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Recalled Blood Pressure Medications Pose No Immediate Threat, Cardiologist Says

Keith Srakocic
/
AP
Allegheny General Hospital on the North Side hosts one of the most prominent cardiovascular care units in the city.

Last summer, companies across the country, including Mylan Pharmaceuticals in Pittsburgh, began recalling large quantities of blood pressure drugs after carcinogens were found in the medications. Commonly prescribed medications including valsartan, losartan, irbesartan and Amvalo were affected.

Dr. Raghu Tadikamalla, cardiologist and hypertension specialist with the Allegheny Health Network, joins 90.5 WESA's The Confluence to discuss recalls and patient concerns. He says that patients should not stop taking their medication if they believe they were affected, but instead should contact their pharmacist and physician. Find more information about managing blood pressure at Tadikamalla’s website here.

Later in the program:

Under Pennsylvania’s charter school law, public schools may not have any religious affiliations, services or symbols. But charter schools allow for more flexibility and a steady funding stream. One local Christian school has decided that in the long term, revenue may be more important than its religious identity. PublicSource reporter Mary Niederberger explains Imani Christian Academy’s charter school application and its many challenges.

Pennsylvania has one of the highest racial disparities among its school teachers in the nation. 90.5 WESA’s Sarah Schneider reports on Brashear High School’s student teacher program and how it might help students in Pittsburgh Public Schools.

The Allegheny Front reports that the study found a correlation between high carbon footprints and diets high in red meat, dairy and solid fats.

WESA's Bill O’Driscoll shares his first impressions from the unveiling of Contemporary Craft's new space in Upper Lawrenceville. Opened in 1971, the cutting-edge art group hosts classes and art exhibits.

And one WESA listener wanted to know what happened to Pittsburgh's Chinatown neighborhood. As part of the Good Question series, 90.5 WESA’s Kathleen Davis found out. The city's annual Lunar New Year parade takes place 11 a.m. Sunday.

The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in weekdays at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators join veteran journalist Kevin Gavin, taking an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Kiley Koscinski covers city government, policy and how Pittsburghers engage with city services. She also works as a fill-in host for All Things Considered. Kiley has previously served as a producer on The Confluence and Morning Edition.
Julia Zenkevich reports on Allegheny County government for 90.5 WESA. She first joined the station as a production assistant on The Confluence, and more recently served as a fill-in producer for The Confluence and Morning Edition. She’s a life-long Pittsburgher, and attended the University of Pittsburgh. She can be reached at jzenkevich@wesa.fm.
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