Are there any noninvasive, radiation-free tests that can give the same information about possible blockages in my coronary arteries as a nuclear stress test? I've had so many CT scans for other conditions that I'd prefer to go non-nuclear for a while.

For people with heart disease, naproxen may be the best choice for easing pain.

Choices abound for easing the nagging pain of arthritis, a sore shoulder, bad back, or other ongoing problems. For this sort of long-term pain relief, most people reach for an over-the-counter painkiller like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol, generic), ibuprofen (Motrin, generic), or naproxen (Aleve, generic). Some rely on prescription drugs such as celecoxib (Celebrex). A study supports the idea that one of these — naproxen — is easiest on the heart.

Key points Pain relievers in the class known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have different ...

That's the latest advice for getting your heart back in shape.

Signing up for, and sticking with, a cardiac rehabilitation program is one of the best things you can do for an ailing heart. These structured programs include exercise; psychological and social support; and efforts to reduce risks such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a less-than-healthy diet. A good program can strengthen your heart and lungs, improve circulation, cut your chances of having another heart attack or stroke, and generally get you back to normal — or better. It may even add a few years to ...

Sleep apnea can damage the heart or cause rhythm problems. Treating the apnea may stop or reverse this damage.

People who receive a clot-destroying drug after a heart attack may also benefit from a subsequent angioplasty.

Anxiety and depression greatly increase the probability of developing angina.

Brief reports on the use of compression stockings by stroke survivors, and the benefit of adding a second blood pressure medication.

Special section: Cardiovascular connections

Two-way street between heart and health The thigh bone's connected to the knee bone,
The knee bone's connected to the leg bone…

If there were such a thing as the heart bone, it would be smack in the middle of each line of the old spiritual, "Dem Bones." Once thought of as a solitary, aloof pump, the heart is now known to affect, and be affected by, all parts of the body. Some of the connections reflect the widespread impact of artery-clogging atherosclerosis. Others underscore the intimate relationships between body parts. In this special section, ...

Abdominal fat cells are responsible for many cardiovascular problems.

Stress, anxiety, and negative emotions can bring on or worsen heart disease, and cardiovascular problems can contribute to dementia. Read More »

Psoriasis, which is not a skin disease but an immune disorder, may be linked to heart disease, possibly through inflammation.

Low levels of testosterone have been linked to many health problems in men.

Hormones produced by the ovaries are beneficial, but taking a hormone medication increases certain health risks.

Taking measures to protect the heart, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet, can also help prevent osteoporosis.

A number of odd connections exist between body parts and the cardiovascular system.

After my heart attack, my doctor told me that damaged heart muscle cannot be replaced. If this is true, why am I walking on a treadmill five days a week? Is this helping repair the damage or strengthen what's left?