Heart Health Archive

In July 2026, the FDA approved enlicitide (Lipfendra), a pill that lowers harmful LDL cholesterol by nearly 60%. It is the first pill version of a class of injectable LDL-lowering drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors.

An aortic dissection, a tear in the body’s largest artery, typically causes sudden, severe pain in the chest, back, or abdomen. This uncommon condition is most likely to occur in people with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, a bulge in the section of the aorta closest to the heart.

Using an AI algorithm on a coronary computed tomography angiogram can quantify the type and amount of plaque in the heart’s arteries. But whether that information can help prevent more heart attacks remains to be seen.

Heart block is a slowdown or blockage of the electrical signals that travel from the upper to lower chambers of the heart. People with third-degree heart block (the most serious form) nearly always need a permanent pacemaker.

People who have a low coronary artery calcium score (between 1 and 99) have signs of early heart disease. Current guidelines recommend taking a statin, with a goal of lowering LDL cholesterol by at least 30%.

A 2026 review found conflicting evidence regarding the links between cannabis and heart-related problems, including heart attacks, stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. The most consistent association was between cannabis use and heart rhythm problems.

Exercising more without eating less is often unsuccessful for people trying to lose weight. Despite this, exercise can still improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare heart condition that causes the walls of the heart to become thick, stiff, and unable to pump normally. Three FDA-approved medications for the most common form, ATTR-CM, slow disease progression and extend life.

When prescribing hypertension medications, doctors consider many factors, including whether a person has stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension and their other health conditions and lifestyle habits.

Tai chi exercises combine slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and guided imagery. The practice can help promote relaxation and reduce the harmful effects of stress, which include high blood pressure and related cardiovascular problems.