Harvard Heart Letter: April 2007

A few states have begun to compile data on the success rates of cardiac surgeons, but the information may be outdated or otherwise inaccurate. One suggestion is to choose a doctor who regularly performs the surgery you need and has done it many times.

An excess of aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, causes hypertension in some people. Treatment depends on whether one gland or both is affected.

Some research suggests that cholesterol-lowering statins may help prevent narrowing or hardening of the aortic valve, but there is not enough evidence to indicate you should start taking a statin if you are not taking one already.

Depression can often develop as a result of a heart attack or cardiac surgery, and has more serious effects on heart health and overall health than depression that was present before a heart attack.

Research found that people who have a home defibrillator for use in case of a cardiac emergency tended to forget how to use the device over time. If you have such a device, it is vital to know how to use it and to maintain this knowledge.

Two drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease have been found to cause heart valve leakage. If you take one of these medications, you should ask your doctor about switching to a safer one. If no other drug is effective, watch for signs of valve trouble.

The American Heart Association has launched a web site to help people track their eating habits and exercise, and offers tips and encouragement toward living a healthier life.

If you drink tea, taking it with milk seems to negate any positive effect from the antioxidants it contains. However, there is still no definite evidence that tea can protect you from heart disease.

I know that exercise is good for my heart, which is one reason why I took up long-distance running. But I have heard that marathon running damages the heart. Is that true?

My doctor put me on a statin and told me to take it after dinner. I would rather take it with breakfast. Does it matter?