Harvard Heart Letter: June 2009

Angioplasty can be used as a treatment for intermittent claudication in leg veins. While the results are quicker, equivalent benefits can be achieved with an exercise program combined with medication, without the risk and recovery period of surgery.

A transient ischemic attack is similar to a stroke. While it may be over quickly, it must be treated as a serious medical condition. Prompt attention and treatment may prevent the subsequent occurrence of a full-fledged stroke.

Taking a daily aspirin can help prevent heart attacks in men and strokes in women, but not everyone who takes aspirin should do so, because aspirin may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Read More »

People with atrial fibrillation benefit from aggressive blood pressure control, resulting in fewer deaths from stroke and other cardiovascular causes.

In 2006 Americans spent more than $190 billion on heart-related health care issues, nearly one-fifth of total health care costs that year.

Brief reports on giving proper attention to high triglycerides, undermining cardiovascular drug therapy with unhealthy lifestyle choices, and an apparent bonus from taking a statin: reduced risk of blood clots.

After being diagnosed with high blood pressure several years ago, I started taking diltiazem and Atacand. The results were good, giving me an average blood pressure of 110/65. I recently developed gastroenteritis and aspiration pneumonia. While I was in the hospital, my blood pressure got so low I was told to stop taking these medications. I have been off them since, and my blood pressure has remained normal, averaging 105/65. How can this be? Will high blood pressure return?

Why is heart disease still on the rise despite the incredible increase in the number of people taking cholesterol-lowering drugs and the more than 30 years of "low-fat" propaganda?

I am due to have a colonoscopy. My cardiologist told me that I will need to stop taking Coumadin, which I take for atrial fibrillation, a few days before the procedure and get some injections. Is that really necessary?

Since having a heart attack, I have been taking lisinopril, Zocor, Plavix, aspirin, a multivitamin, fish oil, calcium, vitamin D, coenzyme Q10, chia oil, B-50 complex, grape seed extract, Nu-Zymes, Natural Energy supplement, Super C22, and astragalus. I am thinking of taking a brain booster called Procera AVH. Will it interfere with my heart medications?

A researcher has determined that the recommended "moderate intensity" exercise level can be accomplished by walking at least 100 steps per minute. An inexpensive pedometer can help you determine your walking speed.