February 04, 2012
   
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For Most Heart Patients, No Need to Avoid Sex
Susan H. Scher, M.D.

Sexual activity is safe for most heart patients, like any form of moderate exercise. Read more >


Ending the Low Fat Muffin Myth
Beth 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. Read more >


Preference For Salt Shaped Early in Life
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

When introducing solids, parents should try to avoid giving infants cereals and crackers with... Read more >


Possible Role for Lipid-Lowering Statins in Clearing Arteries
Susan H. Scher, MD

These lipid-lowering drugs may provide another heart-healthy benefit, according to a new study. Read more >


Hope for Overweight Children
Neil Wagner

If obese or overweight kids lose the weight as they become adults, the associated health risks also seem to vanish. Read more >


Kids and Cholesterol: New Guidelines for Screening
Esther Entin, M.D.

Current recommendations call for children to first be screened for high LDL cholesterol between age 9 and 11. Read more >


Nitroglycerin Poses Risks to the Heart... But There's a Fix
Alice G. Walton

Nitroglycerin is a century-old treatment for heart attacks, but it can make future cardiovascular events more severe. Read more >


Say Cheese! It May Be Good for Your Heart
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

A study finds cheese consumption didn't raise total cholesterol. The same was not true for butter. Read more >


Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Risks As Well As Benefits
Neil Wagner

Some studies of supplements actually found they increase the risk of death. But it may depend on how you crunch the numbers. Read more >


Human Papillomavirus Linked to Heart Disease
Neil Wagner

The sexually-transmitted human papillomavirus raises women's risk of heart disease. Read more >


Stressful Life Events Can Up Death Risk: But There's a Limit
Alice G. Walton

Going through a string of difficult life events in middle age raises one's death risk. Read more >


The Secret Life of Saturated Fat Exposed
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

Researchers have discovered just why unsaturated fats are so heart healthy. Now to get people... Read more >


Impotence Can Lead to Heart Disease
Neil Wagner

Erectile dysfunction can be one of the early warning signs of heart disease. Read more >


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... Read more >


Study Questions Effectiveness of Stents at Preventing a Second Stroke
Neil Wagner

Brain stents are not nearly as effective as aggressively treating stroke patients' high blood pressure and cholesterol. Read more >


Chocolate: Good for the Heart and Brain
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

Chocolate, but not fat or sugar that so often go along with it, appears to improve cardiovascular health. Read more >


High Cholesterol? Maybe It's What You're NOT Eating
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

Adding cholesterol-lowering foods to our diets is just as important to our hearts as reducing our intake of fat. Read more >


Spicy Foods May Reduce the Effects of a High Fat Meal
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

A study has found that eating fatty foods seasoned with herbs and spices can reduce triglycerides... Read more >


More Public Health Spending Means Fewer Deaths
Neil Wagner

A study of public health spending between, found spending a little more save money and lives... Read more >


Resource Center: Heart



BPA-Free Water Bottles Pass the Test, Some Aluminum Bottles Don't
Neil 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. Read more >


Too Much Salt, Too Little Potassium Linked to Heart Risk
Beth 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. Read more >


New Stroke Treatment Works by Reducing Inflammation
Neil Wagner

Alpha-B-crystallin limits damage by soaking up the toxic and inflammatory compounds that... Read more >


Social Causes Kill as Many as Heart Attack, Stroke and Lung Cancer
Neil Wagner

Proof that public health must be seen in a broader light than it currently is... Read more >


Soluble Fiber Trims Belly Fat
Neil Wagner

Soluble fiber is helpful in reducing the visceral fat that accumulates around the waist and belly. Read more >


Healthy Lifestyle Reduces the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Women
Beth 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 Read more >


Olive Oil May Offer Stroke Protection
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

Olive oil's heart protective benefits are well known, and using it for cooking may also help prevent strokes. Read more >


New Proof the Exercise Really Does Wonders for the Heart
Alice G. Walton

Even light exercise can have a significant effect on the health of your heart and blood vessels. Read more >


