For Most Heart Patients, No Need to Avoid SexSusan H. Scher, M.D.
Sexual activity is safe for most heart patients, like any form of moderate exercise.
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Ending the Low Fat Muffin MythBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A typical low-fat muffin may sound heart-healthy, but its downfall is its size and the sugar, sodium, and calories it contains.
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Preference For Salt Shaped Early in LifeBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
When introducing solids, parents should try to avoid giving infants cereals and crackers with...
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Possible Role for Lipid-Lowering Statins in Clearing ArteriesSusan H. Scher, MD
These lipid-lowering drugs may provide another heart-healthy benefit, according to a new study.
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Hope for Overweight ChildrenNeil Wagner
If obese or overweight kids lose the weight as they become adults, the associated health risks also seem to vanish.
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Kids and Cholesterol: New Guidelines for ScreeningEsther Entin, M.D.
Current recommendations call for children to first be screened for high LDL cholesterol between age 9 and 11.
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Nitroglycerin Poses Risks to the Heart... But There's a FixAlice G. Walton
Nitroglycerin is a century-old treatment for heart attacks, but it can make future cardiovascular events more severe.
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Say Cheese! It May Be Good for Your HeartBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A study finds cheese consumption didn't raise total cholesterol. The same was not true for butter.
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Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Risks As Well As BenefitsNeil Wagner
Some studies of supplements actually found they increase the risk of death. But it may depend on how you crunch the numbers.
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Human Papillomavirus Linked to Heart DiseaseNeil Wagner
The sexually-transmitted human papillomavirus raises women's risk of heart disease.
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Stressful Life Events Can Up Death Risk: But There's a LimitAlice G. Walton
Going through a string of difficult life events in middle age raises one's death risk.
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The Secret Life of Saturated Fat ExposedBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Researchers have discovered just why unsaturated fats are so heart healthy. Now to get people...
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Impotence Can Lead to Heart DiseaseNeil Wagner
Erectile dysfunction can be one of the early warning signs of heart disease.
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Omega-3s: Not So Heart Healthy?Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
The men in a Danish study did not seem to benefit from the fatty acids in fish. Is something else...
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Study Questions Effectiveness of Stents at Preventing a Second StrokeNeil Wagner
Brain stents are not nearly as effective as aggressively treating stroke patients' high blood pressure and cholesterol.
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Chocolate: Good for the Heart and BrainBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Chocolate, but not fat or sugar that so often go along with it, appears to improve cardiovascular health.
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High Cholesterol? Maybe It's What You're NOT EatingBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Adding cholesterol-lowering foods to our diets is just as important to our hearts as reducing our intake of fat.
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Spicy Foods May Reduce the Effects of a High Fat MealBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A study has found that eating fatty foods seasoned with herbs and spices can reduce triglycerides...
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More Public Health Spending Means Fewer DeathsNeil Wagner
A study of public health spending between, found spending a little more save money and lives...
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Resource Center: Heart
BPA-Free Water Bottles Pass the Test, Some Aluminum Bottles Don'tNeil Wagner
It pays to do a little research to be sure that water bottle is BPA-free, especially if you plan to drink hot liquids from it.
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Too Much Salt, Too Little Potassium Linked to Heart RiskBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Eating too much salt and too little potassium is an especially dangerous combination. It doubles your risk of a heart attack.
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New Stroke Treatment Works by Reducing InflammationNeil Wagner
Alpha-B-crystallin limits damage by soaking up the toxic and inflammatory compounds that...
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Social Causes Kill as Many as Heart Attack, Stroke and Lung CancerNeil Wagner
Proof that public health must be seen in a broader light than it currently is...
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Soluble Fiber Trims Belly FatNeil Wagner
Soluble fiber is helpful in reducing the visceral fat that accumulates around the waist and belly.
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Healthy Lifestyle Reduces the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in WomenBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
SCD is sudden cardiac death. It is the largest cause of natural death in the United States and is responsible for half of all cardiac deaths
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Olive Oil May Offer Stroke ProtectionBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Olive oil's heart protective benefits are well known, and using it for cooking may also help prevent strokes.
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New Proof the Exercise Really Does Wonders for the HeartAlice G. Walton
Even light exercise can have a significant effect on the health of your heart and blood vessels.
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Patients with Stents May Benefit from Omega-3sBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming in patients who have received stents.
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Beyond LDL: Ultra-Bad CholesterolNeil Wagner
Sugar seems to make bad (LDL) cholesterol worse.
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At-Home Stroke Therapy: Simpler, Cheaper and Just as Effective Neil Wagner
Working at home to recover from a stroke can be as effective as rehabilitation in a special center.
