Salt is a simple chemical, composed of equal amounts of sodium and chloride. Sodium is the crucial part; it is essential for health, but only tiny amounts are needed. All the experts agree that the average American diet contains much, much more sodium than we need, but until recently, they've been divided about the importance of salt restriction.

The key to the debate is blood pressure. Everyone agrees that high blood pressure is a major cause of strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and kidney disease. It is also clear that even within the normal range, the lower the blood pressure, ...

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by every prostate, benign or malignant. The prostate pumps the protein into the ejaculate, where it works to liquefy semen so sperm can swim to their intended target. Despite its importance, this reproductive function has been largely overlooked since 1987, when blood PSA levels were first used to screen for prostate cancer. By now, the majority of American men above age 50 have been tested at least once. Widespread acceptance notwithstanding, PSA screening for prostate cancer remains hugely controversial in scientific circles. A study from Göteborg, Sweden, presents a favorable view of screening ...

I am a 57-year-old man. I understand that moderate drinking may help me avoid a heart attack. But I've been diagnosed with hypertension, and I was told that alcohol can raise my blood pressure and stress my heart. So is drinking likely to help or harm me?