Autopsies have uncovered new insight into how the illegal drug methamphetamine harms the heart. Preliminary findings presented Thursday at an American Heart Association meeting, in Boston, suggest that meth triggers a buildup of tough protein fibers known as collagen in the heart muscle. Previous autopsy studies have noted injury to heart cells, scarring and enlargement… read on >
Exercise has many health benefits for boys, ranging from a lower chance of obesity to improved self-esteem. It may also reduce risk-taking behaviors. However, some sports come with cautions, especially those with weight classes that could lead to excessive dieting or even anorexia. Sometimes boys may simply not eat enough calories to make up for… read on >
Even a mild concussion can temporarily affect your sense of smell and trigger longer-term anxiety problems, a new study finds. It’s been known that such problems could occur after a major concussion. But this study found it’s also true for minor concussions caused by accidents such as falling off a bike with a helmet on,… read on >
Before developing type 2 diabetes, people may have prediabetes, says the American Diabetes Association. Prediabetes is marked by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that aren’t quite high enough to qualify as diabetes. Prediabetes can be difficult to recognize. People usually find out that they have the condition after being tested for diabetes. If you do have… read on >
Herbs are plants or plant derivatives that can be used for their scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines are sold in many forms including tablets, powders, teas, extracts and fresh plants. MedlinePlus urges people to remember that products labeled “natural” aren’t always safe and healthy. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the… read on >
Less invasive treatment of severely clogged leg arteries appears to be as effective as open surgery, according to a new study. Researchers followed patients with critical limb ischemia, which is the most severe form of clogged leg arteries. It can lead to slow healing of leg wounds, gangrene and amputation. “Critical limb ischemia is usually… read on >
Many studies have uncovered racial gaps in health care in the United States, but now a new review confirms that the disparity begins at birth. The review, of 41 studies, found that infants born to minority women typically received poorer care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) compared with white newborns. The finding was… read on >
As far as scientists know, humans are the only species that get heart attacks linked to clogged arteries. Now, new research suggests that just one DNA change occurring 2 to 3 million years ago may be to blame. The finding might give insight into how to prevent and treat the attacks, according to researchers at… read on >
Patients who have noncardiac surgery are much more likely to die after they leave the hospital than in the operating room, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data on more than 40,000 adults, age 45 and older, who were operated on at 28 centers in 14 countries in North and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa… read on >
Falls from beds, uneven floors and playing football are leading causes of nonfatal brain injuries in American kids, new research shows. For the study, researchers analyzed data on traumatic brain injuries among kids and teens treated at emergency departments of 66 U.S. hospitals between 2010 and 2013. Of those cases, 72% were attributable to products… read on >
