Heart Disease

8 Science-Backed Ways to Prevent Heart Attacks, According to New Guidelines

Experts have changed their minds about aspirin

By Alice Park March 18, 2019

Diet Sodas and Juices Are Linked to Higher Stroke Risk, Study Says

The study takes a closer look at artificial sweeteners

By Alice Park February 14, 2019

Nearly Half of Americans Have Some Form of Heart Disease

The stunning statistic reveals how vulnerable U.S. adults are

By Alice Park January 31, 2019

Aspirin Lowers Your Chances of a Heart Attack. But It's Not Safe for Everyone, a New Study Says

A study quantifies how the drug's risks and benefits stack up

By Alice Park January 23, 2019

Want to Prevent the Deadliest Diseases? Eat More Fiber

According to a new study

By Alice Park January 10, 2019

How Losing Money Can Increase Your Risk of Heart Disease—Even If You're Young

It's an often-ignored risk factor

By Alice Park January 7, 2019

Why Barbershops May Be Key to Improving Black Men's Health

According to a surprising new study

By Alice Park December 17, 2018

Prescription Doses of Fish Oil May Lower Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

The drug can also reduce the risk of dying from heart problems

By Alice Park November 10, 2018

Preventable Heart Problems Killed 415,000 People in 2016. Here’s How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Lifestyle changes can make a big difference

By Jamie Ducharme September 6, 2018

How a Healthy Heart Can Help Lower Risk of Dementia

What's good for the heart protects the brain, too

By Alice Park August 21, 2018

More Women Are Having Heart Attacks During Pregnancy and Birth

Part of the increase may be due to the rising age of mothers

By Alexandra Sifferlin July 18, 2018

High Blood Pressure May Raise Alzheimer’s Risk

High blood pressure isn't just bad for the heart

By Alice Park July 11, 2018

How Marriage Can Actually Protect Your Heart Health

Married people have a lower risk of heart disease

By Alexandra Sifferlin June 19, 2018

Exercise Could Lower Your Chances of Getting Heart Disease Even if You’re Genetically at Risk

This study is another good reason to hit the gym

By Alexandra Sifferlin April 9, 2018

Here's Why Doctors Often Miss Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Plus, the warning signs to look for

By Jamie Ducharme February 21, 2018

A Noisy Environment May Put Your Heart at Risk

If you live near an airport, railroad tracks or a busy road, you might be concerned about how fumes from those planes, trains and automobiles are affecting your health. But according to a new review...

By Amanda MacMillan February 6, 2018

Today Is National Wear Red Day. Here's Why People Are Dressing Up

Women across America will be color-coordinating today

By Flora Carr February 2, 2018

You Can Reverse the Effects of Being a Couch Potato, But Here’s What It’ll Take

The latest study finds that the unhealthy effects on the heart of sitting too much can be reversed

By Alice Park January 8, 2018

President Trump Reportedly Drinks 12 Diet Cokes a Day. Here’s What That Does to Your Body

Based on early research

By Jamie Ducharme December 12, 2017

Ralphie May's Cause of Death Has Been Revealed. Here's What to Know About It

Heart disease can affect people of all ages

By Amanda MacMillan / Health.com December 7, 2017

Eating Cheese Every Day May Actually Be Good for You

Cheese is typically considered more of an indulgence than a health food, but a new review of research suggests that it may not be as bad for you as once thought. In fact, people in...

By Amanda MacMillan December 5, 2017

3 Reasons Why Coffee Is So Good for You

Coffee is increasingly earning scientists’ approval. Studies continue to suggest that the beverage may have some beneficial effects on health. In the latest analysis, published in the BMJ, researchers scanned nearly 220 studies on coffee...

By Alice Park November 22, 2017

It’s Official: Dog Owners Live Longer, Healthier Lives

In case you need another reason to snuggle your pup: According to a new study of more than 3.4 million people, owning a dog is linked to a longer life. The research, published in Scientific...

By Amanda MacMillan November 17, 2017

Almost Half of Americans Have High Blood Pressure

In the first change to blood pressure guidelines in 14 years, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology say that the threshold for high blood pressure should be lower. Under the new...