Patients with Stents May Benefit from Omega-3s
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming in patients who have received stents. Read more >


Beyond LDL: Ultra-Bad Cholesterol
Neil Wagner

Sugar seems to make bad (LDL) cholesterol worse. Read more >


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. Read more >


Paxil and Pravachol Taken Together Raise Blood Sugar
Neil Wagner

Drug interactions can be surprising. Alone, neither Paxil nor Pravachol raise blood sugar... Read more >


Third-Line Diabetes Drugs May Be Needed
Alice G. Walton

A third-line diabetes medication may help manage blood sugar when other treatments aren't enough. Read more >


ACE Inhibitors May Increase Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Neil Wagner

A popular blood pressure medication appears to increase the risk of recurrence among survivors. Read more >


"Health Literacy" Might Predict Hospitalization, Death Risk
Alice G. Walton

The more you know about your own health, the less likely you are to be hospitalized. Read more >


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. Read more >


Long Workdays May Raise Heart Risk
Neil Wagner

Working over 11 hours a day regularly can raise your risk of heart disease significantly. Read more >


Fitness May Predict Heart Risk Better than Weight
Alice G. Walton

For people with heart trouble, their fitness level may be a better predictor of mortality than their weight. Read more >


Atrial Fibrillation Can Be Prevented
Neil Wagner

More than half of all cases of atrial fibrillation, an erratic heartbeat, are preventable. Read more >


Stem Cells Heal Hearts Years After Damage Occurs
Alice G. Walton

Injecting stem cells into hearts reduces enlargement and scar tissue, and boosts heart function... Read more >


Heart Drug Raises Breast Cancer Risk in Women
Neil Wagner

The heart drug digitalis raises the risk of breast cancer... Read more >


High Disease Rate May Not Mean Poor Health
Neil Wagner

We tend to think a low disease rate means that doctors are doing a good job... Read more >


The Tomato: A Multi-Talented Food
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

Tomatoes are one of the few fruit and vegetables that are even better for you when cooked. Read more >


US Unhealthier Than UK, But Cause Is Unclear
Alice G. Walton

Americans' health is worse than their British counterparts' in everything from asthma to angina. Read more >


Belly Fat May Not Predict Heart Disease As Once Believed
Alice G. Walton

Belly fat may not be as big a predictor of heart disease as once thought. Read more >


Potassium-Rich Diet May Reduce Stroke Risk
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

A diet rich in potassium can reduce the risk of stroke, but some need to be careful. Read more >


Obesity Alone Raises Death Risk from Heart Attack
Alice G. Walton

Obesity alone dramatically raises the risk of dying from a heart attack. Read more >


Can Trans-Fats Cause Depression?
Neil Wagner

Trans-fats, or hydrogenated oils seem to raise the risk of depression. Read more >


Vegans, What's Missing from Your Diet
Neil Wagner

Vegans should be aware that their diet may mean they need to boost their B12 and omega-3 consumption. Read more >


The Good News About Beer
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

Beer really is good for you - more isn't better, but the nutritional benefits are many and real... Read more >


Too Much Screen Time Takes Toll on Heart
Alice G. Walton

Too much screen time is linked not only to greater risk of heart disease, but also risk of death from any cause. Read more >


Antibiotics and Blood Pressure Medicines Can Be a Dangerous Mix
Neil Wagner

People on calcium channel blockers need to steer clear of certain types of antibiotics because they can cause a severe drop in BP. Read more >


The Skinny on Fat: How to Tell the Healthy from the Harmful
Alice G. Walton

"Fats" is not just a 4-letter word. It pays to be able to tell the good from the bad. Read more >


Lowering Cholesterol: Statins Are a Last Resort, Not a Magic Bullet
Neil Wagner

If you are on cholesterol-lowering drugs, don't assume you can eat anything you want. Read more >


