The People's Perspective on MedicineArticles categorized as Heart Attack
Loading articles..
The People's Perspective on Medicine© 2026 The People's Pharmacy
All Rights Reserved
The People's Perspective on MedicineLoading articles..
The People's Perspective on Medicine© 2026 The People's Pharmacy
All Rights Reserved
People who consume the most vegetables, apples, tea and cocoa tend to have lower blood pressure and less atherosclerosis.
Can a "one-and-done" gene-editing infusion prevent heart attacks by permanently lowering LDL cholesterol? A peak behind the new VERVE-102.
Doctors believe statins prevent clogged coronary arteries. Will such drugs prevent most heart attacks? Will aspirin help if Lp(a) is high?
Over 50 million Americans swallow statins daily, but heart disease remains our #1 killer. Why haven't statins stopped most heart attacks?
Many health care providers believe that lowering LDL cholesterol with drugs will prevent heart attacks. What about the risk of Lp(a)?
Could a shingles shot help protect against Alzheimer’s? New Data support Shingrix dementia prevention. Watch a video of Dr. Geldsetzer!
Health professionals have been at war because of cooking oil confusion. Some say omega-6 PUFAs are great. Others insist they cause great harm
Has a health professional ever described drug effectiveness in a way you could understand? Discover how to learn the true benefits of meds.
An Australian study finds that people who indulge in vigorous activity are less likely to die early.
Is the cholesterol-lowering drug Nexletol (bempedoic acid) a breakthrough vs cholesterol? What are the side effects? Will it replace statins?
Doctors focus on LDL-cholesterol, but heart disease and stroke keep killing Americans in enormous numbers. Have we missed something crucial?
Sauna bathing lowers blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. New research suggests that a sauna induces stronger immunity.
Research suggests that people who follow a high-quality vegetarian diet live longer with fewer complications such as dementia.
Could immunizations prevent and/or slow the development of dementia? New research expands the case for vaccines against dementia.
A Danish study reviews the dangers of diclofenac and finds that it can harm the heart and digestive tract. Are topical NSAIDs safer?
Taking omega-3 fats from krill oil helped a reader reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure and stabilize an irregular heartbeat.
Millions take heartburn drugs daily. But growing research raises concerns about long-term PPI side effects: kidney, bone and heart risks.
MDs use coronary artery calcification, CAC scores, to determine heart disease risk. Does the CAC predict heart attacks? Do statins raise CAC?
Flu can do more than cause congestion, aches, and fever. New research shows how influenza can trigger a heart attack weeks after infection.
Drinking a mixture of Certo and grape juice appears to ease joint pain for many people. Some substitute Sure-Jell. Will this help you?
Chronic inflammation contributes to many serious diseases. Dietary choices, supplements and green spaces can help calm it.
New federal dietary guidelines upend decades of advice and misinformation, revealing the evidence behind the flip-flop on saturated fat.
Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for semaglutide. Will you take semaglutide to prevent heart attacks and strokes?
People with prediabetes are at higher risk of heart and kidneys complications. Reversing prediabetes can make a huge difference later!
For more than 30 years, evidence linking aspirin against cancer has grown stronger. Why does medicine hesitate to take it seriously?
Is your doctor's nutrition advice outmoded? Many physicians still warn against saturated fat, though they need a more nuanced message.
Many cardiologists consider new heart drugs breakthroughs vs. heart disease. Could brain side effects of Repatha and Praluent be a problem?
EDTA Chelation Therapy remains controversial: TACT and TACT2 offer conflicting results. Does EDTA help the heart—or not? Here’s what we know.
For decades Americans have been told to eat lots of vegetable oils. They are also in our favorite crunch foods. Are there hidden dangers?
New research challenges long-held prohibitions—how long until nutrition experts start rethinking saturated fat restrictions? What about you?
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is a hot drug because of weight loss. It doesn't help dementia. What are the heart benefits for Wegovy?
A reader wonders if rosuvastatin contributed to his new diabetes diagnosis. Statins lower cholesterol, but they can also raise blood sugar.
Can we improve diet quality for Americans? Disparities in diet quality are larger for people on SNAP assistance. Will cash incentives help?
In studies that coupled step counters with coaching by health professionals, volunteers increased their physical activity.
Pomegranate juice is popular. It has impressive health benefits. But readers tell us pomegranate juice and rosuvastatin are a bad mix.
Many health professionals believe vitamin D is useless for heart health. A new study reveals new data about heart attacks and vitamin D.
Doctors measure LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides but Lp(a) is contributing to a LOT of heart disease? Could aspirin be helpful if Lp(a) is high?
Preventive cardiologist Michael Blaha describes the best steps to take to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Daily exercise reduces the risk of premature death from a wide range of conditions. Longer walks are MUCH better than lots of shorter walks.
Humans have only been living with a lot of light at night for about 100 years. Does light exposure contribute to heart disease and stroke?
Saturated fat in the diet may not be the only or perhaps the main culprit leading to heart disease. Gum health counts, too.
Garlic is tasty and good for us. Not only does it have cardiovascular benefits it may also have anticancer activity. But what can we do about garlic breath?
Is Alka-Seltzer a fast and easy solution to heartburn? Such soluble aspirin could be a life saver if someone is having a heart attack!
Suboptimal risk factors mean you could die of a heart attack; learn which ones are relevant for you and bring them under control.
Our underwriter, CocoaVia, offers a 15% discount on cocoa flavanols with the coupon AGEWELL2025. Take advantage of it until Oct. 2, 2025.
