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.

Heart failure (when the heart can’t pump or fill with blood effectively) stems from a range of conditions that weaken or stiffen the heart. Heart failure is described and classified by what part of the heart is affected and the severity of symptoms.

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.

Momentary dizziness after a walk or rising from kneeling can signal blood pressure shifts, medications, heart disease, or low blood sugar. It merits a checkup.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Taking antiplatelet drugs can make any “blood thinner” advice confusing. Which blood-thinning medications vitamin K affects matters here.