Harvard Heart Letter articles from May 2000

Harvard Heart Letter archives from May 2000

Atrial Fibrillation.(part 1)
May 1, 2000... The smooth and steady lub-dub of the heartbeat is established and maintained by the heart's electrical system. It all begins in the upper chambers of the heart, the atria. A group of cells called the sinoatrial (SA) node emits an electrical...

The Heart Is a Fast Learner.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Just like any other engine, the heart needs a constant supply of fuel, and that fuel (oxygen and glucose) is delivered via blood flowing through the coronary arteries. When the fuel supply is insufficient to meet the demands of the heart...

Snoring: A Heart Disease Risk Factor for Women.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Several studies have suggested that men who snore heavily are at higher risk for high blood pressure and its two most-feared complications, heart disease and stroke. The reason is not clear, but one theory is that people who snore often have...

Ask the Doctor.(homocysteine and vitamin supplements)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Q I had a heart attack last year, and afterwards learned that my homocysteine level is elevated. I wanted to start taking vitamins to lower it, but before I make myself swallow another two or three pills per day, is there any proof vitamins...

Q.(Is 83 too old for heart surgery?)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... I am 83 years old and have coronary artery disease that causes angina everyday with activities like climbing stairs. My doctor thinks I am going to need bypass surgery to get some freedom from my symptoms. Isn't it too risky at my age? A...

Q.(recalled prosthetic heart valves)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... I read in the paper about a manufacturer that recalled some heart valves. I had surgery a year ago to replace my mitral valve. How can I tell if this is a problem for me? A This problem arises from time to time. The most recent one you...

Resistance Training for People With Heart Disease.
May 1, 2000... For years, physicians have advised middle-aged and older people to get "dynamic" exercise - that is, to engage in physical activity that emphasizes energetic movement of the arms and legs over longer periods of time. Dynamic (or "aerobic")...