Heart Health - Prevention
When David began experiencing discomfort in his chest, he drove himself to the emergency room. It was there that he got the wake-up call of his life.
A study examines the relationship between heart health and optimism. Plus, 5 tips for training yourself to think positive.
Many people take aspirin for prevention but is this a good idea?
Exercise matters, but you don t have to run marathons to reap the heart health benefits. Learn more.
Common thyroid problems could increase your risk of heart disease. Are you at risk?
From chest pain to tiredness, here s what you need to know.
Heart disease affects men and women differently and for women, symptoms of a heart attack may be subtle and difficult to detect. Learn more.
Studies have shown a link between specific patterns of male baldness and the development of coronary heart disease. However, there isn't a clear explanation for the association. Should you be concerned?
It's tough to beat the health benefits of garlic—it fights inflammation, cancer, hypertension, and even has anti-coagulating properties. Read on for delicious ways to incorporate more garlic into your diet.
Kale is a versatile, nutrient-packed powerhouse that may be the healthiest food in your fridge. Learn how to enjoy this dark green oxidant-fighting machine.
As a soy food, tofu is a terrific source of vegetable protein. But in addition to helping to prevent certain health problems, it may actually cause some others.
Heat, humidity, and bitter cold can be difficult for anyone. But if you have a heart condition, changes in the weather can be downright dangerous. Learn how to keep your ticker safe.
More than one third of adults and nearly one in five children are obese. However, not all fat is created equal.
Excess abdominal fat, especially visceral fat, may be a risk factor for some serious health problems. Fortunately, you can take measures to improve your health. Here's how.
Could your high blood pressure be a side effect of another medical condition? Learn more about this form of hypertension.
The foods you eat can end up hardening your arteries, but not in the way you think.
People with thicker (more viscous) blood have a higher chance of heart problems and even type 2 diabetes. Learn more about the connection.
Did you know your surroundings could increase your chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke? Here's why.
Because of increasing threats to ocean ecosystems, many popular seafood items are not as sustainable as they could be. In addition, because of toxins in their water, several species could endanger your health if you eat too much of them.
It's a minimally-invasive procedure performed for the purpose of opening narrow or blocked arteries. Here's the info you need.
New study suggests snoring may be more than just a nuisance. Read on to learn about its connection to heart attack and stroke.
Here are a few healthy reasons to try this fruit, vegetable, and flower all wrapped into one.
Beer gets a bad rap. But it can be a healthy beverage as long as it's enjoyed in moderation.
Sometimes referred to as "mini strokes," TIAs are temporary and cause no permanent damage. But they can be a warning sign of bigger problems to come.
From the harvesting of stem cells without embryos to a pill that delays aging, we've rounded up a few of medicine's amazing advances coming down the pike.
In between visits to the dentist, take these precautions to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.
Struggling to understand what your doctor s saying? Here are some helpful translations.
To reduce your risk of hypertension, take a look at these healthy facts about yogurt.
Ouch! Ease those sharp muscle spasms, and try these preventative tips including keeping hydrated.
Get the health benefits without upsetting your stomach.
Commonly used to prevent coronary heart disease, statins may also lower the risk of major depression.
A research study uncovered new information about the protective powers of HDL, or "good", cholesterol.
Spice up your life. This brightly-colored ingredient could offer real cardiovascular benefits.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 2,500 Americans each day. Here's a look at heart health by the numbers.
Psychosocial factors like stress and depression can have an adverse effect on cardiac health. Here's what you can do.
The following easy-to-find foods are heart-smart standouts. Bring this list with you on your next supermarket trip.
Chocolate lovers cling to claims that this sweet treat helps the heart. What's the real truth?
Men can prevent health risks by paying attention to changes in their body and seeing their doctor when something isn't right.
Thanks to TV ads erectile dysfunction is no longer under the covers. Still, misconceptions remain. Learn what causes impotence and ways to reduce your risk.
High cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Here's a look at cholesterol by the numbers.
As obesity rates climb, health problems such as diabetes are becoming more common. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.
Broken Heart Syndrome can be harmful to your mind and body, and it can be treated.
Family history significantly increases your chance of developing heart disease. Reduce your risk with these steps.
Chocolate and tea both offer cardiovascular perks. But can combining the two provide twice the benefit?
When it comes to your cardiovascular health, the essentials are clear.
Nutrition labels can be deceiving. Learn how to cut though the hype and make healthier choices.
