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Promising new alternative blood thinners to Coumadin (warfarin) for patients with atrial fibrillation
Several new alternative blood thinners to a decades-old medication that is challenging to use look promising. One, Pradaxa (dabigatran) has already been approved by the FDA and is now available. Look to the right for the latest and check out "From the Doctors' Desk" at the bottom of the right column for general thoughts of our doctors about what patients who are already on Coumadin should be thinking about. ===> ===> ===>
Welcome to Dr. Caren and Dr. Urman's Heart Health e-Newsletter.
This complimentary educational service for our patients and their families is published monthly. Please click on the header above to enter our website and learn more about our practice. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment.
The column on the right has heart-related stories from the last several weeks which we feel are most important and most likely to be of interest to our patients. Additional general information and recent news about our office can also be found to the right. The latest news items about heart health are found below.
Important Information for our patients with Anthem/Blue Cross medical insurance policies:
Look at the bottom of the right column to see important information regarding a change in our policy with Anthem / Blue Cross taking effect March 15, 2011. This change is taking place to preserve our cherished doctor-patient relationships. ===> ===> ===>
It's flu season. Don't forget to get your flu shot!
Call our office to make an appointment for an influenza vaccine
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| These are more modest than previous ones, experts say |
THURSDAY, Dec. 2 As 2010 winds down, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced its next set of 10-year goals for improving the nation's health, including making dents in rates of obesity, smoking and deaths from cancer and heart disease.
"T... Read the full article |
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| Number of strokes rising in U.S., but deaths drop almost one-third |
THURSDAY, Dec. 2 Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can cut your risk for first-time stroke by 80 percent, according to new guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association.
Also, as more Americans use hospital emergency departments for... Read the full article |
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| Changes in lining of blood vessels appear to contribute to disease, researchers say |
THURSDAY, Dec. 2 A problem in the lining of blood vessels may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.
The condition, called endothelial dysfunction, involves a loss of nitric oxide in the endotheliu... Read the full article |
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| Another factor to consider when evaluating cardiovascular profile, researchers say |
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 1 Women who suffer recurrent miscarriages have a greatly increased risk of heart attack later in life, finds a new study.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 11,500 women who had been pregnant at least once and found t... Read the full article |
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| Loud snoring, insomnia and unrefreshing sleep linked to metabolic syndrome in study |
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 1 Loud snoring, difficulty falling asleep and unrefreshing sleep are each significant predictors of the development of metabolic syndrome, finds a new study.
Metabolic syndrome refers to the presence of at least three of fi... Read the full article |
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| In addition, muscle volume in legs was reduced by 7%, analysis found |
TUESDAY, Nov. 30 Runners who took part in a two-month, 4,500-kilometer race lost 5.4 percent of body volume during the event, including 50 percent of their body fat, according to a new report.
The runners also lost an average of 7 percent ... Read the full article |
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| Higher risk of death, complications compared with men, researchers found |
MONDAY, Nov. 29 Women have worse outcomes than men following surgery for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in their lower extremities, a new study has found.
Researchers reviewed data from 372,692 hospital admissions for PAD surgery in lower extremities conducted fro... Read the full article |
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| And threats to heart can be seen in children as young as 9, second study says |
MONDAY, Nov. 29 Children who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be able to help ward off atherosclerosis in adulthood, a precursor of heart disease, a new study suggests.
And a second new study found that children as young as 9 years old may already be exhi... Read the full article |
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| Having Relative With Atrial Fibrillation Raises Own Risk |
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Research found having mother, father or sibling with it increased chances 40% |
| New Drug, Pradaxa, May Prevent Second Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation |
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In this population, drug as effective as anticlotting drug warfarin for stroke prevention without excess bleeding events
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| Warfarin Patients Often Unaware of Risks from Herbs, Supplement Use |
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Survey shows many don't know combining certain herbs with blood thinner can lead to bleeding, stroke |
| New Blood Thinner a Promising Alternative to Warfarin |
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Rivaroxaban did as well or better, with easier dose monitoring, in international study |
| Insurance and Billing |
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Please click here to see frequently asked questions (FAQs). Learn why we believe our policies allow us to maintain our high level of personalized patient care.
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| Simple steps can cut deadly risk of heart disease, study finds |
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Dr. Urman quoted by LA Times about a study comfirming that individuals can take control of their health and that incremental changes in lifestyle can make a huge difference. |
| Meet Dr. Urman |
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Learn more about the founder and editor of our patient newsletter |
| Meet Dr. Caren |
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Get to know Dr. Caren. |
| The Best Diet for Weight Maintenance? |
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Study found fewer refined carb and slow-glycemic index foods such as whole-grain breads led to less weight regain |
| Eat Your Fruits & Veggies for Longer Life |
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Antioxidant alpha-carotene seems tied to lowered death risk, researchers find |
| Health Tip: Hardening of the Arteries |
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Possible complications of atherosclerosis |
| Higher Statin Doses Linked to Fewer Heart Attacks, Stroke |
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Strategy reduced risk but increased side effects, researchers found |
| Statins OK for Patients With Abnormal Liver Function: Study |
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Researchers found no rise in liver disease, plus reduced risk of heart attacks, stroke |
| Experimental Drug Raises Good Cholesterol Levels in Early Trial |
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Results need to be confirmed in larger studies, experts note
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| American Heart Association, Nov. 13-17, 2010 |
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The American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2010 |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis May Raise Risk of Blood Vessel Plaque |
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Certain medications seem to lessen or increase buildup, suggests study
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| Vitamin D Tied to Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Disease |
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Deficiencies linked with diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, death |
| Vitamin E Tied to Increased Risk for Hemorrhagic Stroke |
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While supplementation is associated with a minimally reduced risk of ischemic stroke given the generally more severe outcome of hemorrhagic stroke, indiscriminate widespread use of vitamin E should be cautioned against |
| Health Tip: Your Doctor Has Prescribed Cardiac Rehabilitation |
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Here's how it can help |
| Health Tip: Omega 3s Are Essential Fatty Acids |
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But your body doesn't produce them |
| Office News |
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Recent news about our doctors and office. |
| Newsletter Archive |
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In case you have missed our previous newsletters |
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