Harvard Heart Letter: November 2008

Sleep apnea causes increased production of stress hormones, faster heart rate, increased blood pressure, and inflammation. Research has found that people with the condition are more likely to die of cardiovascular disease.

Tilapia has been criticized because it is lower in omega-3 fats and higher in omega-6 fats than other kinds of fish, but it is still a good source of protein and has other nutritional value.

Progress is being made on developing less invasive surgeries to replace or repair heart valves, but more research is needed before they become a viable option for the average person.

Long QT syndrome is a lengthening of part of the heart's normal rhythm that occurs when its muscle cells do not properly process certain substances. The resulting erratic heart rhythm can cause fainting, shortness of breath, and possibly death.

Eating meals more slowly allows the stomach time to signal the brain when it is getting full, which can result in lower overall food consumption. Drinking water with your meals can also help by making you feel fuller.

A clinical trial that compared angioplasty with aggressive drug therapy for treatment of angina found both treatments about equally effective.

The cholesterol-lowering drug ezetimbe, sold as Zetia and in combination with the statin Zocor as Vytorin, has proved no better at reducing plaque than the statin alone, and may be linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Brief updates on a drug combination that may cause muscle damage, a blood test for rejection after a heart transplant, a possible link between retinopathy and heart disease, and running for heart health and longevity.

You are always talking about high blood pressure. Mine is always on the low side, about 80/60. Is that a problem?

Several years ago, a friend in my sewing circle was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. My doctor just told me I have heart failure. Are these the same condition or different ones?