Aspirin and niacin for heart health
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009
Q: If you have had heart attacks in the family what is the dose of aspirin you should take? Also, if I were to take vitamins what would be the best to help with the heart, blood pressure, and cholesterol?
A: The risk of taking aspirin needs to be weighed against the benefits. You need to discuss this with your doctor. Niacin, otherwise known as B3 has been shown to improve blood fat levels. However, many people are unable to take this vitamin because of side effects. Taking niacin in prescription form often makes it more tolerable. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Tags: aspirin, b3, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attack, heart attacks, Heart Health, Heart Health, niacin, side effects, Supplements, vitamin B, vitaminsEcosprin gold and flatulence
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009
Q: I am taking Metapur AM 10mg and Ecosprin gold for about one and a half years and my BP is in control. But I am facing a problem with farting resulting in lot of embarrassment. Please advise me if this problem is because of the above medication and what can I do?
A: Ecosprin gold is a drug used to prevent clot formation. It helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. One of the side effects of the drug is increased gas. You should discuss with your doctor, changing how you take your medicine. Sometimes changing the time of day and taking your medicine with food can help with this problem.
Tags: clot formation, Ecosprin gold, farting, flatulence, heart attacks, Medication Interactions, Misc, side effect, side effectsWhy not to stop BP meds suddenly
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 28 2009
Q: One always hears not to stop taking BP meds but one NEVER hears why. Please explain the reasons for that.
A: Suddenly stopping some blood pressure medications can cause blood pressure to rebound or quickly shoot up to very high levels This can cause a stroke. Untreated high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Always talk to your doctor before stopping medication.
Tags: blood pressure medications, heart attacks, high blood pressure, medication, risk factor, strokes, Taking BP MedsVitamin B and its effect on high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 12 2007
Q: Will taking vitamin supplements B-6 and B-12 affect my BP?
A: It has been suggested that B vitamins help lower levels of homocysteine in the body. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Whether or not taking B supplements is beneficial is still not clear.
Tags: atherosclerosis, Diet & Exercise, heart attacks, high blood pressure, homocysteine, supplement, vitamin B, vitamin b-12Can a high platelet count be associated with any other diseases?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 26 2007
Q: I was told by my cardiologist that I have too many platelets in my blood and that I also should have my thyroid checked. Are the 2 related?
A: High platelet counts can be associated with many different disorders such as allergic reactions, infection, heart attacks, and cancer. Sometimes the cause is not identified. If your doctor suspects a thyroid disorder, you need to be tested.
Tags: cardiologist, heart attacks, Medical Conditions
