Heart Health Archives

Manage High Blood Pressure Risks by Taking Medication as Directed

Apr 24, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Heart Health

Hypertension, or high blood pressure (HBP), is frequently referred to as the “silent killer,” and for good reason: Most people with HBP experience no symptoms. Most women become aware of their hypertension during a medical examination, which underscores the importance of routine blood pressure (BP) screenings. Lack of noticeable symptoms … Read More

MGH Study: Cannabis Use Linked to Increase in Stroke and Heart Attack Risk

Apr 23, 2024 · UHN Staff · Heart Health

As the recreational use of cannabis is increasing, new research suggests that the public needs to become more aware of the health risks associated with that use. A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that using cannabis … Read More

Newsbriefs: Risky Medications, Accuracy of In-Home Colorectal Cancer Tests, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Music Benefits Brain Health

Apr 23, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Heart Health

Geriatricians Less Likely to Prescribe Risky Medications A study published in the January issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society finds that geriatricians are less likely than general internists (doctors whose specialty is internal medicine) to prescribe potentially inappropriate medications (PIMS) to older adults. For the study, researchers … Read More

Not All Types of Body Fat Are Created Equal

Apr 23, 2024 · Denise Webb · Heart Health

It’s not news that obesity increases the risk of several conditions and diseases, such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer, but what may not be as commonly known is that it’s not so much the quantity of fat in your … Read More

Research Round Up April 2024

Mar 21, 2024 · UHN Staff · Heart Health

• Plant-Based Diet May Lower Diabetes Risk. Eating a healthy plant-based diet may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 24 percent, according to researchers. The study, which included more than 113,000 participants over 12 years, found that, because a healthy plant-based diet can improve liver … Read More

Take Steps to Keep High Cholesterol in Check and Improve Heart Health

Feb 27, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Heart Health

High cholesterol, medically known as hyperlipidemia, nearly doubles the risk of heart disease. If your cholesterol levels exceed the “healthy” range established by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, you have hyperlipidemia. Simply put, hyperlipidemia means there are elevated levels of lipids, or fatty substances, in your … Read More

Inflammatory Blood Vessel Disease Mimics Common Illnesses

Feb 27, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Heart Health

Inflammation is a natural and essential part of the body’s immune response to injury. But sometimes inflammation goes into overdrive, and instead of helping it hurts. This type of painful chronic inflammation shows itself in many ways that are increasingly common as we age. Examples include inflammatory joint conditions such … Read More

Low Blood Pressure

Feb 27, 2024 · Maurizio Fava, MD · Heart Health

Q: I’ve had low blood pressure for years, but my doctor just started expressing concerns about it. I’m 77 and am in good health. A: An estimated 10 to 20 percent of older adults have orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when you go from sitting or … Read More

Vegan Diet Better Than Omnivore Diet for Cardiovascular Health

Feb 27, 2024 · UHN Staff · Heart Health

A study from Stanford Medicine reports that adopting a vegan diet can lead to significant improvements in cardiovascular health within just eight weeks. While it is widely recognized that reducing meat consumption has cardiovascular benefits, this study uniquely controlled for genetic, upbringing, and lifestyle variables by examining identical twins who … Read More

Understanding Heart Arrhythmias

Feb 27, 2024 · UHN Staff · Heart Health

Heart arrhythmias, also known as cardiac arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats, affects millions of people worldwide. An arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart’s electrical system doesn’t work properly, causing the heart to beat in an unhealthy manner. These heart rhythm irregularities can range from harmless palpitations to life-threatening conditions … Read More

Heart Health

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