Harvard Heart Letter: April 2009

Tests such as CT scans have become crucial tools in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and conditions, but the radiation exposure from these tests may lead to an increased risk of developing cancer. Read More »

Heart disease, once thought to be a man's disease, is now understood to affect women and men equally, but there are still disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women.

The body needs the combination of potassium and sodium to produce energy and regulate kidney function, but most people get far too much sodium and not enough potassium.

A study from Finland shows an association between binge drinking and an increased risk of having a stroke.

An FDA review of trials involving bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis found no link between their use and any increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

Brief updates on the benefit of the Maze procedure, St. John's wort's interference with statins, the safety of angioplasty performed through the radial artery, and the cardiac risks of newer antipsychotic drugs.

My husband is taking arginine and citrulline supplements because he read that they will protect his heart and arteries. Should I try these supplements, too, or is this a waste of money?

I have an electrocardiogram as part of my yearly checkup. After the last one, my doctor mentioned that my ST segment was longer this year than it was last year. He recommended that I have a stress test to check this out. I passed with flying colors. When I asked the cardiologist who did the stress test about the ST segment, he said the length isn’t really important, that the height and shape are what matter. Can you explain?

Does mild aortic stenosis (causing a mild heart murmur) ever correct itself without medication or surgery?