First it was MRSA – known to the medical world as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus that had outwitted modern medicine by creeping through hospitals and other healthcare settings, claiming the lives of those with compromised immune systems.

Well, now high blood pressure – the underlying cause of strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease and heart failure has apparently learned how to circumvent some powerful medications as well.

Hi,

Tim Russert was like a best friend. I'd watch him every Sunday morning, faithfully. It was like having a cup of coffee with a dear friend.

I considered him to be the most reliable anchor on Television today. He was true to himself. He told it like it was and he had a smile that was infectious.

You will be missed by everyone, Tim.

Heavy hearted,

Michelle

I am a very healthy 67 year old women today. Prior to November 2007, I was on no medications and was flying along feeling wonderful.I had somewhat high chlorestrol...230 but the good was very high. My general physician said it was not necessary to take a statin. In February 2007, I did a treadmill exercise test and passed with flying colors. All part of my annual physical with above physician.

There was nothing I ever wanted more than to play Division I soccer in college. The moment I stepped on the field in fifth grade for the first time, I loved the game. I loved everything about it: the speed, the aggression, the strategy, the teamwork. Right through high school, I was a leader on my teams. I transformed into a fighter who would do anything (legal!) to support my teammates and perform my best. There is nothing in my life that has ever made me feel so alive.

Exciting news!

Dr. John T. McDevitt, a biochemist at the University of Texas at Austin, along with colleagues, has developed a saliva test that can determine whether a person has had a heart attack. This test can be administered anywhere, even in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, lessening the need to begin tests at a later time, and allowing cardiac care to begin much earlier.

It is the protein in the saliva that can determine a heart attack and once the saliva is placed in a lab card, it takes 15 minutes for analysis.

One woman's struggle to survive a procedure to treat Afib:
http://adventuresincardiology.wordpress....
or Google "Adventures in Cardiology"

MONDAY, May 19 (HealthDay News) -- Lung cancer patients may be one step closer to the day when the disease can be detected early with a simple blood test.

Scientists slated to report their findings Tuesday at the American Thoracic Society's conference in Toronto say the test -- which tracks gene activity in immune-system cells -- was very good at distinguishing patients with lung cancer from those without the disease.

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that only 44 percent of Americans know all five symptoms of stroke and only 38 percent know to call 911 if they think someone is having a stroke.

The analysis of 2005 data from 13 states and the District of Columbia showed that there was no improvement in the public's awareness of stroke symptoms since a similar study in 2001.

Digitek-brand digoxin heart tablets are being recalled because of a potential safety risk, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some tablets may be double the appropriate thickness and contain twice the approved level of active ingredient, United Press International reported.

The products are made by Actavis Totowa LLC and distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., under a "Bertek" label and by UDL Laboratories, Inc. under a "UDL" label.