Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) affects up to a million Americans, more than three-quarters of whom are women. A main feature of POTS is an intolerance to being upright. Symptoms include heart rate spikes, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. Risk factors include recent viral infection, surgery, concussion, or a long period of inactivity. POTS symptoms can be managed through exercising, drinking more fluids, increasing salt intake, wearing compression garments, and using counter-pulsation poses.

A 2025 study suggested that people who eat higher amounts of processed red meat may be more likely to develop dementia than people who eat very little of it.

Headaches happen to people every day, and about 4% of Americans report being bothered a great deal by them in the past three months. Only a tiny percentage of headaches indicate a serious underlying problem. Red-flag signs include headaches occurring with other symptoms; new headaches in people over 50; headaches that get worse with exercise, sex, coughing, or lying down; and “thunderclap” headaches that involve rapidly worsening head pain. People experiencing these signs should seek prompt medical attention.

Women receive less information about perimenopause compared with the earlier milestones of puberty and pregnancy. Some women deal with an array of symptoms they don’t connect to perimenopause and aren’t aware that lifestyle changes can offset them. The menopause transition often involves weight gain from both shifting hormones and aging. Regular exercise and strength training can mitigate weight gain. Healthy eating habits and sounder sleep can also offset perimenopausal symptoms.

Nearly one in five hospitalized adults is harmed or dies each year due to a diagnostic error. Diagnostic errors include a delay in diagnosis, a wrong diagnosis, or unclear communication about a diagnosis. Tricky-to-diagnose conditions include pneumonia, heart attack, stroke, sepsis, blood clots, and lung cancer. Women, minorities, and older adults may be more vulnerable to diagnostic mistakes. People can lower their risks of diagnostic errors by telling the doctor about their medications, taking a trusted companion to appointments, and seeking second opinions in cases of doubt.

Nosebleeds are common, and dry air is the most prevalent cause. Other triggers include allergies, blood-thinning medications, or a deviated septum. People with frequent, heavy nosebleeds may need evaluation for a more serious underlying condition.

Wearing nail polish does not harm nails. However, doing so for long periods can dry out the surface, prompting chalky, white patches to form. Removing nail polish with acetone-based products can also dry out the nails and surrounding skin.

While there are limited studies about the health benefits of cold-water immersions, a 2025 analysis found regular ice baths or cold showers may help reduce stress levels, improve sleep, and increase quality of life.

People who aggressively lower their high blood pressure not only help their heart health, but also may protect their brains from cognitive decline in the process, according to a 2025 study.

A 2025 studyfound that intermuscular fat—fat stored within muscle tissue—may increase a person’s risk of heart disease.