High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stiffening of the arteries are well-known contributors to cardiovascular disease.
The buildup of excess fluid in the body can be dangerous for your heart even before outward signs are apparent. Checking weight daily and taking action at the first signs of fluid retention can prevent life-threatening complications of heart failure.
Coconut oil is a popular item on grocery store shelves. Not so long ago, the same substance was demonized as a harmful saturated fat. Current research now shows that coconut oil is okay in small amounts, but is still not a substitute for healthy vegetable
Narrowing of the carotid arteries can restrict blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of stroke. Treatments include surgery or stent placement, but this usually is done only if the artery is blocked by more than 70% or there are symptoms.
A flu shot may lower the risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, heart failure, or another major cardiac event-including death-by about a third over the following year. It’s best to get the vaccine in the fall, but January isn’t too late.
Within two years of getting a stent, about one in five people needs noncardiac surgery. Only those who needed emergency surgery or who had advanced heart disease faced a higher risk of a major cardiac event during that surgery, according to a new study.
Chest pain from heart disease can mimic pain caused by heartburn or pericarditis. Likewise, peripheral artery disease may be mistaken for arthritis of the knees, hip, or back. Understanding the differences makes it easier to deal with pain.
Beta blockers can cause side effects such as trouble getting or keeping an erection. This side effect is less common with other classes of blood pressure medications, which may also offer better protection against stroke.
For people with cardiovascular disease, exercise may boost survival just as much as taking medications.
A daily low-dose aspirin can help stave off heart attacks and certain clot-caused strokes. But fewer than half of the people who could benefit from this drug take it, while many others take it when they shouldn’t.