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More than nineteen million Americans carry the factor V gene that causes blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and heart disease.
People with high total cholesterol have about two times the risk for heart disease as people with ideal levels.
Medication errors are three times higher among children and infants than with adults.
Side effects from substance abuse include nausea, dehydration, reduced productivitiy, and dependence. Though these effects usually worsen over time, the constant need for the substance often overcomes rational thinking.
For high blood pressure (hypertension), a new class of drug, called a vasopeptidase blocker (inhibitor), has been developed. It decreases blood pressure by simultaneously dilating the peripheral arteries and increasing the body's loss of salt.