Heart

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. One in four Americans has high blood pressure, and many of them are unaware of it. Although high blood pressure can usually be controlled with a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes and medication, most people with high blood pressure do not control […]

Of all the known modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease, cigarette smoking is the most significant. If current smoking patterns continue, more than 24 million people in the United States may die a premature death due to heart disease brought on by smoking, according to the American Heart Association. Still, it’s never too late

The American Heart Association considers inactivity to be as much of a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, or cigarette smoking. Increased activity reduces the risk of CHD and can help to reduce other risk factors for CHD. Besides, it can be fun! How does being more active

How does excess body weight increase your risk for heart disease? Do you weigh more than you should? Why do you need to exercise? How you can cut calories How Does Excess Body Weight Increase Your Risk For Heart Disease? Excess body weight increases the risk for coronary heart disease because it: Raises total blood

Treatments for a heart attack can be broadly divided into four broad categories: Cardiovascular medications Angioplasty Coronary artery bypass surgery Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of a repeat heart attack or other heart problems, called secondary prevention Medications used to treat heart attacks include those used in the hospital as well as after hospital

Life’s events are not in themselves stressful, but our reactions to those events can leave us feeling “stressed out.” Some people enjoy a fast-paced life with many challenges. For these people, slow, uneventful periods in their lives may be more stressful than challenging ones. Other people can become overwhelmed by a constant stream of pressure,

In some cases, medical therapy for a heart attack is not enough. These patients usually undergo surgical treatments for a heart attack including: Angioplasty Coronary artery bypass surgery Angioplasty Angioplasty refers to the re-opening or unclogging of a blood vessel that is significantly narrowed by plaque. It is most often used in patients with obstruction(s) in

Here are some frequently asked questions related to heart disease. Q: Does a diet high in sugar increase the risk for coronary heart disease? A: There is no evidence that high sugar intake by itself causes coronary heart disease. However, foods high in sugar-such as cakes, cookies, and ice cream are also often high in fat,

Simply surviving a heart attack is just the beginning of a long process of recovery. Heart attack survivors now require shorter hospitalizations than years ago. Most heart attack survivors remain free of complications and are discharged from the hospital five to seven days after admission. Improved medical treatments, such as the early use of clot

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to heart disease. Heart-healthy changes in diet and lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), and it is never too late to make these changes. Major risk factors for coronary heart disease include high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, inactivity,

Here are some frequently asked questions related to heart attack. Q: I’ve heard I should eat more fish and try to cook with vegetable oils like canola. Why? A: Cold-water varieties of fish, such as salmon, herring, and tuna – as well as certain vegetable oils like canola oil and soybean oil – are rich in

Here are definitions of medical terms related to heart disease. Angina pectoris: Pressure, tightness, or constricting pain in the chest that occurs due to inadequate blood flow to heart muscle; is usually associated with significant coronary artery disease. Antioxidants: Substances in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds that can help prevent or slow build up of