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Cholesterol and lipids Archive

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How many cups of coffee per day are safe?

Drinking up to five cups of coffee per day is safe for most people and may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to a 2026 statement from the American Heart Association.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy: A little-known cause of cognitive decline and stroke

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a common condition that causes amyloid to build up in tiny blood vessels on the brain’s surface. It can lead to gradual cognitive decline, brain bleeds, and hemorrhagic strokes.

Shingrix shingles vaccine linked with lower heart disease risks

Avoiding a painful shingles attack is reason enough to get vaccinated, but protecting your heart may be another. A major study found that people who received two doses of the Shingrix vaccine have a 9% lower risk of serious heart-related issues over seven years compared to those who got the old Zostavax vaccine.

Where you carry excess weight matters in predicting heart disease risk

A 2026 study found that larger waist measurements increased heart disease-related risks, even among people with normal weight. Obesity with a small waist conferred no greater risks compared to people with normal weight and a small waist.

What is labile hypertension?

Labile hypertension refers to blood pressure that fluctuates more dramatically than usual. Possible contributors to blood pressure elevations include stress, diet, and medication. Deep sleep and very warm weather can cause blood pressure dips.

Recovering from open-heart surgery

Open-heart surgery leaves people with a long chest incision and a lengthy recovery. Most of the precautions that people must follow during the first four to six weeks after surgery are to protect the incision and the breastbone while they heal.

Weight-loss drug may lower risk of heart attacks and infections

For people with excess weight, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, using the GLP-1 drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) may lower the risk of heart attack, infection, and death from any cause more than taking an older drug, sitagliptin (Januvia), according to a 2026 study.

Overweight and taking blood pressure medications: Study finds it's a trend that's working

A 2026 analysis suggests that wider drug treatment has narrowed the gap in blood pressure and cholesterol levels for older adults with obesity versus those of normal weight.

When is swelling in both feet a concern?

Swollen feet can stem from everyday factors or underlying health conditions, and recognizing the possible causes can help guide your next steps.

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