Heart Health Archives

3 Plant-Based Diet Benefits

Feb 5, 2019 · UHN Staff · Heart Health

Whenever I have considered going vegetarian or vegan, I have always decided against it for one simple reason: I enjoy meat, from roasted chicken to the occasional steak to fresh salmon. I already avoid many animal products like dairy and eggs, and much of my diet already is plant-based, but … Read More

Orthostatic Hypotension: A Possible Cause of Dizziness When Standing

Jan 25, 2019 · Larry Canale · Heart Health

A common type of hypotension, or low blood pressure, is known as orthostatic hypotension. Also called postural hypotension, it involves a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up from a prone or seated position. Orthostatic hypotension happens when blood pools in your legs upon standing. The result—within three … Read More

Silent Heart Attack: What It Means and How to React

Jan 18, 2019 · Jay Roland · Heart Health

The phrase “silent heart attack” suggests an event that comes and goes without much fanfare. And while it’s true you can have an actual heart attack without realizing it at the time, the signs of a silent heart attack can include real damage to your heart muscle. “Just like the … Read More

Cholesterol Charts: Explaining Your Cholesterol Levels

Jan 15, 2019 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Heart Health

Cholesterol levels, as you likely know, may be linked to our risk of heart attack and stroke—two of the major preventable causes of disability and death in the Western world. If you have an annual medical or regular health check-up, it's likely that you've had your cholesterol levels checked. In … Read More

What Is Hypertension?

Jan 8, 2019 · Jay Roland · Heart Health

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can be a factor in coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and stroke. But what is hypertension (otherwise known as high blood pressure)? Well, blood pressure is just the force of blood against the inside walls of the arteries. Hypertension is a condition … Read More

What Is Cholesterol? An Easy-to-Understand Explanation

Jan 7, 2019 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Heart Health

You no doubt have heard that high cholesterol is bad for you, but what does that really mean? And exactly what is cholesterol? You may have heard terms like low-density lipoprotein or high-density lipoprotein, but which is good and which is bad? And you may wonder whether you can reduce … Read More

Low-Sodium Diet: Your Path to a Healthier Blood Pressure

Jan 2, 2019 · Jim Black · Heart Health

As the old adage goes, you are what you eat, and when it comes to hypertension, your diet is a major driver of your blood pressure. If salty foods have a familiar place on your dinner plate, chances are you’ll see your blood pressure numbers rise. Conversely, a low-sodium diet … Read More

Broken Heart Syndrome: “Achy, Breaky Heart” Is Real, But Is It Serious?

Dec 14, 2018 · Shandley McMurray · Heart Health

You lost a loved one, suffered through a divorce, or sent your eldest to college. Now, your heart is aching, your blood pressure is rising, and you’re feeling breathless. If you’re fit and healthy with no history of heart disease, you’re probably suffering from broken heart syndrome, a condition that … Read More

Fluctuating Blood Pressure: Don’t Be Surprised by Daily and Seasonal Changes

Dec 12, 2018 · Jim Black · Heart Health

It’s natural to experience some changes in your blood pressure, especially with each passing year. As you age, blood pressure typically rises in response to changes in the health and function of your arteries. But, blood pressure also changes from hour to hour, following a predictable, daily pattern of rising … Read More

Blood Pressure Medication: Which Is the Right One for You?

Dec 10, 2018 · Daniel Pendick · Heart Health

A third or more of Americans have high blood pressure, or hypertension. What is high blood pressure? When the heart pumps, the pressure against the walls of your arteries is abnormally high. The excess pressure, if not controlled, puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and other serious … Read More

Heart Health

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