Heart Health Archive

The American Heart Association released updated dietary guidelines in November 2021. Instead of focusing on certain nutrients, the guidelines emphasize healthy eating patterns that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, and plant-based oils. The guidelines also urge people to avoid foods and drinks that are ultra-processed or that have lots of added sugars; to choose or prepare foods with little or no salt; to limit alcohol consumption; and to follow the rules for a heart-healthy diet no matter what the setting.

People who follow a low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet for weight loss often eat high amounts of saturated fat. Even though saturated fat can contribute to cardiovascular disease, a 2021 study suggests that eating higher amounts might not be bad for heart health in the short term.

Almost 20% of people with hypertension may be taking medications that raise blood pressure, most often pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). Other classes, such as certain antidepressants, may also increase blood pressure.

High blood pressure not only can raise risk for a heart attack, but also can affect the brain. Keeping blood pressure normal can make brain injury from stroke less likely to happen and perhaps slow the natural decline in cognitive function. Just like with the heart, the best way to protect the brain from high blood pressure is to lower blood pressure if it's high and keep it as close to a normal level as possible.

Older adults who eat fish several times a week may be less likely to develop early signs of cerebrovascular disease, a category that includes strokes, aneurysms, and related problems.

Being exposed to even low levels of certain toxic metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and titanium, may raise a person's risk for clogged arteries.

Anger or emotional upset may be linked to an increased risk of stroke within an hour of experiencing those negative emotions.

People with atrial fibrillation (afib) often wonder whether certain habits—such as drinking coffee or not getting sufficient sleep—might trigger their episodes. Some notice that disruptions to their normal routine are likely to trigger a bout of afib—for example, exhaustion due to jet lag or indigestion after eating a rich, heavy meal. Evidence increasingly suggests that smaller amounts of alcohol (even just one drink) may also raise a person's risk of afib, and some people may be more susceptible than others. But for many people, trying to identify afib triggers can be an exercise in frustration.

Air pollution is an often overlooked yet important contributor to cardiovascular disease. Tiny particles known as PM_2.5 travel deep into the lungs, where they irritate receptors and trigger nerves involved in the autonomic nervous system. This irritation also contributes to inflammation, which accelerates atherosclerosis. Climate change can worsen the damaging effects of air pollution in several ways, such as by promoting wildfires and dust storms, which creates more PM_2.5. To reduce pollution's harmful effects, people can check air quality information and use portable indoor air cleaners when pollution levels are elevated.

The first-ever guidelines to diagnose chest pain document the range of possible heart attack symptoms. They include a sense of pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest but also in the shoulders, arms, neck, back, upper abdomen, or jaw. The report also provides a road map to help doctors assess chest pain with selective use of the latest available tests. Chest discomfort can also result from other conditions that affect the heart (such as pericarditis) and nearby organs. These include acid reflux, muscle or joint issues, and lung problems.