Olive Oil and Leafy Greens Help Women's Hearts
Alice G. Walton

Leafy greens and olive oil help protect women from heart disease. Read more >


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. Read more >


Whole-Grains as Effective as Medication for High Blood Pressure
Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN

Eating whole grains can reduce systolic blood pressure. Read more >


Daily Aspirin May Lower Cancer Risk
Neil Wagner

A study found that low daily doses of aspirin greatly reduced the risk of several types of cancer. Read more >


Increased Risk of Heart Disease Seen in Women with High Job Strain
Neil Wagner

No surprise: women facing job stress have a greatly increased risk of heart disease. But what to do? Read more >


Gaining a Few Pounds Significantly Ups Heart Disease Risk
Alice G. Walton

Gaining just a few pounds can up your risk for heart disease by as much as 50%. Read more >


Cell Phones May Help Keep BP in Check
Alice G. Walton

"Telemonitoring" blood pressure via cell phone seems to help because it requires an active partnership between doctor and patient. Read more >


How Low Fat Diets Increase Heart Disease Risk
Beth 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. Read more >


Drug Thought to Protect Kidneys During Imaging Is Ineffective
Alice G. Walton

The dye used in heart imaging can harm the kidneys. Doctors thought acetylcysteine could protect us. Read more >


Fat Build-Up in the Eye May Signal More Than Just Eye Problems
Alice G. Walton

What can a common eye condition reveal more about our overall health? Read more >


New Glue Speeds Recovery from Open Heart Surgery
Neil Wagner

A new bone cement called Kryptonite may be able help people recovering from open heart surgery... Read more >


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. Read more >


Whole Grains May Reduce the Belly
Alice G. Walton

Eating more whole grains (and fewer refined grains) can help reduce belly fat, and your risk for diabetes and heart disease. Read more >


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. Read more >


FDA Gives Thumbs Down to New Weight Loss Drug, Lorcaserin
Alice G. Walton

A panel of FDA experts says the risks outweigh the benefits of Lorcaserin. What's next? Read more >


Taking Blood Pressure Meds at Night Before Bed Boosts Effectiveness
Alice G. Walton

Taking blood pressure meds before you go to sleep at night boosts their effectiveness by working with your body's natural rhythms. Read more >


Bringing Recess to the Workplace
Neil Wagner

Two quick exercise programs aim to get office workers moving, no matter what their fitness level. Read more >


Fighting Back Against Diabetes
Neil Wagner

Simple lifestyle changes in diet and exercise can greatly reduce the health impact of Type 2 diabetes. Read more >


Metabolic Syndrome Seriously Raises Heart Risk
Alice G. Walton

Metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, high blood pressure, blood fats and sugar) doubles the risk for heart attack and stroke. Read more >


Magnesium Reduces Diabetes Risk
Alice G. Walton

More magnesium in your diet, such as that found in whole grains, can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes. Read more >


FDA Restricts Diabetes Drug
Alice G. Walton

The FDA has issued restrictions on who can be prescribed the type 2 diabetes drug Avandia®... Read more >


A New Treatment for Stroke Victims
Neil Wagner

A small study has found that stroke patients recover better when they receive magnetic pulses... Read more >


Much Confusion Over Angioplasty
Neil Wagner

Opening clogged arteries with angioplasty is useful for relieving angina, but it doesn't prevent heart attacks. Read more >


New Evidence that Stress Kills
Neil Wagner

Look at the hair of cardiac patients and you can see that in the months before the attack... Read more >


Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduce Inflammation, Boost Insulin Sensitivity
Alice G. Walton

Eating omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation that's linked to diabetes. Read more >


Some Blood Pressure Medications May Raise Blood Pressure
Neil Wagner

Renin, an enzyme, may offer a way to figure out which blood pressure meds a patient may best respond Read more >


Alcohol Disrupts the Biological Clock
Neil Wagner

Reduced messenger RNA activity appears to be behind the sleep and mood problems in drinkers. Read more >


