Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

An estimated two million people in the United States with cardiovascular disease currently use or have used marijuana. Converging (yet limited) evidence suggests the drug may be harmful to the heart. Marijuana can cause the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise. Heart attack risk also appears to rise in the hour after smoking marijuana, and the drug has also been linked to an increased likelihood of atrial fibrillation and stroke.

Oats, which are high in soluble fiber, appear to be the most effective grain for lowering cholesterol.

Ancient mummified remains found in Greenland show evidence of atherosclerosis, indicating that this condition surprisingly affected humans 500 years ago or more.

A new drug lower blood levels of lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), a fatty particle linked to a heightened risk of heart attack and narrowing of the aortic valve. The drug, given by injection, works by silencing the gene that causes liver cells to make Lp(a).

Exposure to pyrethroids, a common class of insecticides used to kill lice, mosquitoes, and other pests, may raise a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease and early death.

Losing 5% of one’s total body weight can result in clinically significant physiologic changes. For example, losing a little weight can reduce heartburn, knee pain, blood pressure, and diabetes risk. Losing 5% of one’s body weight may also lead to better sexual function, more restorative sleep, extra energy, and more self-esteem. To reach a 5% reduction in total body weight, it helps to exercise; eat a healthy diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds; and get enough sleep.

A slow heartbeat may be nothing serious. But it may be a sign of disease, or it may be the side effect of a medication that can cause a slow heartbeat. A “slow” heartbeat is usually defined as below 60 beats per minute at rest (some experts say below 50). Some people have a slow heartbeat but no symptoms. Symptoms from a slow heartbeat include lightheadedness or feeling faint or actually fainting. They also include breathlessness. A person with symptoms that could be caused by a slow heartbeat should be medically evaluated.

An estimated 3.2% of adults ages 50 or older have very low B₁₂ levels, and up to 20% may have borderline deficiency. Aging is often the cause. Other causes include taking heartburn medications; eating a diet that does not include animal products; weight loss surgery; or autoimmune diseases that attack the stomach lining or gastrointestinal tract. It’s a good idea for older adults to take a B₁₂ supplement of 2.8 micrograms daily to ward off B₁₂ deficiency. People who have very low levels of B₁₂ may need to take a much higher dose or get B₁₂ injections.

Headaches can have many triggers from allergies to stress, or even hunger. Understanding headache triggers can help you avoid one in the future. Here’s a look at the most common triggers for each kind of headache.

However, there isn’t solid evidence about the benefits or how fasting might affect older adults. Fasting risks could include too much weight loss or interference with medication regimens. Anyone thinking of trying intermittent fasting should talk to a doctor about it first, especially if the person already has health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.