Heart Health Archive

About 70% of the sodium in the American diet comes from processed, packaged, and restaurant foods. Checking labels and making smart swaps when shopping and dining out can help people consume less sodium and, perhaps, prevent cardiovascular disease and related deaths.

A 2026 scientific statement from the American Heart Association details nine key features of a heart-healthy diet that can help people protect their cardiovascular health.

The latest diabetes guidelines now recommend continuous glucose monitors for many people with type 2 diabetes. The real-time data from these devices may help reduce heart-related risks in people with diabetes by helping to reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and body weight.

A number of physiological changes driven by the body’s internal clock help explain why heart attacks are more common in the morning. These changes include factors involved in blood pressure, blood clot formation, and inflammation.

Recent advances in caring for people with strokes include expanded access to medications and clot removal procedures. In certain cases, these therapies may be done up to 24 hours after stroke symptoms first appear.

People who maintain or improve their heart-related risks over time are less likely to develop calcification of the aortic valve, which may lead to aortic stenosis.

Sleeping 11 additional minutes, doing an extra five minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and eating just a quarter-cup more of vegetables each day was linked to a 10% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart problems, according to a 2026 study.

Women who experience premature menopause (when menstrual periods end before age 40) have a 40% higher risk of heart attacks than women who experience menopause after age 40, according to a 2026 study.

All adults should get a lipoprotein(a) blood test at least once in their lifetime, according to the 2026 cholesterol guidelines. Also known as Lp(a), these fatty particles are similar to LDL (bad) cholesterol but more dangerous.

People with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were less likely to develop depression and dementia than those with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, according to a 2026 research review.