Health News

Treatments to Avoid During a Heart Attack
You've no doubt seen ads or been solicited to give blood. There's a good reason. Donated blood for transfusion is an important, life-saving resource that must be used judiciously. When should doctors decide to give it? 
Aspirin for the Heart: Go Uncoated
Taking low-dose aspirin daily has been touted for years to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some people show resistance to this therapy in blood tests, but why?
FDA Approves Eliquis for Atrial Fibrillation Patients
The US Food and Drug Administration today approved the anti-clotting drug Eliquis ( apixaban ), an oral tablet used to reduce the risk of stroke and dangerous blood clots (systemic embolism) in patients with atrial fibrillation that is not caused by a heart valve problem.
An Aspirin a Day After Blood Clots
A common treatment after having a blood clot is taking blood thinner medication. But many doctors will eventually take patients off medication when it's no longer necessary. Then what?
Drug-Eluting PAD Stent Approved
US Food and Drug Administration officials have approved the first medication-coated stent designed to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), giving patients with blocked thigh arteries another option.
When the Body Turns on Itself
Some people's immune systems produce antibodies that fight parts of their own bodies. These aren’t always a big deal. But sometimes they can contribute to stroke or miscarriage risk.
No Change in Change-of-Life Hormone Warnings
A decade ago, when a woman reached menopause, she likely reached for hormone replacement therapy to calm the symptoms associated with the change in life. Then a large study called the Women's Health Initiative challenged that treatment.
Newer Blood Thinner Gaining Affirmation
Patients with atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia, have a higher risk of experiencing a stroke or blood clots. Warfarin (Coumadin) has long been the gold standard in treatment. That could be changing.
Heart Risk Tied to Blood Type
New research indicates that a person's blood type appears to influence coronary heart disease risk. Individuals with type A and B are at a higher risk, while those with rarer type AB are at the greatest risk.
Heart Diagnostic Test Recalled
A testing system commonly used to diagnose heart problems and other medical conditions has been recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.