heart-letter
In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the internal mammary (or thoracic) artery is the graft of choice for bypassing blockages in the main coronary artery, because it tends to remain open and functioning well for many years.
The risk of heart complications in people with kidney disease may be reduced as much as 20% by lowering cholesterol with medications.
The key components of weight loss are taking in fewer calories and, through physical activity, burning more calories than consumed.
Angioplasty and bypass surgery can both restore blood flow to the heart. Which one is better depends on factors like the location and severity of the blockages, symptoms, and heart function.
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular events or death, but there’s no evidence that taking vitamin D supplements offers protection. Vitamin D consumption should be limited to 600-800 international units a day.
Generic heart medications are equivalent to their brand-name versions and are safe for people with heart disease to use.
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can greatly improve quality of life for people with heart failure who are too old for a heart transplant.
The influenza vaccine dramatically reduces the number of heart attacks and cardiovascular deaths. Anyone with heart disease should get a flu shot (not the nasal drops) every year.
High LDL cholesterol levels are known to increase the risk of heart attack, and lowering LDL levels has been proven to help protect against heart attack.
Overdrinking, particularly binge drinking, can trigger the fast, erratic heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. Because this tends to occur during holiday celebrations, the condition is known as “holiday heart syndrome.”