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All Heart Health Alerts
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Using a Tape Measure to Predict Your Heart Attack Risk
Pot belly, love handles, spare tire -- whatever you call it, excess weight around your middle is no laughing matter. Abdominal fat is a strong risk factor for heart attacks. In fact, many doctors now believe that waist size may be even more important than body mass index in predicting coronary heart disease. And according to the latest research, adding hip size to the equation may make the prediction even more accurate. More...
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Yoga for Your Heart’s Sake
You know you need to exercise, but finding an activity that holds your interest for the long haul can be tough. While moderate-intensity walking is most often recommended as a means to get moving and improve your heart health, a number of once-exotic forms of exercise -- including yoga and tai chi -- have worked their way into the Western mainstream and offer a way to mix up your exercise routine. More...
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A Lexicon of Heart Disease
When it comes to matters of the heart, clinical terms require careful consideration so that you know which recommendations apply to you. Here's a list of common conditions that fall under the broad category of 'heart disease.' More...
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Healthy Teeth, Healthy Heart
Recent research shows that treating gum disease – or avoiding it altogether with regular brushing and flossing – may improve the health of the coronary arteries. The findings add to evidence that taking care of your teeth may be one of the many ways to take care of your heart. More...
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15 Tasty Ways to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Study after study reports that when your diet is high in fruits and vegetables -- which are the richest natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber -- you are doing the best you can to protect your heart and help prevent many diseases, including cancer. Yet, approximately 90% of Americans fail to meet the government's recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption. … More...
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Are You At Risk for an Aortic Aneurysm?
The largest artery in your body, the aorta, is like the major highway for blood flow -- beginning after the blood leaves the left ventricle (your heart's main pumping chamber) and branching off into smaller vessels that supply every tissue and organ in your body. In other words, the aorta is one of your major lifelines. More...
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What Is Non-HDL Cholesterol?
Although levels of LDL ('bad') cholesterol are the primary focus of a cholesterol screening (which also measures total cholesterol, HDL ['good'] cholesterol, and triglycerides), about half of all heart attacks occur in people with normal LDL levels. So researchers have looked at other measurements that can help identify people at risk for cardiovascular disease. More...
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Key Heart Attack Prevention Strategies
Some people think that heart attacks are an inevitable part of growing older. But there's nothing inevitable about them. In fact, heart attacks are highly preventable. Yet too many men and women are not taking the steps that could help protect them. A recent article in the journal Circulation underscores this observation. More...
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Can Anxiety Cause a Heart Attack?
A number of studies link depression with heart attacks, although doctors aren't sure how depression increases the risk. But what about anxiety? A reader asks: 'I know that depression is a risk factor for a heart attack. But what about anxiety?'
Anxiety also appears to be a risk factor for heart attacks. According to a recent study of 735 older, healthy men, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, those with the… More...
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The Low-Carb/Low-Fat Diet Debate
If you have coronary heart disease and are overweight, you’ll want to try to drops those extra pounds through a regimen of regular physical exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. But which diet gives you the best chance of success: a low-carb or low-fat diet? Here’s advice from Johns Hopkins. More...
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Exercise Safety and Your Heart
In this Heart Health Alert, cardiologist Dr. Roger S. Blumenthal answers questions on heart health and exercise from two readers who exercise regularly, but still have concerns. These questions come from a recent issue of The Johns Hopkins Heart Bulletin. More...
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Beverages With an Unhealthy Boost
You've seen them in the grocery store refrigerated coolers, with fancy names, like Red Bull, Monster, Full Throttle, and Rockstar. They're the so-called 'energy drinks' that come loaded with caffeine, sugar, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients. But are they really good for you? Johns Hopkins reviews the data. More...
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Trans Fat-Free Tips
The American Heart Association recommends that you keep your trans-fat intake to less than 1% of your total calories. If you consume 2,000 calories a day, that's no more than 2 g of trans fat daily. On average, Americans get 2-3% of their total calories from trans fat. More...
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More Reasons to Slim Your Tummy
An estimated 65% of adults in the United States are either overweight or obese, and their excess weight translates to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. To determine if you are overweight, you can calculate your body mass index (BMI), a measurement of your weight in relation to your height. Or you can measure your waist circumference. More...
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CPR to the Rescue
If you have a friend or loved one with coronary heart disease, you'll want to know what to do in the event of sudden, cardiac arrest. A study reported in the journal The Lancet compares the benefits of mouth-to-mouth ventilation and chest compressions versus chest compressions alone and their findings may surprise you. More...
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Is It Stable or Unstable Angina?