Metabolic Syndrome May Be Reversible by Tweaking the Diet
Alice G. Walton

You may be able to reverse metabolic syndrome completely by making some important changes to your diet. Read more >


Reduce Your Anger, Reduce Your Heart Risk
Alice G. Walton

Relax. Being angry may cause your arteries to thicken and increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Read more >


Proteins Other Than Red Meat Are Better for Women's Hearts
Alice G. Walton

Women who get their protein from sources other than red meats have healthier hearts. Read more >


Better Blood Flow Linked to Larger Brain Size
Neil Wagner

People with hearts that pump most effectively tend to have larger brains. Coincidence? Not likely. Read more >


Think It's OK to Gain a Few Pounds? Not for Blood Vessels, Researchers Say
Alice G. Walton

Losing just a few pounds, especially around your middle, may help your blood vessels work better. Read more >


Women's Cholesterol Levels Affected by Time of the Month, Study Says
Alice G. Walton

Doctors testing a woman's cholesterol may want to ask when her last period was, since estrogen level Read more >


Stem Cells May Help Repair Hearts After Attack
Alice G. Walton

Stem cells to the rescue. Read more >


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... Read more >


CPR Good Enough Without Mouth-to-Mouth, Studies Find
Alice G. Walton

Chest compressions alone are just effective as CPR with mouth-to-mouth in a heart attack emergency. Read more >


PCBs Appear Linked to High Blood Pressure As Well As Cancer
Alice G. Walton

People who have higher levels of the chemicals PCBs in their bodies also seem to have higher BP. Read more >


Stroking to Prevent Strokes
Neil Wagner

Researchers relieved blocked arteries in rats by stroking a whisker. Can this be applied to humans? Read more >


Sitting May Lead to Earlier Death
Alice G. Walton

Researchers find that the longer you sit, the shorter your lifespan. Read more >


The American Heart Association Reviews the Best Ways to Get Healthy, Stay Motivated
Alice G. Walton

Heart disease hits 1 in 3 people. The first step to heart health is to set realistic behavioral rather than physiological goals. Read more >


Beet Juice as a Natural Blood Pressure Medicine
Neil Wagner

People who drank a glass of beet juice had a maximum drop of 10.4 points systolic blood pressure. Read more >


Only 10% of Americans Are Eating the Right Amount of Salt, Reports CDC
Alice G. Walton

Most Americans are getting too much salt, and most of it comes from processed foods. Read more >


High Tea Consumption Linked to Heart Health
Alice 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%. Read more >


Age at Menopause May Predict Cardiovascular Risk
Alice G. Walton

Women who go through early menopause – before age 46 – may be at double the risk for cardio events. Read more >


HDL or "Good" Cholesterol May Reduce Cancer Risk
Alice G. Walton

HDL, the “Good” cholesterol, has been linked to lower cancer risk in addition to its contribution to heart health. Read more >


Heart Attacks in California Are Way Down
Neil Wagner

A recent study among members of a California HMO shows a huge decrease in serious heart attacks. Read more >


Tiny Vacuum Removes Blood Clots from the Brain
Neil Wagner

Early studies using a tiny vacuum to remove blood clots in the brain show promise... Read more >


Mediterranean Diet Helps Hearts That Have Already Had Trouble
Alice G. Walton

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet helps protect the heart from a second attack. Read more >


Less Sugar, Lower Blood Pressure
Neil Wagner

Drink one less serving of sugar-sweetened beverages (such as sweet tea, lemonade or soda) and you can lower your blood pressure. Read more >


Don't Forget to Brush Your Teeth - It Might Save Your Life
Alice 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. Read more >


High-Fat Meals May Impair Breathing, Worsen Asthma
Neil Wagner

High fat meals appear to increase inflammation and decrease lung function. Blame immune responses. Read more >


End of Life Decisions: Defibrillators and Pacemakers
Neil Wagner

Patients with implanted heart devices like pacemakers or defibrillators may want to establish a directive for their deactivation. Read more >


