect against heart attacks and strokes for people who already have heart disease, a new review of research finds. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. Many studies have found a lower risk of...read more

Categories: Stroke, Heart Health

Mar282012

Anti-Clotting Drug Works For Heart Rhythm Problem

by Howard Lewine, M.D.
Harvard Medical School

The drug warfarin can reduce the risk of stroke in people with a heart rhythm problem, says a review of eight studies. In people with atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart don't pump properly. Blood collects in...read more

Categories: Stroke, Heart Health

Mar222012

Added to Statin, New Drug Cuts LDL More

by Robert H. Shmerling, M.D.
Harvard Medical School

A new, injectable drug appears to safely reduce LDL cholesterol, even in people already taking statins, researchers report. The new study was an early test for a type of drug known as a monoclonal antibody. It has to enter...read more

Categories: Cholesterol, Heart Health

Mar192012

Health Goals Cut Deaths; Few Meet Them

by Howard LeWine, M.D.
Harvard Medical School

Only 1.2% of U.S. adults meet all 7 major health goals to help prevent heart disease. But those who meet at least 6 goals are only half as likely to die young as those who meet 1 goal or none, a new study finds. The study...read more

Categories: Stroke, Men's Health, Heart Health, Women's Health