Health News

The Possible Dangers of Sodium in Pills
Hamburgers, potato chips and some prescription medications — what could all of these things have in common? Their sodium content may be putting people at risk for heart problems.
Three Big Factors to Beat Heart Disease if Obese
Being overweight or obese can raise the risk for heart disease and stroke. While losing weight may help, shedding pounds can be hard. There may be other ways for overweight people to lower these risks.
Weight Loss Surgery for Better Diabetes Outcomes
Type 2 diabetes can lead to kidney failure, heart problems and even blindness. Weight loss surgery might help protect against these diabetes-related health issues.
Heart Valve Repair vs. Replacement
When a valve in the heart isn’t working efficiently, surgery may be necessary. There may be an advantage to replacing the valve rather than just repairing it, but not a very big one.
“Healthy” Vegetable Oils May Harm Heart
Some “healthy” oils may not be as healthy as advertised. While corn and safflower oils may lower cholesterol, they may not protect against heart disease and, in fact, they may do more harm than good.
Looking Beyond Targets for Blood Pressure Medications
When prescribing high blood pressure medication, doctors often focus on getting their patients to reach a blood pressure target. A more individualized approach, looking at multiple factors, may be more effective.
Men's Hormone Therapy May Be Risky for the Heart
Properly balanced hormones deliver benefits such as strong bones and healthy sexual function. Restoring natural hormones lost due to illness or aging with hormone supplements is an option, but it may carry risks.
Menopause, Hot Flashes and Heart Problems
Estrogen — a hormone used to treat symptoms of menopause — has been shown to increase the risk for certain cancers. But other questions about the safety of estrogen therapy remain. For example, is it safe for the heart?
Unchecked Work Stress Can Hurt Your Heart
Unless you’re among that seeming handful of workers who keep their Zen-like attitude no matter what, routine workday stresses can leave you feeling undone.
Obesity Breaks Young Female Hearts
When body mass index is high, so is the likelihood of heart attack or stroke. Obesity, however, isn’t just an older person’s problem. The threat extends to individuals who are much younger.