Insidermedicine in 60 - March 18, 2008

From Detroit - If you are using cocaine, and presenting to an emergency room with chest pain, it is important to admit to your doctor that you are using this drug as doing so may save your life. Cocaine users can present with severe chest pain and shortness of breath that mimics a heart attack. If typical heart attack meds such as clot busting drugs are given they can increase the risk of death.

From Cleveland - A gene that codes for an HDL-associated protein can influence the risk of developing a heart attack or stroke. In a study evaluating nearly 1400 participants, researchers sought to determine if levels of paraoxonase 1, the protein coded for by the HDL-associated gene, was associated with cardiovascular problems later in life. High levels of the protein lowered the chance of having a serious cardiovascular event four-fold, which is believed to be due to its anti-oxidant properties.

And finally, from California - Human growth hormone may actually do little to improve overall strength. An analysis of over 400 subjects compared those who did and did not use HGH. While the average person using HGH gained lean body mass, they had no improvement in strength or exercise endurance. In addition, HGH users had a higher risk of swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome and fatigue.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Petra Joller.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• cocaine
• drug
• crack
• heart
• attack
• symptoms
• gene
• genetics
• cholesterol
• hdl
• ldl
• human
• growth
• hormone
• steroids
• roger
• clemens

[silicon2001]

I find it hard to believe you could gain extra lean muscle mass without an increase in strength.

[premed99]

Am sure the Yankee's Andy Pettitte wished he new about this before he used HGH. It would have save him and Clemens alot of problems.