Heart Health Archive

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.

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.

Menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, called vasomotor symptoms, are linked in research to higher odds of dementia and cardiovascular disease. But studies don't necessarily account for other health and lifestyle factors that influence brain and heart health. Women who are physically active and have a lower body mass index are less likely to become cognitively impaired. Disrupted sleep, which is common for women with vasomotor symptoms, may also contribute to cardiovascular and cognitive problems.

Ultraprocessed packaged foods and drinks contain thickeners, preservatives, and other additives to improve their taste, texture, appearance, and shelf life. But the high amounts of salt, sugar, and fat in these products are probably more concerning for a person's health. Foods like sugary drinks and processed meats are the worst culprits. Eating a diet focused on whole, plant-based foods automatically lowers processed food intake and provides heart-protecting nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

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 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.

If a blood clot lodges in an artery or vein, it can choke off blood flow to the heart, brain, or lung. Often called blood thinners, anti-clotting drugs play a big role in treating heart disease. But they can cause minor (and sometimes serious) bleeding, ranging from nosebleeds to bleeding inside the brain. New solutions to balance clot prevention and excess bleeding are in the works, including low-dose drug combinations and new medications.

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.

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?

Fatty plaque that accumulates in the arteries of the legs, known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), can cause a painful, crampy sensation in the legs during walking. Smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol increase the risk of PAD, which affects nearly one in three people over age 75. Beyond quitting smoking, regular walking is the best treatment for PAD. A 2025 study found that semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) may help people with PAD walk farther with less pain.