Julie Corliss

2 weeks ago | health.harvard.edu | Julie Corliss

The evidence for a benefit is pretty shallow — and a frigid dip could be risky for someone with underlying heart problems. Share Print This Page If dunking neck-deep in cold water sounds like an invigorating thrill, you might be tempted to try this trend, especially since cold-plunge pools are now found in gyms, wellness resorts, and hotels throughout the United States. Or maybe a natural environment sounds more appealing (see "Cold-water dips in the great outdoors").

2 weeks ago | health.harvard.edu | Julie Corliss

Catheter ablation is now a first‑line treatment for people recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Share Print This Page Until the late 20th century, medications were the only option to tame the rapid, chaotic heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation (afib). Catheter ablation — a procedure that destroys faulty electrical pathways in the heart — was described as a treatment for afib in 1998 (see illustration).

2 weeks ago | health.harvard.edu | Julie Corliss

Research we're watching Researchers estimated that trading about a tablespoon of butter per day for about two teaspoons of olive, soybean, or canola oil was tied to a 17% lower risk of premature death. Each tablespoon of plant oil per day was linked to a 6% reduced risk of death from heart disease. To continue reading this article, you must log in. Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

1 month ago | bismarcktribune.com | Julie Corliss

Celiac disease is a digestive and immune disorder that can keep the body from absorbing necessary nutrients. “Our conception and awareness of celiac disease has evolved over the past few decades, but there are still aspects that remain poorly understood,” says Dr. Ciaran Kelly, medical director of the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Perhaps not surprisingly, misconceptions are widespread among the general public.

1 month ago | health.harvard.edu | Julie Corliss

Coronary CT angiography is the fastest-growing imaging test used in cardiology. Who might benefit from this test? If you experience a short-lived squeezing sensation or discomfort in your chest when you exercise or feel stress, one possible cause is insufficient blood flow to your heart. Known as stable angina, this condition indicates you may be at risk for a heart attack. To diagnose (or rule out) potential heart problems, doctors used to start with a stress test.