As chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes have risen to prominence as the main culprits behind mortality in developed nations, they have established a commanding presence. Chronic physical ailments lack the element of contagion possessed by infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or pneumonia. With the attention shifting to …
Patients with high blood pressure and moderate risk of heart disease slashed their long-term risk of heart attack and stroke 40 percent by taking a blood pressure medication as well as a statin cholesterol fighter, according to a large global study that could change medical practice. Results from the trial, called HOPE-3, could prod far more doctors to add a statin to blood pressure therapy for such patients who have no prior history of heart attack or stroke, researchers said. The data was presented on Saturday at the annual scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology in Chicago.