Harvard Heart Letter articles from November 2005

Harvard Heart Letter archives from November 2005

Gray area for new heart failure drug.
November 1, 2005... Although the FDA approved BiDil for blacks with heart failure, it may work in anyone. A "new" drug called BiDil (it's actually two old ones) is the first medication approved for a particular racial group, in this case blacks with...

Don't let decongestants squeeze your heart.
November 1, 2005... As many over-the-counter decongestants get a new ingredient, you might want to look for alternatives. During cough and cold season, millions of Americans reach for an over-the-counter decongestant to clear a stuffy nose. Some read the...

Better prescriptions needed for prescription success.(blood pressure medication)
November 1, 2005... Sticking with a statin or blood pressure medication isn't easy. Some simple strategies can help. Is your medicine cabinet, pill drawer, or kitchen counter overflowing with vials of prescription drugs that you started but never finished?...

Can you hold that heart attack until office hours?
November 1, 2005... In the average hospital, artery-opening angioplasty gets started sooner if you have a heart attack during office hours. The delay is relatively small, though, so don't wait until 7 a.m. to get to the hospital. There's no good time to have...

Heart Beat; Stamp of approval.(Food labeling)
November 1, 2005... If you are trying to include more whole grains in your diet but have trouble figuring out what qualifies, help is on the way. A voluntary whole grain stamp sported by a growing number of grain products can save you from poring over the tiny...

Heart Beat; ABCD predicts the future for mini-strokes.(Transient ischemic attacks)(Brief article)
November 1, 2005... Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are mini-strokes that fade away on their own and appear to cause no lasting damage. Appearances can be deceiving -- many people go on to have a full-blown stroke within a week or so. Is everyone who has a...

Heart Beat; Nuclear stress test may stress nuclear detectors.(Brief article)
November 1, 2005... A tiny dose of radiation given during a stress test can help pinpoint the source of chest pain or gauge the extent of artery blockage. It can also set off an anti-terror radiation detector. A letter in the July 23, 2005, issue of The Lancet...

Ask the doctor; Is flaxseed oil a good source of omega-3 fats?(Good for the heart)
November 1, 2005... Q. Are the omega-3 fats in flaxseed oil as good for the heart as those in fish or fish oil? Do they have the same side effects? The American Heart Association warns about getting more than 3 grams of omega-3 fats a day without a doctor's...