Sugar, butter, and cream may be one celebrity chef's go-to ingredients, but that doesn't mean you should follow in her footsteps. You can still recreate the cuisine of the Queen of Southern Cooking without doing damage to your health. Let a team of experts show you how.
Get the experts' take on this much debated matter of the heart.
Here's how to track your blood pressure at home for greater accuracy and better treatment.
White fruits and vegetables contain as many essential nutrients and other health-promoting substances as do red, yellow, and green foods. And some of these substances may be especially important for aging adults.
Nerve damage doesn't only affect the legs, fingers, and the toes. It can also result in erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence. Read on to find out how you can prevent ED from affecting you.
The ups and downs associated with relationships don't pertain only to emotions. In fact, your partnership, good or bad, can have a real effect on your body.
If you have Erectile Dysfunction (ED), getting your sex life back on track is probably a top priority. As a first step, consider whether these lifestyle changes are at the root of your sexual woes.
This mineral helps your heart maintain a steady rhythm and promotes normal blood pressure. It's being studied for its role in preventing and managing such heart ailments as hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease.
Fluid retention is a common occurrence. Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce or eliminate excess fluids.
Physicians and fitness experts are teaming up to help patients exercise their way to wellness.
There are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and manage the problem if it occurs.
Pizza? Drinks? TV? Your favorite indulgences can be made heart healthy, if you do them right.
Take a coffee break. Get zen. Here are five fun fixes that will add to your quality of life, while lowering your risk of developing diabetes and possibly heart disease, too!
Recent research shows it's not only how much of it you eat, but also what kind, and when in your life you eat it. Get the low-down on one path to better heart health.
When you strengthen your heart to function more efficiently, you increase the ability of your heart and respiratory system to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and to remove wastes.
Visceral fat, the type found around the waist and belly and surrounding the vital organs, poses much more of a health risk to you than fat that's right under the skin. But upping a particular type of fiber in your diet could help you get rid of it.
If you have a fast or irregular heartbeat, cardioversion may be what the doctor orders.
Over the last few years, some hair salons and barbers have been dispensing more than just trims. They've been giving out health advice, too.
An occasional increase in blood pressure above your average reading is not usually a cause for alarm. But over time, and if those spikes occur frequently enough, they can cause damage to your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Did you know there are four steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 82 percent?
This once-a-day single pill combines aspirin, blood pressure, and cholesterol drugs to reduce heart disease risk and treat the problem once it develops.
This juicy little fruit contains a substance that may help prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The benefits of taking a daily low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke have been well publicized, but is taking an aspirin a day right for you?
Omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids confer a variety of health benefits when consumed on a regular basis and in the right amounts.
Oats take many forms, but all are beneficial to your health and help reduce your risk of disease.
What could be more convenient for lunch on the go than a quick stop at the salad bar? But the choices you make can make the difference between a fat-laden, calorie-heavy meal and a satisfying, good-for-your-heart lunch.
One chemo side effect is the potential to increase patients' risk for heart failure, particularly in those who already have heart disease. Here's what you should know and what you can do.
Taking a daily aspirin could be good for your health... or it could be bad for your health. There are advantages for those living with diabetes, but there are also risks.
Taking care of your health is the single most important way to extend your life. And even though, in general, men tend to have a lousy track record, there are simple ways you can turn that around.
There's good news for people looking to lower their risk for heart disease.
We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes.
What is it about chronic worrying and anxiety that increases the likelihood of suffering a heart attack? And how can you take steps to reduce that risk?
Are you an "apple"? Are you a "pear"? And what does that really determine anyway?
New research suggests that a particular plant oil might be a powerful weapon in the fight against obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
A new study shows that there may be added heart benefits to including these foods in your daily diet.
Taking stock of the kinds of foods in your pantry and refrigerator and replacing the ones that increase your risk for cardiovascular disease with nutritious, flavorful whole foods, will help you and your family make heart-smart food choices and reduce your risk of heart disease.
The American Heart Association has some specific recommendations when it comes to getting heart healthy nutrients.
It's free. It's easy. And it could make a big impact. If you suffer from high blood pressure or have other risks for heart disease, ask your doctor if practicing transcendental meditation could benefit you.
What "real world" preventative steps should you incorporate into your life to lower your chances of heart disease?
Nearly 2,000 people were evaluated against seven heart-healthy criteria set by the American Heart Association. The results may surprise you.
Also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, the body absorbs too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses.
Your teen's daily consumption of what seems like a bottomless pit of sugar might seem harmless now, but that very behavior can put her heart at risk later on in life. Thankfully, you can put a stop to this.
