On Healthy Living

Two news stories today have to do with drugs and supplements for heart health. The first (linked here from the New York Times says that taking B vitamins to block homocystine and prevent heart attack and stroke was not effective for those most at risk.

Three studies with more than 9,000 participants showed that taking B vitamins did in fact lower homocystine levels, which are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, but there was no corresponding reduction in the number of heart attacks among those on vitamins compared to those taking placebos.

The other story (here from USA Today) says that taking the anti-clotting drug Plavix in combination with aspirin can actually be harmful to people with risk factors for heart attacks who have not yet had a heart attack.

The drug was also found to be no more effective than aspirin alone at preventing heart attacks, strokes and death from heart attacks for those patients who had already had a heart attack or stroke.

What does all this mean? Above all, it illustrates the need to talk to your doctor and keep him or her informed about what drugs, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, you are taking. The two of you together should devise a treatment plan that is right for you based on the most current data available. And, of course, that eating right and exercising should always be a part of your healthy living plan.

Sarah White wrote this on March 13th, 2006 and filed it under Healthy Living, Diet & Exercise, Women's Health, Men's Health, Health & Aging, Natural Remedies |