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Paxil and Pravachol Taken Together Raise Blood Sugar Neil Wagner
Drug interactions can be surprising. Alone, neither Paxil nor Pravachol raise blood sugar...
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Third-Line Diabetes Drugs May Be NeededAlice G. Walton
A third-line diabetes medication may help manage blood sugar when other treatments aren't enough.
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ACE Inhibitors May Increase Breast Cancer Recurrence RiskNeil Wagner
A popular blood pressure medication appears to increase the risk of recurrence among survivors.
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"Health Literacy" Might Predict Hospitalization, Death RiskAlice G. Walton
The more you know about your own health, the less likely you are to be hospitalized.
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Craving Fast Food? Skip the Coffee!Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Coffee and donuts may be a bad idea. Caffeine interferes with the body's ability to clear sugars from the blood.
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Long Workdays May Raise Heart RiskNeil Wagner
Working over 11 hours a day regularly can raise your risk of heart disease significantly.
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Fitness May Predict Heart Risk Better than WeightAlice G. Walton
For people with heart trouble, their fitness level may be a better predictor of mortality than their weight.
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Atrial Fibrillation Can Be PreventedNeil Wagner
More than half of all cases of atrial fibrillation, an erratic heartbeat, are preventable.
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Stem Cells Heal Hearts Years After Damage OccursAlice G. Walton
Injecting stem cells into hearts reduces enlargement and scar tissue, and boosts heart function...
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Heart Drug Raises Breast Cancer Risk in WomenNeil Wagner
The heart drug digitalis raises the risk of breast cancer...
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High Disease Rate May Not Mean Poor HealthNeil Wagner
We tend to think a low disease rate means that doctors are doing a good job...
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The Tomato: A Multi-Talented FoodBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Tomatoes are one of the few fruit and vegetables that are even better for you when cooked.
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US Unhealthier Than UK, But Cause Is UnclearAlice G. Walton
Americans' health is worse than their British counterparts' in everything from asthma to angina.
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Belly Fat May Not Predict Heart Disease As Once BelievedAlice G. Walton
Belly fat may not be as big a predictor of heart disease as once thought.
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Potassium-Rich Diet May Reduce Stroke RiskBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A diet rich in potassium can reduce the risk of stroke, but some need to be careful.
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Obesity Alone Raises Death Risk from Heart AttackAlice G. Walton
Obesity alone dramatically raises the risk of dying from a heart attack.
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Can Trans-Fats Cause Depression?Neil Wagner
Trans-fats, or hydrogenated oils seem to raise the risk of depression.
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Vegans, What's Missing from Your DietNeil Wagner
Vegans should be aware that their diet may mean they need to boost their B12 and omega-3 consumption.
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The Good News About BeerBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Beer really is good for you - more isn't better, but the nutritional benefits are many and real...
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Too Much Screen Time Takes Toll on HeartAlice G. Walton
Too much screen time is linked not only to greater risk of heart disease, but also risk of death from any cause.
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Antibiotics and Blood Pressure Medicines Can Be a Dangerous MixNeil Wagner
People on calcium channel blockers need to steer clear of certain types of antibiotics because they can cause a severe drop in BP.
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The Skinny on Fat: How to Tell the Healthy from the HarmfulAlice G. Walton
"Fats" is not just a 4-letter word. It pays to be able to tell the good from the bad.
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Lowering Cholesterol: Statins Are a Last Resort, Not a Magic BulletNeil Wagner
If you are on cholesterol-lowering drugs, don't assume you can eat anything you want.
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Olive Oil and Leafy Greens Help Women's HeartsAlice G. Walton
Leafy greens and olive oil help protect women from heart disease.
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Men and Medicine Neil Wagner
Men tend not to go to the doctor, leaving high blood pressure and cancer untreated until they become more serious.
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Whole-Grains as Effective as Medication for High Blood PressureBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Eating whole grains can reduce systolic blood pressure.
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Daily Aspirin May Lower Cancer RiskNeil Wagner
A study found that low daily doses of aspirin greatly reduced the risk of several types of cancer.
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Increased Risk of Heart Disease Seen in Women with High Job StrainNeil Wagner
No surprise: women facing job stress have a greatly increased risk of heart disease. But what to do?
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Gaining a Few Pounds Significantly Ups Heart Disease RiskAlice G. Walton
Gaining just a few pounds can up your risk for heart disease by as much as 50%.
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Cell Phones May Help Keep BP in CheckAlice G. Walton
"Telemonitoring" blood pressure via cell phone seems to help because it requires an active partnership between doctor and patient.
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How Low Fat Diets Increase Heart Disease RiskBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Having some fat in your diet is actually good for your heart. What matters is what kind of fat you eat.
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Drug Thought to Protect Kidneys During Imaging Is IneffectiveAlice G. Walton
The dye used in heart imaging can harm the kidneys. Doctors thought acetylcysteine could protect us.
