Good sources of potassium

Although bananas are often held up as a good source of potassium, there are better ones. In this comprehensive list from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a cup of beet greens has double the potassium of a large banana. www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/SR20/nutrlist/sr20w306.pdf. (Locked) More »

Harvard Heart Letter October 2008: References and further reading

Thuresson M, Jarlov MB, Lindahl B, Svensson L, Zedigh C, Herlitz J. Factors that influence the use of ambulance in acute coronary syndrome. American Heart Journal 2008; 156:170-6. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=18585513 Ikehara S, Iso H, Toyoshima H, et al. Alcohol Consumption and Mortality From Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease Among Japanese Men and Women. The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study. Stroke 2008. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=18617651 Smith-Warner SA, Spiegelman D, Yaun SS, et al. Alcohol and breast cancer in women: a pooled analysis of cohort studies. Journal of the American Medical Association 1998; 279:535-40. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=9480365 (Locked) More »

Warning signs of a heart attack or stroke

Sometimes the signs of a heart attack or stroke are obvious. Sometimes they aren't. Here are lists of the "classic" and not-so-classic signs of each. If you If you notice one or more of the signs below in yourself or someone else, or you're really worried that you or someone you are with is having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Better safe than sorry.  Pain, squeezing, fullness, burning, tightness, or uncomfortable pressure in the center of the chest Pain, numbness, pinching, prickling, or other uncomfortable sensations in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach (Locked) More »

Dial 911 when a heart attack has your number

Starting treatment quickly provides the best chance of surviving a heart attack. If you think you are having a heart attack, you should call 911 rather than have someone take you to the hospital, because paramedics can start treatment on the way there. (Locked) More »

Alcohol's cardiac effects differ by sex

Women who drink too much alcohol risk cardiovascular problems and an increased chance of breast cancer, but in moderation (no more than one drink per day) alcohol is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. (Locked) More »

Ankle-brachial index

The ankle-brachial index is a comparative blood pressure test, taken at the arms and ankles, that is done to check for the presence of peripheral artery disease. More »

Smaller surgery speeds recovery from valve fix

A minimally invasive version of heart surgery to replace or repair a mitral or aortic valve has shown excellent results and has a shorter recovery time on average, making it an option that older people should consider. (Locked) More »

Heart beat: Tapping the power of potassium

Potassium helps fight high blood pressure, but most Americans do not get enough potassium from their diet. Eating more fruits, vegetables, beans, and certain other foods boosts potassium levels. (Locked) More »

In brief

Brief updates on the heart benefits of obesity surgery, a heart medication's effect on bone health, and taking statins prior to heart surgery. (Locked) More »