High-Bran Diets May Help Diabetics Live Longer
Alice G. Walton

Eating diets high in bran may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Read more >


Overtime Ups Risk of Death from Heart Disease
Alice 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. Read more >


To Lower Cholesterol, Researchers Say, Go a Little Nuts
Alice G. Walton

Eating a handful of nuts every day is a good way to reduce your cholesterol and blood fat levels. Read more >


Get to a Doctor Soon after a Mini-Stroke to Avoid Having a Real One
Alice 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. Read more >


Warfarin and Supplements Don't Mix
Neil 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. Read more >


Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet May Lie in the Olive Oil
Alice G. Walton

Olive oil is a big reason why the Mediterranean diet is healthful. The phenols in it suppress genes involved in inflammation. Read more >


Earplugs and Eye Masks Help Hospital Patients Sleep Better
Neil Wagner

Patients in intensive care units often experience interrupted sleep. Finding ways to block noise and light can help. Read more >


B-Vitamins May Help Protect from Heart Disease and Stroke
Alice G. Walton

Increasing your intake of vitamin B6 and folate may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Read more >


Walking Shelter Dogs Helps Heart Patients Recover Faster - and Makes the Pups Happy, Too
Alice G. Walton

Volunteering at their local animal shelter is one good way for cardiac patients to get the exercise they need to recover. Read more >


Don't Replace Saturated Fats with Carbs If You Want to Help Your Heart, Study Finds
Alice G. Walton

Replacing saturated fats with low-glycemic foods - not high-glycemic foods - may be a good way to reduce heart attack risk. Read more >


Blood Pressure Meds Might Reduce the Spread of Breast Cancer, Study Says
Alice G. Walton

Beta-blockers appear to help reduce the spread of cancer. Read more >


Chocolate Cuts Risk for Heart Attack and Stroke, Lowers Blood Pressure
Alice G. Walton

Eating the equivalent of a square of chocolate every day can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke Read more >


An Alternative to Heart Surgery for Leaky Valves
Neil Wagner

A clothespin-like clip, inserted through a vein in the groin, is an alternative to heart surgery... Read more >


Blood Vessels Rebound After People Quit Smoking
Alice G. Walton

Quitting smoking improves FMD, or flow mediated dilation of blood vessels, a strong indicator of heart health. Read more >


Under Acute Stress, Higher Blood Pressure May Not Be Such a Bad Thing
Alice 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. Read more >


Interrupting Blood Supply May Help Patients during Heart Attack
Alice G. Walton

Interrupting the blood flow when someone has a heart attack may help protect the heart from damage. Read more >


Don't Worry, Be Active
Neil Wagner

Exercise can reduce the anxiety people may feel when living with a chronic illness. Read more >


Diet and Cholesterol in Middle Age and Beyond
Neil Wagner

Even older adults, including those taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, can lower their cholesterol further by cutting down on butter and satu Read more >


Six Months of Nicotine Patches Work Better Than Two
Neil Wagner

Nicotine patches tend to be more effective when used for longer periods of time. Read more >


Stressed Out: The Behavior and Biology of Stress
Alice G. Walton

Stress is a feeling, but it is also a biological response that is both helpful and harmful. Read more >


High Blood Pressure Associated with Dementia, Alzheimer's
Alice G. Walton

High blood pressure is connected to an increase in the number of white matter brain lesions connected to mental decline. Read more >


Heart Rate May Predict Heart-Related Death, Study Finds
Alice 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. Read more >


Antipsychotic Users Not Being Tested for Side Effects
Neil Wagner

Second generation antipsychotic drugs, like clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone, can raise the risk of diabetes and heart problems. Read more >


Heart Attack Survival Rate Unchanged in 30 Years
Neil Wagner

Heart attack survival rates will only improve if more bystanders know CPR and the use of devices to shock the heart increases. Read more >


Watching TV May Shorten Your Life
Neil Wagner

Spending too much time sitting in front of the TV or computer, rather than moving, raises the risk of cardiovascular disease. Read more >


