Health and Medicine | MedBlog | UT Southwestern Medical Center

Tragic trifecta: Coronavirus, heart attacks, and empty ERs

Fear of COVID-19 in the ER has led to fewer visits for heart attack symptoms. Unfortunately, the virus itself can cause severe heart damage. Do not ignore chest pains, especially during the pandemic. Get the facts in this week's MedBlog.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

April 30, 2020

The internet can be hazardous to your health. Really!

One of the most powerful health risks facing all of us in 2019 – and in the foreseeable future – is the proliferation of medical misinformation. Every day, it spreads across the internet through platforms like Google, Facebook, YouTube and other social media, and patients end up making health decisions – sometimes life and death decisions – based on faulty and flat-out incorrect material. Dr. Joseph A. Hill provides a physician's perspective and offers some solutions to root out the fake news.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

December 19, 2019

Why are we still in the middle of a ‘statins war’?

As medical journals and websites debate who should take statins and the severity of their side effects, Dr. Hill says not to forget that they save lives.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

April 3, 2019

Fish oil for heart health? A tale of two studies

Many people take fish oil supplements daily to reduce the risk of heart attack. But do omega-3 fatty acid pills really work? In this week’s blog, Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D., discusses the ongoing debate, as well as scientifically proven strategies to reduce heart attack risk.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

February 28, 2019

Is coffee good for you?

The debate percolates: Is coffee good for our health? Dr. Hill shares the risks and benefits of one of America’s favorite beverages in this updated article.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

September 18, 2018

Walking a fine line: How managing blood clots might change heart attack prevention

Data from a new drug trial focused on reducing blood clots might allow more personalized options to prevent heart attacks in high-risk patients.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

September 5, 2017

To sleep, perchance to lower your heart disease risk

Can a good night’s sleep lower heart disease risk? Dr. Hill explains why sleep deprivation hurts the heart.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

July 5, 2016

Under pressure: How blood pressure affects heart disease risk

When blood vessels are under pressure from hypertension, the risk for heart disease increases. Dr. Hill shares tips to control the pressure — and the risk.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

June 6, 2016

Diabetes dilemma: The connection between diabetes and heart disease

Diabetes affects more than just blood sugar — it also endangers the heart. Dr. Hill shares how to reduce the risk by controlling diabetes.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

May 16, 2016

10 truths about statins and high cholesterol

There are more misconceptions about statins on the Internet than there are truths. Our cardiologists answer 10 frequently asked questions.

Sharon Reimold, M.D. / Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D. / Amit Khera, M.D.

February 2, 2016

Why it’s time to care about the heart disease epidemic

Heart disease is a major health concern in North Texas and across the country. Learn the risks to have a heart-healthy 2016 and beyond.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

February 1, 2016

Is chocolate good for the heart?

The latest study suggests chocolate may reduce the risk for heart-related problems, but is it too good to be true?

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

January 25, 2016

How does Asian ancestry affect heart disease risk?

More and more people of South or East Asian ancestry are developing diabetes. Why is this happening, and what does it mean for their heart disease risk?

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

January 19, 2016

New drugs approved for lowering cholesterol – and the story has roots at UT Southwestern

Can inactivating genetic mutations actually help lower cholesterol and heart disease risk? Two geneticists are determined to find out.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

December 7, 2015

New cholesterol-lowering drugs show promising results in trials

Clinical trials have shown promising results for a class of drugs that could dramatically lower cholesterol and, in turn, reduce the risk of heart disease.

Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D.

April 6, 2015