Heart Health Archive

About one in eight adults over age 45 has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD refers to several lung-damaging conditions, particularly emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause coughing and breathlessness. But many people don't know much about COPD, which is largely caused by cigarette smoking and may be mistaken for heart disease. Anyone with symptoms of COPD should be evaluated by a physician. People who have heart disease who have ever smoked or lived with a smoker should be tested for COPD.

People who use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), acesulfame potassium (Sunnett, Sweet One), and sucralose (Splenda) may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with people who avoid these products. These zero-calorie sweeteners might not help people lose weight, and experts postulate that artificial sweeteners may trigger inflammation and alter normal metabolism, the gut microbiome, and blood vessels in ways that promote type 2 diabetes, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure.

A thoracic aortic aneurysm can be small and stable, or it can tear or rupture. People with certain genetic conditions, and those who have a relative who has had this condition, are at higher risk and should be tested.

While muscle pain is a possible side effect of taking statins, most discomfort is not caused by the drug, but most likely a "nocebo effect" where negative expectations can lead to perceived side effects.

A new study suggests that older adults who maintain an high level functional fitness have a lower their risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke compared with those who are not as fit.

Gout strikes when too much uric acid builds up in the body and triggers severe pain, swelling, and redness in one or more joints, often in the big toe. New research suggests that an episode may increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke over the following two months.

The likelihood of someone needing a pacemaker increases with age. This tiny battery-powered device, implanted into the chest, improves abnormal heart rhythms and improves blood flow if the heart does not pump effectively. By helping the heart maintain more normal function, pacemakers enable many individuals with certain heart conditions to resume their normal lifestyle and stay active longer.

Sitting too much is bad for health. But there are ways to make time spent seated a little healthier. For example, people can keep their brains active by reading, writing, doing a hobby (such as knitting), or playing an instrument. And people can exercise while in a seated position. It's possible to do an aerobic workout that gets the heart and lungs pumping, such as a seated dance routine or calisthenics, as well as muscle-strengthening activities or stretching exercises.

People with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a condition marked by trouble focusing and impulsive behavior, may be more likely to have cardiovascular disease that people without the disorder.