Popular Heartburn Meds Don't Raise Alzheimer's Risk: Study

WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 -- Drugs used to treat acid reflux and ulcers don't appear to boost the risk of dementia, as has been previously suspected, new research suggests.

The study focused on widely used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) drugs -- medicines such as Prevacid, Prilosec and Nexium. Previous studies have suggested the drugs may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in people aged 75 and older.

More Evidence That Midlife Weight Gain Harms Your Health

TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 -- For many adults, weight gain is slow and steady, but new research suggests that even a few extra pounds can boost your risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

"People don't become obese overnight," said study lead author Dr. Frank Hu. He's a professor in the departments of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston.

'Simple 7' Steps Can Help Improve Blood Pressure in Blacks

WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2017 -- Just a few healthy lifestyle habits can reduce black Americans' risk of high blood pressure, researchers say.

"We found that even small improvements in cardiovascular health can reduce risk for developing high blood pressure," said study lead author John Booth III, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Home Blood Pressure Monitors Wrong 7 of 10 Times: Study

WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2017 -- Millions of older people often turn to do-it-yourself home blood pressure monitors to track that vital health sign.

But a small, new Canadian study suggests that readings from the devices are wrong most of the time and could put patients at risk.

Major Heart Group Says Doctor-Patient Talks Are Key

MONDAY, June 19, 2017 -- Patients with heart problems should receive personalized education to help them manage their conditions, according to a new American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement.

The AHA also called for a multi-pronged approach and recommended that health information be tailored to a patient's ability to understand it.

Moving Toward a Better Blood Pressure Pill

MONDAY, June 5, 2017 -- Combining low doses of several different blood pressure drugs may be better than using a standard dose of just one medication, a new review of past studies suggests.

Two-thirds of patients taking a blood pressure-lowering drug don't improve as much as their doctors would like, the researchers noted.