Heart Health Archive

People with autoimmune diseases may be up to three times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people without an autoimmune disease. Among the most common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus. Awareness of this elevated risk is especially important because autoimmune disease typically strikes when people are in their 20s or 30s. In turn, heart problems may develop up to a decade earlier than in people without an autoimmune disease. A calcium scan, which detects early signs of atherosclerosis, can help assess a person's risk and guide treatment advice.

There are two different mechanisms by which most heart attacks happen. Both are related to insufficient blood flow to an area of the heart, most often secondary to fatty plaque buildup in coronary arteries. Chest pain remains the most common heart attack symptom, but others are often subtle, and the underlying process causing the heart attack can differ. It's important for people to recognize the different signs of heart attacks, so they know when to seek immediate medical care.

Short stints of deep, slow breathing can help calm the nervous system. Slow breathing—anywhere from six to 10 breaths per minute—features a prolonged, rhythmic, and slow exhalation period. A regular breathing practice may reduce blood pressure as much as taking medication. People can practice deep breathing on their own by counting their breaths, doing guided exercises available free online or with a smartphone app, practicing yoga-based breathing (known as pranayama), or using special devices.

Hiking can promote cardiovascular health by building lower-body strength and boosting the heart rate, especially if the route involves elevation changes. Using poles can provide stability, especially during the downhill stretches. Using poles also helps strengthen the muscles of the upper body and may increase the number of calories burned during a hike.

Four eating patterns—including the DASH, Mediterranean, pescatarian, and vegetarian diets—align most closely with recommendations for a heart-healthy diet, according to a 2023 scientific statement from the American Heart Association. These diets limit saturated fat and excess carbohydrates, especially highly processed carbohydrates and sugary drinks. Evidence supporting these diets comes from decades of randomized trials, population-based studies, and other research.

A spray version of nitroglycerin (a drug used to treat angina) is just as effective as the under-the-tongue pill version of the drug. The spray also has a longer shelf life.

Your doctor may ask you to track your blood pressure at home to help decide if you need to start taking medication or to track your response to treatment. Here's how to get accurate readings.

Anxiety disorders promote the stress response, which influences the same brain systems that affect cardiovascular functions.