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A nonsurgical approach for replacing a damaged aortic valve, known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), has become very popular in recent years. But it may not make sense for people in their 60s, who are likely to need a second valve replacement later in life. The valves used in TAVR only last about 10 years, on average. In addition, diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease may be more challenging in people who’ve had TAVR. Also, the surgery to replace a failed TAVR valve is more complicated than regular valve replacement surgery. So people who are likely to need least one traditional valve surgery are better off having the surgery in their 60s rather than in their 70s. A TAVR can be done the second time around.

A large waistline — 35 inches or more in women or 40 inches or more in men — can signal the presence of visceral fat. Located deep within the abdominal cavity, visceral fat pads the space around the organs and is closely linked to cardiovascular problems. Getting regular exercise (both aerobic and strength-based) and following a healthy, reduced-carbohydrate diet can help reduce visceral fat. Time-restricted eating may also help.

Walk with a Doc is a nonprofit program founded by a cardiologist that sponsors free, doctor-led walks in mostly outdoor venues (usually public parks) in 560 sites across America. The walks last 30 to 90 minutes, are usually held once per month, and include a five-minute talk about various health topics by the physician. In addition to the exercise and education, participants benefit from the camaraderie and time spent in nature.

Diets high in added sugars are linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, but naturally occurring sugars in fruits and vegetables are not. Nearly 70% of added sugar in the American diet comes from sugary beverages, desserts and sweet snacks, candy, and breakfast bars and cereals. Consuming excess added sugar promotes weight gain and diabetes and also spurs the liver to pump out triglycerides and other fats into the bloodstream.

Taking supplements that contain high levels of biotin (vitamin B₇) can lead to falsely low or falsely high results on a troponin test, a blood test used to diagnose heart attacks.

For some people, drinking coffee has a laxative effect. Coffee triggers colon contractions and stool movement, a process heightened by its caffeine content. Women prone to constipation might find a morning cup of coffee helpful, but drinking excessive amounts may worsen the symptoms of certain health conditions.

Skin tags are fleshy, soft growths that tend to develop on the neck, under the arms, or around the groin. People who develop many skin tags should see their doctor, since they may be associated with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Skin tags can be removed using various methods.

Some minor medical procedures require patients to bring a medical escort because they involve anesthesia or sedation, which can leave patients groggy or feeling ill afterward. Finding a medical escort can be problematic for older adults who live alone or have no family members or friends who can fill in. Public transportation also won’t suffice, since drivers can’t accompany customers into their homes. People in need of a medical escort can seek help from community organizations or check with their area’s Office on Aging or home health agencies for such services.

According to a 2023 study, a person’s waist-to-hip ratio—the circumference of the waist divided by the circumference of the hip—is a better predictor of future health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes than body mass index.

A 2023 study suggests eating more prebiotics—compounds found in plant fiber that nourish healthy bacteria in the gut—may affect the brain’s reward network in a way that helps people make healthier food choices.