A green Mediterranean diet relying on plant protein instead of meat or fish lowers LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and insulin resistance.
Research links pathogens to heart attacks, strokes, and cognitive decline. Rethinking heart disease prevention could start with vaccination.
A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine throws shade on beta blockers after heart attacks. Learn the pros and cons of such drugs.
In an eight-year-long study of older Americans, those who ate French fries more than once a week were twice as likely to die than those who rarely ate them.
Air pollution affects cardiovascular health. Hypertensive people living near highways can lower blood pressure a bit by cleaning indoor air.
People who spend much of their day sitting put themselves in harm's way with cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
A study of American adults shows that people who manage a step count of at least 8,000 a day have a lower chance of dying in the next decade.
Guidelines recommend regular aspirin use to prevent second heart attacks. In the poorest countries, though, this cheap drug is underutilized.
How does green tea interact with nadolol? Green tea compounds can lower blood levels of this heart drug, but does not seem to affect metoprolol.
The non-nutritive sweetener erythritol is popular, but is it safe? Studies show it increases the risk for cardiovascular complications.
If cardiologists almost always prescribe cardiac rehab, why don't oncologists prescribe cancer rehab? The benefits are equally impressive!
We have plastic in our brains? How does it get there? Research suggests we breathe in microplastic particles. They're also in our arteries.
I recently had the honor to participate in a webinar about when generic drugs fail. It is with David Light and Katherine Eban. Please watch!
Evidence from many studies indicates that statins cause diabetes. Why do doctors downplay this complication? Those at risk should be careful!
Studies suggest people drinking more sugar sweetened beverages are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart failure.
Getting lead out of gasoline improved public health. This offers a clear example of the chemical roots of chronic disease.
Could insomnia raise your risk for cardiovascular complications? Researchers found an association with atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
Several studies lead to the conclusion that cocoa flavanols improve health. They can improve blood vessel function after a high-fat meal.
Could "bad" cholesterol serve a function in the body? A meta-analysis finds low LDL cholesterol may increase the risk for bleeding strokes.
Elevated Lp(a) levels are a leading cause of heart disease and strokes. Why aren't doctors measuring it? Have you been tested for Lp(a)?
The evidence keeps accumulating that olive oil can help people lose weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and dementia. Getting enough?
Omega 3 fats have been controversial for decades. Is fish oil good or bad for the heart? The most recent analysis of VITAL data says good!
Agricultural subsidies of crops like wheat and corn make processed foods cheaper, but they may be undermining public health and brain power.
People who eat the Mediterranean way are less likely to die young, have heart attacks or develop diabetes or brittle bones.
Studies demonstrate that people consuming more vegetable oil rich in omega 6 fats are more likely to die prematurely.
Doctors rarely test for Lp(a), but 1 out of 5 people have high levels. Statins raise Lp(a) but a low-carb diet lowers this key risk factor.
Non-sugar sweeteners may not offer the expected health benefits. In fact, sugar substitutes may increase inflammation or blood clotting.
Do you know how effective your medicine really is? Drug companies have a secret strategy: statistics! Their math misleads too many patients.
Nuts, including pecans, can be a healthful addition to the diet. People who eat a few handfuls a week have lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
The story on grapefruit juice and medicines can be confusing. The interaction is fairly long-lasting, but only certain drugs interact with grapefruit.
A study of French senior citizens shows that if you do a good job of helping your heart with diet and exercise, you also dramatically lower your likelihood of dementia.
A lack of medications to lower it may have made Lp(a) the heart risk factor no one talks about. What should you know about it?
Following a Mediterranean diet with lots of veggies, fruit and fish can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and many cancers.
If you focus on vegetables, fruits and whole grains and avoid processed foods, you're on a good diet to lower cholesterol.
A study with 5.5 million person-years of data shows that eating an egg a day won't increase your chance of a heart attack. Don't wash eggs!
Heart disease remains our # 1 killer, even after decades of statin therapy. Why don't statins save lives when it comes to primary prevention?
An analysis of six studies suggests that if you eat red meat you may run a higher risk of heart problems. Are gut microbes responsible?
A large study in China monitored people's tea-drinking habits and their health. Those who sip green tea several times a week seem to live longer.
Have you ever asked how good statins are at preventing heart attacks in healthy people? What about assessing fluoride effectiveness in kids?
It's time to make physical activity a part of our daily hygiene. Our guests describe why we all need an exercise prescription for life.
Are you confused about alcoholic beverages? There is contradictory advice. A meta-analysis of 25 studies suggests wine is good for the heart.
Seed oils from corn or soybeans have been linked to higher risk for cancer. Omega-3 oils from avocado, fish or olives seem safer.
How much time do you spend sitting on average? Chances are it's way too much and it's surprisingly bad for your health. How can you counteract the harm?
British data suggest that fish oil reduces your risk of heart disease modestly. These supplements have other health benefits as well.
Gout attacks can be excruciatingly painful. Researchers suggest that gout flares raise the risk for heart attacks and strokes after an attack.
Researchers are discovering how can anger harm your heart. It has a profound negative effect on the lining of your blood vessels.
Workers who exercise hard during their time off are less likely to develop big bellies, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome despite sedentary jobs.
Can you sip your way to a healthier heart? Can caffeine from coffee and tea reduce your risk for heart attacks, strokes and type 2 diabetes?
Cardiologists focused on cholesterol as the bad actor in heart disease. But some women have a heart attack because Lp(a) and CRP are too high!
