Heart Health Archive

An apolipoprotein B (apoB) test counts the number of LDL particles in the bloodstream as well as other particles that can contribute to clogged arteries and heart attacks. All of these so-called atherogenic particles carry a single apoB molecule but varying amounts of cholesterol. ApoB values are more closely linked to heart disease risk than LDL cholesterol. People with signs of an unhealthy metabolism-such as prediabetes, a big belly, or elevated triglycerides-are far more likely to have a high apoB.

A 2025 study suggests that more than 99% of people who have a first-time heart attack, stroke, or heart failure have at least one of four risk factors: unhealthy blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels, or past or present smoking.

Costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs and the breastbone, is one of the most common causes of chest pain and is frequently mistaken for a heart attack.

A type of artificial intelligence that uses a deep machine learning tool to analyze different features from routine mammograms can predict a woman's risk of heart-related problems, according to a 2025 analysis.

A 2025 survey suggests that many adults don't have a good understanding of high blood pressure, including not knowing what reading signifies high blood pressure and confusion about symptoms related to the condition.

Researchers have found that high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking had the greatest association with the likelihood of a dementia diagnosis as people age. Managing these issues could offer protection.

A diet low in sodium and rich in plant-based foods promotes a diverse, balanced population of gut microbes, which may help people maintain a healthy blood pressure. A salty diet increases the prevalence of bad microbes and reduces the number of beneficial microbes. When bad microbes accumulate in the gut, they form breakdown products and toxins that promote inflammation. Beneficial microbes feed on fiber, which is why a diet that provides a mix of healthy fiber from plant-based foods helps. These microbes produce short-chain fatty acids, which interact with specific receptors on cells that help regulate blood pressure.

A 2025 study suggests that higher fitness levels may help protect people from developing atrial fibrillation.

A 2025 study finds that smoking and high blood pressure are the two most important factors driving heart disease risk. Together with high cholesterol, excess weight (or being underweight), and diabetes, these five factors account for about 50% of the burden of cardiovascular disease. Compared to people with all five risk factors at age 50, those who had none of the factors were far less likely to develop cardiovascular disease or die early. On average, women with none of the risks at midlife lived 13 more years without heart disease, while men lived an additional 11 years.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the tiny fluctuations in timing from one heartbeat to the next. Higher values are linked to better fitness levels and stress resilience.