Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Eating breakfast is a good opportunity to eat some of the nutrient-rich foods that help keep the heart in good shape. One option is whole-grain toast topped with avocado, which is rich in healthy fats and fiber. Another is oatmeal, known for its ability to lower cholesterol. Adding fruits and nuts provides additional nutrition. Eggs are another acceptable choice, ideally paired with vegetables instead of bacon, sausage, and white toast.

Mental stress ischemia occurs when emotional stress causes a decline in blood flow to the heart. The condition, which affects about one in six people with heart disease, may more than double a person’s risk of heart attack. Mental stress ischemia appears to be caused in part by changes in the wall and inner lining of the heart’s smallest blood vessels. Known as microvascular disease, this problem tends to be more prevalent in women. In contrast, a more common cause of chest pain is narrowing of the large arteries of the heart.

An observational study published online Dec. 6, 2021, by JAMA Internal Medicine found that the risk of developing dementia was 29% lower in people who underwent cataract removal, compared with people who didn’t have cataracts removed.

In December 2021, the FDA warned consumers about an increase in supplements tainted with harmful ingredients, particularly supplements promising male enhancement or weight loss.

Tinnitus is an internal high-pitched ringing, whooshing, or hissing noise. The condition can make it hard to concentrate, reduce sleep quality, and cause irritability, nervousness, anxiety, depression, or feelings of hopelessness. Methods for easing tinnitus symptoms include treatment of underlying conditions, trigger avoidance, hearing aids, sound masking devices, exercise, stress reduction, and social connection. Certain programs can also help reduce tinnitus symptoms, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group support, and tinnitus retraining therapy.

There are many questions a patient should ask when a new medication is prescribed. Examples include why the medication is needed, what side effects to watch for, whether it might interfere with other drugs, how to take the drug, how long to take it, what to do for a missed dose, how to store it, how much it costs, whether there’s a generic form, what signs indicate the drug is working, and how to get refills.

Chronic stress is bad for health. It can trigger physical problems, including chronic inflammation—the persistent activation of the immune system, which sharply raises the risks for many diseases such as dementia, heart disease, or stroke. Ways to reduce stress include living a healthy lifestyle, doing relaxation exercises, stretching, being mindful, taking a brisk walk, reducing loud noise, using laughter, playing soothing music, countering negative thoughts, reaching out for help from a loved one, and using positive self-talk.

A large, randomized Harvard study published online Dec. 21, 2021, by JAMA found that taking fish oil supplements didn’t prevent depression in otherwise healthy older adults.

The American Heart Association released updated dietary guidelines in November 2021. Instead of focusing on certain nutrients, the guidelines emphasize healthy eating patterns that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, and plant-based oils. The guidelines also urge people to avoid foods and drinks that are ultra-processed or that have lots of added sugars; to choose or prepare foods with little or no salt; to limit alcohol consumption; and to follow the rules for a heart-healthy diet no matter what the setting.

Exercising is crucial for good health, even if exercising doesn’t help a person get down to a healthy weight. Exercising reduces the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar levels, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and premature death. If someone is overweight and unfit, the risk of premature death is double the risk of someone who is the same age and sex, and is overweight but fit.