 |
|
|
 |
Elderly Women Sharper Than Elderly Men
Elderly women have better mental ability than men, even if they have less formal education. Researchers say this could be because they are less likely to have cardiovascular disease and so have a better blood supply to the brain. Experts in the care of the elderly said the research sent out a strong message that good health throughout life does pay dividends in old age. more
|
|
New Artificial Heart To Be Tested Soon
Within the new few weeks, five critically ill people will be the first to receive completely self-contained artificial hearts, models made entirely of titanium, plastic and epoxy, and beating as incessantly as a human heart. The "AbioCor" heart runs off a battery the size of a VCR tape. Through an external coil on the patient's midriff, the battery powers a surgically implanted system that feeds electricity to the heart. To recharge the battery, patients will simply plug it into an AC outlet. more
|
|
|
|
US Senate Prepares To Debate Patients' Rights Bill
Senate Democrats preparing for debate on a patients' bill of rights this week said Friday that the bill will not automatically drag doctors and hospitals into court with errant HMOs. The Democrats made technical changes to the bill late Thursday to address growing concerns among businesspeople and others that the new rights to sue would put anyone who provides health care at risk. more
|
|
Resources For Our Readers: The Patients' Bill Of Rights
Under current law, health maintenance organizations and insurance companies cannot be sued for decisions to deny medical treatment deemed necessary by doctors, or for actions that can harm patients. Democrats and Republicans agree on the need to change the law. The two sides disagree over where lawsuits should go and the amount of damages that can be sought. Vidyya is pleased to provide a current copy of the Patients' Bill of Rights to our readers so they may be informed about the provisions of the bill. more
|
|
Worldwide Study To Evaluate New Approach To Preventing Cardiovascular Disease In ACE Inhibitor-Intolerant Patients
Boehringer Ingelheim announced plans for the TRANSCEND trial -- Telmisartan Randomized AssessmeNt Study in aCE iNtolerant subjects with cardiovascular Disease, the largest cardiovascular protection trial ever conducted in patients intolerant to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on Friday. The study, announced at the European Society of Hypertension meeting, will examine the effects of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB) MICARDIS(R) (telmisartan) on this patient population and will enroll approximately 5,000 patients worldwide. more
|
|
|
