Indoor air quality and heart health

A 2025 study found that using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap tiny particle pollutants may help lower blood pressure for people living near busy roads. Of particular concern are particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter, known as PM2.5, which creates inflammation that damages blood vessels and contributes to high blood pressure. Nearly a quarter of Americans live near vehicle-congested roads, and many more people are exposed to pollution from wildfire smoke.

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The art of the heart

Visual art in paintings, medical illustrations, and modern digital tools has influenced how people understand the human heart. The bridging of art and the heart dates back to Leonardo da Vinci, whose drawings laid the groundwork for modern cardiology. Today, the intersection of art and the heart may also contribute to healing through advocacy (such as art in public health campaigns), education (such as interactive animations to help people understand the heart), and innovation (such as three-dimensional models to illustrate procedures).

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An Indian adaptation of the Mediterranean diet

An Indian-adapted Mediterranean diet includes vegetarian-focused meals flavored with an array of vibrant spices. The fiber-rich meals contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may provide heart-related health benefits. Healthy protein sources include legumes, featured in dishes such as chana masala (chickpeas in a tomato-based sauce) and dal (a soupy stew made from dried split lentils or peas). Tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers appear often in both the Mediterranean diet and the Indian-adapted version, as do leafy greens such as spinach.

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Mind your heart for a longer, healthier life

Simple, proven strategies to live a longer, healthier life can help people become super-agers, defined as people who reach the age of 70 without any major diseases such as heart disease, cancer, or dementia. These habits include doing strength training to preserve muscle mass, eating a mostly vegetarian diet that provides many healthful nutrients, and prioritizing healthy sleep habits.

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