Heart Health Archive

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to a spectrum of conditions defined by a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart. Most often, the underlying cause is a gradual buildup of fatty deposits called plaque inside the arteries supplying the heart. ACS includes two distinct types of heart attacks, known as STEMI and NSTEMI, and a serious condition called unstable angina that's often a prelude to a heart attack. All warrant immediate medical attention.

An enlarged heart, or cardiomegaly, can result from a range of conditions, including high blood pressure, inherited heart diseases, or problems with the heart's valves.

Blood pressure should be measured at every health care visit, but home-based monitoring is even more important. High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attacks and stroke, but this risk correlates far more closely with home blood pressure readings than those done in a doctor's office. Many factors can affect the reading's accuracy, including leg and arm position and whether the person recently exercised, smoked, or consumed caffeine.

Women have long been told to watch for "atypical" signs of heart attack, but new guidance reveals that heart symptoms are not as different in men and women as once believed. Women are also more likely to have a less-common subtype of heart failure, and reproductive history should be considered when assessing women's heart risks. Anyone experiencing chest pain should call 911, mention chest pain before other symptoms, and bear in mind that other chest sensations may signal heart attack.

Doctors advise that the best ways to lower risk for heart disease is to exercise, eat right, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits, like stress management, social engagement, and adequate sleep. But what do cardiology doctors do to practice what they preach? Three Harvard cardiologists share their heart-healthy habits and how they've overcome the same challenges their patients face.

Tacos filled with white fish or black beans, topped with vegetables and salsa, is an easy-to-prepare Mexican-inspired meal.

A traditional Nordic diet featuring whole grains, berries, canola oil, fish, and low-fat dairy may improve heart-related risk factors, even if people following the diet don't lose weight.

Some portable electronic devices—including Apple AirPod charging cases and certain smartphones—contain strong magnets that can interfere with the function of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Postmenopausal women whose screening mammograms show signs of calcification in their breast arteries may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Social isolation and loneliness are other significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease in older women.