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By Rose Marie Robertson, M.D. IF SOMETHING THREATENS YOUR HEALTH, AND YOU RECOGNIZE IT, YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO FIGHT BACK. But if you don´t even see it coming, the consequences can be devastating. The least recognized threat to health today is not some exotic new virus or a dangerous chemical lurking in the environment. It´s more subtle than that. Many Americans walk a tightrope of risk every day, without even knowing it. They do this by not taking advantage of the very effective ways we have of preventing heart attacks and strokes, and of helping people lead happier, healthier, longer lives. Each time I enter my hospital´s coronary care unit, I see patients who should not be there. They have known about chronic conditions that greatly increase their risk of a heart attack, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, diabetes or coronary artery disease. Yet they have failed to take the medications or follow the lifestyles that scientific studies have proved can safeguard their lives. As a physician, I feel frustrated by the pain and suffering caused by these unnecessary heart attacks. Yet my feelings are nothing compared to the anguish of the family members I talk to as we struggle to save the life of their loved one. How does this happen?
The Challenge Of Daily Medications
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