Harvard Health Content API

A 2024 study suggests that the more alcohol people drink—whether they imbibe beer, wine, or hard liquor—the higher their blood pressure.

Contrary to popular belief, stretching probably won’t help people avoid sore muscles or injuries, which often result from overuse. However, short but regular stints of stretching can improve flexibility (the ability to move the joints and muscles through their full range of motion) and help people stay active as they age. Improved flexibility can make it easier to do everyday tasks involving walking, climbing stairs, or reaching. And for people who hike, play pickleball, golf, or other sports, a regular stretching program may improve their performance.

The scientific understanding of HDL cholesterol has evolved in recent years, and many cardiologists now believe that HDL may be more of a bystander rather than a “good guy” that helps lower heart disease risk. While some types of HDL are great at plucking excess cholesterol from LDL and artery walls (a process referred to as reverse cholesterol transport) other types of HDL don’t do this. In clinical trials, medications to raise HDL levels—including a drug specifically designed to improve reverse cholesterol transport—have not succeeded in lowering heart attacks and strokes.

Doctors may diagnose heart attacks in people who have not actually had one, in part because they screen people with subtle symptoms out of fear of missing the diagnosis. Failure to diagnose a heart attack is the No. 1 cause of malpractice payouts in the emergency department. But the blood test used to detect a heart attack is very sensitive, and other conditions such as myocarditis (heart inflammation) may be misdiagnosed as a heart attack. This problem of overdiagnosis can expose people to unneeded risks, high costs, and other downsides.

Chemical pollutants such as lead, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as PFAS), and pesticides may contribute to heart disease risk. Possible routes of exposure for all three include drinking water and food. Residue and dust from many common items (such as water-resistant clothing and personal care products) may expose people to PFAS. People can limit their exposure by testing and, if needed, filtering their drinking water; choosing PFAS-free products when possible; using non-chemical pest control methods; and choosing organic foods.

A 2024 study suggests that for people with atrial fibrillation (afib), heart failure may be a more common complication than stroke. People with afib should be vigilant for the early warning signs of heart failure, such as feeling tired and winded.

People can reduce their LDL cholesterol in three ways. One strategy involves dietary changes, such as eating more fiber-rich foods and swapping saturated fats for unsaturated fat. Another is to take one of several dietary supplements, including psyllium, plant sterols, or red yeast rice. The third entails taking a prescription medication, such as a statin. Many factors can affect whether these different strategies are advisable or useful, including a person’s age and other risk factors for heart disease, their current dietary habits, and the quality of the supplements they take.

Osteoarthritis affects more women than men. Risk factors include earlier joint injuries, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, or family history. People can try to prevent arthritis by staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in low-impact exercise.

Blood in the urine is often due to a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, but it might also indicate a more serious problem. To determine the cause, doctors start by analyzing a urine sample. Other tests may include imaging scans or cystoscopy to look inside the bladder.

Circulation problems affect how well arteries and veins function. . Artery problems are marked by diminished oxygen and nutrient rich blood flow to the brain and all other body parts. Related conditions include heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Vein problems often arise when valves in the vessels weaken, allowing blood and fluids to pool. That can cause varicose veins, discolored skin on hands or feet, and swollen legs, ankles, or feet.