Heart Health Archive

New research has found that Americans are now dying from heart failure at a higher rate than 25 years ago, making prevention more important than ever. The best strategy to lower one's risk from heart failure is to address its top underlying contributors: high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, and weight gain. Addressing these risk factors can also protect against developing coronary artery disease and diabetes, two of the main medical conditions that cause heart failure.

People with hypertension who monitor their blood pressure at home may be able to successfully self-titrate their blood pressure medications, a 2024 study suggests. First, they need to know their target blood pressure. Readings that remain above goal requires consultation with their doctor to create a plan for better BP control, such as specific steps for medication self-titration.

People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are especially vulnerable to cardiovascular problems, including a 40% increased risk of heart attack. The amygdala, a brain structure involved in processing anxiety, fear, and stress, is overactive in people with PTSD. But these people also have decreased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for regulating emotions and dampening the fear response. This brain activity imbalance triggers chronic activation of the body's "fight-or-flight" response. The resulting physiological changes appear to underlie the development of atherosclerosis.

Older adults who received interpersonal exercise coaching (which included connecting with peers to learn and share information) improved their step counts and activity levels more than seniors who received intrapersonal coaching that was mostly self-focused, a 2024 study found. Finding an exercise partner (a spouse, friend, or neighbor) may help inspire people to exercise more. A group exercise class may provide the same benefit, in addition to providing structure, a trained instructor, and camaraderie.

Contrary to previous recommendations, people who think they are having a heart attack or stroke should not take an aspirin on their own. Their symptoms might be caused by a different problem that might be made worse by taking aspirin.

Compared with people who eat out frequently, people who eat meals made at home tend to weigh less, have healthier cholesterol and blood sugar values, and are less likely to develop diabetes. Lack of time, not lack of skills, may be the biggest barrier. Tips for creating healthy, home-cooked meals include smart ways to stock a pantry, fridge, and freezer with legumes and whole grains. For example, people can use an electric pressure cooker to make a dozen or more half-cup servings of brown rice that can then be stored in the freezer. This technique, called batch cooking, can be used with dried beans as well as with flavor enhancers such as minced garlic and ginger.

Dried fruits such as raisins, dates, and figs are good sources of potassium, fiber, and other nutrients. A serving size of these calorie-dense treats is just a quarter-cup.

Compared with white rice, brown rice contains much higher amounts of fiber, certain B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Research suggests that swapping white rice for brown rice may improve blood sugar levels and help with weight control.

Most of us don't think twice about standing up, but for people affected by postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), standing can provoke lightheadedness and a racing heartbeat. While some people with POTS will require medications, most will improve with some specific dietary and behavioral changes.