Heart Health Archive

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.

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.

A 2024 study suggests that older women with higher scores on tests to assess gratitude may live longer than those with lower scores. Most of this benefit seems to come from preventing deaths from heart disease.

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

Drinking is linked to increased risks of high blood pressure. Alcohol elevates levels of the hormone renin, which narrows blood vessels and decreases urine output. The more often someone drinks, the more likely high blood pressure will result.

Older adults who consume ultra-processed foods as a substantial part of their diet have a higher risk of early death than those who eat less of these foods.

Leadless pacemakers, which are no bigger than a multivitamin pill, are far less prone to complications that traditional pacemakers, which have long leads (wires). These wires may become infected, dislodged, frayed, or broken. Scar tissue or blood clots can form around the leads, which may hinder blood flow and cause pain and swelling. Thanks to recent advances, most people who need pacemakers may now be candidates for leadless devices. However, doctors have less experience with what happens with leadless pacemakers over the long term-and they cost two to three times as much as a traditional pacemaker.

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.

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.