Harvard Heart Letter: March 2007

With the failure of torcetrapib, a drug that its maker hoped would raise HDL cholesterol, people seeking to lower their heart disease risk should rely on traditional strategies: exercise, diet, weight control.

In addition to their known benefits as drugs that lower blood pressure, research suggests that thiazide diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors may also help protect and strengthen bones.

While people with high blood pressure are typically told to abstain from alcohol, a study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may help prevent them from having a heart attack.

A new, stronger type of magnet used in some jewelry and clothing can interfere with the operation of a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac device if placed too close to it.

More Americans have their hypertension under control. Folic acid does not prevent heart attacks. Exercise after heart surgery is safe and beneficial. Program your cell phone with an emergency contact.

For the health of my heart and arteries, how does regular consumption of red wine compare with grape juice or the equivalent in grapes?

My resting heart rate is on the high side, and it rises quickly when I exercise. I am afraid to go faster than 2 miles an hour on the treadmill, and I don't feel like I'm getting a real workout. Is it dangerous for me to go over my target heart rate?