Chest pains can be frightening, no matter what causes them. But if stable angina is the cause, you can take steps to prevent the chest pain or relieve the pain if it occurs. In this Health Alert, Johns Hopkins doctors explain the important difference between stable and unstable angina and offer advice. More...
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Healthy Teeth, Healthy Heart?
Recent research shows that treating gum disease – or avoiding it altogether with regular brushing and flossing – may improve the health of the coronary arteries. The findings add to evidence that taking care of your teeth may be one of the many ways to take care of your heart. … More...
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Another Reason to Enjoy Dark Chocolate
If you have a heart condition, it's important to keep your blood pressure under control to prevent a heart attack. Almost one in three adults has hypertension (high blood pressure), defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. … More...
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Should You Have a Coronary Calcium Scan?
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) has endorsed coronary calcium scans as a screening tool for coronary heart disease. A recent study shows that calcium scans can help predict survival.
While the AHA and ACC advise against these computed tomography (CT) scans in people at low or high risk for a heart attack, the associations concluded that the scans can be valuable for people without symptoms of coronary heart disease… More...
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The Many Meanings of Heart Disease
When it comes to matters of the heart, clinical terms require careful consideration so that you know which recommendations apply to you. Here's a list of common conditions that fall under the broad category of 'heart disease.'
Acute Coronary Syndrome: A term used to describe conditions, ranging from unstable angina to heart attack, that suddenly reduce blood flow to the heart. … More...
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Mediterranean vs. Low-Fat Diet
Which is healthier for your heart: a Mediterranean-style diet or a low-fat diet? A study reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine looked into this question and the results may surprise you.
Lifestyle measures are essential to reduce your risk of a heart attack -- whether you are trying to prevent your first heart attack or have already had one and do not want to have another. The aim of lifestyle measures is to control the… More...
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Zero Not Necessarily Zero When It Comes to Trans Fats
Though it may seem counterintuitive, foods labeled trans-fat free may contain a small amount, less than 0.5 gram, of trans fats -- which can add up, especially if you consume more than one serving.
Trans fats are probably the unhealthiest fats in the American diet. They not only raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or 'bad') cholesterol but also lower the 'good' high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In fact, trans fats are so harmful to your health that… More...
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Take Heart in Exercise
Your waistline may weigh more heavily in your risk of coronary heart disease, but exercise habits make a big difference as well, according to a recent study.
Research shows that regular physical activity helps prevent coronary heart disease. Regular exercise helps to control weight, lower blood pressure, and improve blood lipid levels. Yet, despite these beneficial effects, too many Americans are content with a sedentary lifestyle. According to the American Heart Association, only about 30% of… More...
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Stress and Heart Disease
Though the evidence is not definitive, a lot of research suggests a possible link between stress and heart disease. Johns Hopkins cardiologists discuss this important topic.
We've all heard the remark: 'If that person doesn't slow down, he is going to have a heart attack.' So it's not surprising that along with the usual advice about blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise, and diet your doctor may advise you to manage or reduce the stress in your life.… More...
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Homocysteine and Heart Disease
A reader from Charleston, South Carolina asks: I know that homocysteine was in the news several years ago, when it was identified as a marker for heart disease risk. I haven’t heard much about homocysteine since then. My wife says I should take folic acid, just to be sure that I keep my homocysteine levels low, but I don’t want to add another pill to the six I take already (for blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arthritis pain). I’m 59 years old and to the best of my knowledge, I’ve never even had my homocysteine levels checked. Should I ask the doctor to do that at my next visit, and should I be taking folic acid daily? More...
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Let Them Drink Wine
In recent studies, mice were less likely to die early if they received large doses of resveratrol – a substance found in red wine. But does this data translate to humans? Read which Johns Hopkins advises …
You’re sure to have heard reports that some alcoholic beverages, including red wine, offer cardiovascular protection. Now red wine is in the spotlight again, thanks to research suggesting that red wine has age-defying benefits that can counter the effects… More...
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Soy and Heart Attack Prevention
Soy is another food component to consider in your efforts to prevent a heart attack. Even though research now shows that eating foods high in soy protein helps lower LDL cholesterol levels by a mere 3%, choosing soy-containing foods (such as soymilk and tofu) can still be beneficial for your heart. That’s because people who eat soy products tend to consume them instead of foods like meat and full-fat dairy products that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. More...
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Heart Attack Symptoms? Be prepared.
