Where Did You Read or Hear about the Claim?

Where Did You Read or Hear about the Claim?

You may have read about a treatment in a magazine or heard about it on television or radio. These may not be the best places to find out about treatments for heart failure.

Well recognized scientific journals have developed reputations for reliable and trustworthy information. These journals only publish articles after they have been reviewed by experts in the subject being discussed. If a study has been published in one of these journals, you can trust that the information is reliable.

You can find peer reviewed medical articles on specific subjects by using the Internet to search the PubMed database of medical literature. You can visit a medical library to access PubMed or make copies of articles. Examples of peer reviewed scientific journals include: The New England Journal of Medicine, Nature, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the Journal of Cardiac Failure, Circulation, and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

With other publications, look for signs of credible reporting. Reporters use what they know, read, or have been told when writing a story or column. Evaluating the sources the reporter uses can help you determine the reliability of the information. For example, if the reporter quotes medical journals or medical experts, the information may be more reliable than if the reporter quotes individuals who work for the company that makes or sells the product. Look for a straightforward style you can understand, conclusions based on evidence, and a balanced point of view.