Skip to main content

Medical devices Archive

Articles

Read More about FDA wants women to understand the risks and benefits related to breast implants
FDA wants women to understand the risks and benefits related to breast implants

FDA wants women to understand the risks and benefits related to breast implants

The FDA recently moved to help make certain that women considering breast implants have a clear picture of what implants involve before moving ahead with surgery. The agency announced a series of changes in October 2021. These include new labeling requirements for breast implant manufacturers, a requirement that facilities provide patients with a checklist outlining potential risks and benefits related to breast implants, and updated screening recommendations to detect leaks in silicone breast implants.

Read More about Low heart rate warnings via smart watch
Low heart rate warnings via smart watch

Low heart rate warnings via smart watch

When a smart watch alert suggests that person's heart rate is below 40 beats per minute, it could be an error, especially if no symptoms are present. But it could signal a heart problem called bradycardia that has many possible causes.

Read More about Experimental wireless pacemaker dissolves when no longer needed
Experimental wireless pacemaker dissolves when no longer needed

Experimental wireless pacemaker dissolves when no longer needed
A wireless, battery-free device that naturally absorbs into the body within two months may one day be a safer alternative to temporary pacemakers.
Read More about Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Beyond anti-clotting drugs
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Beyond anti-clotting drugs

Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Beyond anti-clotting drugs
People with atrial fibrillation who develop or face a high risk of serious bleeding from anti-clotting drugs may be candidates for procedures that block or remove a part of the heart where dangerous blood clots form. About 90% of blood clots in the heart form in the left atrial appendage (LAA), a small pouch that protrudes from the top of the heart. Two procedures prevent clots from escaping from the LAA and causing a stroke. One delivers a device that blocks the opening of the LAA; the other removes most of the LAA during heart surgery done for another reason.
Read More about Better blood sugar tracking: A benefit for heart health?
Better blood sugar tracking: A benefit for heart health?

Better blood sugar tracking: A benefit for heart health?
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—a small device placed on the arm or belly that measures blood sugar every few minutes—may help people with diabetes recognize the eating and exercise habits that hinder (or help) them control their blood sugar. CGM readouts, which are displayed on a smartphone or portable monitor, show your blood sugar values, trends, and the percentage of time that your blood sugar is in a "good control" range. Medicare covers CGMs for people who inject insulin at least three times a day or use an insulin pump to control their blood sugar.
Read More about Wearable devices may encourage enough exercise to prevent afib
Wearable devices may encourage enough exercise to prevent afib

Wearable devices may encourage enough exercise to prevent afib
Getting the recommended amount of physical activity appears to lower the risk of atrial fibrillation (afib), a heart rhythm disorder that raises the risk of stroke.
Read More about Screening for atrial fibrillation: An update
Screening for atrial fibrillation: An update

Screening for atrial fibrillation: An update
Atrial fibrillation (afib), an often-silent heart rhythm disorder, increases the risk of stroke. Early detection may enable people to start taking anti-clotting drugs to prevent a stroke. Current afib screening methods include asking people about afib symptoms and taking an electrocardiogram during routine check-ups. Wearable devices such as smart watches and fitness trackers can detect afib, but they aren’t yet accurate enough to be used for widespread screening.
Read More about Listen to your heart
Listen to your heart

Listen to your heart
Monitoring one’s heart rate at rest and during exercise is easier than ever. This information can be especially valuable to people with heart conditions and those recovering from an injury or surgery, or returning to exercise after a long layoff. For others, heart rate monitoring can track workout intensity and alert them to slow or fast resting heart rates that may merit a doctor’s visit.
Read More about Wearable fitness trackers may aid weight-loss efforts
Wearable fitness trackers may aid weight-loss efforts

Wearable fitness trackers may aid weight-loss efforts
A review published online March 17, 2021, by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that fitness trackers helped overweight or obese people with chronic conditions reduce body weight and body mass index.
Read More about Treating sleep apnea: Good for your heart and mind?
Treating sleep apnea: Good for your heart and mind?

Treating sleep apnea: Good for your heart and mind?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissue at the back of the throat temporarily blocks the airway during sleep. People with sleep apnea face a heightened risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. The condition can also affect mood, and some people diagnosed with depression may actually have sleep apnea. Treating apnea with positive airway pressure improves both high blood pressure and depression.
Result 51 - 60 of 122
Recent Articles
blog image 1

Hyaluronic acid for skin: Benefits, how to use it, and side effects
blog image 1

Weight cycling linked to increased muscle loss
blog image 1

Self-directed cognitive behavioral therapy may help alleviate chronic pain
blog image 1

What men should know about proposed changes for testosterone therapy
blog image 1

Ashwagandha: Benefits, side effects, and safety concerns
blog image 1

Hearing aids: Types, costs, over-the-counter options, and AirPods
blog image 1

Meditation techniques: How to meditate for stress, sleep, and focus
blog image 1

Anti-inflammatory diet: Foods that help reduce chronic inflammation
blog image 1

Legumes: Are they good for your heart?
blog image 1

Treating peripheral artery disease: When might you need a procedure?
/

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE 32-page gift worth $29.95.

PLUS, don’t miss out on your 25% off promo code.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle—You’ll discover powerful, research- backed strategies for health longevity drawn from Harvard Medical School experts—ways to eat for a longer life, build strength and flexibility to stay independent, protect your bones, heart, and brain as you age, and even cultivate the habits linked with “super-agers” who stay sharp and active well into their 80s and 90s—all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of Living Longer, Living Well!.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of Living Longer, Living Well.