Heart Disease Archive

Higher exposure to light at night between 12:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems including coronary artery disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, and heart failure.

A scan called retinal optical coherence tomography angiography, which provides detailed, three-dimensional images of blood vessels in the retina, may help identify people who should be screened for atherosclerosis, according to a 2025 study.

According to a 2025 study, women who walked at least 4,000 steps per day once or twice a week had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and early death compared with women who did not reach this threshold.

Culinary salts such as Himalayan pink salt, kosher salt, fleur de sel, and flaky sea salt can lend a delightful crunch or flavor to foods. However, they consist largely of sodium chloride, just like table salt, and are no healthier. Consuming too much sodium is tied to increased risks for damage to the heart, kidneys, and brain. Dietitians advise using only a small pinch of a fancy salt, perhaps as a garnish or condiment, to satisfy taste buds without going overboard with the salt shaker.

A 2025 study suggested that women with diabetes are nearly twice as likely as men to have hidden heart disease. These women might especially benefit from early screening for problems in the small blood vessels of the heart.

A 2025 study identified poor sleep along with high blood pressure, nicotine use, and high blood sugar levels as particularly important factors increasing the long-term risk of heart problems for women in midlife.

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for preventing heart disease and extending life. Physical activity triggers favorable changes such as making cells more sensitive to insulin and reducing inflammation. It also helps keep blood vessels supple and flexible (which supports efficient blood flow), strengthens muscles (which helps burn more calories), and remodels the heart, making it more efficient at pumping blood through the body. Together, these changes all reduce a person's chances of developing common risk factors for heart disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.

A 2025 study suggests that higher fitness levels may help protect people from developing atrial fibrillation.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the tiny fluctuations in timing from one heartbeat to the next. Higher values are linked to better fitness levels and stress resilience.