Heart Disease Archive

The American Heart Association released updated dietary guidelines in November 2021. Instead of focusing on certain nutrients, the guidelines emphasize healthy eating patterns that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, and plant-based oils. The guidelines also urge people to avoid foods and drinks that are ultra-processed or that have lots of added sugars; to choose or prepare foods with little or no salt; to limit alcohol consumption; and to follow the rules for a heart-healthy diet no matter what the setting.

Eating breakfast is a good opportunity to eat some of the nutrient-rich foods that help keep the heart in good shape. One option is whole-grain toast topped with avocado, which is rich in healthy fats and fiber. Another is oatmeal, known for its ability to lower cholesterol. Adding fruits and nuts provides additional nutrition. Eggs are another acceptable choice, ideally paired with vegetables instead of bacon, sausage, and white toast.

Certain devices that use magnetic chargers may interfere with cardiac devices such as pacemakers. A doctor should advise people on which ones to avoid or to use caution when operating.

In aortic stenosis, the heart's aortic valve narrows and can't open fully. In aortic regurgitation, the valve doesn't close properly. The cause may be present at birth (congenital) or acquired later in life, and the problems can occur alone or together.

For people who have risk factors for heart disease, it's important to make lifestyle changes like losing weight, getting more exercise, and eating a healthier diet. Longstanding habits are hard to change, but managing the challenge of healthy eating is easier if people have a partner who is supportive and involved in making food choices.

A buildup of fat inside the liver, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects about 25% of adults. This under-recognized condition is closely linked to obesity (especially excess weight around the middle of the body), type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. People with NAFLD can slow or even reverse the condition with the same lifestyle strategies that improve cardiovascular health: losing weight, adopting a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

Some older adults feel cold frequently. This may result from age-related physical changes or an underlying condition. Examples of underlying conditions that might make a person feel cold include anemia, an underactive thyroid, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, or Raynaud's phenomenon. People who experience coldness that interferes with their daily activities or sleep should talk to a doctor about it.

Naps can be healthy for adults who need to catch up on sleep or work odd hours, but they can also make it more difficult to sleep at night and be a sign of a sleep disorder. Naps should be short and limited to the early afternoon to prevent them from interfering with nighttime sleep. People who have the urge to nap daily should consider whether they need to improve their nighttime sleep habits.

Many chronic conditions seem to be related. Examples include obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease; hearing loss and dementia; obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure; various autoimmune diseases; and obesity and joint problems. People with chronic conditions should ask their doctors about the risk for associated diseases.In some cases, they should have certain health screenings to check for them. In other cases, additional screening isn't automatic.