Heart Health Archive

A 2025 randomized controlled trial found that GLP-1 receptor agonists, the blockbuster drugs approved to treat diabetes and obesity, boosted the walking ability of people with diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the legs. The news is encouraging, since there are few effective treatments for PAD-reduced blood flow in the limbs that leads to pain with activity. However, it will take more evidence before doctors feel comfortable prescribing GLP-1s if a person only has PAD.

A 2025 suggests that an experimental drug called lorundrostat may be an effective add-on therapy for high blood pressure that has not responded to medication. The drug works by reducing aldosterone, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure.

The surge in heat waves and extreme heat poses serious health risks for everyone but is a particular worry for older adults. What can you do to manage heat-related risks, especially if you have existing health conditions or take certain medications?

A healthy diet is a proven and powerful way to lower your risk of heart disease. Since dinner is often the main meal of the day, it's a good time to feature foods that support cardiovascular health. Four Harvard physicians share their favorite healthy dinners, which focus on lean protein (such as tofu, fish, and chicken) and a variety of vegetables.

A regular yoga practice may help people shed pounds while also improving their heart health. A form of low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, yoga also stretches and strengthens muscles. A 2025 review article suggests that yoga can decrease body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat percentage while also improving blood pressure and cholesterol values.

A 2025 study found that chronic stress is associated with higher stroke risks among women under 50, but not in men.

People with very high calcium scores (over 1,000) have a risk of heart attack or stroke similar to those who have already had a heart attack. They should take cholesterol-lowering drugs to bring down LDL levels and possibly undergo additional testing.

A 2025 study found that a pill version of the drug semaglutide, marketed as Rybelsus, can lower the risk for serious heart problems in people who have diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or both.