Category: heart-letter

New innovative devices and procedures are on the horizon for diagnosing and treating heart conditions.

The FDA has approved idarucizumab (Praxbind), a drug that quickly reverses the effects of the anti-clotting medication dabigatran (Pradaxa).

Many Americans don’t know the symptoms of a blood clot in a leg or arm (known as deep-vein thrombosis), which include pain, swelling, and redness. A blood clot in the lungs (called a pulmonary embolism) is twice as likely to be fatal as a heart attack.

An online “heart age” calculator can help people understand their risk of heart attack and stroke. The estimate is based on a person’s blood pressure reading, smoking history, body mass index, and whether they have diabetes

The Nordic diet includes many heart-healthy foods such as whole grains, berries, and fatty fish. Limited evidence suggests this eating pattern may foster weight loss and lower blood pressure.

About two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes die from heart disease. But updated screening and prevention guidelines, along with a novel diabetes drug with proven heart benefits, may improve that statistic.

Mobile health technologies, including smartphone apps and text message reminders, show some promise for helping people make heart-healthy behavior changes. There is not enough research to show a benefit for wearable sensors that track physical activity.

I live near a busy highway. Are there any heart risks from air pollution?

Eating more fruits-especially berries, apples, and pears-may help people lose weight over the long term. Soybeans and cauliflower also appear to aid weight loss. But consuming corn, peas, and potatoes may be linked to weight gain.

People who sleep too much (nine or more hours per night) or too little (five or fewer hours per night) may be more likely to have signs of early cardiovascular disease.