Heart Disease Archive

Cannabis use is rising among older adults, who mostly use cannabis edibles such as gummies for relaxation and sleep. While smoking cannabis may raise heart attack risk, the cardiac effects of consuming cannabis in food or drinks are less well understood. Taking too much cannabis can lead to a panic attack, which can cause a pounding heart or palpitations. People who use cannabis should take it only as needed to relieve symptoms, using the lowest possible dose.

Wildfire smoke contributes greatly to poor air quality, and as wildfires become more frequent due to climate change and drier conditions, more of us and more of our communities are at risk for health harms. Here are ways to cope.

For people with a family history of early heart disease, getting a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan plus intensive coaching and a statin may help limit the progression of the plaque in their arteries, according to a 2025 study.

A 2025 study found that a new type of medication may safely slow the progression of aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve) and delay the need for valve replacement.

Trading about a tablespoon of butter per day for about two teaspoons of olive, soybean, or canola oil may help lower the risk of heart disease and premature death, according to a 2025 study.

About one in every 20 people over age 65 has a stiff, narrowed aortic valve. A Harvard physician describes his experience with this condition, called aortic stenosis, from the heart murmur detected at age 66 to his open-heart surgery a decade later. After his diagnosis, he received echocardiograms every one to two years to check the valve, and later a stress echocardiogram. Because the echocardiogram revealed an aortic aneurysm, he had open-heart surgery so the surgeon could repair the valve and the aneurysm during the same operation.

A 2025 study found that people who are sedentary for 10.6 hours per day or more may face a higher risk of heart failure or dying from heart disease-even if they follow recommended exercise guidelines. Uninterrupted sitting has harmful effects on metabolism, leading the body to burn fewer calories and less fat. It can also cause blood sugar levels to rise, triggering the release of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Over time, sedentary habits cause the body to become less sensitive to insulin. The resulting insulin resistance promotes inflammation, a key player in the buildup of fatty plaque inside arteries.

A 2025 research review suggested that women with certain gynecological disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, heavy periods, and irregular menstrual cycles, have higher risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

When blood pressure remains high despite treatment, making certain lifestyle changes can help. Examples include reducing dietary sodium and increasing dietary potassium, losing weight, limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, exercising (doing aerobics and strength training), using tools that improve medication adherence (such as an automatic pill dispenser, a medication diary, a smartphone alarm, or a reminder app), quitting smoking, getting more sleep, managing stress, and reducing caffeine intake.

Since its introduction in 1998, catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has greatly improved, thanks to advances in the instruments, imaging techniques, and energy sources used during the procedure. The resulting increases in safety and effectiveness have transformed ablation into a routine procedure. For many people newly diagnosed with this heart rhythm disorder, ablation is now the first treatment offered.