Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

About 20% of people have high blood levels of lipoprotein(a)—Lp(a) for short—a fatty particle that’s like the evil twin of the more familiar LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Elevated Lp(a) which can double or triple risk of a heart attack and raise stroke risk, and is linked to problems with the heart’s aortic valve. With new treatments that can lower Lp(a) on the horizon, cardiologists are now testing more people for this biomarker, which is not included in standard cholesterol tests.

Side effects from both older and newer cancer therapies can affect the heart and blood vessels, possibly causing serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. People diagnosed with any type of cancer should ask their doctor whether their planned treatment might lead to cardiovascular problems. Those ages 65 and older and anyone with risk factors for heart disease (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) may want to request a referral to a cardio-oncologist. These specialists focus on preventing and managing cardiovascular problems in people who are undergoing (or have completed) treatment for cancer.

Microvascular disease refers to problems in the network of tiny blood vessels in the heart. Doctors suspect this condition in people who have angina (chest) pain with no evidence of blockages in the heart’s larger arteries. In the most common form of microvascular disease, the inner walls of small arteries thicken, and the layer of cells closest to the blood lose their ability to expand and contract in response to the demand for increased blood flow, such as during exercise. In another form of the problem, vasospastic angina, muscles within the heart’s arteries suddenly clamp down, causing a temporary spasm that blocks blood flow to heart muscle.

When a daily walk starts to feel humdrum, adding short bursts of fast walking (intervals) may help. Using earbuds to listen to music, books, or podcasts may also encourage people to stick with this heart-healthy exercise. Wearing appropriate attire, including a brimmed hat, slim-legged pants or shorts, and waterproof shoes may also keep walking enjoyable.

Vasculitis is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels, including the arteries, veins, and capillaries. The resulting damage can narrow, weaken, or scar vessels that supply just one body part or many different organs.

Nuts contain healthy unsaturated fats, protein, and important nutrients like potassium, and there is ample evidence that eating nuts regularly helps protect against heart disease.

While ovarian cancer is not always inherited, family history is the top risk factor for the disease, which is diagnosed in 20,000 American women and kills 13,000 annually. Symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic pain, bowel or bladder habit changes, and unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, are often vague and subtle until the disease is advanced, making it hard to detect and cure. No standard screening test is available for ovarian cancer. Women with symptoms can ask for a pelvic ultrasound. Women with a family history should seek genetic counseling and testing.

Prunes boost not only digestion but bone health as well, according to a 2022 study. Most foods touted for bone health are high in calcium. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Other surprising foods that either build bone or hinder bone loss include dried figs, canned salmon, plant milks, tofu, almonds and almond butter, and white beans. People can tally their average daily calcium consumption by reading food and drink labels. Supplements can help make up any shortfall.

An enlarged thyroid, called a goiter, or nodules on the gland are quite common, especially in women. Doctors pat down the neck during physical exams to help detect these conditions. Treatment depends on whether a lesion is cancerous or causing severe symptoms. Some goiters or nodules are simply monitored over time.

People exposed to long-term stress have a higher risk of dying from cancer, according to a 2022 study. The connection may be related to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.