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Heart Health Archive

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The emotional aftermath of a heart attack

Up to half of all heart attack survivors experience some type of psychological distress, including sadness, worry, or irritability. This problem is known as post-myocardial infarction psychological distress. Cardiac rehabilitation is the best way to get treatment.

What's new in the latest CPR guidelines?

The 2025 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines from the American Heart Association provide recommendations for recognizing and responding to several different types of emergencies, including choking, a suspected opioid overdose, and cardiac arrest.

Safe and effective high-intensity interval training

High-intensity interval training alternates short bursts of hard effort with recovery, boosting aerobic fitness, heart health, and muscle in less time. For older adults, adjusting intensity to current fitness levels helps keep HIIT safe and effective.

New thinking on beta blocker use

Beta blockers have long been standard treatment for people after a heart attack. New evidence suggests they may not help those whose hearts still pump normally, though the drugs remain important for heart attack survivors with reduced ejection fraction.

What to know about heart palpitations

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.

Go fish for a healthy heart

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.

Reducing your stroke risk after a ministroke

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or ministroke, is a serious warning sign for future stroke, especially in the first 48 hours. Medications plus lifestyle changes-healthy eating, regular exercise, and blood pressure control-can significantly lower that risk.

Reclining and lying down: More risky than sitting for heart health?

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.

Nighttime light exposure linked to heart disease

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 about statins: Sorting fact from fiction

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.

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