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Choosing the right ED drug

Men have a higher risk of having erectile dysfunction (ED) as they age and many can benefit from taking an ED drug. There are currently four choices in the US, and men usually adopt a trial-and-error approach to find the drug and dosage that works for them. The choice also can be dictated by how fast they want the drug to work and how long the effect will last.

Why do I bruise so easily?

Noticeable bruises as a person ages are related to the tiny blood vessels in the outer layer of skin becoming more fragile. There is not much people can do about this, but they should see their doctors if bruises resemble red or purple spots, appear only on the lower legs, or become painful.

Are you taking too many supplements?

Taking too many dietary supplements can lead to potential problems. Examples include medication interference, difficulty managing a complicated regimen, missed prescription medication doses, and overdoing it on nutrient intake. It’s not that all supplements are without benefits. For some people, specific supplements may offer some chance of benefit, and little risk. But going overboard can be risky. It’s important to speak with a doctor before starting a supplement to make sure it won’t interfere with one’s health or current medications.

When pain slows your new walking regimen

There are lots of aches and pains that can slow down a new walking regimen. Examples include heel pain from plantar fasciitis, shin pain from spinal stenosis, and joint pain from osteoarthritis. Treatment varies, depending on the cause. Once pain has been addressed, it’s important to set realistic goals for a walking routine, starting with five or 10 minutes per day and gradually increasing the time. Doctors recommend an ultimate goal of 30 minutes of daily brisk walking.

Sensing abnormal heart rhythms with a smart speaker?

Using artificial intelligence, smart speakers can be programmed to detect and monitor abnormal heart rhythms in people sitting within one to two feet of the speakers.

Alternatives to warfarin may be safer, more effective for afib

For people with certain types of valvular atrial fibrillation, drugs known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be safer and more effective than warfarin (Coumadin). DOACs include apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).

Treating sleep apnea: Good for your heart and mind?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissue at the back of the throat temporarily blocks the airway during sleep. People with sleep apnea face a heightened risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. The condition can also affect mood, and some people diagnosed with depression may actually have sleep apnea. Treating apnea with positive airway pressure improves both high blood pressure and depression.

Diastolic blood pressure: Worth a second look?

A diastolic blood pressure reading lower than 60 mm Hg may be linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in people at high cardiovascular risk. Diastolic pressure tends to fall with age. Some people with a low reading have a leaky aortic valve, which interferes with normal blood circulation throughout the heart and causes diastolic pressure to fall. But in people with healthy aortic valves who can be physically active without any symptoms (such as chest pressure, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness), a low diastolic blood pressure should not pose a problem.

Common questions about medical cannabis

While cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, more than two-thirds of US states have made it partly or fully legal for medical purposes. People who decide to use marijuana for a medical condition often have questions about its safety and proper use — the same considerations doctors weigh when determining whether it should be prescribed for a particular patient.

American Heart Association issues statement on cardiovascular side effects from hormonal therapy for prostate cancer

The American Heart Association issued a statement addressing cardiovascular risks from hormonal therapy for prostate cancer, emphasizing the need to identify men with pre-existing cardiac risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular diseases who should be monitored closely during treatment.

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