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Heart Health Archive

Articles

Atherosclerosis: Can AI help your doctor detect it?

Using an AI algorithm on a coronary computed tomography angiogram can quantify the type and amount of plaque in the heart’s arteries. But whether that information can help prevent more heart attacks remains to be seen.

Lose more weight and protect your heart by pairing exercise with eating fewer calories

Exercising more without eating less is often unsuccessful for people trying to lose weight. Despite this, exercise can still improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Should I take a statin if my calcium score is low?

People who have a low coronary artery calcium score (between 1 and 99) have signs of early heart disease. Current guidelines recommend taking a statin, with a goal of lowering LDL cholesterol by at least 30%.

Heart risks from cannabis remain hazy but warrant caution

A 2026 review found conflicting evidence regarding the links between cannabis and heart-related problems, including heart attacks, stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. The most consistent association was between cannabis use and heart rhythm problems.

Cardiac amyloidosis: Better detection and new treatments

Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare heart condition that causes the walls of the heart to become thick, stiff, and unable to pump normally. Three FDA-approved medications for the most common form, ATTR-CM, slow disease progression and extend life.

What is third-degree heart block?

Heart block is a slowdown or blockage of the electrical signals that travel from the upper to lower chambers of the heart. People with third-degree heart block (the most serious form) nearly always need a permanent pacemaker.

When should you take your blood pressure medicine for the best effect?

Timing your blood pressure pills can impact control and side effects. Discover how morning vs. bedtime dosing may affect your readings.

Taming high blood pressure: How doctors find the right drug mix

When prescribing hypertension medications, doctors consider many factors, including whether a person has stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension and their other health conditions and lifestyle habits.

Is air travel safe with glaucoma and an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Explore how glaucoma and an abdominal aortic aneurysm could affect air travel, and which medical details to confirm before you fly.

Easy ways to add tofu to your diet

Tofu and other foods made from soybeans are among the best plant-based sources of protein. They are also rich in other nutrients that benefit heart health, such as fiber, healthy fat, and minerals like potassium and magnesium.

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