Researchers Identify Risk Factors to Predict Second Stroke
Alice 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 Read more >


Stem Cells Help Heal Heart after Attack
Alice G. Walton

Adult stem cells may help speed patients' recovery from a heart attack by spurring the growth of new blood vessels. Read more >


Diet, Cognitive Ability, and Heart Health Interlinked in Seniors, Study Finds
Alice G. Walton

Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables helps seniors' hearts and their cognitive function. Read more >


High-Carb and High-Protein Diets Both Effective in Maintaining Weight-Loss
Alice G. Walton

carb and high protein diets both seem equally effective at producing weight loss. Read more >


The Impact of “Good” and “Bad” Cholesterol on Heart Disease
Alice G. Walton

Having high HDL, the "good" cholesterol actually seems to help reduce the chances of heart failure. Read more >


Can Exercise Make You Smarter?
Neil Wagner

Aerobic exercise in adolescence has been found to raise intelligence test scores and lead to better work. Read more >


Selenium Supplements May Increase Cholesterol
Alice G. Walton

Supplementing the diet with selenium can raise blood cholesterol as much as 8 percent. Read more >


Telephone Intervention Helps Post-Surgery Heart Patients
Alice G. Walton

Phone contact with a nurse practitioner can help reduce depression and the likelihood of re−hospitalization in heart surgery patients. Read more >


Low Cholesterol May Signal Undiagnosed Cancer
Alice G. Walton

Low cholesterol may be a sign of undiagnosed cancer. Read more >


Heart Drug Outperformed by High-Dose Niacin in Head-to-Head Trial
Neil 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®). Read more >


Diet and Exercise Stave off Diabetes Better than Meds
Alice G. Walton

Diet and exercise are the best way to prevent type 2 diabetes, even better than medication. Read more >


Cocoa May Help Keep the Heart Healthy, Study Says
Alice G. Walton

The polyphenols in cocoa — among other foods — reduce risk for heart disease and cancer. Read more >


Boosting Fiber May Help Thwart Belly Fat
Alice G. Walton

fat is associated with an increased risk of heart problems and diabetes. Read more >


Protein in Blood Could Predict Heart Attack and Death, Not Stroke
Alice 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. Read more >


Flexible Bodies, Flexible Arteries
Neil Wagner

The narrower and stiffer the artery, the faster blood flows, raising blood pressure. Read more >


Researchers Find A Way to Help Keep Heart Young
Alice 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... Read more >


Whole Grains Good for Men's Heart Health
Alice G. Walton

Eating whole grains can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Read more >


High Sugar Diet Raises Blood Pressure
Neil Wagner

Uric acid, produced by the breakdown of fructose, can raise blood pressure and the risk metabolic syndrome. Read more >


Doctor-Patient Communication: Race Matters
Neil Wagner

African American patients tend to have less informative communication with their healthcare providers than do whites. The good news is that patients.. Read more >


Losing Weight Helps the Heart Return to Normal
Alice G. Walton

Once a significant amount of weight is lost, the heart actually restructures into a healthier, more productive version of itself. Read more >


Optimism is Linked to Less Heart Trouble, Better Life Expectancy
Alice G. Walton

Studies show that cynical and hostile people have a higher mortality rate than those who are optimistic and trusting. Read more >


Little Lifesavers: Children Can Learn CPR
Neil Wagner

Children as young as 9 years old have been able to learn to apply CPR effectively. Read more >


“Silent” Strokes May Put Seniors at Risk for Memory Loss and Cognitive Problems
Alice G. Walton

People over 60 may be at risk of experiencing "silent" strokes, those which go unnoticed... Read more >


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 Pressure
Alice G. Walton

Glutamic acid, found in vegetable protein, can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Read more >


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. Read more >


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. Read more >


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. Read more >


Why It's So Hard to Eat a Low-Salt Diet
Neil Wagner

The best way to begin to reduce the amount of salt in your diet is to reduce your consumption of processed foods. Read more >


