Health Highlights: March 20, 2007
Mar. 23 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments,compiled by editors of HealthDay:
Cheney Visits Hospital for Checkup on Leg Clot
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney visited a Washington, D.C., hospital on Tuesday after complaining of discomfort in his left lower leg, NBC News reported. Two weeks ago, doctors diagnosed a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) blood clot in that leg and put the vice president on a blood-thinning medication.
According to a statement from Cheney's office, he felt discomfort in the leg Tuesday morning and contacted his physicians. They advised him to return to George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates for "repeat ultrasound imaging" of the DVT.
That imaging has revealed no extension or complications of the clot, and the blood thinner seems to be working, NBC reported. Doctors have advised Cheney to stay on the anticoagulant for several months.
"These results are expected and reassuring and the current course of treatment will continue," the statement read. "The Vice President has returned to the White House to resume his schedule," it added.
DVTs are blood clots that typically form in the legs. They become especially dangerous if they break off and travel to the lungs, triggering a condition called pulmonary embolism.
The leg clots have been associated with prolonged immobility, such as happens on long-haul flights. Prior to his diagnosis, Cheney had just completed a nine-day round-the-world tour involving more than 65 hours on a plane, NBC noted.
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Most Seniors Satisfied with Medicare Advantage: Survey
About 75 percent of doctors believe that seniors will be harmed if the U.S. Congress cuts the Medicare advantage program and 35 percent of seniors -- including 62 percent of those with low incomes -- said they'd forego some healthcare treatments they currently receive if they no longer have the option of choosing a Medicare health plan, according to two surveys released Tuesday by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).
The surveys of Medicare beneficiaries and doctors highlight the importance of Medicare health plans to seniors, said Karen Ignagni, president and CEO of AHIP.
"Seniors and their physicians agree that Medicare Advantage is a vital health coverage option. As members of Congress engage in budget discussions, they will be hearing from their low-income and minority constituents who count on the essential benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs Medicare health plans provide," Ignagni said in a prepared statement.
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