Diabetes :: Long-term use of diabetes drug increases heart attack risk by more than 40 percent

An analysis of four studies involving more than 14,000 patients found that long-term use of the diabetes drug rosiglitazone (Avandia) increased the risk of heart attack by 42 percent and doubled the risk of heart failure, according to a new report from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and colleagues. There was no effect on death from cardiovascular causes.

Healthcare :: Systems Biology poised to revolutionize the understanding of cell function and disease

Systems Biology is transforming the way scientists think about biology and disease. This novel approach to research could prompt a shake up in medical science and it might ultimately allow clinicians to predict and treat complex diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, cancer, and metabolic syndrome for which there are currently no cures.

Blood Pressure :: FDA approves first generic versions of Coreg to treat high blood pressure

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic versions of Coreg (carvedilol). Coreg is a widely used medication that is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure, mild to severe chronic heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack.

Leukemia :: Heart failure is rare among leukemia patients on imatinib

Congestive heart failure rarely occurs among leukemia patients who take imatinib, researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found after an exhaustive review of the detailed medical histories of 1,276 patients who enrolled in clinical trials for the drug.

Healthcare :: Studies examine mortality among hospitalized patients following work hours reform for residents

In a national study of more than 8 million hospitalized Medicare patients, there was no increase in mortality in the first two years following duty hour reform that limited work hours for resident physicians, according to an article in the Sept. 5 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on medical education.

Heart Failure :: Rasilez, direct renin inhibitor, reduces a marker of heart failure severity

Rasilez? (aliskiren), the first new type of high blood pressure medicine in more than a decade, is generally well-tolerated and can potentially reduce the severity of heart failure based on new data showing significant reductions in BNP, a substance secreted by the heart and whose levels are viewed as an indicator of disease severity.

Dietary Supplement :: Metabolism Apple Cider Vinegar Brand Dietary Supplement Capsules recall

Confidence Inc. informed consumers and healthcare professionals that the company is recalling one lot of METABOLISM Apple Cider Vinegar Brand Dietary Supplement Capsules (Lot: 3001006, Exp. 10/2009) because the product contains the undeclared drug ingredient sibutramine, an FDA approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss.

Healthcare :: Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute Opens in Henrietta

The University of Rochester Medical Center announced the opening of the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) in the Town of Henrietta. More than 100 scientists, students and technicians, currently housed across the Medical Center’s campus, will be brought together under one roof.