Weekend warriors who get the recommended amount of exercise in just a few sessions benefit as much as regular exercisers.
What do you eat for breakfast? Are you cautious about eggs or do you think eggs are good food? Straight talk on eggs and sat-fat.
A Mediterranean diet with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts cut deaths from heart attacks or strokes. Children also benefit from this diet.
Can beta blockers and anti-platelet drugs like aspirin raise a risk for heart attacks in the heat? Are statins more dangerous in hot weather?
A Danish study found that people who eat chocolate are less likely to have atrial fibrillation. Does chocolate really help prevent Afib?
For quick emergency absorption in case of a suspected heart attack drink soluble aspirin or chew the aspirin tablet followed by water.
Many doctors believe that FDA's standards for approving new drugs are very high. How come there are many ineffective drugs on the market?
If you have been told to restrict the number of eggs you eat, you may want to check again. It may be safe to consume an egg a day.
Medicare Part D will now pay for Wegovy (semaglutide) to help millions of overweight people reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Red yeast rice (aka RYR) is a very popular dietary supplement. How does it compare to simvastatin? What about RYR side effects? Is RYR safer than statins?
The egg dispute goes on and on in the pages of medical journals. How risky is it to eat an egg or two for breakfast?
A recent study was wrongly interpreted to mean food should not be fortified with B vitamins, especially niacin.
Studies do not show that people who consume full-fat milk and cheese have higher cholesterol or die younger from heart disease.
The Mediterranean diet is not the only one that can reduce the likelihood of metabolic syndrome. The Atlantic diet can, too.
When you choose what to eat for a healthy heart, pick vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and avoid highly processed fried foods and sugar.
Is aspirin a wonder drug or has it been overhyped? Does stopping aspirin suddenly increase the risk for blood clots? What about Eliquis?
Diagnostic mistakes are common, often leading to permanent disability and death. A study says nearly 1 out of 5 patients are misdiagnosed.
Adopting a healthy eating pattern over the years reduces your chance of a heart attack or stroke by about 20 percent.
A new study suggests that not enough people are taking a statin to prevent a heart attack! It should be 150 million Americans. Really? Yikes!
Instant oatmeal raises blood sugar more quickly than cooked oatmeal. As a result, people eating it may get hungry sooner.
What causes sudden cardiac death? What can be done to prevent it? Our guest, Dr. Zian Tseng, is an expert on this mysterious disorder.
A multi-year study of nearly 500,000 individuals shows that loneliness increases the risk of Parkinson disease significantly.
If enteric-coated aspirin doesn't protect your digestive tract from adverse reactions, what about Vazalore? Will it protect your GI tract?
Inflammation is more important in heart disease than people realize. Could colchicine, a VERY old drug, prevent heart attacks and strokes?
Aspirin, and its kissing cousin salsalate, can lower blood sugar as well as ease inflammation. Is aspirin a miracle or a menace? New data!
Health care is as divided and polarized as politics. For many people it's herbs and home remedies or drugs. Why not both...when appropriate?
Following a Mediterranean-style diet with lots of vegetables, fruit and fish can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or death.
In this episode, learn about cutting edge cardiology and drugs in addition to statins that can lower your chances of a heart attack.
Is alcohol for longer life real or a myth? How many drinks count as moderate alcohol consumption? Does stress reduction increase longevity?
Some people cannot stand statins. A recent research report puts the numbers between 7-29 percent. How do Nexletol side effects compare?
Before starting a daily regimen, carefully consider the benefits and risks of aspirin. Will you be helped or harmed by this amazing drug?
A Swedish study demonstrates that dog owners are less likely to die soon after a heart attack or a stroke. A meta-analysis reinforces that conclusion.
A study of vitamin D supplements demonstrated that these pills do not protect people from heart disease or cancer.
How does LDL cholesterol compare to CRP inflammation when it comes to predicting heart attacks in high-risk patients? New data are intriguing!
Many physicians are adamant that statins rarely cause any side effects. And yet readers continue to report a connection between statins and muscle pain.
In studies, people who eat ice cream are less prone to type 2 diabetes, but you haven't heard this. Is there a bias against ice cream?
A rigorously conducted, multi-year experiment with cocoa compounds vs placebo showed that they may reduce cardiovascular mortality.
Unfiltered coffee prepared by boiling or French press methods can raise cholesterol. Filtered coffee has numerous health benefits.
Do you avoid saturated fat? The AHA tells you to shun dairy fat! Olive oil contains 14% sat-fat. Why are dairy fat and olive oil good for you?
Studies show that coffee drinkers are less likely to get heart failure or die of heart disease. Unfiltered coffee, though, is bad for you.
Silent inflammation lies at the root of many chronic conditions. In the interview, learn how to identify and avoid it.
Many physicians prescribe drugs to lower LDL cholesterol and inflammation. Walnuts are also good at lowering cholesterol and inflammation.
Readers' reports that the dietary supplement CoQ10 has heart benefits are supported by scientific studies.
There is a concerted effort to prove dietary supplements for heart health are worthless. What does the science actually reveal? Dig deeper!
A new study suggests that Americans are wasting money on supplements to fight heart disease. How compelling are the data? Get the inside scoop
A long-term study of atherosclerosis revealed that adequate magnesium is critical for good heart health. A supplement could help.
Studies suggest that heart failure patients following a low sodium diet are more likely to die or be hospitalized than those on regular fare.
Are you a snoozer? Do you worry about the health consequences of napping during the day? Worry no more. The latest research suggests it may be good for you.
