Heart Disease Archive

Many people with atrial fibrillation — a rapid, irregular heart rhythm — need medications to control symptoms and lower their risk of stroke. These include drugs that slow down the heart, help restore its rhythm, and prevent blood clots.

A 2025 study suggests that polyphenols, found in a wide range of plant foods, may have long-term benefits for the heart. Over an average of 11 years, people whose diets contained the most polyphenol-rich foods ranked lowest on scores of heart disease risk.

People with atrial fibrillation (afib) who drank an average of one cup of caffeinated coffee daily had a lower risk of recurrent afib compared to those who avoided caffeine, according to a 2025 study.

Long QT syndrome is a disorder of the heart’s electrical system that can be either acquired (for example, due to a medication) or congenital. Although usually people have no symptoms, it can cause a fast, erratic heartbeat that may lead to shortness of breath, fainting, and sometimes death.

Chronic, low-level inflammation is just as important as cholesterol in causing clogged heart arteries. Cardiologists are calling for more widespread testing for inflammation, which is easily measured with an inexpensive blood test.

Beta blockers have long been standard treatment for people after a heart attack. New evidence suggests they may not help those whose hearts still pump normally, though the drugs remain important for heart attack survivors with reduced ejection fraction.

Heart palpitations are sensations of a pounding or racing heartbeat, often triggered by stress, stimulants, or hormonal changes. They’re usually harmless but should be checked by a doctor. Palpitations may improve with lifestyle changes or treatment for underlying conditions.

A 2025 study suggested that women are less likely to develop coronary artery disease even when engaging in less moderate-to-vigorous exercise than men.

Higher exposure to light at night between 12:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems including coronary artery disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, and heart failure.

Reclining and lying down may be linked to worse cardiovascular health while short bouts of sitting or standing may reduce cardiovascular risk, according to a 2025 study.