Harvard Heart Letter: October 2007

Medical organizations have long recommended taking antibiotics before certain procedures that could cause bacteria to infect the heart, but new guidelines state that only people with certain heart conditions or diseases need take the drugs.

The guidelines for how long to wait before driving after having an ICD implanted have been revised, to reflect the growing number of people who receive the device preventively.

Exercise that includes interval training, where periods of slight or moderate exertion are alternated with short bursts of more intense exertion, can strengthen the heart and blood vessels.

The belief that acupuncture can lower blood pressure has been tested by studies, but the conclusions regarding its effectiveness are divided.

Death rates from coronary artery disease have been falling since the 1980s, due to emphasis on the need to combat the problem by adopting healthier habits.

Besides the nutritional benefits, eating beans regularly can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of a heart attack.

A special program series on PBS will explore the workings of the human heart.

I am 86 years old and have been taking Fosamax to strengthen my bones for nearly 10 years. A few months ago, I suddenly fainted and was later diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Did that happen because I was taking Fosamax?

I was just diagnosed with heart failure. My husband and I like to travel. Is it okay for people like me to fly?