Heart Health Archive

A gluten-free diet (which omits wheat, rye, and barley) may be low in fiber, a nutrient that's important for cardiovascular health. People who avoid gluten should try to include gluten-free grains and seeds in their menus, such as amaranth, buckwheat, millet, sorghum, teff, and quinoa. Carrots, celery, kale, and kiwis contain mostly insoluble fiber, which helps you feel full and encourages regular bowel movements. Beans, nuts, seeds, and fruits (such as berries, apples, pears, and citrus fruits) are good sources of soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

About two-thirds of people over 65 have periodontal disease, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Shared risk factors such as smoking and an unhealthy diet may explain the association, but bacteria and inflammation could be a common thread. The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can travel to blood vessels throughout the body and have been found in the fatty debris (atherosclerosis) that clogs arteries located far from the mouth-and in blood clots from people who have experienced heart attacks.

Having a home workout area can make it easier to meet daily exercise goals, especially during the winter months, when weather conditions may make outdoor exercise impractical. If space allows, people may want a treadmill or other machine that's suitable for any health issues they may have. For example, people with hip or knee arthritis often find that a stationary bike is more comfortable for arthritic joints. For strength training, resistance bands or tubes are ideal for beginners because they're affordable, versatile, and easy to use. Scheduling a few sessions with either a physical therapist or certified personal trainer can help people learn and practice proper form.

Anti-obesity drugs, which can lead to dramatic weight loss, may improve symptoms of sleep apnea. This serious breathing disorder raises the odds of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Excess weight is the strongest risk factor linked with sleep apnea, which affects about 25% of men and 10% of women in the United States. Extra fat tissue in the neck and throat can narrow the airway, and extra weight on the chest and belly puts pressure on the lungs, which makes the normal process of inhaling and exhaling less effective.

Choosing seafood that's lower on the food chain (such as herring, sardines, clams, and oysters) is beneficial for both cardiovascular health and the health of the environment. Finfish, crustaceans, mollusks, cephalopods, aquatic plants, and seaweed are all considered aquatic foods. Replacing terrestrial animal proteins such as beef, pork, and chicken (especially processed forms) with aquatic foods helps people eat less saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids. Also, producing aquatic foods generates far fewer greenhouse gases than producing terrestrial foods.

Implanted heart devices include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), which monitor and correct abnormal heart rhythms. While very reliable, they are not perfect, and recalls of these devices affect thousands of people each year, according to a 2024 study. Testing the effectiveness and safety of cardiac devices is far more complicated than testing drugs. But efforts are under way to improve postmarket tracking of device complications by using electronic health records, Medicare databases, and registries developed in partnership with device manufacturers.

According to a 2024 study, eating foods rich in beneficial plant compounds called flavonoids may lower the risk of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the legs and neck. Good sources of flavonoids include tea, apples, pears, peaches, and oranges.

Research has shown that men can have a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes if they suffer from certain medical conditions that might seem unrelated to heart disease. These conditions include erectile dysfunction, gum disease, peripheral artery disease, and urinary tract infections. Many factors that contribute to heart disease like inflammation and fatty deposits in the arteries are involved in these other conditions.

Virtual personalized coaching about reducing heart-related risks before heart surgery may reduce complications after surgery, a 2024 study found. Delivered via smartphone, "teleprehabilitation" offers advice on smoking cessation, nutrition, and exercise.