This invention relates to new uses of Bifidobacteria (particularly, although not exclusively, probiotic Bifidobacteria), and to food products, feed products, dietary supplements and pharmaceutical formulations containing them. The bacteria are suitable for the treatment of myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, inflammatory heart disease (including endocarditis, inflammatory cardiomegaly and myocarditis), and congestive heart failure.