Heart Health Archive

For stroke survivors, workouts that alternate high- and low-intensity exercise (known as high-intensity interval training or HIIT) may boost fitness more than moderate-intensity workouts.

Renal denervation, a nondrug treatment for uncontrolled high blood pressure, works by disrupting some of the nerves surrounding the renal arteries, which supply the kidneys. Two systems are FDA-approved for people whose blood pressure remains high despite lifestyle changes and medications. Renal denervation lowers systolic blood pressure by an average of 8 to 9 points-about the same as what people get with a single blood pressure drug. But the response varies widely; some people experience more dramatic drops, while others have no response.

A 2024 report suggests that rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and colon cancer would fall substantially if people ate less red and processed meat.

Carbohydrates include fiber, starches, and sugars. The healthiest sources include whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, which are rich in fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. Starches, the most commonly consumed form of carbohydrate, make up a large part of cereal grains such as rice, wheat, and corn; root vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes; and vegetables like peas and winter squashes. Low-quality carbohydrate choices include sodas, candy, and sugary desserts.

Air travel tips for people who have or are at risk for heart disease include bringing extra prescription medications in a carry-on bag and drinking water-but not alcohol-during the flight. When taking medications (especially blood pressure and anti-clotting drugs), people should try to schedule their doses based on their home time zone. On a long flight, walking a little every hour or so will help improve circulation in the legs; so can flexing the feet and circling the ankles. Doing so may reduce the chance of developing a blood clot, although the overall risk of such clots (known as deep-vein thrombosis) is quite low.

Heart attack symptoms can be severe or subtle. The underlying process that causes a heart attack can differ, and people may experience significant heart damage or little to none. Doctors diagnose a heart attack based on symptoms, a person's cardiovascular risk profile, electrocardiogram findings and the blood troponin level. Troponin is a protein released when heart damage occurs. Immediate and long-term treatment depend upon the type of heart attack and its impact on heart function.

Atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia are rapid, abnormal heart rhythms that originate in the upper part of the heart. But they tend to arise at different ages, and they require different treatments.

A diagnosis of influenza (flu) was linked to a sixfold risk of heart attack over the following week, according to a 2024 report.

About one in five medications taken by older people is inappropriate. Many of these are heart drugs that are potentially harmful, have no clear benefit, or aren't as good as other options. These should be stopped or switched. One common example is low-dose aspirin, which is advised only for people who've had or are at high risk for a heart attack. Other drugs that may need to be stopped or replaced include beta blockers, warfarin, and older diabetes drugs.