Genes may make Plavix less effective: study

Heart Disease NEWS AND VIEWS December 30, 2008

Genetic variation makes Plavix less effective: study Young heart attack survivors with a common genetic variation were more likely to die or have a serious heart problem while taking the blood thinner Plavix than those without the genetic variation, researchers say.  Read more> This Week's News See all Heart Disease news Elderly at risk for harmful drug interactions The increasing number of medications -- prescription and nonprescription -- used by older people has raised the potential for harm from serious drug interactions, doctors warn in a report published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.  Read more> Fish oil's effects remain elusive Experts say more funding is needed for the study of fish oil's effects on heart health, both to clarify these effects and to help protect the world's marine life.  Read more> Diet appears to alter heart failure risk Each serving of whole-grains may lessen heart failure risk by 7 percent among middle-aged African-American and white men and women, according to findings from a long-term study.  Read more> Even a little extra weight, inactivity harms the heart A new study of American doctors has found that even a few extra pounds and a little inactivity can increase a person's risk of heart failure.  Read more> Statins may prevent heart surgery delirium Experts say up to 47 percent of people who have heart surgery experience this type of confusion, which can lengthen patients' hospital stays and increase their health care costs.  Read more> The top health-related stories of 2008 A reporter picks the top six health stories of 2008, including stem cell research, autism, and health care reform.  Read more> Sponsored Health Center Find options for heart valve replacement.   Read more> Quiz of the Week Test Your Portion IQ Are your eyes bigger than your stomach? Take this quiz to find out how you can avoid putting on unwanted pounds over the holidays. Today's Poll Do you consume fish oil to help improve your heart health? Your options are: Yes, all the time. I do occasionally. No. News You Can Use From our experts: Mediterranean diet to reduce heart disease Those that follow a Mediterranean Diet have a reduced risk of developing heart disease and dying from a heart attack, expert Lisa Nelson reports. Read more>

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