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Fat Build-Up in the Eye May Signal More Than Just Eye ProblemsAlice G. Walton
What can a common eye condition reveal more about our overall health?
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New Glue Speeds Recovery from Open Heart SurgeryNeil Wagner
A new bone cement called Kryptonite may be able help people recovering from open heart surgery...
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Adding Monounsaturated Fats to Diet May Boost Heart Health
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Monounsaturated fatty acids in nuts, avocados, seeds and olive oil can help you raise your good — HDL — cholesterol.
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Whole Grains May Reduce the BellyAlice G. Walton
Eating more whole grains (and fewer refined grains) can help reduce belly fat, and your risk for diabetes and heart disease.
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New Guidelines Simplify CPR Neil Wagner
If you see someone who needs help breathing, call 911 and then start using chest compression to keep the blood flowing.
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FDA Gives Thumbs Down to New Weight Loss Drug, LorcaserinAlice G. Walton
A panel of FDA experts says the risks outweigh the benefits of Lorcaserin. What's next?
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Taking Blood Pressure Meds at Night Before Bed Boosts EffectivenessAlice G. Walton
Taking blood pressure meds before you go to sleep at night boosts their effectiveness by working with your body's natural rhythms.
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Bringing Recess to the WorkplaceNeil Wagner
Two quick exercise programs aim to get office workers moving, no matter what their fitness level.
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Fighting Back Against DiabetesNeil Wagner
Simple lifestyle changes in diet and exercise can greatly reduce the health impact of Type 2 diabetes.
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Metabolic Syndrome Seriously Raises Heart RiskAlice G. Walton
Metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, high blood pressure, blood fats and sugar) doubles the risk for heart attack and stroke.
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Magnesium Reduces Diabetes RiskAlice G. Walton
More magnesium in your diet, such as that found in whole grains, can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes.
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FDA Restricts Diabetes Drug Alice G. Walton
The FDA has issued restrictions on who can be prescribed the type 2 diabetes drug Avandia®...
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A New Treatment for Stroke VictimsNeil Wagner
A small study has found that stroke patients recover better when they receive magnetic pulses...
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Much Confusion Over AngioplastyNeil Wagner
Opening clogged arteries with angioplasty is useful for relieving angina, but it doesn't prevent heart attacks.
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New Evidence that Stress KillsNeil Wagner
Look at the hair of cardiac patients and you can see that in the months before the attack...
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduce Inflammation, Boost Insulin SensitivityAlice G. Walton
Eating omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation that's linked to diabetes.
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Some Blood Pressure Medications May Raise Blood PressureNeil Wagner
Renin, an enzyme, may offer a way to figure out which blood pressure meds a patient may best respond
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Alcohol Disrupts the Biological ClockNeil Wagner
Reduced messenger RNA activity appears to be behind the sleep and mood problems in drinkers.
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Metabolic Syndrome May Be Reversible by Tweaking the DietAlice G. Walton
You may be able to reverse metabolic syndrome completely by making some important changes to your diet.
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Reduce Your Anger, Reduce Your Heart RiskAlice G. Walton
Relax. Being angry may cause your arteries to thicken and increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
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Proteins Other Than Red Meat Are Better for Women's HeartsAlice G. Walton
Women who get their protein from sources other than red meats have healthier hearts.
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Better Blood Flow Linked to Larger Brain SizeNeil Wagner
People with hearts that pump most effectively tend to have larger brains. Coincidence? Not likely.
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Think It's OK to Gain a Few Pounds? Not for Blood Vessels, Researchers SayAlice G. Walton
Losing just a few pounds, especially around your middle, may help your blood vessels work better.
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Women's Cholesterol Levels Affected by Time of the Month, Study SaysAlice G. Walton
Doctors testing a woman's cholesterol may want to ask when her last period was, since estrogen level
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Stem Cells May Help Repair Hearts After AttackAlice G. Walton
Calcium May Help the Bones, but Does It Hurt the Heart?Alice G. Walton
Calcium supplements may strengthen the bones, but they may also raise the risk of heart attack...
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CPR Good Enough Without Mouth-to-Mouth, Studies FindAlice G. Walton
Chest compressions alone are just effective as CPR with mouth-to-mouth in a heart attack emergency.
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PCBs Appear Linked to High Blood Pressure As Well As CancerAlice G. Walton
People who have higher levels of the chemicals PCBs in their bodies also seem to have higher BP.
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Stroking to Prevent StrokesNeil Wagner
Researchers relieved blocked arteries in rats by stroking a whisker. Can this be applied to humans?
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Sitting May Lead to Earlier DeathAlice G. Walton
Researchers find that the longer you sit, the shorter your lifespan.
