Heart Health Archive

The scientific understanding of HDL cholesterol has evolved in recent years, and many cardiologists now believe that HDL may be more of a bystander rather than a "good guy" that helps lower heart disease risk. While some types of HDL are great at plucking excess cholesterol from LDL and artery walls (a process referred to as reverse cholesterol transport) other types of HDL don't do this. In clinical trials, medications to raise HDL levels-including a drug specifically designed to improve reverse cholesterol transport-have not succeeded in lowering heart attacks and strokes.

Chronic pain is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, which may be driven in part by depression, according to a 2026 study. Mind-body therapies and medications may help.

High temperatures raise risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and also stress the cardiovascular system, making the heart work harder. If you have a heart condition, here's how to keep cool and protect yourself when temperatures rise.

Bigeminy is a usually harmless heart rhythm problem caused by premature heartbeats that may cause palpitations. Possible triggers include caffeine, stress, and lack of sleep. People with additional symptoms may need further testing.

Periodontal (gum) disease is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly because gum disease can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that damages blood vessels.

In late 2025, the FDA approved a nasal spray to treat a sporadic, rapid heart rhythm called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). The self-administered spray, called etripamil (Cardamyst), may help people avoid emergency room treatment for PSVT.

Wearing an Apple Watch capable of recording an electrocardiogram may increase the detection of atrial fibrillation in older adults at increased risk for stroke, according to a 2026 study.