Harvard Health Content API

Blood pressure should be measured at every health care visit, but home-based monitoring is even more important. High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attacks and stroke, but this risk correlates far more closely with home blood pressure readings than those done in a doctor’s office. Many factors can affect the reading’s accuracy, including leg and arm position and whether the person recently exercised, smoked, or consumed caffeine.

An enlarged heart, or cardiomegaly, can result from a range of conditions, including high blood pressure, inherited heart diseases, or problems with the heart’s valves.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to a spectrum of conditions defined by a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart. Most often, the underlying cause is a gradual buildup of fatty deposits called plaque inside the arteries supplying the heart. ACS includes two distinct types of heart attacks, known as STEMI and NSTEMI, and a serious condition called unstable angina that’s often a prelude to a heart attack. All warrant immediate medical attention.

Vigorous exercise may improve dry, itchy eyes by boosting tear production and quality.

Social isolation and loneliness are other significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease in older women.

Reaching menopause many years before the average age may be linked to a higher risk of developing dementia later in life.

Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) and 5-MeO-DMT (a compound derived from toad venom) are being tested for treating cases of depression that don’t respond to standard treatments. New depression approaches are needed since current treatments don’t work in nearly half of patients. Hallucinogenics may change longstanding thought patterns or promote new connections in brain neurons. Benefits of psilocybin on mood appear to be long-lasting. FDA approval for psilocybin will likely take several more years.

Nutrient deficiencies are uncommon with a broad and varied diet. But aging, hormonal factors, or diet can leave women short of four key vitamins and minerals: vitamin D, iron, vitamin B₁₂, and calcium. Various tests can reveal nutrient deficiencies, including blood panels. Vitamin D and fish oil supplements may help prevent autoimmune diseases. Multivitamins are usually unnecessary, except in cases where age, pregnancy, digestive challenges, or certain medications interfere with the ability to get adequate nutrition.

Brain fog is tied to the severity of certain menopause symptoms, especially depression and sexual problems. Estrogen loss may be a factor, but cognitive issues aren’t expected to linger. Women in menopause may worry dementia is the culprit, but Alzheimer’s is rare at midlife. Strategies for coping with brain fog include staying calm, challenging the brain by changing routines, writing reminders, exercising, getting sufficient sleep, and avoiding multitasking.

Nighttime skin itching can stem from dry skin, hormone changes, certain medications and skin care products, and rarely, a more serious illness. It can help to change bedding or pajamas, take short baths or showers, apply moisturizer liberally, and use a humidifier.