If you can't remember the last time you saw a doctor (taking your kids to the pediatrician doesn't count), you're probably long overdue for a checkup. Whether it's ego, lack of time, or just not fond of needles, men are known to resist medical care.
If you've ever felt your stress levels go up upon hearing loud noises and wondered if the clamor was affecting your well-being, the answer is yes.
Who needs a treadmill? Here are 10 smart ways to build exercise into your day with no special equipment needed.
If you're a middle-aged woman, it's especially important to keep your blood pressure under control. There are small changes you can make that will add up big when it comes to your health.
What's the story behind the crunchy snack that's good for your heart?
Exercise is the best medicine for almost everything that ails you, but what should you know to make sure you don't push yourself too far if you have heart disease?
A new study reveals yet another reason to exercise, one that may have a positive impact on those living with heart disease in the future.
Special envoy Richard C. Holbrooke died after suffering a torn aorta. What does that mean and what should you know?
Harvard School of Public Health scientists, along with colleagues from other institutions, have discovered a natural substance in dairy fat that could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Before you take another capsule, here's what you need to know about how Vitamin E supplements are tied to risk of stroke.
Here's how to keep an eye on the (sometimes hidden) salt you consume, while maintaining the flavor you crave.
When it comes to mercury exposure from fish, what do you need to know to make the healthiest choices?
Make this year the best for your heart with these seven tips to help keep your heart in tip-top shape.
Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but there are many things you can do now to avoid it.
A new study finds that heart disease patients' risk of suffering a major cardiovascular event can be measured by their resting heart rate.
The statistics are shocking: According to the American Heart Association, every 45 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke.
This little root vegetable is rich in powerful nitrates that boost the flow of blood throughout your body and even help prevent cognitive decline.
One antioxidant touted for lowering blood pressure and reducing heart disease risk offers no heart benefit.
Heart rate monitors help you keep track of your fitness level and even offer motivating messages.
What is the normal weight obesity condition and what can you do about it?
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend that you get a home blood pressure monitor.
If you're experiencing faintness or dizziness and a feeling that your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, or beating erratically (palpitations), your doctor may recommend that you wear a Holter monitor.
To determine if you are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, your doctor may suggest that you be given a cardiac risk assessment. Among the tests used to assess your cardiac risk is a lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), blood test.
Are you taking steps to protect your lungs? If not, you could be putting yourself at risk for a host of respiratory problems.
Take advantage of the bounty of autumn with these healthy, hearty, heart-smart foods.
Here are five ways to help you enjoy the outdoors this autumn and stay heart fit.
Aortic disease is known as a silent epidemic because each year nearly 47,000 Americans die from the disorder. Understand the warning signs and risk factors of aneurysms.
Heart disease patients who also have or develop anemia are more likely to experience more severe heart problems. Find out why and what you can do.
Already a nutritional superstar, Vitamin K may be even more beneficial than we think. Find out how to get your daily dose.
Although dairy foods have long been associated with heart disease because of their high content of saturated fat, a new study from Sweden suggests that they may actually help maintain heart health.
Understanding the distinct warning signs of each could mean the difference between life and death.
If you're experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath, or abnormal changes in your heart's rhythm, your doctor may recommend that you have a stress test.
Findings suggest that eating just a half-cup of soy nuts each day may work as well in reducing high blood pressure as anti-hypertension medication, and may also be beneficial in lowering cholesterol.
For people with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, either too slow (bradycardias) or too fast (tachycardias), having an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) can also be lifesaving because it can detect any dangerous heart arrhythmia and deliver an electrical shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac death.
A study found that the addition of a patient's coronary artery calcium (CAC) score to their other risk factors for heart disease (smoking, age, and cholesterol levels) led to a better prediction of their category of risk-low, intermediate or high-for developing heart disease than traditional factors alone.
Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the produce available at your local farmers' market or green grocer.
Do you stand heads above...or below...the crowd? The answer could determine your chances of developing, or even dying from, disease.
Although garlic may not ward off evil spirits, it may be instrumental in warding off a variety of health problems, including heart disease.
A simple, inexpensive way to predict a woman's risk for a future heart attack may be just a fingertip away.
An analysis by researchers at the UCLA Stroke Center in Los Angeles found that folic acid supplements don't appear to cut the risk of stroke.
Researchers recently analyzed data from over 23,000 men and over 35,600 women and found that the risk of developing cardiovascuar disease can be significantly cut by getting enough of certain B vitamins.
