Harvard Health Content API

When blood pressure remains high despite treatment, making certain lifestyle changes can help. Examples include reducing dietary sodium and increasing dietary potassium, losing weight, limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, exercising (doing aerobics and strength training), using tools that improve medication adherence (such as an automatic pill dispenser, a medication diary, a smartphone alarm, or a reminder app), quitting smoking, getting more sleep, managing stress, and reducing caffeine intake.

A 2025 review of 10 randomized controlled trials (involving about 300 people) found that those who took part in two or three one-hour water aerobics classes weekly for at least 10 weeks lost up to 6 pounds and trimmed their waists by about an inch.

A small randomized controlled trial published in February 2025 suggests that eliminating oligosaccharides from the diet might be enough to ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, as opposed to eliminating all the categories of food known as FODMAPs.

Since its introduction in 1998, catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has greatly improved, thanks to advances in the instruments, imaging techniques, and energy sources used during the procedure. The resulting increases in safety and effectiveness have transformed ablation into a routine procedure. For many people newly diagnosed with this heart rhythm disorder, ablation is now the first treatment offered.

The purported health benefits of cold plunges include less stress, better sleep, and enhanced immunity, but the evidence is thin. While the practice may ease muscle soreness after intense exercise, it may have detrimental effects on gains in muscle power and strength. Because the shock of cold water on the skin can raise heart rate and blood pressure, people with cardiovascular disease (especially heart rhythm abnormalities) should avoid the practice.

Smart watches can monitor different parameters simply by measuring a person’s pulse and body movements. Potentially helpful features include those to detect very low or high heart rates, irregular heart rhythms, and breathing disruptions during sleep.

Heart-friendly breakfast ideas include a mix of foods that provide protein, fiber, and unsaturated fat, which can help stave off hunger until lunchtime. Examples include eggs cooked with vegetables, Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, or oatmeal cooked with milk and topped with fruit. Other quick options are a slice of whole-grain toast spread with mashed avocado and cherry tomatoes, almond butter and sliced apple, or ricotta cheese and sliced kiwi.