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The American Heart Association Reviews the Best Ways to Get Healthy, Stay MotivatedAlice G. Walton
Heart disease hits 1 in 3 people. The first step to heart health is to set realistic behavioral rather than physiological goals.
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Beet Juice as a Natural Blood Pressure MedicineNeil Wagner
People who drank a glass of beet juice had a maximum drop of 10.4 points systolic blood pressure.
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Only 10% of Americans Are Eating the Right Amount of Salt, Reports CDCAlice G. Walton
Most Americans are getting too much salt, and most of it comes from processed foods.
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High Tea Consumption Linked to Heart HealthAlice G. Walton
A study of 37,000 people over 13 years found that drinking 3 to 6 cups of tea a day reduced the risk of heart disease by over 40%.
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Age at Menopause May Predict Cardiovascular RiskAlice G. Walton
Women who go through early menopause – before age 46 – may be at double the risk for cardio events.
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HDL or "Good" Cholesterol May Reduce Cancer RiskAlice G. Walton
HDL, the “Good” cholesterol, has been linked to lower cancer risk in addition to its contribution to heart health.
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Heart Attacks in California Are Way DownNeil Wagner
A recent study among members of a California HMO shows a huge decrease in serious heart attacks.
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Tiny Vacuum Removes Blood Clots from the BrainNeil Wagner
Early studies using a tiny vacuum to remove blood clots in the brain show promise...
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Mediterranean Diet Helps Hearts That Have Already Had TroubleAlice G. Walton
Eating a Mediterranean-style diet helps protect the heart from a second attack.
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Less Sugar, Lower Blood PressureNeil Wagner
Drink one less serving of sugar-sweetened beverages (such as sweet tea, lemonade or soda) and you can lower your blood pressure.
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Don't Forget to Brush Your Teeth - It Might Save Your LifeAlice G. Walton
One very simple way to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 70% is to brush your teeth twice a day.
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High-Fat Meals May Impair Breathing, Worsen AsthmaNeil Wagner
High fat meals appear to increase inflammation and decrease lung function. Blame immune responses.
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End of Life Decisions: Defibrillators and PacemakersNeil Wagner
Patients with implanted heart devices like pacemakers or defibrillators may want to establish a directive for their deactivation.
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High-Bran Diets May Help Diabetics Live LongerAlice G. Walton
Eating diets high in bran may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
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Overtime Ups Risk of Death from Heart DiseaseAlice G. Walton
People who work a great deal of overtime are at greater risk of heart-related death. Type A behavior may be partly to blame.
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To Lower Cholesterol, Researchers Say, Go a Little NutsAlice G. Walton
Eating a handful of nuts every day is a good way to reduce your cholesterol and blood fat levels.
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Get to a Doctor Soon after a Mini-Stroke to Avoid Having a Real OneAlice G. Walton
A TIA or transient ischemic attack is a mini-stroke, but with no lasting damage. It is often a warning sign and should be treated.
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Warfarin and Supplements Don't MixNeil Wagner
Be sure to let your doctor know of the various supplements you may be taking. They can interfere with the action of many different drugs.
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Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet May Lie in the Olive OilAlice G. Walton
Olive oil is a big reason why the Mediterranean diet is healthful. The phenols in it suppress genes involved in inflammation.
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Earplugs and Eye Masks Help Hospital Patients Sleep BetterNeil Wagner
Patients in intensive care units often experience interrupted sleep. Finding ways to block noise and light can help.
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B-Vitamins May Help Protect from Heart Disease and StrokeAlice G. Walton
Increasing your intake of vitamin B6 and folate may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Walking Shelter Dogs Helps Heart Patients Recover Faster - and Makes the Pups Happy, TooAlice G. Walton
Volunteering at their local animal shelter is one good way for cardiac patients to get the exercise they need to recover.
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Don't Replace Saturated Fats with Carbs If You Want to Help Your Heart, Study FindsAlice G. Walton
Replacing saturated fats with low-glycemic foods - not high-glycemic foods - may be a good way to reduce heart attack risk.
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Blood Pressure Meds Might Reduce the Spread of Breast Cancer, Study SaysAlice G. Walton
Beta-blockers appear to help reduce the spread of cancer.
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Chocolate Cuts Risk for Heart Attack and Stroke, Lowers Blood PressureAlice G. Walton
Eating the equivalent of a square of chocolate every day can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke
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An Alternative to Heart Surgery for Leaky ValvesNeil Wagner
A clothespin-like clip, inserted through a vein in the groin, is an alternative to heart surgery...
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Blood Vessels Rebound After People Quit SmokingAlice G. Walton
Quitting smoking improves FMD, or flow mediated dilation of blood vessels, a strong indicator of heart health.