Slow, Frequent Walks Better for Heart Health
Alice G. Walton

After a heart attack, longer, slower, and more frequent exercise is better for your heart than vigorous, three-times-a-week programs. Read more >


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. Read more >


Secondhand Smoke Exerts Ill Effects Quickly, Researchers Say

Even a brief exposure to cigarette smoke can have a negative cardiovascular effect. Read more >


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. Read more >


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. Read more >


3 Grams Less Saves Lives
Alice G. Walton

Limiting salt by even a half-teaspoon a day could have a significant impact. Read more >


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. Read more >


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. Read more >


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. Read more >


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. Read more >


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. Read more >


Sleep More, Live Better
Neil Wagner

Sleep deprivation may be a risk factor for many common medical problems, including weight gain, diabetes and hypertension. Read more >


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. Read more >


Triglycerides and Stroke
Neil Wagner

As triglyceride levels go up, so does the risk of stroke. Read more >


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. Read more >


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. Read more >


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. Read more >


Location, Location, Location: Surviving Cardiac Arrest
Lindsey Harle, M.D.

When it comes to cardiac arrest, where you live that can make a difference. Read more >


Mediterranean Diet Wins Again
Neil 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. Read more >


Statins Do Not Protect Women from Heart Attacks
Neil Wagner

Statins are effective for men, but it is not clear they are effective for women. Read more >


Salt Still Raises Blood Pressure
Neil Wagner

It is very simple: increased salt consumption increases your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). Read more >


Coffee Drinkers Live Longer
Neil Wagner

Coffee drinkers have a lower mortality rate, even from cardiovascular disease, according to a long-term study. Read more >


Treatment Twofer: Depression, Hypertension Respond to Integrated Therapy
Jordana Bieze Foster

Depression is a risk factor for hypertension. Patients with both conditions are less likely to take their anti-hypertensive medications. Read more >


Optimism Pays Off for Heart Patients
Neil Wagner

Having a positive outlook can improve a heart patient's outcome. Read more >


How to Increase "Good" Cholesterol
Tom Gilbert

Higher levels of HDL are associated with lower risk of heart attack or stroke. Read more >


Treating Heart Risk in the Obese — Pills Are Not Enough
Linda Hepler

Prevention, not handing out pills, is the key to improving risk for heart disease. Read more >


Aspirin and Hypertension
Tom Gilbert

Taking aspirin before bedtime is more effective for preventing hypertension. Read more >


Using Breakfast to Stabilize Blood Sugar
Tom Gilbert

What you eat for breakfast can reduce the insulin rollercoaster and your risk for heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart failure. Read more >


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... Read more >


Fixing the Gait
Tom Gilbert

More than 700,000 Americans have a stroke each year, many never fully recover. Read more >


CHD Patients: Exercising the Least and Needing It Most
Tom Gilbert

Medical guidelines suggest a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days each week. Read more >


Seeing It Coming
Tom 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. Read more >


U.S. Leads Europe in Strokes
Tom Gilbert

Mediterranean countries have a lower rate of stroke compared to the US, which may reflect the influence of the "Mediterranean diet." Read more >


Getting Our Children off the Road to Heart Disease
Tom 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. Read more >


Triglycerides: the New Cholesterol?
Tom Gilbert

Triglycerides are a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease and should be routinely monitored. Read more >


The 30-Minute Solution
Leslie Carr

Add another finding to the growing list of studies telling us how important exercise is in reducing the impact of aging. Read more >


Eat Less Or Exercise More? A Little of Either Will Help Your Heart
Tom Gilbert

The heart is not picky. Whether you eat less or exercise more, it responds to weight loss. Read more >


Calcium & Heart Attack in Older Women
Tom Gilbert

For some older women, calcium may increase the risk of heart attack. Read more >


Men, Women and Aspirin
Tom 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... Read more >


