Blood Pressure Archive

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Strokes fall into two main categories: ischemic (which result from a blockage inside one of the brain's arteries and account for 87% of all strokes) and hemorrhagic (also known as bleeding strokes, usually from a ruptured blood vessel). Three main types of ischemic strokes are those that result from atherosclerosis in a large artery supplying the brain (large-artery atherothrombotic strokes); those caused by clots in the heart that travel to the brain (cardioembolic strokes); and those in the brain's smallest vessels (small-vessel strokes).

Cancer survivors are more likely to die of heart disease than from cancer-related complications. One reason is that certain cancer treatments can cause cardiovascular complications. But the two diseases share many root causes, including tobacco use and obesity, as well as diabetes and high cholesterol. Growing evidence suggests that people with heart disease may be more likely to develop cancer.

Varicose veins are not just unsightly and uncomfortable; they can also be harbingers of more serious conditions, including deep-vein blood clots and venous ulcers. Ablation therapies to eradicate varicose veins can lower these risks. People can also try simple strategies to prevent and improve varicose veins, including doing exercises that work their calf muscles, elevating their legs, and wearing compression stockings.

Engaging in prosocial, altruistic behavior that benefits other people-such as doing volunteer work, giving money to charity, or performing small acts of kindness-may be beneficial to cardiovascular health. Possible mechanisms include reductions in stress and blood pressure. Volunteering has also been associated with improvements in heart-related risks, including increased step counts and less depression.

For people who have both heart disease and arthritis, two of the main treatments-exercise and medications-require careful planning and attention. Joint pain makes certain types of exercise difficult, and commonly used drugs for both conditions can have potentially serious interactions.

Most people don't need to fast before a lipid test because the difference between LDL cholesterol values when fasting or not fasting is very small. But people who have had high triglyceride levels should fast prior to the test.

Briefly running or climbing stairs are examples of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA). Just a few minutes of VILPA per day was linked to a lower risk of heart-related problems among women who don't exercise, a 2024 study found.

In a 2024 study, people with a habit of eating dark chocolate-about an ounce a day-were less likely to develop diabetes compared to those who didn't consume it.

A condition caused by spontaneous genetic mutations in bone marrow cells, known as clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate significance (CHIP), is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Some of these mutations are clearly related to inflammation, a well-known contributor to the buildup of fatty plaque inside arteries. Experts hope that future research on CHIP will eventually lead to genetically directed therapies to address the condition.