Heart Health Archive

New research has found that Americans are now dying from heart failure at a higher rate than 25 years ago, making prevention more important than ever. The best strategy to lower one's risk from heart failure is to address its top underlying contributors: high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, and weight gain. Addressing these risk factors can also protect against developing coronary artery disease and diabetes, two of the main medical conditions that cause heart failure.

Older adults who received interpersonal exercise coaching (which included connecting with peers to learn and share information) improved their step counts and activity levels more than seniors who received intrapersonal coaching that was mostly self-focused, a 2024 study found. Finding an exercise partner (a spouse, friend, or neighbor) may help inspire people to exercise more. A group exercise class may provide the same benefit, in addition to providing structure, a trained instructor, and camaraderie.

Mobile ECG devices are small, handheld devices that people can use to record a simple ECG at home. They are designed to detect heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation.

High levels of lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a)-a variant of LDL (bad) cholesterol- may triple the risk of a heart attack, even among healthy people with no other known risks for heart disease.

In a 2024 study by Harvard researchers, people who reported feeling persistently lonely had a 56% higher risk of experiencing a stroke compared with people who did not report feelings of loneliness.

Dried fruits such as raisins, dates, and figs are good sources of potassium, fiber, and other nutrients. A serving size of these calorie-dense treats is just a quarter-cup.

Compared with white rice, brown rice contains much higher amounts of fiber, certain B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Research suggests that swapping white rice for brown rice may improve blood sugar levels and help with weight control.

Most of us don't think twice about standing up, but for people affected by postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), standing can provoke lightheadedness and a racing heartbeat. While some people with POTS will require medications, most will improve with some specific dietary and behavioral changes.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition characterized by lightheadedness or dizziness when standing and a racing heart. The underlying cause is not known, although it sometimes follows bedrest after injury or illness. Recently, POTS has been diagnosed in some people who have had COVID-19.