Heart Health Archive

The scientific understanding of HDL cholesterol has evolved in recent years, and many cardiologists now believe that HDL may be more of a bystander rather than a "good guy" that helps lower heart disease risk. While some types of HDL are great at plucking excess cholesterol from LDL and artery walls (a process referred to as reverse cholesterol transport) other types of HDL don't do this. In clinical trials, medications to raise HDL levels-including a drug specifically designed to improve reverse cholesterol transport-have not succeeded in lowering heart attacks and strokes.

Chronic pain is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, which may be driven in part by depression, according to a 2026 study. Mind-body therapies and medications may help.

High temperatures raise risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and also stress the cardiovascular system, making the heart work harder. If you have a heart condition, here's how to keep cool and protect yourself when temperatures rise.

Seasons can affect blood pressure. But winter chills, holiday weight gain, and salty comfort foods can also push readings higher as warm weather gives way to cold.

Legs that repeatedly give out after activity, then recover with rest, may point to more than low minerals and warrant prompt medical evaluation.

If you have high triglycerides, fruit sugar is only part of the story. Carbs, alcohol, weight, exercise, and healthy fats all influence this number.

Regular blood donations can slowly drain iron stores, lowering hemoglobin levels. Iron supplements may help rebuild them.

A rising triglyceride level can increase risk of damage to the heart and pancreas. Learn which foods to eat and limit to improve your numbers.

Both systolic and diastolic readings matter. But large studies have shifted focus toward the top number. See what each reveals about heart risk.

A low HDL number can be worrisome even with normal cholesterol. Explore lifestyle shifts that may nudge your good cholesterol higher.