Health News
Heart Attacks Are Harder
Patients aren't always out of the woods after hospital release following a heart attack. Many are readmitted later the same month after complications. Americans may be at a higher risk of readmission as compared to Canadian and European patients.
A Healthy Brain Freeze
After a heart attack, therapeutic hypothermia lowers the risk of brain damage, but the procedure is seldom used. Moreover, this procedure saves lives and delivers positive financial results.
New Application for Bayer Heart Drug
Bayer’s cooperation partner, Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C. has submitted a Supplemental New Drug Application ( sNDA ) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the oral anticoagulant Xarelto ( rivaroxaban ) in combination with standard antiplatelet therapy to reduce the risk of (thrombotic) cardiovascular events in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).
The RA Heart Left Unprotected
The inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than the joints; it also poses a threat to the heart. When it comes to protecting the heart health of rheumatoid arthritis patients, certain drugs are falling short.
Skip the Second Angioplasty
For patients at risk of having a heart attack, angioplasty to open clogged arteries and placement of a stent to prop open the artery are common. Debate still remains over the most effective type of stent, however.
Genetic Test Not Necessary Before Taking Plavix
After an artery-opening procedure following a heart attack, some patients take Plavix ( clopidogrel ) to treat or prevent a blood clot. Though the drug isn't as effective in some individuals, genetic testing is not needed, a recent study suggests.
Speeding Up Heart Attack Diagnosis
Heart attack treatment can be tricky because diagnosing it may require numerous tests for an actual confirmation. A more sensitive diagnostic biomarker test could immediately rule out a heart attack.
Changing the Course of Heart Disease
Awareness has increased for coronary heart disease. Individuals more easily recognize the symptoms and know the importance of managing factors such as high cholesterol and hypertension.
Emergency Heart Attack Access Remains Limited
A larger number of hospitals are offering an emergency artery-opening procedure following a heart attack. This may do little to help patients though, since access to care has improved very little.
'Stuffing Your Face' Produces Heart Attacks
If you're planning to overindulge in food or alcoholic beverages over the holidays, make sure you don't overlook or blow off what could be a serious heart problem.