heart-letter
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.
Taking measures to protect the heart, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet, can also help prevent osteoporosis.
A seed related to those used in Chia Pets is a good source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants, but the same benefits can be obtained from eating whole-grain food products.
People with heart failure are more likely to have a B vitamin deficiency, possibly due to decreased appetite, faster metabolism, and medications that may remove certain nutrients from the body.
A new multivitamin includes phytosterols, which help the body block the absorption of cholesterol. Phytosterols occur naturally in plants, but in small quantities, making it difficult to eat enough from foods to obtain their benefits.
A special program series on PBS will explore the workings of the human heart.