Heart Health Archive

The American Heart Association's first-ever scientific statement on artificial intelligence (A.I.) in cardiology explores how the technology may improve how doctors prevent, detect, and treat heart disease. For example, A.I. data from patch monitors may predict who will develop potentially serious heart rhythms. Applying A.I. tools to a single chest x-ray may predict a person's risk of heart attack and other serious health problems.

Cardiac rehabilitation, a personalized program of supervised exercise and heart-healthy lifestyle coaching, helps people recover from heart-related problems, including stable angina, heart attack, heart surgery, and stable heart failure. A 12-week program helps people regain their stamina, enabling them to resume their favorite activities, and may also lessen stress and depression. Cardiac rehab is also proven to lower the risk of future heart-related illness and hospitalization and may help people live longer.

A 2024 study suggests using cannabis weekly may be associated with an increase in people's risks of heart attack and stroke, and the risks rise dramatically with more frequent use.

Physical activity lowers cardiovascular disease risk in part by reducing stress-related activity in the brain, according to a 2024 study.

A large observational study published in 2024 suggests that stroke isn't the biggest risk of atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm condition). The biggest risk seems to be heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.

When choosing a home blood pressure monitor, people should select one that has an easy-to-read display and a well-fitting upper arm cuff that inflates automatically. It should appear on the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing.

A 2024 study found that people with microplastics in the plaque clogging their neck arteries were about four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people with plastic-free plaque.

A 2024 nationwide poll suggests that one in four older adults takes aspirin regularly in hopes of preventing a heart attack or stroke, even though updated guidelines from 2019 advise against that practice in many cases.

High-dose niacin (vitamin B₃) is no longer recommended to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Different forms of niacin, such as niacinamide (nicotinamide), are sold as supplements; the potential benefits and risks remain unclear.