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Read More about Post-traumatic stress disorder: When fear strikes the heart
Post-traumatic stress disorder: When fear strikes the heart

Post-traumatic stress disorder: When fear strikes the heart
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be triggered by many harrowing events, including serious car accidents, violent personal trauma, and military combat. Over a lifetime, about 8% of adults develop PTSD, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Many factors closely linked to heart disease—such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes—are also common in people with PTSD, so untangling the true nature of the association has proven challenging. But repeated, long-term stress can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, all of which can encourage clogged heart arteries. Ongoing research looking at the genetics and epidemiology of PTSD, cardiovascular disease, and their shared, related risks is under way.
Read More about Fruit of the month: Pears
Fruit of the month: Pears

Fruit of the month: Pears
Pears are a good source of fiber and several beneficial plant compounds (phytochemicals), including catechins. Also found in apples and cocoa, catechins may help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel health, and discourage blood clots.
Read More about What’s your daily budget for saturated fat?
What’s your daily budget for saturated fat?

What’s your daily budget for saturated fat?
To help prevent high LDL cholesterol, experts recommend limiting saturated fat to 7% of total daily calories. Changes such as avoiding red and processed meats, cheese, and other full-fat dairy products can help. People can look up the saturated fat content of foods with free apps such as Lose It! or MyFitnessPal. To replace lost calories, the best choices are unsaturated fats such as liquid vegetable oils from vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as avocados, nuts, and nut butters.
Read More about Cycling: A low-impact exercise that helps the heart
Cycling: A low-impact exercise that helps the heart

Cycling: A low-impact exercise that helps the heart
Cycling outdoors may help people with diabetes (a strong predictor of heart disease) lower their odds of premature death. If inclement weather or traffic make outdoor cycling unsafe, using an indoor cycling machine can be a convenient way to stay fit. These machines are also ideal for people with physical limitations (such as mobility or balance issues) that make riding a traditional bike challenging. Different types that can accommodate people with varied fitness levels and physical abilities include under-desk cycles and recumbent or upright stationary bikes.
Read More about COVID-19 diagnosis raises risk of heart attack, stroke
COVID-19 diagnosis raises risk of heart attack, stroke

COVID-19 diagnosis raises risk of heart attack, stroke
A Swedish study suggests that risk of a heart attack or stroke at least triples in the week following a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Read More about Experimental wireless pacemaker dissolves when no longer needed
Experimental wireless pacemaker dissolves when no longer needed

Experimental wireless pacemaker dissolves when no longer needed
A wireless, battery-free device that naturally absorbs into the body within two months may one day be a safer alternative to temporary pacemakers.
Read More about Aspirin and bruising
Aspirin and bruising

Aspirin and bruising

Taking low-dose aspirin may increase bruising and minor bleeding from small cuts. Minor bleeding does not necessarily indicate a greater likelihood of experiencing major bleeding.

Read More about Breath training may lower blood pressure
Breath training may lower blood pressure

Breath training may lower blood pressure
Using a device that strengthens breathing muscles for just five minutes a day may help lower blood pressure. The small handheld device provides resistance as a person inhales and exhales, providing what’s known as inspiratory muscle strength training.
Read More about Better blood sugar tracking: A benefit for heart health?
Better blood sugar tracking: A benefit for heart health?

Better blood sugar tracking: A benefit for heart health?
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—a small device placed on the arm or belly that measures blood sugar every few minutes—may help people with diabetes recognize the eating and exercise habits that hinder (or help) them control their blood sugar. CGM readouts, which are displayed on a smartphone or portable monitor, show your blood sugar values, trends, and the percentage of time that your blood sugar is in a "good control" range. Medicare covers CGMs for people who inject insulin at least three times a day or use an insulin pump to control their blood sugar.
Read More about Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Beyond anti-clotting drugs
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Beyond anti-clotting drugs

Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Beyond anti-clotting drugs
People with atrial fibrillation who develop or face a high risk of serious bleeding from anti-clotting drugs may be candidates for procedures that block or remove a part of the heart where dangerous blood clots form. About 90% of blood clots in the heart form in the left atrial appendage (LAA), a small pouch that protrudes from the top of the heart. Two procedures prevent clots from escaping from the LAA and causing a stroke. One delivers a device that blocks the opening of the LAA; the other removes most of the LAA during heart surgery done for another reason.
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