Harvard Heart Letter articles from January 2008

Harvard Heart Letter archives from January 2008

Gene tests for some, not all.
January 1, 2008... Genetic testing helps some people glimpse their cardiovascular future. The announcement in April 2003 that scientists had worked out the order of the three billion letters in the human genetic code revved up the hopes and imaginations of...

Look alive a[euro]" it's Monday!(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Many people use January, and specifically January 1, as a time to take stock of their health and, if needed, make adjustments in diet, exercise, smoking, drinking, and other habits. It's a good strategy except for one thing a the year-long gap...

New vitamin helps lower cholesterol.(Centrum Cardio)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... If you are in the habit of taking a multivitamin every day, you might be interested to know there's a new one on the market that may put a small dent in your cholesterol. Centrum Cardio contains phytosterols, plant-derived substances that...

Chilling out.(therapeutic hypothermia)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... If the thought of having a heart attack or cardiac arrest sends a chill down your spine, having one could lead to chills all over. An approved but little-used technique known as therapeutic hypothermia a rapid cooling of the body a improves...

Can I take a diuretic?(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Q. Over the past few years, I have needed to take hydrochlorothiazide and Lasix together. After I was hospitalized for a serious electrolyte imbalance, my doctors told me never to take these medications again. I recently had my aortic valve...

Can a massage cause a stroke?(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Q. I have a deep muscle massage every month or so. After my sister had a stroke, I started worrying that my massages could loosen any plaque in my carotid arteries, which could make me have a stroke. Could this happen? A. As you might have...