Controlling Your Blood Pressure Archive

Heart Health

Why people faint: From common to very rare causes

Published August 1, 2021

All episodes of fainting results from insufficient blood flow to the brain. But there are many underlying causes for that diminished blood flow, ranging from common, usually harmless issues to rare, potentially serious problems. Common causes include vasovagal syncope and orthostatic hypotension; rare causes include carotid sinus hypersensitivity and rotational vertebral artery syndrome.

Heart Health

Fruit of the month: Melons

Published August 1, 2021

Melons have a high water content and are fairly low in calories, making them a good choice for people watching their weight. Watermelon contains lycopene and citrulline, two nutrients thought to benefit heart health.

Heart Health

Spice up your cooking to cut down on salt

Published August 1, 2021

Enhancing food with different flavors from spices, herbs, aromatic roots, citrus juice and zest, and vinegars can help people eat less sodium, a main component of salt. Fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint can deliver flavor, fragrance, and color to foods; so can spice blends such as garam masala, za’atar, and Chinese five-spice blend. Other flavor-boosting, salt-free strategies include choosing the freshest possible foods and using appropriate cooking techniques. Reducing dietary sodium helps lower blood pressure, which reduces cardiovascular disease risk.

Women's Health

Pregnancy problems may foretell future heart disease

Published August 1, 2021

Women who develop health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes while pregnant face an increased risk of heart disease later in life.

Heart Health

COVID-19 and cardiovascular concerns: An evolving story

Published July 1, 2021

Physicians’ understanding of how a COVID-19 infection affects the heart is still evolving. More definitive answers require long-term, randomized clinical trials that control for different factors (including varied medical histories and medication use) to study how COVID-19—and possible therapies—affect people who have or are at risk for heart disease. Like other infectious organisms, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) can increase the risk of blood clots and may damage the heart, but the danger is less common than initial reports suggested.

Heart Health

3 ways to enhance your walking workouts

Published July 1, 2021

People who want to reinvigorate their walking workouts might try interval walking, which adds short bursts of fast walking that elevates the heart rate and improves fitness. Another option is Nordic walking, which uses special poles with hand straps that help engage the upper body and burn more calories. On the other hand, a mindful walk (also known as walking meditation) can help relieve stress.

Women's Health

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Updated June 1, 2021

A study published Feb. 16, 2021, in Circulation found that women with blood pressure readings in a normal range may still be at higher risk for cardiovascular events. For example, heart attack risk in women rose at a systolic (the upper number) reading of 110 to 119 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and was the same at this level as men with a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg. But experts say it’s too soon to change blood pressure recommendations for women until more research confirms the results.

Staying Healthy

Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination

Updated June 1, 2021

A study described in a research letter published March 22, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that participants steadily gained weight during the first part of the pandemic, from February to June 2020.

Heart Health

Fruit of the month: Berries

Updated June 1, 2021

Strawberries and blueberries are rich in beneficial plant compounds known as anthocyanins, which give berries their vibrant red, blue, and purple hues. Several studies have linked diets with anthocyanin-rich foods to better heart health.

Heart Health

A longevity formula: Three vegetables plus two fruits a day

Updated June 1, 2021

Eating two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables daily is linked to a lower risk of dying of cardiovascular disease. The healthiest choices include leafy greens, carrots, berries, and citrus fruits.

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Controlling Your Blood Pressure Archive

Articles

Why people faint: From common to very rare causes

Fruit of the month: Melons

Spice up your cooking to cut down on salt

Pregnancy problems may foretell future heart disease

COVID-19 and cardiovascular concerns: An evolving story

3 ways to enhance your walking workouts

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination

Fruit of the month: Berries

A longevity formula: Three vegetables plus two fruits a day

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