Harvard Heart Letter: July 2009

Researchers from Sweden have demonstrated that the heart is capable of growing new muscle cells, though this process occurs very slowly.

The definition of a myocardial infarction has been revised to reflect the significance of a protein called troponin, which is released into the bloodstream when heart muscle damaged.

One-third of people with heart failure have ventricles that beat out of sync. A biventricular pacemaker sends electrical signals to the ventricles to keep them working together, making everyday activities easier.

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the heart. It may be caused by a virus, allergic reaction, or exposure to a toxin. Diagnosis is difficult because symptoms are not specific and may suggest other causes.

A "polypill" containing multiple blood pressure medications, a statin, and aspirin may be a simple, workable approach to help prevent heart disease.

Aspirin plus warfarin is an effective defense against stroke-causing blood clots, but many people cannot take warfarin. A study found that aspirin plus clopidogrel (Plavix) was also effective.

Levels of LDL cholesterol drop a few points in summer, while HDL rises slightly.

Black tea may lower blood pressure slightly, but the effect is small.

Results of a trial showed that exercise and weight loss combined with the DASH diet for blood pressure control achieved a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure than the diet alone.

A study of German heart attack survivors found a slight correlation between being stuck in traffic and risk of a heart attack.

A brief summary of research with potential future applications: closing off the left atrial appendage to prevent clots, stimulating the brains of stroke victims with laser beams, and a new type of stent that dissolves over time.

I keep reading that peanut butter is a healthy food. But it contains saturated fat and has more sodium than potassium. That doesn't sound healthy to me. Read More »

I always thought that coronary and heart meant pretty much the same thing. If that's so, isn't "coronary heart disease" redundant?