Heart Disease Archive

A 2026 study found that larger waist measurements increased heart disease-related risks, even among people with normal weight. Obesity with a small waist conferred no greater risks compared to people with normal weight and a small waist.

People with type 2 diabetes or who have a high BMI with a metabolic risk factor (such as a large belly, abnormal lipid levels, or high blood pressure) should be screened for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, a form of fatty liver disease.

Vascular dementia, which results from brain cell damage due to reduced blood flow, can cause slowed thinking, confusion, and other cognitive changes. Carefully controlling risk factors for cardiovascular disease may help prevent vascular dementia.

Open-heart surgery leaves people with a long chest incision and a lengthy recovery. Most of the precautions that people must follow during the first four to six weeks after surgery are to protect the incision and the breastbone while they heal.

Labile hypertension refers to blood pressure that fluctuates more dramatically than usual. Possible contributors to blood pressure elevations include stress, diet, and medication. Deep sleep and very warm weather can cause blood pressure dips.

For people with excess weight, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, using the GLP-1 drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) may lower the risk of heart attack, infection, and death from any cause more than taking an older drug, sitagliptin (Januvia), according to a 2026 study.

A 2026 analysis suggests that wider drug treatment has narrowed the gap in blood pressure and cholesterol levels for older adults with obesity versus those of normal weight.

Many people with gout are at increased risk for heart disease, possibly due to shared risk factors and the effects of chronic inflammation on the heart and blood vessels. Medication to treat gout, along with dietary changes and regular physical activity, can lower risks.

A rising triglyceride level can increase risk of damage to the heart and pancreas. Learn which foods to eat and limit to improve your numbers.