Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the US, accounting for one in five female deaths in 2023, according to CDC data. Despite this, many women underestimate their risk, often believing cancer is a greater threat. Experts stress that heart disease kills more women than breast cancer, beginning as early as age 18. Both lifestyle choices and awareness are key factors in reducing this risk.

A study in the journal Menopause found women may experience different symptoms than they expect during perimenopause. Many women associated perimenopause with hot flashes and night sweats but reported more fatigue, exhaustion and irritability. The findings were based on data for 17,000 international users of a health app.

A study published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that only 37.8% of patients ages 15 and older with symptoms of sexually transmitted infections were tested for STIs in US hospital emergency departments from 2016 to 2024. Testing was most common for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, while HIV and syphilis testing rates were lower.

Telehealth is a fast, convenient way for patients with suspected urinary tract infections to receive antibiotic prescriptions, but prescribing antibiotics without culturing the bacteria raises risks for antibiotic resistance, and diagnoses may be more easily missed with telehealth. New expert guidance published in JAMA Network Open outlines best practices for clinicians using telehealth to diagnose UTIs, including when it's safe not to order a urine culture and how to spot signs of more serious conditions

A global recall of infant formula due to the toxin cereulide has prompted experts to call for stronger regulation of the industry. The recall, which involves companies such as Danone, HOCHDORF, Lactalis and Nestle, has led to warnings in several countries and a French investigation into two possible deaths. Clinical experts in this article focus on the optional ingredients in formula, calling for stricter oversight. Health professionals advise parents to check batch numbers and consult pediatricians before making changes.

Pregnant immigrants in Minnesota are increasingly skipping prenatal visits out of fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, health care providers say. The trend, seen especially in Minnesota amid a significant federal immigration enforcement operation, has led to higher no-show rates, with some patients opting for home births without notifying providers. Health care professionals report a rise in complications such as gestational diabetes and preterm premature rupture of membranes, which can lead to miscarriage.

Medicaid covers over 40% of births in the US, with even greater rates in rural areas, according to KFF. Pregnant women within the income requirements can receive coverage for prenatal and postpartum care, but some health care providers limit the number of Medicaid patients they accept because of lower reimbursement rates. Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women is higher than for other adults, making it easier to qualify, and the application process can be straightforward, with many states offering immediate coverage through "presumptive eligibility."

Children born via operative vaginal delivery and second-stage cesarean delivery generally exhibit similar long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The research, which followed over 500,000 children up to age 22, reported no significant differences in autism spectrum disorder by delivery method. While minor elevations in ADHD and intellectual disability were observed for certain operative vaginal deliveries, overall neurodevelopmental risks were comparable across the main delivery approaches.

A study in the journal Stroke found that more than 25% of pregnant and postpartum women who experienced strokes had seen a clinician for related symptoms in the month before the stroke but did not get a diagnosis.

Unexpected symptom: Researchers said unusual and nonspecific symptoms such as severe headaches, neck pain and confusion may be missed by obstetricians and emergency clinicians. "Our findings show that early warning signs are often missed, especially by clinicians without neurology training and that education across specialties is essential," study co-author Eliza Miller said.

The updated report from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation introduces new national guidelines aimed at improving cystic fibrosis newborn screening. These guidelines focus on earlier detection by expanding the range of CF-causing gene variants included in screening panels, with the goal of reducing missed diagnoses and improving outcomes for newborns.