Mayo Clinic Cardiologist Suggestions for Treating and Preventing Heart Attacks-Fiction!
Summary of eRumor:
This is a forwarded email that contains an article said to be by Mayo Clinic Cardiologist Dr. Virend Somers with information about heart attacks and suggests taking aspirin at night as a preventative measure. The article goes on to suggest that if you are having a heart attack, take two aspirins and do not lie down.
The Truth:
The Mayo Clinic posted a statement on their website saying, “Neither Dr. Somers nor Mayo Clinic contributed to this email, which contains some information that is inaccurate and potentially harmful.” Click for statement.
Lee Aase, Manager of Syndication and Social Media for the Mayo Clinic offered further explanation as to the inaccuracies in the eRumor. Aase wrote, “Aspirin is indeed appropriate for a heart attack but as with any medication, treatment needs to be individualized for each patient. There is no evidence to support potentially harmful recommendations such as not to lie down if you are having a heart attack.”
Aase also said that the Mayo Clinic does not recommend obtaining medical advice from forwarded emails and suggested primary care physicians be contacted for proper treatment.
updated 05/08/10