Low-dose aspirin for migraine prophylaxis

Article Abstract:

The Physicians' Health Study is a large, placebo-controlled study that examined the health effects of aspirin. The study involved 22,071 male physicians in the United States. While the influence of aspirin on heart disease was a major, newsworthy result of the study, continuing analysis of the data is revealing other effects of aspirin as well. Of the 11,037 physicians who received aspirin, 661 (6.0 percent) reported the occurrence of a migraine at some point after randomization into an experimental group. In contrast, 818 of 11,034 (7.4 percent) physicians taking a placebo experienced migraine. This 20 percent difference in the incidence of migraine was statistically significant. The participants in the study took 325 milligrams of aspirin (about one average tablet) every other day. The results indicate that regular aspirin should be considered as a possible prophylactic measure for males with a history of migraine headache. The study did not demonstrate if this effect would occur in women. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Prevention, Aspirin, Migraine

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Calcium channel blockers and myocardial infarction: a hypothesis formulated but not yet tested

Article Abstract:

The research finding of increased risk of heart attack among patients using short-acting calcium channel blockers to treat high blood pressure may be attributed, in part, to the type of patient being treated. Researchers found a 60% greater risk of heart attack in patients using high doses of calcium channel blockers compared to patients using diuretics. Patients prescribed calcium channel blockers may be sicker and at greater risk for a heart attack. Research studies cannot adequately address degrees of risk when there are other factors related to prescribing a drug. Future trials should include the newer, long-acting calcium channel blockers. A large study of this type is under way but results will not be available until after the year 2000. Patients using calcium channel blockers should not necessarily stop the medication until the risk of heart attack is confirmed by additional studies.

Editorial, Hypertension, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Drug therapy, Heart attack, Calcium channel blockers

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Ethnic distribution of factor V Leiden in 4,047 men and women: implications for venous thromboembolism screening

Article Abstract:

The factor V Leiden gene mutation appears to be more common in Caucasians than in other ethnic groups. This gene mutation makes people more susceptible to forming blood clots. Researchers tested 4,047 men and women for the factor V Leiden mutation. Five percent of the Caucasians had the mutation compared to 1% of blacks, 2% of Hispanics, 1% of Native Americans and less than 1% of Asian Americans. Since whites represent 73% of the US population, this translates into more than 11 million Americans who have the mutation.

Analysis, Genetic aspects, Thrombophlebitis, Health, Medical screening, Health screening, Thromboembolism, Health and race, Ethnic groups

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