Heart Disease Archive

A double knee torso rotation stretches the back, chest, hips, and outer thighs. It also strengthens and stabilizes the core muscles, which are vital for good form and function in many sports.

Optimism and other positive emotions may guard against serious heart-related events and death. Simple exercises such as expressing gratitude and performing acts of kindness can counter depression and improve well-being. These interventions may encourage people—including those with heart-related conditions such as heart attacks and heart failure—to exercise more and take their medications more consistently. Having a more positive outlook may help reinforce other positive behaviors, or what psychologists refer to as the "upward spiral." This momentum can help people start healthy habits like exercise, which then becomes self-reinforcing.

A diet that includes fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, pollock, and cod, has long been touted to support heart health. Research has found that the health benefit from fatty fish appears to be its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce triglyceride (a type of fat in the blood) and increase "good" HDL cholesterol. Omega-3s also slow plaque buildup in arteries that can cause blood clots and may trigger heart attacks and strokes.

A 2023 study found that one in five people at high risk for heart disease chose not to take a recommended statin drug. After a doctor's recommendation to start a statin, women were more likely than men to decline the medication.

A 2023 study found that a 12-week home-based cardiac rehab program may lower a person's risk of dying over the next few years. Cardiac rehab, a program designed to help people recover from heart-related problems, is traditionally done at a medical facility.

Long-term exposure to traffic noise may boost the risk of high blood pressure. Such sounds as roaring engines, blaring horns, and wailing sirens can trigger stress and disrupt sleep, both of which may contribute to high blood pressure and other heart-related risks.

People who take an average of 4,500 steps each day may have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure than those who take less than 2,000 steps per day.

A new study finds that experiencing discrimination in the workplace—where many adults spend one-third of their time, on average—may be harmful to heart health.

GERD, or acid reflux, can lead to heartburn, a bad taste in your mouth, and other unpleasant symptoms. Here are some treatments you can try at home.

A 2023 study found that playing an 18-hole round of golf on foot (pulling golf clubs) had greater immediate effects on blood sugar and cholesterol than walking briskly for one hour or doing Nordic walking for one hour.