The FDA wants food companies to cut back on salt. AHA guidelines are much stricter. Are the low-salt targets practical? Are they healthy?
In our Saturday broadcast, Dr. Tsimikas explains why lipoprotein a is the best-kept secret in heart disease. What can we do about Lp(a)?
Millions of women routinely pop calcium pills to build strong bones. Instead, they may be creating calcified coronary arteries. What to do?
In this week's interview, a high-powered study called VITAL revealed that vitamin D and omega-3s can reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.
People who report near death experiences often find that their lives have changed permanently, with new values and no fear of death.
Cocoa compounds can increase blood vessel flexibility and help them relax. That lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.
Staying active, even by simply walking farther or faster, helps older adults avoid heart attacks and strokes.
The US Preventive Services Task Force says millions of people should stop taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack. Better be careful!
People who practice intermittent fasting even once a month have better heart health. They are less likely to develop heart failure or die prematurely.
A big study in the UK found that people who go to sleep between 10 and 11 pm have the lowest likelihood of cardiovascular problems.
Scientists suspect there is a connection between nuts and health. Many studies show nut eaters have less heart disease, strokes or cancer.
Many cardiologists think that more people should be taking statins to lower cholesterol. Should OTC statins like Crestor get FDA approval?
People who have high blood pressure in the doctor's office may need to confirm that it is sustained throughout the day with home blood pressure measurement.
A randomized controlled trial found that people have better blood fat profiles and less insulin resistance on a low-carb diet.
Regular exercise and a Mediterranean-style diet can change blood fats so that they are less likely to increase the risk for heart disease.
Researchers report that a prescription EPA (purified omega-3 fat from fish oil) can reduce the risk of heart attacks, but not the chance of dying.
Studies demonstrate that lowering systolic blood pressure under 130 mm mercury can reduce cardiovascular complications.
To sidestep a diet killing you, eat your vegetables and fruits, choose fish instead of processed meats and shun sugar-sweetened beverages.
People who consume a flavonoid-rich diet full of colorful veggies and berries are less likely to die prematurely of heart disease or cancer.
No one knows if statin drugs to lower cholesterol increase the likelihood of inflamed gums and gingivitis. Dentists must study this.
In Denmark, middle-aged people who travel by bicycle are less likely to have heart attacks. People with diabetes live longer if they cycle.
Beta blocker eyedrops like timolol for glaucoma can also lower heart rate and blood pressure. Patients may not be warned of interactions.
Analyses of many long-term studies shows that eating whole grains for a longer life works best when people get at least three servings a day.
Practicing tai chi can help reduce the waistline, control body weight and raise good HDL cholesterol. It also helps improve balance and sleep.
A study of older Americans show that people who eat nuts live longer. However, peanut butter eaters get no advantage.
One reader discovered that adding walnuts, blueberries, flaxseed and cinnamon made Cheerios the best breakfast to lower cholesterol.
One reader found that drinking dark cocoa eased post-operative constipation. Scientists agree that cocoa compounds can improve bowel habits.
Some shreds of truth lend medical myths credibility, and couching them in stories helps make them memorable. How can we tell what to trust?
The dental diet based on whole foods can improve health not only in the mouth but throughout the entire body. What does it include?
Dr. Paul Ewald describes how microbes evolve and interact with our immune systems to become more or less virulent.
We have been told to get our LDL cholesterol down and our HDL choleserol up. Is there evidence that good HDL is bad if it gets too high?
People can use sensible approaches to protect their hearts, such as a Mediterranean diet and exercise. What risk factors matter?
Using virgin olive oil in your diet can increase your good HDL cholesterol and possibly lower your risk of heart problems.
Low doses of an old gout medicine, colchicine from crocus, reduces inflammation and helps people with chronic heart disease.
A watch that can record ECG tracings from different parts of the body provides enough information for a specialist to spot a heart problem.
Have you postponed medical care during the pandemic? A Kaiser survey suggests that 48% have. If you experience chest pain, get to the ER immediately!
A gold-standard randomized controlled trial of diet found it is very difficult to change your microbiota long-term.
People who take aspirin are less likely to have blood clots that cause heart attacks or strokes. On the other hand, they are more prone to severe bleeding.
Learn how COVID-19 affects your heart and what you should do to keep your heart as healthy as possible during the pandemic and afterwards.
An enormous study of health care professionals finds that tofu but not most other common soy products protect the heart. Premenopausal women benefit most.
Scientists have found that cooking with olive oil reduces its polyphenol content. There is still plenty to spare, though, making olive oil heart-healthy.
Is fish oil helpful or useless? Does eating red meat make any difference for heart health? Can you keep up with changing nutritional guidelines?
Australian scientists have found two inexpensive drugs can lower the risk of heart problems early in bereavement, although nothing eases the pain of grief.
Pyrethroid pesticides may increase cardiovascular risk, although these compounds work to repel ticks. People want help on avoiding insecticides.
Greater exposure to pyrethroid insecticides was linked to higher mortality from heart disease in a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
It's surprising to learn that even after a century aspirin remains highly controversial. Should people take aspirin to prevent heart attacks and cancer?
People all over the world love hot peppers. New research suggests that chile peppers can help you live longer and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Heart patients have been told for years that stents or bypass surgery prevent heart attacks and prolong life. A $100 million study contradicts that belief.
New data suggests that taking fish oil can protect people from heart attacks, heart failure, stroke and premature death without boosting prostate cancer.
