Heart Disease Archive

An enlarged heart has many possible causes, including conditions that force the heart to work harder than usual (such as chronic high blood pressure or heart valve problems) and different types of cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease).

After an ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation, getting at least 90 minutes of moderate exercise per week may reduce a person's risk of an afib recurrence, according to a 2026 study.

A 2026 study suggested that women with uterine fibroids may have far higher long-term risks of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

People who have gout, which results from excess uric acid in the body, are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. A 2026 study found that maintaining uric acid levels below 6 mg/dL with medication reduced the risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death.

High temperatures raise risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and also stress the cardiovascular system, making the heart work harder. If you have a heart condition, here's how to keep cool and protect yourself when temperatures rise.

Bigeminy is a usually harmless heart rhythm problem caused by premature heartbeats that may cause palpitations. Possible triggers include caffeine, stress, and lack of sleep. People with additional symptoms may need further testing.

Exercise heart rate zones reflect different percentages of a person's estimated maximum heart rate. While some people find it helpful to monitor their heart rate zone during exercise, consistently engaging in physical activity is the most important priority.

A narrowed aortic valve (aortic stenosis) affects about one in 20 people over age 65. Medical therapies for treating this progressive disease are under investigation, and a recent study explored the potential benefits of proactive valve replacement.

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.

Carotid artery stenosis, which happens when fatty plaque accumulates in neck arteries that supply the brain, leaves people vulnerable to a stroke. Intensive drug therapy may forestall the need for invasive procedures to treat this problem.