Heart Disease Archive

Articles

Spouse's heart disease linked to higher risk of depression

The spouses of people who have heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure may face an elevated risk of depression, according to a 2024 study.

Protect your heart during the dog days of summer

People who have or are at risk for cardiovascular disease should be extra cautious when exercising outside when it's hot, humid, and hazy, as they are more vulnerable to the hazards of high temperature and air pollution. To exercise safely during a heat wave, people should avoid being outside during the middle of the day; wear light-colored, lightweight clothing; and be careful to stay hydrated.

Regularly adding salt to meals may raise odds of kidney disease

A 2023 study suggests habitually adding salt to food may raise the odds of developing chronic kidney disease, which increases the risks of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Heart failure might be the most common complication of atrial fibrillation

A large observational study published in 2024 suggests that stroke isn't the biggest risk of atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm condition). The biggest risk seems to be heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.

Microplastics in arteries linked to heart disease risk

A 2024 study found that people with microplastics in the plaque clogging their neck arteries were about four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people with plastic-free plaque.

RNA-targeted drugs for heart disease

RNA-targeted drugs work by preventing the synthesis of proteins involved in different diseases. One, called inclisiran (Leqvio), dramatically lowers LDL cholesterol with just two injections per year. Additional RNA-targeted drugs to lower elevated lipoprotein (a) and high blood pressure are currently in late-stage clinical trials.

Migraine and cardiovascular disease: What's the link?

Migraines and cardiovascular disease share certain common features, including changes in blood vessels, blood flow, and inflammation. Migraine with aura is linked to an increased risk of stroke, and common migraine drugs called triptans are linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart attack in people at risk for cardiovascular disease. Although both of these risks are extremely small, migraine sufferers with heart-related risks should seek out a personalized approach for treatment and know the warning signs of a stroke.

Migraines plus early menopause symptoms may add up to cardiovascular risks

A 2024 study suggests that younger women with migraines and early menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats may have higher cardiovascular risks at midlife.

Will drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks trigger my atrial fibrillation?

People with atrial fibrillation (afib) worry that drinking alcohol or caffeine might trigger a flare-up of the condition. Afib is characterized by erratic beating of the heart's two upper chambers. The chambers quiver, causing blood to pool and sometimes form clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Evidence strongly suggests that drinking alcohol can cause a flare-up of afib. Drinking caffeine in usual amounts does not increase that risk. However, doctors note that people who are especially sensitive to caffeine should avoid it.

When the heart suddenly starts racing

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is caused by an electrical glitch in the heart's upper chamber that causes the heart rate to suddenly soar for no apparent reason—sometimes as high as 200 beats per minute. The condition, which people describe as palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest, is usually not dangerous. But long-lasting bouts can lead to lightheadedness, breathlessness, and fainting.

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