Heart Health Archive

Lowering high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, is important for preventing and treating heart disease. The other cholesterol-high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-is often called "good" cholesterol, but this may be misleading. While some HDL particles gather excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and artery walls and deliver it to the liver where it's excreted, other particles are not good at this job, and some can even increase levels. People should focus on their LDL and not focus as much on HDL unless it's very low or very high.

People whose average daily diets included at least 18 grams of fiber were less likely to have a stroke than those who ate less fiber, according a 2025 study.

A 2025 study found that people who walk at an average or brisk pace (3 or more miles per hour) were less likely to develop abnormal heart rhythms than people who walk more slowly.

Meatless burgers-which include plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger and veggie burgers-are healthy replacements for traditional hamburgers. Those with the lowest amounts of saturated fat and sodium are the best options.

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.

Getting a sufficient amount of sleep is vital for heart health, but sleep continuity, timing, and regularity may also be important. Irregularities in these lesser-known dimensions of sleep health are not considered problems unless they impair a person's ability to function and quality of life. But emerging evidence suggest these sleep issues may affect cardiometabolic health. A sleep diary can help uncover potential issues.

Wearable fitness trackers like smart watches offer measurable and motivating data for exercise routines and safety, especially for people with heart conditions. Features include movement reminders, step counts (a daily total of 4,000 to 7,000 steps is considered beneficial), heart rate zones for exercise intensity, and measurements of heart rate recovery and variability to assess overall heart health. These tools can help optimize workouts and reveal potential issues.

A 2025 study finds that a first-time transient ischemic attack (TIA) can lead to the same long-term decline in thinking and memory problems as a full-blown stroke. Experts suggest cognitive testing after a TIA. People who have TIAs should take extra care to address risk factors for heart attack and stroke, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Exercising regularly and staying socially active may help ward off cognitive decline.

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?

High blood pressure means that blood pushes against artery walls more forcefully than normal. Women's blood pressure is typically lower than men's until around age 60. An estimated 41% of women develop high blood pressure after menopause. High blood pressure increases people's risks of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other problems. Factors that increase women's risk of high blood pressure at midlife include menopause, elevated sympathetic nerve activity, weight gain and redistribution, stress, and genetics.