|
|
Elderly adults are at greatest risk of stroke and myocardial infarction and have the most to gain from prophylaxis. Patients ages 60 to 80 years with blood pressures above 160/90 mm Hg should benefit from antihypertensive treatment.
Most childhood vaccines are 90–99% effective in preventing disease. Side effects are rarely serious.
When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.
More than 150,000 Americans killed by cardiovascular disease are younger than the age of 65 years.
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.