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Under Acute Stress, Higher Blood Pressure May Not Be Such a Bad ThingAlice G. Walton
High blood pressure is not a good thing, but it does appear having high BP in times of heart stress is an advantage.
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Interrupting Blood Supply May Help Patients during Heart AttackAlice G. Walton
Interrupting the blood flow when someone has a heart attack may help protect the heart from damage.
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Don't Worry, Be ActiveNeil Wagner
Exercise can reduce the anxiety people may feel when living with a chronic illness.
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Diet and Cholesterol in Middle Age and BeyondNeil Wagner
Even older adults, including those taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, can lower their cholesterol further by cutting down on butter and satu
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Six Months of Nicotine Patches Work Better Than TwoNeil Wagner
Nicotine patches tend to be more effective when used for longer periods of time.
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Stressed Out: The Behavior and Biology of StressAlice G. Walton
Stress is a feeling, but it is also a biological response that is both helpful and harmful.
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High Blood Pressure Associated with Dementia, Alzheimer'sAlice G. Walton
High blood pressure is connected to an increase in the number of white matter brain lesions connected to mental decline.
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Heart Rate May Predict Heart-Related Death, Study FindsAlice G. Walton
If your heart rate at rest is over 100 beats per minute, you are at far higher risk of death from heart disease. It is not too late to act.
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Antipsychotic Users Not Being Tested for Side EffectsNeil Wagner
Second generation antipsychotic drugs, like clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone, can raise the risk of diabetes and heart problems.
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Heart Attack Survival Rate Unchanged in 30 YearsNeil Wagner
Heart attack survival rates will only improve if more bystanders know CPR and the use of devices to shock the heart increases.
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Watching TV May Shorten Your LifeNeil Wagner
Spending too much time sitting in front of the TV or computer, rather than moving, raises the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Researchers Identify Risk Factors to Predict Second StrokeAlice G. Walton
Having a second stroke soon after the first makes disability much more likely, so it is important to be aware of factors that raise the risk
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Stem Cells Help Heal Heart after AttackAlice G. Walton
Adult stem cells may help speed patients' recovery from a heart attack by spurring the growth of new blood vessels.
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Diet, Cognitive Ability, and Heart Health Interlinked in Seniors, Study FindsAlice G. Walton
Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables helps seniors' hearts and their cognitive function.
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High-Carb and High-Protein Diets Both Effective in Maintaining Weight-LossAlice G. Walton
carb and high protein diets both seem equally effective at producing weight loss.
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The Impact of “Good” and “Bad” Cholesterol on Heart DiseaseAlice G. Walton
Having high HDL, the "good" cholesterol actually seems to help reduce the chances of heart failure.
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Can Exercise Make You Smarter?Neil Wagner
Aerobic exercise in adolescence has been found to raise intelligence test scores and lead to better work.
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Selenium Supplements May Increase CholesterolAlice G. Walton
Supplementing the diet with selenium can raise blood cholesterol as much as 8 percent.
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Telephone Intervention Helps Post-Surgery Heart PatientsAlice G. Walton
Phone contact with a nurse practitioner can help reduce depression and the likelihood of re−hospitalization in heart surgery patients.
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Low Cholesterol May Signal Undiagnosed CancerAlice G. Walton
Low cholesterol may be a sign of undiagnosed cancer.
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Heart Drug Outperformed by High-Dose Niacin in Head-to-Head TrialNeil Wagner
A recent study found that a drug offering a high dose of the B vitamin, niacin, performed much better than the much-prescribed ezitimibe (Zetia®).
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Diet and Exercise Stave off Diabetes Better than MedsAlice G. Walton
Diet and exercise are the best way to prevent type 2 diabetes, even better than medication.
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Cocoa May Help Keep the Heart Healthy, Study SaysAlice G. Walton
The polyphenols in cocoa — among other foods — reduce risk for heart disease and cancer.
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Boosting Fiber May Help Thwart Belly FatAlice G. Walton
fat is associated with an increased risk of heart problems and diabetes.
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Protein in Blood Could Predict Heart Attack and Death, Not StrokeAlice G. Walton
The presence of high levels of a protein in the blood may predict the likelihood of a heart attack, according to a new study. C−reactive protein increases in response to infection.
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Flexible Bodies, Flexible ArteriesNeil Wagner
The narrower and stiffer the artery, the faster blood flows, raising blood pressure.
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Researchers Find A Way to Help Keep Heart YoungAlice G. Walton
A gene, P13K, appears to play a big role in aging in the heart, reducing thickening of heart tissue and offering better overall function...
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Whole Grains Good for Men's Heart HealthAlice G. Walton
Eating whole grains can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Read more >
High Sugar Diet Raises Blood PressureNeil Wagner
Uric acid, produced by the breakdown of fructose, can raise blood pressure and the risk metabolic syndrome.