A reader wonders whether the benefits of Repatha for high cholesterol outweigh the risks. This is a decision that should be made on an individual basis.
Many people take supplements. A major review last summer concluded, though, that they are a waste of time for heart disease. Is that really true?
No one knows quite how many diagnostic errors doctors make each year, but the number is high. Some have serious or deadly consequences.
Epidemiologists in Japan have found that eating seaweed reduces the risk of heart disease.
While doctors argue about how well a statin prevents heart disease in healthy people, researchers have found an unexpected benefit from a statin for men.
Public health experts have told us for decades that red meat causes heart attacks and cancer. But new studies question that dogma. Is meat OK after all?
Fish oil for the heart has been on a roller coaster. It has been good for the heart, ineffective for the heart and now, once again, very good for the heart!
A meta-analysis of 15 studies finds that optimists are less likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes. They are also less likely to die prematurely.
Doctors who use exercise as medicine offer personalized prescriptions for activity. This can be as powerful as medications for promoting health.
A large European study found that people who usually had two soft drinks a day were more likely to die prematurely than those who had less than one a month.
Vegetarians have a lower risk for heart disease than meat eaters. However, they have a slightly higher chance of suffering a stroke.
People getting most of their protein from plants and consuming a healthful plant-based diet are more likely to live longer and less likely to get diabetes.
A careful study shows that smokers benefit from quitting. It may be more than a decade, though, before their risk of heart attacks drops to normal.
Increasing blood pressure medication at hospital discharge might do more harm than good for older people without heart disease.
Israeli heart attack survivors who said they had sex more often lived longer (and possibly happier) than those who had sex infrequently or not at all.
An analysis of more than 200 trials concluded that diets and supplements won't protect you from heart attacks. But this conclusion might not apply to you.
A meta-analysis in JAMA Cardiology shows no benefit from vitamin D supplements for heart disease. This is the latest in a series of such disappointments.
We often assume that women's heart health is the same as men's, but there are some subtle and significant differences. What should you know?
Should you choose white meat such as chicken instead of red meat like beef or pork? To lower cholesterol, pick plant protein in a low sat fat diet.
Long-standing advice to call the ambulance and then chew a baby aspirin for a heart attack is still good. Most people no longer should take aspirin daily.
Fruit juice seems like a healthful choice, but it is high in fructose. People who drink a lot of juice are at risk of premature death.
A comparison of stents to CABG results shows that surgery is more effective than stents when people have more than one blocked coronary artery.
Does it matter whether you eat breakfast or run out the door on an empty stomach? A new study suggests that breakfast eaters have less heart disease. Why?
Cutting salt from our diets has been dogma for many years. Yet there is not very much evidence to support the extreme efforts some people make.
A reader found that eating two kiwifruit daily for many months raised beneficial HDL cholesterol into the desirable range.
Extra-virgin olive oil boosts the power of HDL. To preserve its benefits, store it in dark glass, not plastic, away from light and heat.
Data from the Women's Health Initiative suggests that heavy diet soda consumers are more likely to suffer strokes and heart attacks.
People with high triglycerides are more likely to develop heart disease. What can you do to lower this blood fat?
To prevent heart disease, you need to control your cholesterol. Do you do that with diet, supplements and exercise, or do you also take medication?
The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) was supposed to save lives. But the law of unintended consequences struck. Why are patients dying faster?
Fish oil supplements prevent fatal heart attacks, especially for people who don't eat much fish. However, they can also increase AFib.
In the VITAL trial, vitamin D strikes out for preventing heart disease and cancer. Are such supplements completely useless?
The VITAL study looked at fish oil to prevent heart attacks. The results were mostly disappointing, but fewer people taking fish oil died of heart attacks.
A new study shows that alirocumab added to statins can help some people at very high risk of a heart attack. How high is your risk?
People experiencing severe grief or depression because of bereavement have elevated levels of inflammation. This could contribute to broken heart syndrome.
A long-running study suggests that people who eat fish and shellfish regularly are less prone to chronic disease as they age.
Can you stop aspirin suddenly? That is probably a question most health professionals have not asked themselves. Researchers report that sudden discontinuation of aspirin can have serious consequences.
Doctors have been uncertain whether statins help or harm their oldest patients. A big new study suggests that the benefit from statins fades with age.
Do you buy low-fat or no-fat yogurt? Why? Do you like the taste or do you fear the saturated fat in whole fat dairy products? A new study says dairy products are good for the cardiovascular system.
A study in older Spanish people found that statins fail to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people over 75 unless they have type 2 diabetes.
A leaky heart valve is a mechanical problem. Nonetheless, it makes sense to let your health care providers if you are taking aspirin or any other OTC drug on a regular basis.
Aspirin can work for preventing heart attacks, but it can also cause excessive bleeding. People need to weigh the benefits and risks before taking it long-term.
A study of low-risk individuals that ran for more than a quarter of a century found that even in these people, high LDL cholesterol can shorten life expectancy.
In a long-running cohort study, people getting about half their calories from carbohydrates had a better chance of long life than those eating either low carb or high carb diets.
Aspirin prevents clots but it also increases the chance of bleeding. So deciding whether to stop taking aspirin before a procedure is a tough call.
Expecting employees to respond to work email 24/7 and on weekends and holidays increases job stress and its health risks.
Counteracting depression with an antidepressant medication after a cardiac event appears to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular complications later.
a meta-analysis of 18 large studies found multivitamins no help in preventing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems such as stroke.
