Health News
Managing Blood Pressure While Pregnant
Pregnant women who take high blood pressure medications in the first trimester are not putting their baby at risk of birth defects. But not managing high blood pressure itself can increase many risks.
Estrogen: A Natural Stroke Protectant
Naturally occurring estrogen may aid with ischemic stroke prevention for women under the age of 50. However, in older women the sex hormone may instead increase the risk of stroke.
Pregnancy Workouts are Good for Your Heart
Working out before and during early pregnancy is good for heart health. Researchers believe that exercise can help pregnant moms increase their cardiovascular health - and it could even help prevent preeclampsia.
Battle in Mother's Belly Causes Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition that results in high blood pressure and protein in the mother’s urine. Now, research shows that the father’s cells are helping wage a battle in the uterus that leads to preeclampsia.
Extra Calcium and Moms-to-be
Pregnant women are often told to take more calcium to benefit themselves and their babies, but the benefits of doing so have been unclear.
Soy Protein Reduces Clogged Artery Progression
There may be a window shortly after menopause in which women can slow the development of clogged arteries through a method as simple as taking soy protein supplements.
Avoiding Sudden Cardiac Death
At one time sudden cardiac death was viewed as rather random, but now new risk factors are regularly identified. One group that is at a higher risk is postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease.
FDA Safety Alert: Women's Health
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public about new information that is being assessed as part of their ongoing safety review of birth control pills that contain drospirenone . This review will further evaluate the risk of blood clots in women who use these products.
New Findings on Hormone Replacement Therapy
You may remember some years ago when a large women's study was stopped because one of the therapies being tested was shown to actually increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes.
Pressure to Get the Lead Out
Even the smallest quantities of lead can affect the blood pressure of a pregnant woman, according to a recent study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.