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Doctor-Patient Communication: Race MattersNeil Wagner
African American patients tend to have less informative communication with their healthcare providers than do whites. The good news is that patients..
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Losing Weight Helps the Heart Return to NormalAlice G. Walton
Once a significant amount of weight is lost, the heart actually restructures into a healthier, more productive version of itself.
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Optimism is Linked to Less Heart Trouble, Better Life ExpectancyAlice G. Walton
Studies show that cynical and hostile people have a higher mortality rate than those who are optimistic and trusting.
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Little Lifesavers: Children Can Learn CPRNeil Wagner
Children as young as 9 years old have been able to learn to apply CPR effectively.
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“Silent” Strokes May Put Seniors at Risk for Memory Loss and Cognitive ProblemsAlice G. Walton
People over 60 may be at risk of experiencing "silent" strokes, those which go unnoticed...
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Kids and Cholesterol: To Screen Or Not To Screen?Esther Entin, M.D.
Children are starting to show dangerously high cholesterol, triglycerides and lipid levels. How to prevent life-long damage to young hearts.
Read more >
Vegetable Protein Linked to Lower Blood PressureAlice G. Walton
Glutamic acid, found in vegetable protein, can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
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Red Yeast Rice — Not Coming to a Town Near You Neil Wagner
When red yeast is grown on rice, it produces an effective, natural statin that lowered cholesterol by 31 points without side effects.
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High-Glycemic Foods May Up Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Alice G. Walton
High-glycemic index carbs reduce or inhibit endothelial function, which is one of the risk factors leading to atherosclerosis.
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Tongue and Throat Exercises Help Ease Sleep Apnea Alice G. Walton
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of the nighttime sleep disorder.
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Why It's So Hard to Eat a Low-Salt DietNeil Wagner
The best way to begin to reduce the amount of salt in your diet is to reduce your consumption of processed foods.
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Slow, Frequent Walks Better for Heart HealthAlice G. Walton
After a heart attack, longer, slower, and more frequent exercise is better for your heart than vigorous, three-times-a-week programs.
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Drinking Alcohol May Lengthen Life, Ward off Dementia Alice G. Walton
Moderate alcohol consumption, particularly wine, can lengthen life and reduce the risk of dementia.
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Secondhand Smoke Exerts Ill Effects Quickly, Researchers Say
Even a brief exposure to cigarette smoke can have a negative cardiovascular effect.
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Drinks Sweetened with Fructose May Pose Heart Risk Alice G. Walton
Fructose, in contrast to its relative, glucose, appears to have a negative effect on heart health.
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Human Heart Cells Are Capable of Regenerating After All, Say Researchers Alice G. Walton
Heart cells can regenerate, according to a study that used a an approach more common to archeology than biology.
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3 Grams Less Saves Lives Alice G. Walton
Limiting salt by even a half-teaspoon a day could have a significant impact.
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Putting the Facts in Drug Ads How to Improve Drug Ads Neil Wagner
Direct-to-consumer advertising needs to present the benefits of drugs, as well as side effects, so consumers can make decisions with their doctors.
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Pick a Guideline, Any Guideline Neil Wagner
Exercise guidelines differ on particulars, but in generally, they agree that 30 minutes a day, four or five days a week is the goal.
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Can Potassium Counteract High Sodium? Neil Wagner
Healthy 19-50 year olds should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of salt a day, about one teaspoon.
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A New Weapon to Lower Cholesterol Levels? Neil Wagner
Cholesterol is carried by different transport proteins classed according to their densities. High density(HDL)is good; low (LDL)is bad.
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Walking is Good Medicine for Blocked Leg Arteries Neil Wagner
Peripheral artery disease is estimated to affect one out of every 16 adults over the age of 40, but often goes undiagnosed.
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Sleep More, Live BetterNeil Wagner
Sleep deprivation may be a risk factor for many common medical problems, including weight gain, diabetes and hypertension.
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Music May Be Good for the Heart, Literally Alice G. Walton
Listening to pleasurable music helps dilate blood vessels significantly, just as blood pressure medications like statins do.
Read more >
Risks for Metabolic Syndrome Neil Wagner
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of factors that increases the chance of contracting heart disease, diabetes or stroke.
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Triglycerides and Stroke Neil Wagner
As triglyceride levels go up, so does the risk of stroke.
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Obese Children's Arteries Are Just as Bad as Middle-Aged Adults'Alice G. Walton
The vascular "age" of obese children is like that of middle-aged adults, based on the amount of plaque build-up.
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Ultrasound as Clot Buster Neil Wagner
If a clot or part of it dislodges and travels to the lung and blocks an artery, a pulmonary embolism can occur.