An analysis of data from previous studies shows that people eating walnuts have lower cholesterol and triglycerides. They don't gain weight or raise their blood pressure.
WHO wants countries to ban risky trans fats from their foods. Such a move could save 500,000 lives or more a year worldwide.
People with type 2 diabetes have been told not to eat eggs–or at least not very many–because that will raise cholesterol and increase their cardiovascular risk. A new study shows that just isn't so.
Finnish researchers report that people who use a sauna bath nearly every day are much less susceptible to strokes, heart attacks and dementia.
Although fish oil has a reputation for soothing dry eyes, a recent randomized controlled trial found that placebo capsules of olive oil worked just as well.
With salsalate, you may be able to ease arthritis pain safely. It is far less likely to irritate the digestive tract or cause cardiovascular problems than most NSAID pain relievers.
Do you wonder whether garlic has earned its reputation as a heart-healthy flavor? Studies suggest that garlic may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, at least a bit.
Do you take calcium to keep your bones strong? How good is the evidence that it works? Do you know about calcium side effects such as colon polyps? New data are worrisome.
In this broadcast for Feb. 24, 2018, we discuss controversies in cardiology such as the re-definition of hypertension and the proper utilization of stents with two cardiologists.
A large meta-analysis of 10 studies found no heart protection from omega-3 supplements compared to placebo.
A randomized placebo-controlled trial of aged garlic extract demonstrated that it reduces inflammatory compounds and LDL cholesterol.
It often takes many years to discover unusual or rare adverse drug reactions. Could psoriasis be one of the atorvastatin side effects? A mystery revealed!
Research shows that eating a small amount of almonds and dark chocolate daily can improve LDL cholesterol, albeit modestly.
People who have chest pain after exercise often get an angiogram. If there is narrowing in an artery they may be told they need a heart stent. Is that true?
Soy protein products have long been allowed to make cardiovascular health claims. Now the FDA is re-evaluating whether the evidence supports such claims.
If your doctor recommends low-dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke be very careful if you have to stop aspirin. It could lead bad complications.
People who frequently use a sauna bath have lower blood pressure, fewer colds or flu and a reduced likelihood of dementia.
A diet with plenty of potassium rich foods can help prevent hardening of the arteries. Potassium prevents calcium build-up in artery walls.
Low-dose aspirin is frequently prescribed to heart patients to prevent blood clots. Can stopping aspirin suddenly increase the risk for heart attacks?
The American Heart Association has issued its first guidelines on meditation. Although the supporting data should be stronger, the practice is promising.
When people eat saturated fat, their risk of stroke drops. If they are also avoiding refined carbohydrates, their triglycerides also come down.
Do changing recommendations about what you should eat and which medications to take drive you crazy? We explore salt and a new way to treat heart disease.
People who get up and move around frequently are less likely to die early than those who simply sit for the entire time they are working.
Many people think that preventing heart attacks is as simple as lowering cholesterol. What if inflammation is a culprit? How can you reduce inflammation?
A new study including more than 135,000 adults shows that a high-carb diet is linked to a higher risk of premature death–the bread IS worse than the butter.
You can now lower your LDL cholesterol to unprecedented levels with new cholesterol drugs. Are Repatha and Praluent worth their hefty price tags?
A small handful of almonds can improve the function of HDL cholesterol when compared to a low-fat, high-carb banana muffin.
When there is a paradigm shift in medicine, it creates warring factions. Doctors fight over data. That's true of statins. It leaves many patients confused.
The statin skirmishes of recent years have turned into bitter conflict. Dr. Nissen says stopping statins will lead to many deaths. What about side effects?
People with a genetic makeup that leads to a naturally high blood level of calcium are more vulnerable to heart attacks and strokes.
People who suffer a shingles attack have a 59 percent higher risk of heart attack and a 35 percent higher risk of stroke.
Cardiologists don't agree on how well statin cholesterol-lowering drugs work to prevent heart disease. What do you know about the statin standoff?
A study of 17,000 American adults shows that heart disease rates have dropped significantly only for the affluent, not for people living in poverty.
What bread is best, white bread or sourdough? The balance of microbes in your digestive tract determines which bread raises blood sugar more quickly.
Sugar might be more dangerous than saturated fats in the diet as a risk factor for coronary heart disease. One reader lowered blood lipids with sat fats.
Olive oil and wine both contain hydroxytyrosol. When it is metabolized, this seems to protect people from heart disease and strokes.
When study volunteers drank beetroot juice, it calmed their sympathetic nervous systems and lowered blood pressure and heart rate.
People in pain do NOT want to hear bad news about ibuprofen, naproxen or other NSAIDs. To take such drugs safely, people must know the risks!
Vitamin D and exercise act together with synergy against heart disease, according to results from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.
How much should you reduce salt in your diet? One study shows that people who kept their sodium intake low for years ended up with high blood pressure.
Dietary guidelines have consistently urged: AVOID SATURATED FAT! 3 prominent cardiologists flip flop on saturated fat.
The anti-inflammatory component of turmeric, curcumin, may have the power to alleviate statin-induced muscle pain so people can stay on a statin.
Studies show that heart attack patients benefit from high-intensity statin drugs, but many stop taking these medications within a few years.
People with higher levels of vitamin D are less likely to die from heart attacks or strokes, but no one knows if supplements will protect your heart.
A new type of medication, the PCSK9 inhibitor, has a dramatic effect on lowering cholesterol. But can you afford Repatha to get your LDL cholesterol so low?
