Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) affects young, well-educated women with severe symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and excessive fatigue. The syndrome is often misdiagnosed and inconsistently treated, leading to significant disability and impact on quality of life.
A study of e-cigarette use in Europe found that over 29 million adults have tried the products, with current smokers and would-be quitters more likely to use them. The analysis highlights the need for evaluating the long-term health impact of e-cigarettes and their role in smoking cessation.
A recent study reveals the e-cigarette market has seen a significant surge in new brands and flavors, with nearly all offering tobacco and menthol options. Newer brands focus on consumer choice, while older ones emphasize 'cigalike' qualities and health benefits.
Research published in BMJ Open found a link between cement use in partial hip replacement and sudden death, cardiac arrest, or severe decline within minutes of surgery. The study analyzed 62 cases of bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) between 2005 and 2012.
A US study suggests that smartphone apps pose a higher risk of gonorrhoea and chlamydia among gay men, who are more likely to engage in unprotected sex with anonymous partners. The study found that app users were 23% more likely to be infected with gonorrhoea and 35% more likely to be infected with chlamydia.
A US-based study of 88,803 premenopausal women found a significant association between high red meat intake and increased breast cancer risk. Replacing red meat with a combination of legumes, poultry, nuts, and fish was linked to a lower risk of breast cancer.
The BMJ is implementing a patient partnership strategy to integrate patients' perspectives into its editorial processes, research, and healthcare advocacy. This initiative aims to advance shared decision-making, patient-centered care, and impact assessment of patient partnerships.
Experts warn that UK government's delay in publishing plain tobacco packaging draft regulations will exacerbate public health crisis. The proposed measures aim to reduce smoking rates and protect children from tobacco marketing.
Rates of prediabetes have tripled over the past decade in England, affecting over a third of adults. Those from disadvantaged backgrounds and black and minority ethnicities are disproportionately affected, with up to one in 10 progressing to diabetes annually.
A recent study found that frequent use of permanent dyes and perming treatments may expose hairdressers to banned aromatic amines, linked to increased cancer risk. The researchers recommend protective measures such as wearing gloves to minimize skin exposure.
A study of professional rugby players found that exercise increased the diversity of gut microbiota, which was positively correlated with a favourable metabolic profile and immune system response. Higher dietary protein intake also played a role in this association.
A large study finds that high levels of certain air pollutants are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, including irregular heart rhythms and lung blood clots. The research suggests that particulate matter is particularly harmful for elderly people.
A Norwegian study found that children whose parents were divorced were more likely to be overweight or obese than those with married parents. Boys were particularly at risk, with a 54% higher likelihood of being overweight and a 89% higher likelihood of abdominal obesity.
A recent survey found that 60% of adults support health warnings similar to those on cigarette packets, while 70% favor banning sugary drinks in schools or limiting sugar content.
A policy of higher NHS spending in deprived areas is associated with a reduction in absolute health inequalities from causes amenable to healthcare. This trend continues even after adjusting for other factors, suggesting that targeting resources at deprived areas may be an effective strategy.
A school-based intervention aimed at increasing physical activity, reducing sedentary behavior, and improving fruit and vegetable consumption among children showed no significant effect. However, the program did reduce weekend screen time and snack consumption in children.
The Liverpool Care Pathway's correct use improves end of life care, despite widespread complaints. The pathway recommends morphine to relieve pain and involve relatives in decision-making, contrary to media reports.
Research suggests that improving family doctor access during standard working hours could reduce the demand for out-of-hours primary care services. By offering more appointments during regular surgery hours, this approach might be more effective than extending opening hours.
The NHS prescription charge is outdated and unfair, say the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Many exemptions are illogical and adding to the tax on medicines, it argues. Several alternative arrangements have been suggested, including a dispensing fee for patients.
Two studies indicate that more intense exercise does not always mean better for heart health. Overdosing on high-intensity exercise may actually increase the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke in those with existing heart disease. Moderate exercise at moderate intensity is key to maximizing cardiovascular benefits.
Patients with immunosuppressive conditions are at high risk of shingles but lack access to vaccination due to safety concerns. Alternative strategies must be developed to reduce shingles risk among these patient groups.
A 1993 trial found no survival advantage in second look surgery for colorectal cancer patients with high CEA levels. The new analysis confirms this finding, despite methodological changes over the past two decades.
Experts argue that education policy should focus on promoting students' broader wellbeing and development to benefit their academic learning. Research suggests that schools neglecting students' health may be actively harming it, with negative impacts on mental health and overall student success.
A study of almost 10,000 men and women found that frequent arguments with partners, relatives, or neighbors were associated with a doubling in the risk of death from any cause. Men, especially those not in work, were particularly vulnerable to this increased risk.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that hurricanes Katrina and Rita may have been responsible for up to half of all recorded stillbirths in the worst hit areas. The study suggested that the true fetal death toll may even be higher due to the displacement of people from devastated areas.
