Heart Health Archive

Heart Health

Wearable devices may encourage enough exercise to prevent afib

Published September 1, 2021

Getting the recommended amount of physical activity appears to lower the risk of atrial fibrillation (afib), a heart rhythm disorder that raises the risk of stroke.

Heart Health

Plant-based meat alternatives: How do they stack up?

Published September 1, 2021

Meatless burgers, which contain protein from plant sources such as peas, mung beans, and soy, may be better for cardiovascular health than regular hamburgers, especially if eaten with sides and drinks that are healthier than typical fast-food fare. Plant-based burgers are highly processed and contain more sodium than regular hamburgers. But blood levels of factors linked to heart disease, such as TMAO and LDL, may decrease when people eat plant-based meat instead of red meat.

Heart Health

When imaging tests reveal unexpected findings

Published September 1, 2021

Heart imaging tests sometimes reveal potentially worrisome abnormalities in or near the heart that are unrelated to the original reason for the test. These "incidentalomas" are usually harmless, but not always. Before undergoing heart imaging tests, people should understand how the results may change their treatment and if they are willing to receive that therapy. If a test reveals an incidentaloma, a second opinion from a highly experienced cardiologist or radiologist may help patients feel more confident that a concerning finding is treated appropriately.

Heart Health

Gentle exercises for older, frail people

Published September 1, 2021

Older, frail people with a history of heart problems may benefit from sessions with a physical therapy. Gentle, personalized exercise to improve strength and balance can help them avoid falls and preserve their independence. Falls are especially dangerous for people taking anti-clotting medications (which are prescribed for many heart problems) because these drugs increase the risk of bleeding. Physical therapists can check a person’s heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation at rest and then after a short period of exercise to make sure they’re exercising at an appropriate level.

Heart Health

Fruit of the month: Apples

Published September 1, 2021

Unpeeled apples are good sources of both fiber and compounds called polyphenols that benefit heart health. Eating apples often may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation.

Heart Health

Does early heart disease run in your family?

Published September 1, 2021

People with a family history of premature or early coronary artery disease (defined as a heart attack that occurs before age 55 in a man or before age 65 in a woman) face a higher risk of heart disease than people without that family history. Some of this elevated risk comes from genetic factors linked to higher cholesterol and blood pressure values. But unhealthy habits—such as smoking and poor eating and exercise habits—also tend to run in families and may contribute as well.

Healthy aging and longevity

Tempted to have genetic testing? First ask why

Published August 17, 2021

Several companies promote at-home genetic testing to uncover a range of potential health problems (and, in some cases, ancestry traits). Just how useful is this and how do such tests differ from genetic testing a doctor may recommend for medical reasons?

Don't delay if heart failure symptoms worsen

Updated August 14, 2021

Paying attention to changes in your body can help prevent a recurrence of heart failure.

Healthy aging and longevity

Air pollution: How to reduce harm to your health

Published August 13, 2021

Some air pollution levels have inched up in recent years, and accumulating evidence suggests that higher levels of particulates in the air are linked with increased levels of hospitalization for many serious health problems. But we can make choices to help both the environment and our health.

Heart Health

Aortic stenosis: Do health disparities affect treatment?

Published August 12, 2021

Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart, which can lead to heart failure if the problem is not identified and treated. Unfortunately, research shows that inequities exist in access to proper diagnosis and care for this condition. Understanding how stenosis is identified and treated can help you receive good care.

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Heart Health Archive

Articles

Wearable devices may encourage enough exercise to prevent afib

Plant-based meat alternatives: How do they stack up?

When imaging tests reveal unexpected findings

Gentle exercises for older, frail people

Fruit of the month: Apples

Does early heart disease run in your family?

Tempted to have genetic testing? First ask why

Don't delay if heart failure symptoms worsen

Air pollution: How to reduce harm to your health

Aortic stenosis: Do health disparities affect treatment?

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