Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

At least half of all artery-opening angioplasties done in the United States now begin at the wrist instead of the top of the thigh. The wrist (or transradial) approach is easier on patients, safer, and less expensive. After the procedure, people can sit up right away instead of lying flat for several hours, and they are much less likely to experience bleeding, including serious bleeding in the abdomen. The lower complication rates mean people can leave the hospital sooner, which translates to decreased costs.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be triggered by many harrowing events, including serious car accidents, violent personal trauma, and military combat. Over a lifetime, about 8% of adults develop PTSD, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Many factors closely linked to heart disease—such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes—are also common in people with PTSD, so untangling the true nature of the association has proven challenging. But repeated, long-term stress can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, all of which can encourage clogged heart arteries. Ongoing research looking at the genetics and epidemiology of PTSD, cardiovascular disease, and their shared, related risks is under way.

Pears are a good source of fiber and several beneficial plant compounds (phytochemicals), including catechins. Also found in apples and cocoa, catechins may help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel health, and discourage blood clots.

To help prevent high LDL cholesterol, experts recommend limiting saturated fat to 7% of total daily calories. Changes such as avoiding red and processed meats, cheese, and other full-fat dairy products can help. People can look up the saturated fat content of foods with free apps such as Lose It! or MyFitnessPal. To replace lost calories, the best choices are unsaturated fats such as liquid vegetable oils from vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as avocados, nuts, and nut butters.

A rapid heartbeat may be due to supraventricular tachycardia or ventricular tachycardia. The former is usually harmless, while the latter is more serious and more likely to occur in older people with heart disease.

Cycling outdoors may help people with diabetes (a strong predictor of heart disease) lower their odds of premature death. If inclement weather or traffic make outdoor cycling unsafe, using an indoor cycling machine can be a convenient way to stay fit. These machines are also ideal for people with physical limitations (such as mobility or balance issues) that make riding a traditional bike challenging. Different types that can accommodate people with varied fitness levels and physical abilities include under-desk cycles and recumbent or upright stationary bikes.

A study published Aug. 27, 2021, in Circulation suggests that reducing sugar from packaged foods and sweetened drinks would prevent about 2.5 million heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac arrests, and prevent half a million cardiovascular deaths.

A study published online Aug. 16, 2021, by JAMA Network Open suggests that older adults with good listeners in their lives have better thinking skills—despite decreases in brain volume—compared with people who don’t have good listeners in their lives.

An international study published online June 1, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that middle-aged and older adults had an increased risk of being obese or having a big belly if they went to sleep late, compared with a bedtime between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Pushing or pulling heavy objects requires strong core and leg muscles as well as the proper stance and technique. Pushing an object is generally safer than pulling an object. To push an object properly, one should stand close to it; keep the knees slightly bent, with one leg slightly behind the other; brace the elbows against one’s sides; tighten the abdominal muscles; and then push the object forward. People who have significant balance issues or use an assistive walking device should not attempt pushing or pulling heavy objects.