Vitamin E: Yes and No
Tom Gilbert

Vitamin E appears to help some people avoid heart disease. But it may make others more vulnerable to it. Read more >


Heart Disease and Anger Mismanagement
Tom 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. Read more >


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. Read more >


Women and the Mid-Life Stroke
Tom Gilbert

Middle-aged women have a far greater risk of stroke than do men. Read more >


What Do You Know About Stroke?
Tom Gilbert

Stroke kills over 160,000 Americans each year. Read more >


Belly Fat and Disease
Tom 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. Read more >


St. Valentine's Gift from Medicare
Tom Gilbert

Routine screenings can make a big difference in the early detection of aneurysms. Read more >


Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Christopher 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. Read more >


USA #1 — in Treating Hypertension
Tom Gilbert

Treating hypertension early may actually save healthcare dollars by avoiding expensive procedures later. Read more >


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. Read more >


Folic Acid Cuts Heart Disease Risk
Tom Gilbert

For years, mounting research has indicated that consumption of folic acid is associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Read more >


Pregnant Smokers May "Program" Their Kids to Smoke
Tom Gilbert

Pregnant smokers may "program" their children to become smokers suggests the latest research. Read more >


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. Read more >


It Is the Humidity
Tom Gilbert

Humidity appears to raise the risk of heart attack. Read more >


"Good" Fat Protein May Protect Blood Vessels
Tom Gilbert

Adiponectin stops white blood cells from the immune system from attaching to blood vessel walls. Read more >


For Seniors: What to Do About High Blood Pressure
Abbas Ali, M.D.



A New Look at Stroke Prevention
Tom Gilbert

The eye is part of the brain and the same blood vessels feed both organs. Read more >


Hypertension in the Elderly: Too Little, Too Late
Abbas Ali, M.D.

Cut down on salt, alcohol and lose weight to help lower your blood pressure. Read more >


Breaking Up (Exercise) Is Good to Do
Tom Gilbert

Short bursts of intense exercise may be better for the heart than endurance training. Read more >


Anti-Heart Attack Antibiotics?
Tom Gilbert

Inflammation within the blood vessels plays a key role in the development of coronary heart disease. Read more >


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. Read more >


Reversal Therapy, a Better Treatment for Heart Disease
K. Lance Gould, M.D.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs are more effective than cardiac bypass surgeryfor the treatment of heart disease. Read more >


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. Read more >


Good Health to Diet For: Blood Pressure and Nutrition
Robert 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. Read more >


"Time is Brain": Treating Stroke as an Emergency
Morgan Campbell, M.D.

Aspirin, taken every day (81-325 mg dose), can help prevent a stroke. Read more >


Less is Less: the Undertreatment of High Blood Pressure
Eli A. Friedman, M.D.

If your doctor says your blood pressure is "a little high," you should betreated with anti-hypertensive drugs. Read more >


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 Atherosclerosis
Felicita 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 Vessels
Tom Gilbert

The blood vessels of older athletes tend to function just as well as those younger group. Read more >


Low Cholesterol and Heart Problems
Tom Gilbert

You cannot depend on your cholesterol level alone to indicate heart disease. Read more >


Traumatic Aortic Rupture
Lynn 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. Read more >


Sleep Apnea: The Noisy Killer
Ahmed 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. Read more >


Coronary Heart Disease in Women
Susan 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. Read more >


Lasering the Heart When Coronary Bypass Isn't Possible
Ran Kornowski, M.D., and Martin B. Leon, M.D.



Diet and Heart Disease
Robert M. Russell, M.D., and Alice H. Lichtenstein, D. Sc.

Alice H. Read more >


Current Treatments for Heart Attacks
Richard 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. Read more >


Emerging Treatments: Unstable Angina
Brian 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. Read more >


Why Doctors Use Echocardiography
Eddy Barasch, M.D.

Echocardiography is so sensitive that it can detect mild murmurs not otherwise heard, alerting your doctor to potential problems. Read more >





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