Brand-name drugs no better than generics: study
December 2, 2008 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - There is no evidence that brand-name drugs given to treat heart and other cardiovascular conditions work any better than their cheaper generic counterparts, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
High phosphorus tied to early artery plaques
December 2, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In healthy young adults, blood levels of phosphorus that fall within the high-normal range may be a risk factor for plaques or "atherosclerosis" in the coronary arteries that feed the heart, findings in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggest. Coronary atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for heart attacks.
Alcohol linked with irregular heartbeat in women
December 2, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Consuming two or more alcoholic beverages per day may slightly increase the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat , also referred to as atrial fibrillation, in women, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Exercise improves brain blood flow in older adults
December 2, 2008 — CHICAGO (Reuters Health) - In older individuals, exercise is associated with an increase in the number of large-diameter vessels in the cerebral region of the brain and with an increase in blood flow in the three major cerebral arteries, researchers announced at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, which is being held here this week.
Evidence growing for vitamin D-heart health link
December 1, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People with a deficiency in vitamin D may be at increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease, the authors of a new review of current research on vitamin D and cardiovascular health conclude.
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