Cholesterol screening in asymptomatic adults, revisited
Article Abstract:
Cholesterol screening, and subsequent therapy to reduce cholesterol levels, may be most effective if limited to people with a high short-term risk of dying from coronary heart disease. Researchers analyzed several studies on the risks associated with high cholesterol levels and the effectiveness of cholesterol reduction. Lowering cholesterol levels reduces the risk of illness and death in people with coronary heart disease. However, such cholesterol reduction has been proven to reduce the death rate only among people with high-risk, such as heart attack survivors and middle aged men with other risks for heart disease. Much research has not been done on reducing cholesterol in young people and middle aged women, thus reduction therapy may not have significant benefits in these population. More research is needed to evaluate the risks and benefits of the various drugs for reducing cholesterol. Ultimately, screening is not effective if it does not lead to an effective therapy.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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Hormone therapy to prevent disease and prolong life in postmenopausal women
Article Abstract:
Some postmenopausal women or women who have had a hysterectomy may choose to undergo hormone therapy. Hormone therapy consists of treatment with estrogen alone or estrogen combined with progestin to prevent certain diseases or to treat the symptoms of menopause. This type of therapy has both inherent benefits and risks. A survey of the medical literature found that hormone therapy reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and of a hip fracture as the result of osteoporosis. Treatment with estrogen may increase the risk of endometrial cancer in women with a uterus and breast cancer. The risk of endometrial cancer may be lower in women with a uterus who are treated with a combination of estrogen and progestin than in those treated with estrogen alone. Hormone therapy may be most suitable for women with an increased risk of coronary heart disease or for those who have had a hysterectomy.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1992
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- Abstracts: High blood cholesterol in elderly men and the excess risk for coronary heart disease. Lifetime risks of hip, Colles', or vertebral fracture and coronary heart disease among white postmenopausal women
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- Abstracts: Clinical aspects of the relationship between oral contraceptives, abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism, and the development of cardiovascular disease
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