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Mayo Clinic


Recovering alcoholic smokers can quit second addiction

A new study from the Mayo Clinic found that smokers with a history of alcoholism can quit smoking using customized nicotine replacement therapy. The study, which adjusted nicotine patch dosages based on serum cotinine levels, resulted in a tobacco abstinence rate of 51 percent.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol·DateAug 15, 2005

Skin cancers growing in young people – A case for prevention

A Mayo Clinic study found that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors are increasing in younger adults, with a significant surge in women over 30. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) diagnoses also rose sharply, especially among men and women in their late 30s. Long-term sun exposure and tanning bed use are major contributors to this trend.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateAug 9, 2005

Surgery gives fresh start to patients with thickened hearts

A new study suggests that surgical myectomy can significantly improve symptoms in patients with severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), resulting in comparable life expectancies to those who never had the condition. By correcting blood flow obstructions, surgery offers a better quality of life for these younger patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 1, 2005

Mayo Clinic Proceedings studies risk factors for blood clots

Research from Mayo Clinic Proceedings reveals that patients traveling long distances prior to surgery are at increased risk of postoperative blood clots, which can be life-threatening. The study also found a threshold for anesthesia duration that increases the risk of blood clots in veins after surgery.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 31, 2005

Pessimism and depression increase dementia risk

A study by Mayo Clinic investigators found that pessimism and depression are associated with a higher risk of dementia. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,500 individuals, suggests that personality traits may play a role in the development of cognitive impairment 30-40 years later.

Delay in Alzheimer's disease onset seen for first time

A Mayo Clinic study showed that donepezil treatment may slow the progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. Patients with a specific genotype had a longer response to the treatment, which could lead to new horizons in early treatment and prevention.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 13, 2005

Reducing hostility in young coronary artery disease patients is important piece of rehabilitation

A study found that young coronary artery disease patients have a high prevalence of hostility symptoms, with improvements in risk factors and quality of life seen after cardiac rehabilitation. The researchers suggest that reducing hostility should be emphasized in rehabilitation following a heart attack to improve long-term prognosis.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 14, 2005

Short-term effects of spit tobacco suggest long-term health risks

A Mayo Clinic study found that spit tobacco use can cause dramatic increases in heart rate and blood pressure, blunting the body's natural protective mechanisms. This raises concerns for both short-term users and individuals with established heart disease, suggesting a link to long-term cardiovascular risks.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 14, 2005

Mayo Clinic study sets threshold for valve repair surgery

A Mayo Clinic study establishes a threshold for valve repair surgery in patients with severe mitral regurgitation, indicating that those with large regurgitant orifice areas are at high risk of death if treated medically. The study suggests that valve surgery can restore normal life expectancy and reduce mortality by up to five times.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 2, 2005