Research finds inactivity surpasses other known risk factors like overweight for heart disease risk in women from age 30 onwards. Regular exercise can save over 2000 women's lives each year in Australia by reducing this risk.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that helmet therapy does not improve outcomes for healthy babies with positional skull flattening. In the six-month trial, there was no significant difference in skull shape between children treated with helmets and those who received no treatment at age two years.
Young people in the UK predominantly felt that social implications of a large body size were more important than health consequences. They associated excess weight with negative stereotypes, bullying, and teasing, making it hard for them to lose weight
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found professional musicians are almost four times as likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss and 57% more likely to experience tinnitus. Repeated exposure to loud music can lead to permanent damage, emphasizing the need for protective measures.
Papers published on bmj.com suggest low physical capability in midlife is associated with poorer survival rates, while time spent in light intensity physical activity may ward off disability and reduce mortality. These simple tests can identify those at high risk of achieving a long and healthy life.
Research found that eating more fibre, especially cereal fibre, can improve long-term survival rates after a heart attack. Those who ate the most fibre had a 25% lower chance of dying in nine years compared to those who ate least fibre.
International anti-doping bodies advocate for storing doping samples for 10 years to enable technology to detect performance-enhancing substances. Biological profiling will also be widely used to monitor athletes' genetic blueprints, revealing subtle changes caused by doping.
A UK public health expert calls for more research on the health impacts of shale gas extraction, citing studies showing a direct link between proximity to extraction sites and adverse birth outcomes.
Research suggests raising PLAB pass marks could bridge the gap between international and UK medical graduates' performance, but warns of workforce implications for the NHS. International graduates tend to perform less well than UK graduates in postgraduate exams, with differences in fitness to practice and career progression.
At least 1 in 20 adult outpatients is misdiagnosed every year, affecting 12 million people nationwide. Half of these errors could be potentially harmful, according to research published in BMJ Quality & Safety.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found chronic hypertension in pregnant women increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal death. The study analyzed nearly 800,000 pregnancies worldwide, highlighting the need for heightened surveillance and pre-pregnancy counseling.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotics improve growth in pre-pubertal children living in low and middle income countries, particularly in terms of weight. The study analyzed data from 10 trials involving over 4,300 children and showed a positive effect on both height and weight.
Research published in BMJ Open found a 15% decrease in dietary salt intake between 2003-2011, likely contributing to a 40% decline in heart disease and stroke deaths. Despite progress, 70% of adults still consume excessive amounts of salt.
A traditional Chinese herbal remedy, Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been shown to be as effective as methotrexate in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Combining the herbal remedy with methotrexate resulted in improved outcomes for patients, including significant reductions in disease activity and remission rates.
The Cochrane review found no evidence of reduced hospitalizations or serious influenza complications with Tamiflu. However, the medication increased the risk of nausea and vomiting in adults and children, as well as psychiatric events when used for prevention.
A large population study found that current and recent use of painkillers/anti-inflammatories is linked to a heightened risk of atrial fibrillation among older adults. Over half of the study participants developed atrial fibrillation during the monitoring period, with those currently taking NSAIDs facing an 84% greater risk.
Aerobic exercise has been found to increase hippocampal volume and improve verbal memory capacity in older women with mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that regular aerobic exercise can help slow the advance of dementia.
A small study published in BMJ Open suggests that men with eating disorders are underdiagnosed, undertreated, and understudied. The perception that eating disorders are a women's problem delays men from seeking help, with some experiencing significant distress and suicidal thoughts.
A survey of Scottish working dogs found that undocked breeds are at greatest risk of tail injuries. The authors suggest that docking these breeds by one-third could significantly decrease the risk of injury.
Research on prime-time US TV dramas between 1955 and 2010 found a decline in tobacco product depiction and smoking scenes, associated with reduced cigarette consumption. The study suggests that TV portrayal of tobacco use may hindered an even faster decline in smoking rates.
A study of 208 patients with high blood pressure found that nearly a quarter did not take their medications as prescribed, while a smaller proportion only took part of the time. The findings suggest that a simple urine test can help identify which patients are not taking their meds properly and which may be experiencing treatment failure.
A study of over 65,000 adults found that consuming at least seven daily portions of fruit and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of death. The analysis revealed that eating more than five daily portions may be needed to reap the full benefits, and that processed fruits may even increase the risk of death.
Researchers argue that NHS patients' experiences are frequently overlooked and suggest a national institute of patient experience is needed to draw data together and implement improvements. The lack of evidence that collected data has led to better healthcare quality highlights the need for effective leadership changes.
A new risk assessment tool, JBS3 risk calculator, aims to put patients in control of their cardiovascular health. It calculates an individual's 'true age' based on familial and lifestyle factors, helping healthcare professionals and patients understand cumulative lifetime risk.
Low back pain is the leading cause of global disability, affecting nearly one in 10 people worldwide. The condition's prevalence and impact are expected to increase with aging populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.