Heart Disease Archive

Studies have shown a link between lower risks of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and even dementia in people who consume higher amounts of olive oil. However, no definitive studies show extra-virgin olive oil has greater benefits than regular olive oil.

People who have or are at risk for cardiovascular disease should be extra cautious when exercising outside when it's hot, humid, and hazy, as they are more vulnerable to the hazards of high temperature and air pollution. To exercise safely during a heat wave, people should avoid being outside during the middle of the day; wear light-colored, lightweight clothing; and be careful to stay hydrated.

A large observational study published in 2024 suggests that stroke isn't the biggest risk of atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm condition). The biggest risk seems to be heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.

A 2023 study suggests habitually adding salt to food may raise the odds of developing chronic kidney disease, which increases the risks of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

The spouses of people who have heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure may face an elevated risk of depression, according to a 2024 study.

Walking may be hampered for a number of reasons, such as arthritis, a joint sprain, or muscle strain. Most often people already have pain from these conditions even before they begin walking. But individuals who are pain-free and then experience pain when walking that gets worse as they walk faster or longer could suffer from one of three conditions: peripheral artery disease, sciatica, or lumbar spinal stenosis. Ironically, the best strategy for any of these is to keep walking and staying as active as possible.

RNA-targeted drugs work by preventing the synthesis of proteins involved in different diseases. One, called inclisiran (Leqvio), dramatically lowers LDL cholesterol with just two injections per year. Additional RNA-targeted drugs to lower elevated lipoprotein (a) and high blood pressure are currently in late-stage clinical trials.

A 2024 study suggests that younger women with migraines and early menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats may have higher cardiovascular risks at midlife.

A 2024 study found that people with microplastics in the plaque clogging their neck arteries were about four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people with plastic-free plaque.

People with atrial fibrillation (afib) worry that drinking alcohol or caffeine might trigger a flare-up of the condition. Afib is characterized by erratic beating of the heart's two upper chambers. The chambers quiver, causing blood to pool and sometimes form clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Evidence strongly suggests that drinking alcohol can cause a flare-up of afib. Drinking caffeine in usual amounts does not increase that risk. However, doctors note that people who are especially sensitive to caffeine should avoid it.