What is ventricular bigeminy?
Emojis in electronic health records could be confusing
Doing different types of exercise linked to a longer life
CPR on TV may be misleading
How gum disease may raise heart disease risk
FDA approves nasal spray to treat rapid heart rhythm
Smart watch may improve detection of atrial fibrillation
Understanding food noise - and how to turn down the volume
4 keys to a heart-healthy diet
Understanding exercise heart rate zones
Heart Health Archive
Articles
Chemical pollutants: A growing concern for your heart
Chemical pollutants such as lead, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as PFAS), and pesticides may contribute to heart disease risk. Possible routes of exposure for all three include drinking water and food. Residue and dust from many common items (such as water-resistant clothing and personal care products) may expose people to PFAS. People can limit their exposure by testing and, if needed, filtering their drinking water; choosing PFAS-free products when possible; using non-chemical pest control methods; and choosing organic foods.
Can you reduce your cholesterol without taking a drug?
People can reduce their LDL cholesterol in three ways. One strategy involves dietary changes, such as eating more fiber-rich foods and swapping saturated fats for unsaturated fat. Another is to take one of several dietary supplements, including psyllium, plant sterols, or red yeast rice. The third entails taking a prescription medication, such as a statin. Many factors can affect whether these different strategies are advisable or useful, including a person's age and other risk factors for heart disease, their current dietary habits, and the quality of the supplements they take.
Are heart attacks overdiagnosed?
Doctors may diagnose heart attacks in people who have not actually had one, in part because they screen people with subtle symptoms out of fear of missing the diagnosis. Failure to diagnose a heart attack is the No. 1 cause of malpractice payouts in the emergency department. But the blood test used to detect a heart attack is very sensitive, and other conditions such as myocarditis (heart inflammation) may be misdiagnosed as a heart attack. This problem of overdiagnosis can expose people to unneeded risks, high costs, and other downsides.
Counting steps as good as time tracking for monitoring heart health
Advice about the amount of physical activity required to stave off heart disease and other chronic ailments is usually expressed as a time-based goal. But counting steps may be just as useful, according to a 2024 study.
All types of alcohol appear to raise blood pressure
A 2024 study suggests that the more alcohol people drink-whether they imbibe beer, wine, or hard liquor-the higher their blood pressure.
Chest pain: A heart attack or something else?
Chest pain is an indicator of a possible heart attack, but it may also be a symptom of another condition or problem. The type and location of the pain can help doctors determine what is causing it.
Artificial intelligence in cardiology
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.
Heart failure might be the most common complication of atrial fibrillation
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.
Protect your heart during the dog days of summer
People who have or are at risk for cardiovascular disease should be extra cautious when exercising outside when it's hot, humid, and hazy, as they are more vulnerable to the hazards of high temperature and air pollution. To exercise safely during a heat wave, people should avoid being outside during the middle of the day; wear light-colored, lightweight clothing; and be careful to stay hydrated.
Cardiovascular risks soar among daily cannabis users
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.
What is ventricular bigeminy?
Emojis in electronic health records could be confusing
Doing different types of exercise linked to a longer life
CPR on TV may be misleading
How gum disease may raise heart disease risk
FDA approves nasal spray to treat rapid heart rhythm
Smart watch may improve detection of atrial fibrillation
Understanding food noise - and how to turn down the volume
4 keys to a heart-healthy diet
Understanding exercise heart rate zones
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