Heart Health Archive

Heart palpitations are sensations of a pounding or racing heartbeat, often triggered by stress, stimulants, or hormonal changes. They're usually harmless but should be checked by a doctor. Palpitations may improve with lifestyle changes or treatment for underlying conditions.

A pescatarian diet pairs plant-based eating with fish and shellfish, offering key nutrients and heart- and brain-protective omega-3s. Choosing smaller, sustainably caught seafood helps limit environmental impact and mercury exposure.

Higher exposure to light at night between 12:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems including coronary artery disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, and heart failure.

Social media posts tend to exaggerate side effects (such as muscle aches and memory problems) associated with statins and may spread invalid information about these drugs. This misinformation is a major threat to public health, according to a 2025 article.

A 2025 analysis suggests that far fewer people are considered candidates for low-dose aspirin to prevent heart disease with the updated PREVENT risk calculator compared with the older risk calculator.

Reclining and lying down may be linked to worse cardiovascular health while short bouts of sitting or standing may reduce cardiovascular risk, according to a 2025 study.

Performed during an echocardiogram, a bubble study involves injecting a small amount of fluid filled with tiny bubbles into an arm vein. It can reveal the path of blood flow through the heart and provide clues about the cause of an unexpected stroke.

Population-based studies have linked regular sauna use with better heart health. The high temperature inside a sauna-which usually ranges from about 150° F to 195° F-causes blood vessels to dilate, raising the heart rate and increasing blood flow throughout the body. However, randomized trials haven't found much evidence that saunas can improve measures of cardiovascular health. People with low blood pressure, valve disease, and heart failure should be cautious while using saunas.

The 2025 blood pressure guidelines recommend starting drugs to treat hypertension if people don't meet blood pressure goals after three to six months of lifestyle changes. The guidelines also recommend that everyone with high blood pressure be screened for primary aldosteronism, and suggest that people with resistant hypertension (stubbornly high blood pressure) consider renal denervation, a procedure that disrupts some of the nerves around the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys.

Simple, proven strategies to live a longer, healthier life can help people become super-agers, defined as people who reach the age of 70 without any major diseases such as heart disease, cancer, or dementia. These habits include doing strength training to preserve muscle mass, eating a mostly vegetarian diet that provides many healthful nutrients, and prioritizing healthy sleep habits.