For many people, heart attacks begin gradually and involve little pain or discomfort. In fact, the heart attack symptoms might be so mild or subtle that you aren’t even sure what’s wrong. This uncertainty can lead to lengthy and dangerous delays in making that all-important 911 call. According to the American Heart Association, the following symptoms can indicate a heart attack:
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Chronic Chest Pain a Potential Red Flag for Women
Contrary to typical portrayals in movies and on TV, heart attacks don’t always have a sudden, intense onset. A recent study finds that for women chronic chest pain may signal a future heart problem. Although no one likes to think about having a heart attack, would you know what to do if you were? Even if you know what to do, would you follow through? More important, would you act quickly?
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The Role of Inflammation in Atherosclerosis
Researchers believe that chronic inflammation initiates and speeds along the process of atherosclerosis. How does inflammation damage your body and how can you detect it? Read on …
When you read or hear the word 'inflammation,” what comes to mind? An infected cut or scrape? Swollen, congested sinuses? Painful, arthritic joints? What about coronary heart disease? It probably wasn’t on the list. Yet a large amount of research shows that inflammation plays a role -- possibly… More...
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Research on Heart Disease and Periodontal Disease
If your children and grandchildren think that being under age 50 protects them against coronary heart disease, you should tell them to think again. A study reported in the American Journal of Cardiology (Vol. 95, page 469) found that risk factors such as high blood pressure and cigarette smoking can have adverse effects on the arteries of people in their 20s, and the more risk factors present in… More...
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Eating Right for Your Heart's Sake
Study after study reports that when your diet is high in fruits and vegetables -- which are the richest natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber -- you are doing the best you can to protect your heart and help prevent many diseases, including cancer. More...
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Heart Attack and Depression -- What's the Connection?
A heart attack is a catastrophic event, and a typical reaction includes periods of denial or despair, along with a mixture of symptoms of despondency, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. For the majority of heart attack patients, these symptoms last a few days to several weeks after diagnosis, but then adjustment ensues as they learn -- with the help of family, friends, and doctors -- to cope with the recovery process. More...
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Research Update on Coronary Heart Disease
Should You Be Taking a Polypill?
Taking a combination of medications for your heart may be more beneficial than taking a single drug, according to a study in BMJ. The researchers followed 13,029 men and women diagnosed with coronary heart disease between 1996 and 2003, to look at how the medications they were taking affected their lifespan. They found that individuals who took a combination of aspirin, a statin, and a beta blocker had an 83% lower risk of dying, compared to those not taking any medications. That compared with a 47% reduced risk in those taking a statin alone, 41% with aspirin alone, and 19% with a beta-blocker alone.
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How Safe Is Crestor?
When it comes to statin drugs, Crestor is just one choice.
For some people, lifestyle changes are all that are needed to control risk factors for coronary heart disease. However, when these measures fail to produce the desired results, medications can be added. Not only can drugs control blood lipids, but they can also help lower blood pressure as well as decrease the risk of blood clots and bouts of angina. Remember that continuing your lifestyle changes will help make these drugs more effective and may allow you to take a lower dose of medication, reducing your likelihood of experiencing side effects.
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Triglycerides: The Forgotten Lipid
You probably know your total and LDL cholesterol, and perhaps even your HDL level. But do you know your triglyceride level?
Triglycerides don’t get nearly as much attention as cholesterol, but evidence is accumulating that your triglycerides may be almost as important as your cholesterol levels when it comes to the health of your heart, particularly if you have other risk factors for coronary heart disease (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history of coronary heart disease).
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What You Should Know About Angina
Your chest pain may be a symptom of stable angina – or something more serious. Johns Hopkins doctors explain the important difference.
Chest pains can be frightening, no matter what causes them. But if stable angina is the cause, you can take steps to prevent the chest pain or relieve the pain if it occurs. Angina is a warning sign that your heart needs more oxygen. In technical terms, the symptoms of angina are the result of myocardial ischemia (a shortage of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle due to the partial blockage of a coronary artery by the buildup of plaque). More...
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Cholesterol-Busting Foods
When people need to reduce cholesterol, they often think about eliminating some foods from their diet. But research increasingly shows that adding certain foods can also reduce cholesterol levels significantly. In fact, a study in Metabolism found that people with high cholesterol who ate a diet not only low in saturated fat but high in plant sterols, soluble fibers,… More...
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Diagnosing Heart Disease -- Who Needs An Exercise Stress Test?
In people who have chest pain or are at risk for coronary heart disease, an exercise stress test can be used to detect the presence of heart disease.
A standard exercise stress test uses an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the electrical impulses from the heart during exercise. The electrical signal often changes when the heart is not receiving enough blood and oxygen during physical activity. More...
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