heart
7 factors that increase risk of high blood pressure
Many individuals don’t consider themselves to be candidates for high blood pressure, or know what to look for in terms of risk factors, which is why the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has identified these seven top factors that contribute to high blood pressure.
Heart patients with distressed personality report worse health
People with a distressed (Type D) personality reported worse health than other patients after having devices implanted to ensure proper heart rhythm, according to new research in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, an American Heart Association journal.
Death rates lower for bypass surgery than angioplasty, stents
Researchers recently compared records of patients who had heart bypass, angioplasty and stent procedures. People who had bypass surgery were more likely to be alive four years after having that course of treatment than patients who had other procedures.
Study: Docs order redundant tests for stroke patients
Neuroimaging for stroke patients may be unnecessarily costly and redundant, contributing to rising costs nationwide for stroke care, according to University of Michigan research. The research, published in the Annals of Neurology, found that 95 percent of stroke patients who received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also had a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Aussie study: Black tea may lower blood pressure
A six-month study by scientists at the University of Western Australia (UWA), Unilever and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia suggests that people who drink black tea throughout the day may get the benefit of a slight reduction in their blood pressure. Before the study started, the participants’ blood pressure throughout the day was about 121/72 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Blood pressure readings less than or equal to 120/80 mm Hg are considered normal.
Study: foreign-born Hispanics less likely to have a stroke
New research finds foreign-born Hispanics now living in the United States appear to be less likely to have a stroke compared to non-Hispanic white people. The study found that after accounting for socioeconomic factors, foreign-born Hispanics were 42 percent less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have a first stroke. There was no difference in risk between non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics born in the U.S.
Too young for a stroke? No, they happen at all ages
Too young for a stroke? Maybe not. The reality is that they can happen at any age — and they’re on the rise among the young and middle-aged.
How does your gender and heritage affect your risk?
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women of all ethnic backgrounds. But less than half of women realize it. Keep these gender and heritage factors in mind when you discuss your heart health with your doctor. Each one is a vitally important part of what makes you “you.”
Fix these six conditions to reduce risk of heart disease
Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable if you work to lower your risks. According to The American Heart Association, the following risk factors can be controlled or treated with help from your healthcare professional. You can modify others by changing your lifestyle.
The truth behind 10 heart disease myths
How much do you really know about your heart’s health? It’s easy to be fooled by misconceptions. After all, heart disease only happens to your elderly neighbor or to your fried food-loving uncle, right? Or do you know the real truth — that heart disease can affect people of any age, even those who eat right? Relying on false assumptions can be dangerous to your heart. The American Heart Association sets the record straight on some of the most common heart disease myths.
Make these 3 lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease
The American Heart Association wants to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent as well as reduce heart-related deaths and stroke by 20 percent — all by 2020. Research shows adopting the following three strategies can cut your risk of premature death in half.
Recipe for heart-healthy muffins
This recipe for applesauce bran muffins is courtesy of the American Heart Association’s Patient Education program. Bake a batch of these muffins to enjoy throughout the week. They’re great for breakfast on the go. Look for other recipes in American Heart Association cookbooks, which are available at heart.org/recipes.
Reduce your risk of heart disease with these activities
According to The American Heart Association, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by exercising 30 minutes a day. The association offers the following suggestions for increasing physical activity at home, at the office or at play.
Four signs you’re having a heart attack
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Here are four signs from the American Heart Association that you are having a heart attack.
Get the beat: Our heart health coverage goes local
It may be February, but every month is Heart Month when it comes to the health of our loved ones. Find heartwarming stories of survivors in your community, local health tips and much more by following the links or headlines below.