Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

People who sit for long, uninterrupted periods of time may increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, even if they get the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise. Sedentary behavior appears to make people more prone to developing insulin resistance and inflammation, which are key players in the buildup of fatty plaque inside arteries. Experts say people should add short bursts of movement to their daily routine to break up long periods of sitting.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when fatty deposits clog arteries outside the heart, is underrecognized and potentially dangerous. The hallmark symptom is leg pain that occurs with exercise, called intermittent claudication. PAD is more common among people who are older, who smoke, and who have diabetes. The recommended treatment involves short periods of walking interspersed with rest periods when pain occurs. Walking increases blood flow in the leg’s smaller arteries and helps create new channels to move blood around the blockages; it also helps discourage new blockages.

For assessing heart disease risk, a standard cholesterol test doesn’t always tell the whole story. Some people with “normal” LDL cholesterol levels might benefit from a test that measures apolipoprotein B (apoB). This test, which measures the number of LDL particles as well as other particles that can contribute to clogged arteries, may be a better indicator of heart disease risk than just an LDL cholesterol value.

Exposure to microscopic particles called PM_2.5 in air pollution may increase a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart rhythm disorders. The tiny particles pass from the lungs into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and other cell-damaging processes. Air pollution comes mainly from coal-fired power plants, industrial factories, and motor vehicles. To limit exposure, people should try to avoid exercising outdoors near busy roads or industrial areas.

Pumpkin seeds are one of the best natural sources of magnesium, a mineral that’s important for keeping blood pressure in check. They’re also a good source of several other minerals, unsaturated fats, and fiber.

Eating a daily serving of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, or brussels sprouts is linked to a lower likelihood of harmful calcium buildup in the aorta, the body’s largest artery.

In people with heart disease, stress-related activity in the frontal lobe of the brain seems to be correlated with the chest discomfort known as angina. Understanding this connection may help doctors who treat angina.

Serious heart complications, including heart failure and acute coronary syndrome, are common in people hospitalized with influenza.

While there is no cure for the common cold, there are plenty of remedies, such as zinc lozenges, vitamin C, and even old-fashioned chicken soup. Taking them at the first onset of symptoms like a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, and achiness may reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. While the science is somewhat mixed on their effectiveness, experts suggest there is often little harm in trying them.

People who suffer from dizziness and weakness caused by low pressure should check their medication, especially for high blood pressure or heart disease. They should also monitor their water intake, as dehydration also can cause these problems.