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Can Aspirin Help Prevent a First Heart Attack?Neil Wagner
People who have diabetes are two to five times more likely to suffer from heart disease than the general population.
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Location, Location, Location: Surviving Cardiac ArrestLindsey Harle, M.D.
When it comes to cardiac arrest, where you live that can make a difference.
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Mediterranean Diet Wins AgainNeil Wagner
A Mediterranean diet is a diet that's rich in grain, fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil and includes a moderate amount of red wine.
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Statins Do Not Protect Women from Heart AttacksNeil Wagner
Statins are effective for men, but it is not clear they are effective for women.
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Salt Still Raises Blood PressureNeil Wagner
It is very simple: increased salt consumption increases your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure).
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Coffee Drinkers Live LongerNeil Wagner
Coffee drinkers have a lower mortality rate, even from cardiovascular disease, according to a long-term study.
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Treatment Twofer: Depression, Hypertension Respond to Integrated TherapyJordana Bieze Foster
Depression is a risk factor for hypertension. Patients with both conditions are less likely to take their anti-hypertensive medications.
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Optimism Pays Off for Heart PatientsNeil Wagner
Having a positive outlook can improve a heart patient's outcome.
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How to Increase "Good" CholesterolTom Gilbert
Higher levels of HDL are associated with lower risk of heart attack or stroke.
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Treating Heart Risk in the Obese — Pills Are Not EnoughLinda Hepler
Prevention, not handing out pills, is the key to improving risk for heart disease.
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Aspirin and HypertensionTom Gilbert
Taking aspirin before bedtime is more effective for preventing hypertension.
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Using Breakfast to Stabilize Blood SugarTom Gilbert
What you eat for breakfast can reduce the insulin rollercoaster and your risk for heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart failure.
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Good News from Fat Rats: Lipoic Acid Lowers Triglycerides Tom Gilbert
Lipoic acid supplements lowered blood triglyceride levels by up to 60% in a study of...
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Fixing the GaitTom Gilbert
More than 700,000 Americans have a stroke each year, many never fully recover.
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CHD Patients: Exercising the Least and Needing It MostTom Gilbert
Medical guidelines suggest a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days each week.
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Seeing It ComingTom Gilbert
Many of us know one or two of the warning signs of heart attack, but few know all the symptoms or have a clear idea of what them.
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U.S. Leads Europe in StrokesTom Gilbert
Mediterranean countries have a lower rate of stroke compared to the US, which may reflect the influence of the "Mediterranean diet."
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Getting Our Children off the Road to Heart DiseaseTom Gilbert
We spend 18 years teaching our children how to walk, talk, read and drive, but many of us drop the ball when it comes to teaching them how to eat right.
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Triglycerides: the New Cholesterol?Tom Gilbert
Triglycerides are a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease and should be routinely monitored.
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The 30-Minute SolutionLeslie Carr
Add another finding to the growing list of studies telling us how important exercise is in reducing the impact of aging.
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Eat Less Or Exercise More? A Little of Either Will Help Your HeartTom Gilbert
The heart is not picky. Whether you eat less or exercise more, it responds to weight loss.
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Calcium & Heart Attack in Older WomenTom Gilbert
For some older women, calcium may increase the risk of heart attack.
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Men, Women and AspirinTom Gilbert
Taking a low-dose aspirin once a day can help prevent heart attacks, but new research suggests that this may only be true for men...
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Vitamin E: Yes and NoTom Gilbert
Vitamin E appears to help some people avoid heart disease. But it may make others more vulnerable to it.
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Heart Disease and Anger MismanagementTom Gilbert
Men who are hostile and given to fits of anger and depression may be harming their immune systems and putting themselves at risk for heart disease, as well as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
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Low Cholesterol Associated with Cancer?Tom Gilbert
Many studies show that lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol) is one of the most important things we can do to prevent heart disease.
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Women and the Mid-Life StrokeTom Gilbert
Middle-aged women have a far greater risk of stroke than do men.
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What Do You Know About Stroke?Tom Gilbert
Stroke kills over 160,000 Americans each year.
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Belly Fat and DiseaseTom Gilbert
As scientists learn more about the role of inflammation in diabetes, heart disease and other disorders, new research suggests that fat in the belly may be an important contributor to that inflammation.
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St. Valentine's Gift from MedicareTom Gilbert
Routine screenings can make a big difference in the early detection of aneurysms.
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Acute Pulmonary EmbolismChristopher Kabrhel, M.D.
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially deadly disease, which occur when arteries become blocked, PE is part of a family of diseases that occur when veins become blocked.
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USA #1 — in Treating HypertensionTom Gilbert
Treating hypertension early may actually save healthcare dollars by avoiding expensive procedures later.
