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People with mild high blood pressure may be able to avoid taking medication by making lifestyle changes such as cutting back on salt, losing 5 to 10 pounds, and drinking less alcohol. If medication is needed, these changes add to its benefit.

Learning about heart medicines and remembering to take them on schedule can be daunting. Get support from a doctor’s office, pharmacy, family, and friends. It may help to use new tools such as smartphone apps and smart pillboxes.

In the largest and most comprehensive study of the heart effects of a diabetes drug, the blood sugar-lowering drug saxagliptin (Onglyza) showed no benefit in protecting against heart disease or stroke. Importantly, the drug also did not increase cardiovas

People with atrial fibrillation are at high risk of stroke and may need a blood thinner to prevent clots. Treatment may also include medications or procedures such as pulmonary vein ablation or left atrial appendage closure.

A 20-year study of Native Americans suggests that low-to-moderate consumption of inorganic arsenic is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Mental or emotional stress can cause inadequate blood flow to the heart that may increase heart attack risk. Learning to cope with stress is the best first option; some people may benefit from antidepressants or other drugs.