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Howard G. Smith, M.D. is a former radio medical editor and talk show host in the Boston Metro area. His "Medical Minute" of health and wellness news and commentary was a regular weekday feature on WBZ-AM, WRKO-AM, and WMRE-AM. His popular two-way talk show, Dr. Howard Smith OnCall, was regularly heard Sunday morning and middays on WBZ.

Dr. Smith has adopted audio and video podcasting as conduits for HEALTH NEWS YOU SHOULD USE. Based on the latest medical, health, and wellness literature these reports provide practical information you can use to keep yourself and your family healthy. Many reports have video versions, and Dr. Smith’s YouTube Channel may be found at: http://bit.ly/2rNw6XQ

Trained at Harvard Medical School and a long-time faculty member at Boston Children’s Hospital, he practiced Pediatric Otolaryngology for 40 years in Boston, Southern California, and in central Connecticut.  He is now based in New York City.

If you have questions or suggestions about this content, please email the doctor at drhowardsmith.reports@gmail.com or leave him a message at 516-778-8864.  His website is: www.drhowardsmith.com.

Please note that the news, views, commentary, and opinions that Dr. Smith provides are for informational purposes only. Any changes that you or members of your family contemplate making to lifestyle, diet, medications, or medical therapy should always be discussed beforehand with personal physicians who have been supervising your care.

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  2. Drug Combo Prevents Broken Hearts Among Those Grieving

Drug Combo Prevents Broken Hearts Among Those Grieving

Feb 13, 2020

 

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vksM1_1l1UA

 

Taking the beta blocker metoprolol, Lopressor, along with aspirin for 6 weeks can prevent heart instability in association with enduring the loss of loved ones.  Australia’s University of Sydney studied 85 individuals within 2 weeks of their losses.

 

The treatment group received metoprolol 25 mg and aspirin 100 mg daily for 6 weeks.  The data showed that they had lower, more stable blood pressures and heart rates, less anxiety, and fewer depressive symptoms.  There were no side effects.

 

Death of family is a known trigger for heart disease.  This therapy will hopefully prevent additional tragedy as well as provide comfort to the bereaved. 

 

Geoffrey H. Tofler et al. The effect of metoprolol and aspirin on cardiovascular risk in bereavement: A randomized controlled trial, American Heart Journal (2019). DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2019.11.003

 

#grieving #bereavement #death #heartdisease