Category: heart-letter

Lyme disease, an infection transmitted by the tiny deer tick, can cause systemwide problems, including a potentially life-threatening heart condition called AV block.

One in six people worldwide will have a stroke in his or her lifetime. Learn to recognize a “brain attack.”

Although a study found higher rates of breast cancer among women who took calcium-channel blockers for 10 or more years, this type of study doesn’t prove these medications (which effectively treat blood pressure) caused the cancers.

Even after many years of not exercising, there are compelling reasons to get active. People who increase their activity in mid- to late life reap benefits in terms of longer life and lower heart disease risk.

Doing active projects around the home and garden may lower a person’s risk of a heart attack or stroke by 27%.

Cardiac surgery takes a toll on the body. Following the discharge instructions and avoiding overexertion will help speed recovery and avoid setbacks.

Calf or thigh pain while walking that goes away with rest is the hallmark of peripheral artery disease.

Being overweight or obese does not protect people with diabetes from heart disease or cancer

Men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should be tested for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This potentially life-threatening condition is a ballooning in the wall of the aorta, the heart’s largest artery, in the abdomen.

High blood sugar and other diabetes-related problems harm the heart in several major ways. There are now many ways to better control diabetes and reduce heart risk.