Heart Disease





Heart diseases include:

  • sudden cardiac arrest: the sudden cessation of the heartbeat

Heart Disease Articles

Ask the doctor: Reversing atherosclerosis?

Some people may be able to reverse the buildup of plaque inside their heart’s arteries by taking high-dose cholesterol-lowering drugs or by following a strict, plant-based diet combined with exercise and stress reduction.  (Locked) More »

Depression and heart disease: A two-way street

Depression is about twice as likely to occur in people with heart disease compared with the general population. Both conditions have been linked to inflammation, which may damage the heart and blood vessels. And people with depression face a heightened risk of heart disease, possibly because they have a hard time getting regular exercise and eating healthy foods. Antidepressant medications (which a primary care provider can prescribe) combined with talk therapy with a mental health professional can help.  (Locked) More »

Adult asthma linked to higher risk of heart disease

People who develop asthma as adults may have a higher risk of developing heart disease than those without asthma. Adult-onset asthma is often triggered by air pollution and tends to be harder to control than asthma that starts during childhood. More »

Heart disease and brain health: Looking at the links

Cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause poor blood flow and vascular damage in the brain. Over time, these changes cause a decline in cognitive abilities and pave the way for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Taking steps to manage blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol may help support brain function. (Locked) More »

Preventing blood clots: Is warfarin still right for you?

People who take warfarin—long a mainstay for treating atrial fibrillation—may need to stay extra vigilant to make sure their blood levels of this drug stay in a safe but effective range. Warfarin works by blocking the production of substances in the blood known as clotting factors. Many common drugs, foods, and dietary supplements affect warfarin, so the same dose may cause either too much or too little anti-clotting effect at different times. And warfarin users who have health-related changes should stay in close contact with their doctors about possible additional blood testing.  (Locked) More »

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Who has an inherited risk?

 A family history of heart disease, especially when it shows up at a young age, is a warning sign that a strong genetic component is at play. Common heart conditions such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease most likely result from mild changes in a wide variety of genes combined with lifestyle and environmental factors. However, a few rare diseases are caused by changes with powerful effects in a few key genes. The most common of these is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Now, doctors can use genetic testing to help guide individuals and families at risk for this condition. (Locked) More »