People who exercise in their leisure time may be less likely to have a heart attack and are significantly less likely to die immediately if they do.
Two years of evidence show that the new absorbable stent is linked to more heart attacks rather than fewer compared to conventional stents.
If you have heart failure or coronary heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends that you take fish oil to protect your heart.
Is coconut oil good? The answer appears to be that it is not harmful. It could have a role in a healthy diet along with vegetable oils.
Men using testosterone replacement therapy had a lower risk of heart attacks, even though testosterone treatment is linked to more coronary plaque.
Even people smoking only a few cigarettes a day are putting themselves at risk of dying prematurely.
Many of us worry that consuming saturated fat will boost our chance of a heart attack. A study from Norway suggests we should worry about processed food.
Millions of people take ibuprofen and naproxen every day to ease aches and pains. Is there any possibility of a danger of ibuprofen and heart attack?
Middle-aged Chinese people didn't lose as much of their heart-healthy HDL cholesterol levels if they enjoyed a bit of beer every so often.
Tens of millions of people take NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen every day to ease pain. Is celecoxib (Celebrex) safer or just as bad for the heart?
People who indulge a sudden burst of extreme activity or experience anger raise their chance of a heart attack. Emotion and exertion together are riskiest.
Dr. Robert DuBroff, cardiologist and lipidologist, tells why he thinks we need to look again at the cholesterol hypothesis and re-evaluate statins.
The medical journals The BMJ and The Lancet have published articles with contradictory assessments of the value of statins for prevention.
People with a high heart attack risk benefit from lowering their LDL cholesterol. How can you get your LDL under control most effectively?
Do you know what your vitamin D levels are? Could your shampoo, conditioner, deodorant or insect repellent be lowering your levels of this crucial nutrient?
The sugar industry cleverly managed to shift the blame for heart disease to fat and cholesterol 50 years ago. How should we evaluate diets today?
If you're confused about the benefits and risks of statins for lowering cholesterol, you're not alone. Even cardiologists are arguing about these drugs.
Italians who ate a Mediterranean diet compare their 37 percent lower risk of heart attack to a 24 percent lower risk for those taking a statin.
People who engage regularly in moderate to vigorous physical activity are less prone to chronic health problems such as heart disease or diabetes.
Prescription-strength fish oil given after a heart attack was able to help restore the heart to better health and function.
Lowering LDL cholesterol levels to between 70 and 100 mg/dL protects people at high risk of heart attacks or strokes; lower LDL offers no extra benefit.
Space travel exposes astronauts to deep space radiation that damages blood vessels. This may explain the high cardiac mortality of Apollo astronauts.
Should you make room for butter on your table? A new study shows that using butter does not lead to cardiovascular complications.
The first bioresorbable stent will soon become available, allowing treatment when it is needed without patients taking an anticlotting drug for life.
Butter has been vilified for many years but a new study says butter is not bad for your heart and may actually be beneficial against diabetes. How come?
Eating good amounts of omega-3 fats in fish and plant foods seem to prevent fatal heart attacks, though there is no difference in nonfatal heart problems.
Doctors have been taught that so-called bad LDL cholesterol is a killer. When high, statins are almost always prescribed. New data challenge that idea.
Research shows that older adults who keep moving instead of becoming sedentary are healthier and live longer: 15 minutes a day helps!
Salt is safe and saturated fat won't kill you. Such heretical messages contradict decades of public health dogma. What does the latest research have to say?
Some evidence suggests that consuming coconut oil may raise good HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, control blood sugar and help against Alzheimer's.
Nurses who work a rotating night shift for ten years or more are at a significantly higher risk of stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascular problem.
People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from heart disease, but treatment with metformin may help you protect your heart.
For years, the diet-heart hypothesis dictated that Americans should avoid saturated fat and choose vegetable oils rather than butter. Was that a mistake?
People in their 50s or 60s at high risk for heart disease should ask their doctors about taking low-dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack.
What is the best oil to use for cooking? It is fine to cook with coconut oil despite its saturated fat content. No deep frying, though!
In the HOPE-3 trial, lowering cholesterol helped people avoid heart attacks and strokes; blood pressure treatment was less helpful.
The experimental drug evacetrapib lowered bad cholesterol dramatically and raised beneficial HDL even more but failed to save lives for heart patients.
Doctors have called bad cholesterol (LDL) the enemy for decades. But a new study confounds the cardiologists. The drug worked great but failed miserably!
BPA, an endocrine disruptor, is found in the lining of soup cans, but Campbell's Soup has just announced that its cans will become BPA-free.
Do people with no cardiac symptoms really need coronary artery angiography before surgery? It often results in cardiac interventions such as stents.
Swedish women who make a practice of soaking up sun live longer than their paler counterparts.
Those who have suffered a cardiac event are at greater risk for a repeat heart attack; learning stress management techniques can lower that risk.
Is it appropriate to worry that eating eggs will raise TMAO and increase the chance of a heart attack? It depends on the rest of the diet.
What can you do when your doctor insists you must take a statin but you experience unbearable muscle pain and weakness. Matt opted for Praluent.
Have you ever heard of BC Powder? It's been around for over 100 years and remains popular in the south. It's a fast way to get aspirin into the bloodstream.
You've been told to avoid eggs, cut back on cholesterol and stay away from saturated fat. The Finnish Heart Study Turns that advice upside down.
Middle-aged Danes who eat whole grains, especially oats and rye, have a reduced likelihood of heart attack.
NSAID pain relievers are popular, but they pose risks for a heart patient. Instead of such medications, we suggest remedies that won't hurt the heart.
