It appears that people who eat more starchy vegetables-peas, potatoes, and corn, for example-tend to pack on more pounds over time than people who choose other vegetables.
Sex rarely triggers heart attacks, and sex after a heart attack is safe for most people. But some drugs to treat heart disease can cause erection problems, and others may have dangerous interactions with drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Ignoring the warning signs of a ministroke can lead to a major stroke at a later time. People should be evaluated right away for symptoms such as speech and vision problems or weakness in an arm or leg.
For many people, lowering dietary cholesterol alone has little effect on their blood cholesterol level. Limiting saturated fat may help, but only if the missing calories are replaced with unsaturated fats instead of refined carbohydrates.
People who achieve a systolic blood pressure (the first number in a reading) of 120 mm Hg may have fewer cardiovascular problems than those who reach a goal of 140 mm Hg. But they may need to take an average of three medications to reach the lower goal.
Classic heart attack symptoms most often arise from a blockage in a coronary artery. But a condition called takotsubo cardiomyopathy can produce the same sudden heart symptoms even when the coronary arteries are clear.
I take warfarin for my atrial fibrillation. I know it can increase the risk of bleeding. Is it okay for me to take ibuprofen for my arthritis?
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.
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.