As part of the American Heart Association's focus on women and heart health, the organization initiated new guidelines in 2007 to help doctors evaluate women's risk factors for cardiac disease. Three years later, how well are these guidelines working?
Heart disease is common and deadly, but you can avoid it. Find out how these vitamins could be heart saviors.
Research suggests that your TV-viewing habit can be a deadly pastime.
Find out how the number of children a woman bares can impact her heart disease risk.
Sitting too long raises fatality risk, experts say.
Blood pressure levels can fluctuate over time, but too much fluctuation can increase your risk of this potentially fatal condition.
Low-carb living isn't just for weight loss; it can help you reduce your blood pressure and help your heart as well.
The number of people affected by metabolic syndrome is rising, and expanding waistlines may be a contributing factor.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) impacts millions of people in the U.S. each year, and it can be deadly. Do you know the signs?
If you've already had a heart attack, the scary reality is that you have to go above and beyond to prevent another one. Find out how.
Your cardio-respiratory fitness level decreases more rapidly after age 45. Fortunately, there are ways to slow down this decline and maintain a higher fitness level throughout middle age and your senior years.
In a surprising finding, a new British study shows that a low IQ is a stronger predictor of heart disease than any other traditional risk factor with the exception of smoking.
The statistics are daunting. Sixty-seven percent of Americans ages 20 and older are overweight or obese. So what can you do?
Sex has innumerable benefits, and growing evidence is proving that improved heart health is one of them.
Having fat on the lower portion of your body, such as on the thighs, hips and backside, may protect against diabetes and heart disease, a recent report suggests.
According to recent studies, exposure to some common pathogens (infectious organisms) may raise the risk of having a stroke.
When you think of strokes, you probably think it only happens to adults. In fact, pediatric stroke also exists and it s important to know the signs of this serious condition in case your child is at risk.
New research has confirmed a link between exposure to this chemical and heart disease.
Electrical pollution from cell phones and WiFi known as "electrosmog" is hazardous to our health, according to recent research.
According to a recent study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, smoking just one cigarette stiffens the arteries of young adults by a staggering 25 percent.
Can the amount of education you have impact your risk for heart disease? According to a study in the journal Heart, the answer may be yes.
New information from a comparison of three major heart studies is showing a disturbing trend in men s heart health.
The health benefits of orange juice may exceed what you thought you knew.
Mark Alberts, M.D., answers a reader's question about additional measures he can take to reduce his risk of suffering from a heart attack.
Find out how a Japanese vine could help manage metabolic syndrome and decrease your risk of heart disease.
Although middle-age men still have higher rates of heart attacks and heart disease than middle-age women, a recent study suggests that the gap might be closing.
Sodium is essential, but too much of anything is bad news for your body. Now, studies show that intake of salt needs to be even less than previously thought to ward off the risk of stroke.
More than 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, making it the third leading cause of death in this country. But would you even know if you had one?
This essential nutrient is famous for creating healthy bones, but recently has been in the spotlight for other benefits.
Ginkgo Biloba may soon find its claim to fame as a benefactor in preventing heart disease.
A new study has found that people who live near roads with heavy traffic are more likely to have high blood pressure than those who reside in more tranquil areas.
Learn about the wonders that avocados can do for your heart.
Surely being overweight can't be nearly as bad for you as a smoking habit. Well, think again.
Results from a study published in the journal Neurology suggest that high blood pressure may cause memory problems--and even raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Men who feel stressed at work are at a greater risk of having a stroke.
Many believe that panic attacks and mitral valve prolapse are linked. But is this the truth? Read on to get what the studies are really saying.
Nutritionists are touting melons as an important food in the fight against high blood pressure.
Migraines may be linked to an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke.
Read on for the reasons why this fabulous fruit is more than just your average snack.
Here's a breakdown of heart health screenings you should be sure you're getting.
A cereal that lowers cholesterol? A tea that prevents heart disease? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For the first time, a simple blood test may hold the answer
Here, simple ways to improve your numbers with no medication necessary.
Did you know that in addition to being a nighttime nuisance, snoring can also be downright dangerous?
Although an aspirin a day can minimize your risk of heart attack and stroke, it doesn't come without its set of risks.
Some studies show that in heavy patients who have cardiovascular disease, obesity may play a protective role. But is this recent realization an invitation to indulge?
Research shows that women who nurse have a lower incidence of cardiac disease.
Here, simple ways to ensure you're getting enough of the good stuff into your diet.
