Health News

Hearts Love Aspirin and Warfarin
Heart failure patients often take medication to lower their risk of stroke, hemorrhage or dying. A common choice is warfarin (Coumadin), though a large clinical trial has found that cheaper over-the-counter aspirin may be just as effective.
FDA Backs Implantable Heart Pump
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel has recommended approval of HeartWare's Ventricular Assist System, which acts as a bridge to heart transplantation in end-stage heart failure patients.
Heart Attack Scar Tissue Regenerated in Lab
Following a heart attack, scar tissue comprised of cells called fibroblasts accumulates. Since the heart muscle can't easily regenerate, the patient is at an increased risk of heart failure.
Rogue DNA Tied to Heart Failure
The heart's own "rogue DNA" appears to play a role in the development of heart failure. A new study has found that the heart's own cells mistakenly activate the immune system, contributing to heart failure. During heart failure, immune cells cells invade the heart. This process, called inflammation, which ultimately leads to a less efficient heart with less pumping ability in the case of heart failure, can be caused by the body's own DNA. Don't smoke to protect your heart. Professor Kinya Otsu , study leader and British Heart Federation Professor of Cardiology at King's College...
Testosterone Offers Heart Failure Benefit
For patients with moderate to severe heart failure, testosterone supplements may be beneficial, allowing those with the condition to breathe better and engage in more physical activity.
Hypertension Meds Safe for Heart Failure
Previous studies have suggested that the hypertension drug losartan could lower survival among heart failure patients. However, new research suggests high doses of C ozaar ( losartan ) does not contribute to an increased risk of dying.
Untold Story: Cancer Rx & Heart Damage
The toxic side effects of some cancer medications are well-known. They can cause everything from nausea and hair loss to joint pain and fatigue. One very serious side effect is being under-reported and jeopardizing patients.
Goldilocks Sleep Best for Heart
If you're feeling sleepy or irritable during the day, you may not be getting enough sleep. And not enough sleep could mean you're at higher risk for a range of heart problems.
Stem Cells not yet Clear on Heart Repair
A patient's own bone marrow cells may be able to repair hearts weakened by heart failure by improving their pumping ability. The improvement in a recent study was considered small, but significant. The research, though still limited in size, marked the largest study to date in using stem cells to repair heart damage caused by chronic ischemic heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction. Eat healthy foods to protect your heart. Dr. Emerson Perin , director of clinical research for cardiovascular medicine at the Texas Heart Institute and the study’s lead investigator, said th...
Vice President Cheney Gets a New Heart
Former Vice President Dick Cheney is recovering at a Virginia hospital following a heart transplant on Saturday. His office made the announcement Sunday.