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Cholesterol and lipids Archive

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New information for parents on myocarditis and COVID-19 vaccines

Reports of young people developing myocarditis and pericarditis after getting one of the mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 have made some parents reluctant to get their children vaccinated. It's understandable to worry about such a side effect, but before choosing not to vaccinate, it's important to look at the whole picture.

Returning to restaurants — and to healthy eating

Many of us miss dining out. Now that restaurants are offering indoor and outdoor dining again, it's tempting to cut loose and order restaurant meals without thinking about nutrition. But if you're trying to stick to a healthy diet, try these tips when you're out in a restaurant.

Smoking more than doubles heart risk among African Americans

Smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but there is less data available that explores the specific risks African Americans face. A long-running study in Mississippi is doing just that, and found that smoking more than doubles the risk of heart disease among African Americans.

Careful! Scary health news can be harmful to your health

A news story about a worrisome or life-threatening ailment might get you thinking about your own health, especially if you happen to have some of the same symptoms. But dramatic or unusual medical stories can bias your thinking and even negatively affect your health decision-making.

Facts about fiber

Fiber improves digestion and may help lower a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most people meet only half their daily fiber needs. The main reason is not following a basic healthy diet with foods high in fiber. Making small changes in dietary habits and adopting new fiber-rich foods can help people reach their quota.

Sensing abnormal heart rhythms with a smart speaker?

Using artificial intelligence, smart speakers can be programmed to detect and monitor abnormal heart rhythms in people sitting within one to two feet of the speakers.

Expand your healthy cooking oil choices

The healthiest fats for cooking and using on food come from plants. Plant oils consist mostly of unsaturated fat, which in limited amounts is good for the heart. One can enjoy a wide variety of plant oils, such as avocado, canola, corn, flaxseed, grapeseed, olive, peanut, rice bran, safflower, soybean, sunflower, and walnut oils. But high heat can break down plant oil molecules and reduce health benefits. The most fragile plant oils include extra-virgin olive oil and nut oils, such as walnut oil.

Fruit of the month: Berries

Strawberries and blueberries are rich in beneficial plant compounds known as anthocyanins, which give berries their vibrant red, blue, and purple hues. Several studies have linked diets with anthocyanin-rich foods to better heart health.

A longevity formula: Three vegetables plus two fruits a day

Eating two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables daily is linked to a lower risk of dying of cardiovascular disease. The healthiest choices include leafy greens, carrots, berries, and citrus fruits.

Alternatives to warfarin may be safer, more effective for afib

For people with certain types of valvular atrial fibrillation, drugs known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be safer and more effective than warfarin (Coumadin). DOACs include apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).

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