Heart Health Archive

Diet and nutrition

Vegan and paleo: Pluses and minuses to watch

Published August 2, 2021

Strict vegan and paleo eating patterns seem to be at opposite ends of the diet spectrum. Both can offer health benefits, though it's wise to understand the nutritional gaps left by each approach due to excluded food groups and consider five principles that will make any eating plan you choose nutritionally sound.

Heart Health

New treatment for pericarditis approved

Published August 1, 2021

The FDA has approved a new drug called rilonacept (Arcalyst) to specifically treat recurrent pericarditis, a painful inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the heart.

Heart Health

Strength training and blood pressure

Published August 1, 2021

Most types of strength training, including weight lifting, are safe and beneficial for people who take medication for high blood pressure. But lifting very heavy weights (including boxes of books or heavy furniture) should be avoided.

Heart Health

Cold-water dips: Healthy or risky?

Published August 1, 2021

Swimming (or just dunking) in cold water is generally safe. But people with heart rhythm disorders should be cautious about this practice. The evidence for the health benefits for cold-water immersion (which allegedly include fat loss and reduced inflammation) is limited. Submerging the face in cold water triggers the diving reflex, which causes the heart to slow down and blood pressure to rise. This response, in addition to an adrenaline surge from cold water on the skin, may trigger an underlying arrhythmia.

Heart Health

Normal weight, but big belly? That raises heart disease risk

Published August 1, 2021

Excess fat in the belly brings a greater risk for developing heart disease, even if one has a normal body weight, according to an American Heart Association statement published online April 22, 2021, by Circulation.

Heart Health

Keep heart disease at bay with a salad a day?

Published August 1, 2021

Eating one cup of leafy green vegetables a day may help lower heart disease risk. Leafy greens are rich in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide (a compound that helps reduce blood pressure).

Heart Health

Screening for atrial fibrillation: An update

Published August 1, 2021

Atrial fibrillation (afib), an often-silent heart rhythm disorder, increases the risk of stroke. Early detection may enable people to start taking anti-clotting drugs to prevent a stroke. Current afib screening methods include asking people about afib symptoms and taking an electrocardiogram during routine check-ups. Wearable devices such as smart watches and fitness trackers can detect afib, but they aren’t yet accurate enough to be used for widespread screening.

Heart Health

Why people faint: From common to very rare causes

Published August 1, 2021

All episodes of fainting results from insufficient blood flow to the brain. But there are many underlying causes for that diminished blood flow, ranging from common, usually harmless issues to rare, potentially serious problems. Common causes include vasovagal syncope and orthostatic hypotension; rare causes include carotid sinus hypersensitivity and rotational vertebral artery syndrome.

Heart Health

Fruit of the month: Melons

Published August 1, 2021

Melons have a high water content and are fairly low in calories, making them a good choice for people watching their weight. Watermelon contains lycopene and citrulline, two nutrients thought to benefit heart health.

Heart Health

Spice up your cooking to cut down on salt

Published August 1, 2021

Enhancing food with different flavors from spices, herbs, aromatic roots, citrus juice and zest, and vinegars can help people eat less sodium, a main component of salt. Fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint can deliver flavor, fragrance, and color to foods; so can spice blends such as garam masala, za’atar, and Chinese five-spice blend. Other flavor-boosting, salt-free strategies include choosing the freshest possible foods and using appropriate cooking techniques. Reducing dietary sodium helps lower blood pressure, which reduces cardiovascular disease risk.

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Heart Health Archive

Articles

Vegan and paleo: Pluses and minuses to watch

New treatment for pericarditis approved

Strength training and blood pressure

Cold-water dips: Healthy or risky?

Normal weight, but big belly? That raises heart disease risk

Keep heart disease at bay with a salad a day?

Screening for atrial fibrillation: An update

Why people faint: From common to very rare causes

Fruit of the month: Melons

Spice up your cooking to cut down on salt

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