Heart disease is the leading cause of death for U.S. women and men, but it often has different causes, symptoms, and risks for women, especially after menopause. Biological differences and the underrepresentation of women patients in cardiovascular research result in less effective prevention and treatment for women. Learn more about how early screening, exercise, and healthy habits can prevent disease, and the research needed to learn more about treating women with heart disease.
Read More »Medical Care for Adults
The National Center for Health Research reviews important new research as soon as it is published. We cut through the hype regarding various medical treatments to let you know what is proven and what is unknown about the risks and benefits of various treatment options. We do not accept funding from the companies that make medical products, so you can trust that our information is based on science, and not biased by financial ties to the treatments we’re evaluating.
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NCHR Comments on Coverage of Colorectal Cancer Non-Invasive Biomarker Screening Tests
NCHR public comment tells CMS that the ColoSense multi-target mRNA stool-based colorectal cancer screening test needs better evidence to qualify for Medicare NCD coverage. The study sample included 3x the average number of smokers in the U.S. and since smoking increases the chances of colon cancer, that may have biased the results to make the test seem more accurate than it really is. Too many false positives or false negatives would make the test much less useful for patients.
Read More »Breakthrough Devices
NCHR analysis of FDA breakthrough devices, their approval pathways, and the evidence available for safety and effectiveness.
Read More »Taking Medication While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are planning to take a medication or get a vaccine, it is important to learn more about the possible risks and to discuss any potential side effects with your healthcare provider. It is also important to understand that your doctor may not know exactly what the risks are of certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some risks associated with medications have not been researched yet or might not be known by most doctors.
Read More »Do Fish Oil Supplements Prevent Heart Attacks or Strokes?
Fish are a healthy food due to omega-3 fatty acids, but the latest research shows that fish oil supplements have no health benefit for most people and may increase the chances of A-Fib.
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