Harvard Heart Letter: February 2007

Is fat-free half-and-half good for you?

Inflammation is the body's reaction to bad habits like smoking and high-fat foods. It contributes to atherosclerosis, which is a factor in heart disease. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to fight inflammation.

Researchers are exploring how bacteria in the mouth might play a role in heart disease, though there is still no conclusive evidence that the two are linked.

Among the many types of blood pressure medications available, some have a tendency to increase blood sugar levels, but this does not necessarily lead to a higher risk of diabetes.

While toxins such as mercury and PCBs are present in seafood, the amounts are considered safe, and the health benefits of omega-3 fats are much more significant than any risk posed by the toxins.

A study comparing different forms of exercise for people with moderate heart failure found that ballroom dancing was as effective as a traditional exercise regimen, and also improved patients' quality of life.

Determining the correct dosage of warfarin for a heart patient can take several weeks. A company is selling a test that it claims will shorten the process, but there is no evidence yet to support the claim.

Pacemakers and other implanted cardiac devices can be removed after a person's death and recycled for patients who cannot afford them. If you wish to do this, you should have a medical directive stating so.

How would I know if I had an enlarged heart?