Study: Over half of Americans on chronic medicines

[flashl]

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- For the first time, it appears that more than half of all insured Americans are taking prescription medicines regularly for chronic health problems, a study shows.

The most widely used drugs are those to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol -- problems often linked to heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

The numbers were gathered last year by Medco Health Solutions Inc., which manages prescription benefits for about one in five Americans.

Experts say the data reflect not just worsening public health but better medicines for chronic conditions and more aggressive treatment by doctors. For example, more people are now taking blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medicines because they need them, said Dr. Daniel W. Jones, president of the American Heart Association.

NY Times

[zanne]

1. My cholesterol was over 400 when I weighed 110 lbs.

At the age of 38, I had a heart attack and bypass surgery. I wish I had started taking my "chronic" medicine years earlier.

[midnight]

2. Is there a recommended age to have cholesterol checked?

[zanne]

3. This happened in 1991...

I believe that children are checked for high cholesterol now. It takes years and years for a blocked artery to form. It can begin in childhood.

[nancyr]

4. We're all drugged.

My doctor would love to put me on cholesterol drugs, but unfortunately, for him, I don't need them. He's got me on the blood-pressure medication though. I don't fit any of the reasons for the problem, though. I'm underweight, I don't smoke, am fairly active. It appears to be a genetic condition. I seem to have my problem well under control, however.

[flashl]

5. Indeed ...

There Are Drugs in Drinking Water.

There are traces of sedatives in New York City’s water. Ibuprofen and naproxen in Washington, D.C. Anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety drugs in southern California.

The Associated Press is drawing attention to the widespread problem of trace amounts of pharmaceutical chemicals turning up in the drinking water supply of millions of Americans, but no one seems to know how to react.