Recent Blog Articles
New urine test may help some men with elevated PSA avoid biopsy
Dupuytren's contracture of the hand
Why play? Early games build bonds and brain
Moving from couch to 5K
How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals
Tick season is expanding: Protect yourself against Lyme disease
What? Another medical form to fill out?
How do trees and green spaces enhance our health?
A muscle-building obsession in boys: What to know and do
Harvard Health Ad Watch: New drug, old song, clever tagline
Heart Disease Archive
Articles
Can a smart watch detect early risks for certain heart problems?
A 2023 study suggests that the type of technology used in smart watches to measure the heart's electrical activity may have the potential to detect early signs of heart failure or atrial fibrillation.
A device to prevent strokes in afib
The Watchman, a tiny, basket-like device placed in the heart's left atrial appendage, is designed to prevent blood clots traveling from the heart to the brain and causing stroke. People with atrial fibrillation who face a high risk of bleeding from anti-clotting drugs may be good candidates for the device.
DASH diet even better for women's hearts
A 2023 study found that the DASH diet, rich in whole grains, lean protein, nuts, low-fat dairy, and fruits and vegetables, may dramatically lower the risk of heart problems in women and Black adults.
Shingles linked with higher risk for heart disease and stroke
People who have had shingles have a 30% increased risk for heart disease and stroke, says a new Harvard study. Learn more about the risk.
Watch out for bogus supplement claims
In November 2022, the FDA called out seven supplement companies for illegally claiming their products could treat or prevent cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis or heart failure.
Spot the warning signs of 4 dangerous conditions
Sometimes people miss the symptoms of life-threatening conditions such as a heart attack, a stroke, atrial fibrillation, or a pulmonary embolism. To detect the warning signs, people should pay attention to sudden, new symptoms, especially if they include shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, confusion, weakness, fatigue, fainting, or a terrible headache. Someone experiencing any of these symptoms should call 911. If symptoms aren't sudden or intense, and people aren't sure if they warrant emergency help, they should call their doctor.
Heavy metals found in popular brands of dark chocolate
Popular brands of dark chocolate (which is often touted as heart-healthy) may contain potentially worrisome levels of lead and cadmium. Consistent, long-term exposure to these heavy metals has been linked to cardiovascular disease.
Telehealth for your heart
Video visits and other forms of telehealth, which were commonplace during the COVD-19 surge, can be good options for treating people with heart disease. Telehealth delivery options can be synchronous or asynchronous, and they may also include remote monitoring or measurements such as weight and blood pressure. Blended care that combines in-person appointments with virtual visits may be the wave of the future.
Exercising when you have a heart condition
For people with all types of cardiovascular disease, regular exercise helps prevent the disease from getting worse. Even very short exercise stints can make a difference. Many people with heart disease qualify for cardiac rehabilitation, which includes an exercise stress test that shows how your heart and body respond to exertion. The results can inform recommendations for safe, effective physical activity.
A closer look at good cholesterol
Doctors concentrate on helping men lower their blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, to lower their risk of cardiovascular disease. Lower HDL levels are associated with higher cardiovascular risk. This may be related to HDL's role in helping to remove excess cholesterol in arteries that can lead to plaque buildup and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, no specific therapies to raise HDL levels have improved outcomes.
Recent Blog Articles
New urine test may help some men with elevated PSA avoid biopsy
Dupuytren's contracture of the hand
Why play? Early games build bonds and brain
Moving from couch to 5K
How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals
Tick season is expanding: Protect yourself against Lyme disease
What? Another medical form to fill out?
How do trees and green spaces enhance our health?
A muscle-building obsession in boys: What to know and do
Harvard Health Ad Watch: New drug, old song, clever tagline
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