Heart Health Archive

Insomnia is linked to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (afib), a heart rhythm disorder, according to a 2026 study. Insufficient sleep may trigger physiological and hormonal changes that may leave people more susceptible to afib.

Three types of exercise (aerobic, a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise, and high-intensity interval training) may be most effective for lowering blood pressure in adults with hypertension, according to a 2026 review article.

A blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) that is discovered by chance on an imaging test and causes no symptoms can be safely treated at home with anti-clotting drugs, according to guidelines published in 2026.

The body roundness index-defined as height in relation to waist circumference-may be a good way to predict a person's risk of cardiovascular disease.

People who follow a healthy lifestyle can still have the early stages of coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease. There are many ways people can find out if they have CAD. This includes paying attention to whether exercise causes discomfort, doing a 10-year heart risk assessment, and seeing their doctor for diagnostic testing, such as a coronary artery calcium scan, a resting electrocardiogram, a walking stress test, or an echocardiogram. A doctor uses this information to determine the best treatment path.

A 2025 study found that morning coffee drinkers faced lower odds of dying from cardiovascular disease-or any cause-over a 10-year period compared with people who drank coffee all day or people who didn't drink coffee at all.

People who aggressively lower their high blood pressure not only help their heart health, but also may protect their brains from cognitive decline in the process, according to a 2025 study.

Certain drugs, supplements, or foods can interact with common heart medications. Known as drug-drug or drug-nutrient interactions, these can occur at any point of the drug's "life cycle:" absorption, metabolism, or excretion. When a drug or other substance alters the absorption or metabolism of another drug, this may reduce or increase its effects. For example, grapefruit juice can elevate blood levels of certain statins and potentially increase the risk of side effects.

A number of physiological changes driven by the body's internal clock help explain why heart attacks are more common in the morning. These changes include factors involved in blood pressure, blood clot formation, and inflammation.

About 70% of the sodium in the American diet comes from processed, packaged, and restaurant foods. Checking labels and making smart swaps when shopping and dining out can help people consume less sodium and, perhaps, prevent cardiovascular disease and related deaths.