Category: heart-letter

Another large study adds to the evidence that taking vitamin C and vitamin E to protect against heart disease is not effective.

Studies have shown that people with heart failure can benefit from the drug spironolactone, but concerns about possible side effects may have made some doctors reluctant to prescribe it.

Nuts are considered a healthy food when eaten in moderate amounts, but chewing them thoroughly seems to release more of the nut’s nutritional value.

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.

The multiple nutrients that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables are beneficial to the heart and the rest of the body in numerous ways, and thus should be a part of everyone’s diet.

When an artery becomes narrowed by plaque, the body responds by growing and strengthening nearby blood vessels to move blood around the narrowing, possibly preventing heart disease. Vigorous exercise can stimulate this blood vessel growth.

For people with severe heart failure, a pumping device called a left ventricular assist may prolong life for those who are not healthy enough for transplant surgery, or who face a lenghty wait on the transplant list.

A patent foramen ovale is a small hole in the heart which usually closes soon after birth, but if it does not, it may be a cause of stroke later in life.

A study found that heart disease deaths peaked each year during flu season, because the flu can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Those with heart disease, and those at higher risk of getting it, should get a flu vaccine each year.

Adding fruits and vegetables to your diet is a simple way to eat more healthfully. Here are some suggestions to make healthy eating more fun and interesting.