Heart Health Archive

According to a 2024 review, the ketogenic (keto) diet—which is high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates—doesn't meet standards for a healthy diet and may not be safe for some people with heart disease.

Most healthy diets easily provide adequate amounts of protein. For optimal heart health, people should pay more attention to the quality rather than the quantity of protein they consume. However, people who take weight-loss drugs and those who have kidney disease may need to track their protein intake more closely. Everyone should aim to include plenty of plant-based sources of protein (such as beans, nuts, and soy-based foods like tofu and tempeh) in their diets.

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute, called bradycardia, is fairly common in people older than 70. The most common permanent cause is age-related degenerative changes in the heart's conduction system. Previous heart problems, including a heart attack or heart surgery, make the problem more likely. Medical issues including sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and certain medications can also cause bradycardia. People experiencing a low heart rate and symptoms such as feeling dizzy, lightheaded, fatigued, or breathless should seek medical care right away.

Up to 30% of Americans have above-normal levels of triglycerides, which many studies have linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Lifestyle changes that can lower triglycerides include losing weight if needed; avoiding simple carbohydrates, sweets, and alcohol; cutting back on saturated fats; and doing regular exercise. For people whose levels remain high (especially those at risk for heart disease), medications such as fibrates or icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) may be helpful.

Sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and periodic limb movements can disrupt sleep. A lack of sleep or fragmented sleep can prevent people from getting enough restorative deep sleep and may cause unhealthy blood pressure surges. These problems may increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease (including stroke and unrecognized silent strokes) and cognitive issues.

People who routinely exercise far more than the federal activity guidelines recommend will likely reap heart and longevity benefits. But they should be sure not to neglect other heart-healthy habits, such as getting routine check-ups, keeping tabs on their risk factors, following a healthy diet, and paying attention to heart-related symptoms.

A thoracic aortic aneurysm (a weakened area in the wall of the upper section of the aorta) may require surgical repair if it grows too large. Aneurysms in the area called the descending aorta can sometimes be repaired with a less invasive endovascular technique.

A second opinion from a cardiologist may be helpful for people considering whether to undergo a specialized heart procedure. Such consultations may be increasingly appropriate as new, minimally invasive treatments for various heart problems become more widely available and more specialized. Others who might seek a second opinion include people with heart-related symptoms that persist despite treatment, who have been told they have no more options.

Telemedicine visits combined with self-measured blood pressure readings may help control high blood pressure better than traditional clinic visits, according to a 2024 study.

For improving cardiovascular risk, a workout that combines heart-pumping aerobic exercise and strength-based moves may be just as effective as an all-aerobic regimen, according to a 2024 study.