People have been warned that eating eggs will raise their chance of having a heart attack. But the evidence from Finland doesn't support that belief.
A Dutch study has found that people eating saturated fat have a lower risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease than those who consume more carbs.
Anxiety can cause many of the same symptoms as a woman's heart attack. Is that why an anxious woman is less likely to be diagnosed properly?
The American Heart Association warns women to be aware that they may experience heart attacks differently from most men, but they are at risk.
Many people wonder if a heart rate below 50 beats a minute is a danger, but a new study says a naturally slow heart rate is no cause for concern.
Garlic has been used by healers for thousands of years but it is not a staple of modern medicine. Why has this extraordinary herb been dismissed by doctors?
A new recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force will put many more Americans on statins. Are you taking a statin for your heart?
Epidemiologists have found a link between a high resting heart rate and a higher likelihood of dying from cardiovascular causes.
PCI techniques to place stents can reduce pain from angina but don't help people with stable heart disease live longer than those being treated with drugs.
Because cash register receipts contain BPA, cashiers have higher body burdens of this potentially harmful chemical.
FDA is considering approval of a new type of stent that will be resorbed into body tissue after about three years. This may be safer than older stents.
Doctors may tell patients that statins will save their lives, but they don't say how much longer that life will be. New data shows you can count it in days.
Acetaminophen can relieve pain and reduce fever, but unlike aspirin, it does not appear to prevent heart attacks.
Coaching by way of text messages helped people make significant lifestyle changes to improve their health, such as quitting smoking and losing weight.
People who have hip or knee replacement surgery are at greater risk of a heart attack for a month after the surgery; the risk of blood clots lasts longer.
Flaws in the risk calculator for heart disease could lead to overprescribing of statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Although it was once hailed as health food, trans fat is worse than the experts believed and contributes to the risk of heart disease and early mortality.
Normalizing testosterone levels with replacement hormone appears to benefit men's heart health, or at least does not seem to damage it.
Southern cooking is tasty, but fried chicken, sweet tea, biscuits and bacon can increase the likelihood of a heart attack.
With training, bystanders using defibrillators can greatly increase the likelihood of people having heart attacks surviving without harm to the brain.
New recommendations would put half of all American adults on statins to lower the risk of heart disease. Does that really make sense?
People who enjoy the recommended amount of leisure time exercise cut their risk of premature death.
Both OTC pain relievers and heartburn pills can increase the possibility of experiencing a heart attack; people using these drugs should know the risks.
People who consume chocolate regularly are less prone to heart attacks and strokes.
The FDA has finally announced that it will ban trans fats; food manufacturers have three years to figure out how to replace them.
Inflammation contributes to chronic disease; pollution from pesticides lodges in fat and triggers inflammation.
Immune system cells deprived of vitamin D carry fat and deposit it in artery walls.
Some doctors love statins. Others say the benefits have been exaggerated and the risks downplayed. Have you ever looked at the data to decide for yourself?
The FDA warns men not to take testosterone except in very limited circumstances, although some research suggests testosterone benefits heart health.
In two large populations in the US and China, people who ate more peanuts lived longer and were less likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
Coffee drinkers seem to have less calcium clogging their coronary arteries.
NSAID medications increase the risk of bleeding or heart events while people are on anticoagulants after a heart attack.
Finnish men who took a sauna bath daily were half as likely to die from a heart attack as those who visited the sauna weekly.
Adults who had low levels of vitamin D as children are more likely to have thick, inflexible artery walls.
Having sex can provide almost as much exercise as a vigorous walk or a gentle jog.
Does testosterone pose cardiovascular hazards? Researchers think there is no evidence it does.
People who include more whole grain in their daily diets live longer and are less likely to develop heart disease.
Using a fitness tracker to provide feedback on exercise and its results can be a great way to reinforce healthy habits.
People who practice yoga are able to lower their blood pressure and heart rate as well as those who do more conventional aerobic exercise.
Did a Japanese study on the use of aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes bomb out or produce positive results? Get the inside story on aspirin.
The most important measure of HDL cholesterol may not be how much there is, but rather how efficiently it works to remove cholesterol.
Keeping blood from clotting in a drug-eluting stent puts a patient at risk for potentially fatal excess bleeding.
Epidemiologists find that people substituting polyunsaturated fat for sat fat lower their likelihood of heart attacks.
Mediterranean diets high in nuts or olive oil help people overcome metabolic syndrome and its risks.
Good social support is linked to better recovery from heart attacks at all ages.
An innovative study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that many cardiologists overstated the benefits and downplayed the risks of stents.
Have you ever had a bad case of indigestion? Did you wonder whether it might be a heart attack? What symptoms should men and women be aware of?
NSAID-type pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, meloxicam and others have been linked to heart attacks and strokes
Millions of people are taking statins based on new guidelines from cardiologists. Are they as helpful as the experts maintain?
Several studies have found that skipping breakfast is associated with a bigger chance of developing heart disease or heart rhythm problems.
When it comes to comparing diet vs drugs for maximizing heart health, don't overlook the marvelous benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
The stop-smoking drug Chantix can cause serious cardiovascular complications.
Questions about the safety of calcium supplements urgently need to be answered.
Walnuts are rich in healthy polyunsaturated fats and polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
Foods can lower triglycerides and reduce the risk of more heart blockage.
Do you know about CRP and inflammation? This marker of inflammatory reactivity tells a lot about what is going on inside your body.
