Heart Health Archive

People can learn how to give chest compressions-a key aspect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR-by watching a 90-second online video. CPR keeps blood flowing to the brain and vital organs during a cardiac arrest. There are various ways to practice chest compressions on a mannequin, including at an in-person class or at one of 30 kiosks (including six at major airports) located nationwide.

Eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower may reduce blood pressure more than eating squash and root veggies.

People with atrial fibrillation (afib) who own a smart watch capable of detecting the heart rhythm disorder may use it to track the frequency and duration of their bouts of afib. The information might help inform their physician's advice. However, afib notifications may cause people to become anxious and preoccupied with tracking their condition. For them, disabling the notifications may be a good idea.

All medicines have potential side effects. Usually, side effects are more bothersome than serious -- though a few are dangerous. If you experience a side effect, what are your options?

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.

In 2024, the FDA approved two catheter-based devices for treating a leaky tricuspid valve. Both relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, which affects about 4% of people ages 75 and older. One device is a modification of a system to treat mitral valve regurgitation that works by bringing the valve leaflets together at the areas of most severe leakage. The other device delivers a new valve made of cow heart tissue, which is commonly used in surgical valve replacements.

People seeking motivation to be more active and connected to their community might consider signing up for a Turkey Trot, a race or "fun run" held on Thanksgiving morning. Most events are 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), and participants can walk all or part of the course. Many feature ways to support a local community charity.

People sometimes wonder if the calcium they consume affects their calcium score, a test that measures calcium in the heart's arteries to predict heart disease risk. But a 2024 study linked higher calcium intake to a lower risk of heart calcifications. Calcium helps lower blood pressure, possibly by improving the function of the lining of blood vessels. Older adults should make sure they're getting the recommended amount of calcium in their diets. Good sources include dairy products, tofu made with calcium sulfate, almond or oat milk, canned sardines or salmon, collard greens, and kale.

An online tool to predict heart disease risk might be more accurate if it included a psychological health assessment. Including depression screening results appears to strengthen the tool's ability to predict heart disease deaths.

People who have stable angina despite taking medications can be treated with stents or bypass surgery. The best choice depends on the location and complexity of the artery blockages and other health conditions.