Harvard Health Content API

Cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) is gaining ground as a fast, effective way to diagnose coronary artery disease. The noninvasive test uses multiple high-speed x-rays to create three-dimensional views of the blood vessels and structures of the heart. Unlike stress tests, CCTA can detect non-obstructive plaque, which is plaque that blocks less than half of the inner diameter of an artery and is responsible for most heart attacks.

Although uncommon, heart infections may trigger inflammation that can damage the heart. People should be aware of the risks and symptoms of the three main types: pericarditis (swelling and irritation of the protective, double-layered membrane that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium), myocarditis (inflammation in the middle, muscular layer of the heart), and endocarditis (inflammation that affects the heart’s inner lining or one or more of the heart’s valves).

Among people who have heart disease, those who also have diabetes may need more aggressive treatment than people who don’t have diabetes. This may include newer drugs that lower blood sugar levels and help people live longer. High blood sugar—the hallmark of diabetes—can injure the inner walls of arteries throughout the body, leaving them more prone to a buildup of fatty, artery-clogging plaque. Elevated blood sugar also stiffens the arteries so they don’t expand as well, and it makes blood platelets stickier and more likely to form blood clots.

Exergaming, or active-play video games, may encourage adults (including those with heart disease) to be more active. They can offer a convenient, light- to moderate-intensity workout and feature an array of different simulated sports and recreational activities, including bowling, golf, tennis, dancing, and martial arts. But they shouldn’t replace traditional outdoor exercise or recreational activity.

A bundle branch block refers to a small glitch in the heart’s electrical conduction system, which can occur on the right or left side of the heart. Possible symptoms include shortness of breath, lagging energy, and fainting.

People with elevated LDL cholesterol values may be able to reduce their LDL levels by eating more foods that are rich in fiber and lower in saturated fats. High-fiber foods include whole grains, beans, nuts, vegetables, and fruits. Saturated fats are found mainly in meat, cheese, and other high-fat dairy products such as butter, half and half, and ice cream.

Evidence suggests that attending a religious service at least once per week is associated with a much lower risk of “death from despair” (suicide, drug overdose, or alcohol poisoning), compared with never attending religious services.

Getting even small amounts of physical activity is associated with a reduced risk for hospitalization.

Evidence suggests that people who report the highest flavonoid intake (from foods such as berries, apples, and tea) are less likely to develop dementia, compared with people who report the lowest intake.

There are many ways one can try to avoid constipation. For example, lifestyle remedies may help—such as increasing dietary fiber, getting regular exercise, and drinking three to six cups of water per day. If those approaches don’t work, doctors recommend using fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), or wheat dextrin (Benefiber). Another supplement that might help is magnesium. When all strategies fail, it may be time to try over-the-counter medication. One option is an osmotic laxative such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax).