Heart Health Information

Up to date insight on heart health & the latest heart disease treatment & prevention information from Harvard Medical School

The statistics on heart disease in America are staggering. About 65 million people have high blood pressure. More than 7 million people in the U.S. have had a heart attack. Another 11 million have some other type of cardiovascular disease that impacts their heart and circulatory health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it is increasingly becoming a serious health problem around the world.

It is important to remember that 80%–90% of people who have coronary artery disease have at least one major controllable risk factor. Most of these risk factors can be managed or eliminated, decreasing the chance for serious heart problems and poor circulatory health. Cholesterol levels can be lowered, and high blood pressure can be reduced through good nutrition, weight control and exercise. The risk for ischemic stroke, a circulatory problem that starves the brain of blood, can also be reduced. There are also steps you can take to prevent hemorrhagic stroke, the type that causes bleeding in the brain.

Harvard Health Publications and the faculty of Harvard Medical School have developed the Harvard Heart Letter and in-depth Special Health Reports to help you understand the importance of heart and circulatory health, and what you can do today to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Whether you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or already have heart disease, these publications will offer guidance on managing your risk, information on the latest treatment options and medications, and explain the lifestyle changes that can make a real difference.

Special Health Reports also cover topics important to your quality of life: how heart disease can affect your emotional health, how your emotional health can affect your heart, your sexual relationship, and your zest for life.

There are many factors that contribute to heart and circulatory health, and much that we can do to prevent heart disease and stroke. The Harvard Heart Letter and Harvard Special Health Reports can provide critical information on the steps you can take to reduce your risk, and lead a long and healthy life.