Top stories in health and medicine, October 24, 2012

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1. CV Risk Factors Add Up to PAD. The cardiovascular risk factors of smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes each contribute to men’s chance of developing significant peripheral artery disease, and together account for most of the risk.

2. Splashy Trial Results Often Fade Later On. Studies with very large effect sizes were usually the result of small samples, with effects that diminished after additional trials were performed.

3. FDA Probes Deaths Tied to Energy Drink Five deaths and a nonfatal heart attack have been linked to the super-caffeinated Monster Energy drinks and the FDA is investigating the connection.