Studies suggest that blood pressure-lowering drugs may do more than treat hypertension-they may also delay or prevent dementia. This isn’t yet proven, but maintaining a healthy blood pressure and reducing other heart risks likely lowers dementia risk.
A stiff, poorly working aortic valve is a life-threatening condition. Open-heart surgery to replace the aortic valve is the gold standard. For some individuals less invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an appropriate option.
A heart-healthy plan for holiday meals includes snacking before the meal to reduce hunger, limiting appetizers, savoring each bite, and staying active.
A bioengineered collagen patch allows the heart to do something it can’t do by itself: regenerate heart muscle killed by a heart attack. It works in mouse studies, and may in the future be used to deliver stem cells or medicines directly to the heart.
Pacemaker implantation does carry higher risks of complications and death for people over age 90 compared with those in their 70s-but the benefits may be well worth the risks.
Alzheimer’s runs in my family. Will it help to get gene testing for this disease?
Researchers may be able to screen for early dementia by asking people to put names to the faces of iconic celebrities and historical figures.
A cardiac rehabilitation center is a lot more than a gym. After a major heart event-or even before one happens-cardiac rehab is proven to decrease cardiac risk factors. Get it if your doctor advises it; ask about it if your doctor doesn’t.
When blood pressure is normal measured at home but high when taken at the doctor’s office, that indicates “white-coat hypertension.” Undergoing 24-hour blood pressure monitoring may help make a correct diagnosis.
Wedge insoles are placed in the shoe to prop up the outside of your foot. They are meant to reduce the load on the inner knee joint. However, there is evidence the insoles do little to relieve knee arthritis pain.