Recent findings suggest that a lengthier change of life may have one big advantage: a healthier heart.
Health officials assert that cardiovascular disease is preventable in many cases. Find out if you re at risk for stroke and what you should or must do about it.
Several studies now suggest that your risk of stroke may be hardwired in your genes.
High blood sugar increases risks of heart disease for people with diabetes and non-diabetics.
Lupus affects more women than men, but it also worsens two of the most common health problems women have heart disease and osteoporosis.
Cuddle up with that fabulous feline of yours. New research shows that cat owners are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than non cat owners, according to the American Heart Association.
Can popping a tomato pill a day be good for your heart?
Not all beef is created equal. Read on for a list of the leanest cuts.
Although your lifestyle can go a long way toward keeping your heart healthy as you age, some cardiac changes are pretty much inevitable.
How good will the care you receive be if you're sick or injured? The answer may depend partly on where you live. Find out how your state stacks up.
If heart health is your concern, take a hike, literally.
Heart disease can be difficult to peg even if you have chest pain. Here s what you need to know.
Smoking, overeating, and physical inactivity will ensure heart disease, so here's what to do to avoid these vices.
By staying vigilant you can ensure that any heart problem is caught in time.
While Jackson s death is tragic, much can be learned about cardiac arrest and what you can do to prepare yourself for a heart emergency.
How are these most feared diseases related?
Though the gender gap regarding heart attacks has been narrowed over the past couple of years, it is still sizable.
What are they, but more importantly—how do you spot, treat, and prevent them?
Stress has been shown time and again to negatively impact the heart. Here s how to find relief.
How much slumber does your heart need? Read on to find out.
Find out if you're at risk of heart disease and what you can do to protect yourself.
Find out how diabetes and heart disease are related and what you can do to reduce your risk.
When the going gets rough, how bad does it tax the heart? Recent research provides some interesting answers.
Can this controversial yet useful technology one day knock heart disease from its spot as the leading killer of American women?
Each year, heart disease kills more Americans that any other illness, but in many cases, it s actually preventable.
Ripped from the headlines, here are a few recent topics that have the cardiology community abuzz.
Ripped from the headlines, here are a few recent topics that have the cardiology community abuzz.
As with most other substances we consume, alcohol can be harmful in excess and beneficial in moderation, especially when it comes to heart health.
You exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excess stress. Complete your health puzzle by learning your family's health history.
Which cooking oils are actually healthy for you and which ones you should steer clear of?
The human genome was successfully mapped in April 2003, a relatively short time ago. In the wake of the map s completion, we have learned much about the link between genes and disease, but research is still in a nascent stage our genome is composed of 3 billion base pairs and 30,000 genes, after all.
Getting quality shut-eye may benefit you more than you ever thought.
Not all fats are created equal. Choose those that are best for your heart.
The next time you have a craving for deli meats, think twice. There could be health dangers lurking behind that deli counter. Here is the information you need to know before you make or buy your next sandwich.
It's the number one killer of women, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Find out what you can do to prevent the number one killer of American women.
Long known to help your digestive system, fiber is good for your heart health, too. Find out why, and how you can incorporate more of it in your diet.
Spice up your diet with these foods that you might not have known are good for your heart.
Read on to find out how stress can be a burden on your body.
Spice up your diet with these foods that you might not have known are good for your heart.
Poor diet and lack of exercise aren't the only factors that can damage your heart. Your stress levels also play a huge role.
Clean teeth and healthy gums might be your first line of defense against other diseases. Learn more.
This decadent dessert does more than just please your taste buds; it could benefit your health as well.
A diet rich in whole grains can help lower the risk of some serious health conditions.
Some may be hard to believe, but all are true.
In a hurry? Don't forget about nutrition. Here, the seven worst convenience snacks and their good-for-you alternatives.
Learn what you can do to protect yourself from this debilitating health threat.
Early steps in childhood to keep cholesterol low can help reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke later in life.
Along with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, certain medications can help get cholesterol levels in a normal range.
Do you know the facts about cholesterol? Test your knowledge now.
Pizza and doughnuts and burgers, oh my! These all-American treats top the nutritional hall of shame.
Heart disease is the nation's number one killer. Learn what you can do to prevent a heart attack.
Do you see the glass as half-empty or half-full? Your answer could have major effects on your health.
Do you know your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride numbers? Learn how to decipher these terms and reduce your disease risk.
According to some researchers, a four-legged friend can add years to your life.
These numbers could potentially save your life.