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Heart Failure: Fatter Is Better?Tom Gilbert
There is an obesity paradox in cardiovascular health. Heavier people tend to survive health crises better, but are more at risk.
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Folic Acid Cuts Heart Disease RiskTom Gilbert
For years, mounting research has indicated that consumption of folic acid is associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
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Pregnant Smokers May "Program" Their Kids to SmokeTom Gilbert
Pregnant smokers may "program" their children to become smokers suggests the latest research.
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Does Prostate Cancer Treatment Cause Diabetes and Heart Disease?Tom Gilbert
A common treatment for prostate cancer puts men at increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.
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It Is the HumidityTom Gilbert
Humidity appears to raise the risk of heart attack.
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"Good" Fat Protein May Protect Blood VesselsTom Gilbert
Adiponectin stops white blood cells from the immune system from attaching to blood vessel walls.
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For Seniors: What to Do About High Blood PressureAbbas Ali, M.D.
A New Look at Stroke PreventionTom Gilbert
The eye is part of the brain and the same blood vessels feed both organs.
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Hypertension in the Elderly: Too Little, Too LateAbbas Ali, M.D.
Cut down on salt, alcohol and lose weight to help lower your blood pressure.
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Breaking Up (Exercise) Is Good to DoTom Gilbert
Short bursts of intense exercise may be better for the heart than endurance training.
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Anti-Heart Attack Antibiotics?Tom Gilbert
Inflammation within the blood vessels plays a key role in the development of coronary heart disease.
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Carotid Artery Repair: Stent Or Scalpel?Joseph G. Salloum, M.D., Morgan Campbell, M.D., and Richard W. Smalling, M.D., Ph.D.
Successful carotid artery surgery can reduce the risk of stroke.
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Reversal Therapy, a Better Treatment for Heart DiseaseK. Lance Gould, M.D.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs are more effective than cardiac bypass surgeryfor the treatment of heart disease.
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A Narrowing Question: Do Clogged Arteries Secretly Re-Clog After Treatment?Tom Gilbert
Restenosis, the narrowing of an artery after angioplasty or other form of surgery, is all too common.
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Good Health to Diet For: Blood Pressure and NutritionRobert M. Russell, M.D. and Paolo M. Suter, M.D.
Some people are "salt sensitive." If they increase their salt, they increase their blood pressure.
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"Time is Brain": Treating Stroke as an EmergencyMorgan Campbell, M.D.
Aspirin, taken every day (81-325 mg dose), can help prevent a stroke.
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Less is Less: the Undertreatment of High Blood PressureEli A. Friedman, M.D.
If your doctor says your blood pressure is "a little high," you should betreated with anti-hypertensive drugs.
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A New Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure?Frank A. Laws, M.D., and Richard W. Smalling, M.D., Ph.D.
A New Way of Looking at AtherosclerosisFelicita Andreotti, M.D., Ph.D., Ignatios Ikonomidis, M.D., Stefano Sdringola, M.D., and Petros Nihoyannopoulos, M.D.
Going With The Flow: Exercise And Healthy Blood VesselsTom Gilbert
The blood vessels of older athletes tend to function just as well as those younger group.
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Low Cholesterol and Heart ProblemsTom Gilbert
You cannot depend on your cholesterol level alone to indicate heart disease.
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Traumatic Aortic RuptureLynn Schrader, M.D., and Martin J. Carey, M.D.
Car crash victims who have difficulty speaking or swallowing may havea torn aorta, a life-threatening medical emergency.
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Sleep Apnea: The Noisy KillerAhmed Syed Ali, M.D., and John E. Morley, M.D.
If you are often sleepy during the daytime, you may have sleep apnea and should see your doctor.
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Coronary Heart Disease in WomenSusan C. Stewart, M.D.
Two common conditions that can produce chest pain and are frequently confused with angina are esophageal reflux disease and panic attacks.
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Lasering the Heart When Coronary Bypass Isn't PossibleRan Kornowski, M.D., and Martin B. Leon, M.D.
Diet and Heart DiseaseRobert M. Russell, M.D., and Alice H. Lichtenstein, D. Sc.
Current Treatments for Heart AttacksRichard W. Smalling, M.D., Ph.D.
The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain; but sometimes,the pain starts in the arm, neck or back.
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Emerging Treatments: Unstable AnginaBrian M. Go, M.D., and H. Vernon Anderson, M.D.
Calcium antagonists have been found to be very beneficial in preventing heart attacks inpatients with unstable angina who are unable to use beta blockers.
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Why Doctors Use EchocardiographyEddy Barasch, M.D.
Echocardiography is so sensitive that it can detect mild murmurs not otherwise heard, alerting your doctor to potential problems.
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