By Alice Park November 13, 2017

Do Heart Stents Work? What You Need to Know

A study suggests that stents placed in heart arteries to relieve chest pain isn’t as effective as doctors thought. What you need to know about stents, their safety and who should be getting them

By Alice Park November 3, 2017

FDA Moves to Revoke Claim About Soy and Heart Health

United States officials announced on Monday that they are moving to revoke a health claim that soy protein can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. In a statement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration...

By Alexandra Sifferlin October 30, 2017

Cholesterol Levels Are Dropping In the U.S.

There’s good news when it comes to the nation’s cholesterol levels, according to the most recent survey on lipids from the U.S. government

By Alice Park October 26, 2017

This Woman's Heart Actually 'Broke' After Her Dog Died. Here's How It Happened

She had Takotsubo cardiomyopathy—often called broken-heart syndrome

By Jamie Ducharme October 20, 2017

Why You Probably Shouldn't Worry About Exercising Yourself to Death

But you still shouldn't skip the gym, experts say

By Jamie Ducharme October 19, 2017

Here's How Practicing Tai Chi Can Help the Heart

For many heart patients, the rehab after a heart attack can be just as stressful as the event itself. Now researchers may have an alternative for them

By Alice Park October 11, 2017

The Surprising Health Benefits of Saunas

Spending time in the sauna may help lower your chances of developing high blood pressure, say the authors of a recent study in the American Journal of Hypertension. Finnish men in the study who used...

By Amanda MacMillan October 4, 2017

Tom Petty Died of Cardiac Arrest. What Does That Mean?

It is different than a heart attack

By Sarah Klein / Health.com October 3, 2017

The Surprising Reason You Should Stop Skipping Breakfast

People who skip breakfast are more likely to have dangerous plaque buildup in their arteries, which puts them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. Skipping breakfast has been associated with...

By Amanda MacMillan October 2, 2017

Meditation May Help Against Heart Disease, Says American Heart Association

The American Heart Association issues its first scientific statement that reviews the evidence behind whether meditation can reduce the risk of heart attacks

By Alice Park September 28, 2017

Why It's So Risky for Heart Patients to Stop Taking a Daily Aspirin

A new study highlights the role that aspirin can play in preventing heart attack and stroke

By Alice Park September 25, 2017

Are E-Cigs Bad For Your Heart?

Researchers reveal that e-cigarettes can boost adrenalin levels in the heart

By Alice Park September 21, 2017

How Weight Loss Can Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

An analysis published in The BMJ aims to let doctors and the public in on a little-known secret: Type 2 diabetes, in many cases, is curable. People can reverse their diabetes by losing about 33...

September 13, 2017

How the Apple Watch Could Change How We Treat Heart Disease

The watch can now continuously track your heart rate

By Alice Park September 12, 2017

5 Ways Being Tall Affects Your Health

The good and the bad

By Amanda MacMillan September 8, 2017

Stroke Deaths Are Rising In Some Parts of America

Progress in preventing stroke-related deaths has stalled in recent years

By Alexandra Sifferlin September 6, 2017

Do You Really Need to Eat Five Fruits and Vegetables a Day?

Over the years, scientists and nutrition experts have recommended eating five, seven, or even 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day for optimal health. If anything, the mantra when it came to fresh produce...

By Amanda MacMillan August 30, 2017

A New Drug Lowers Risk of Heart Attack and Cancer

A drug currently used to treat rare rheumatoid arthritis conditions may be the next big thing to treat heart disease and cancer

By Alice Park August 27, 2017

Having a Drink May Help You Live Longer

Heavy drinking can contribute to disease and early death, but the health effects of alcohol at lower levels are less clear. Now, a new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology offers...

By Amanda MacMillan August 14, 2017

The Expiration Date May Be a Myth for Some Medications

These are today's best ideas

By The Aspen Institute July 20, 2017

Keep Your Heart Healthy Now and Your Brain Will Benefit Later

People who take good care of their hearts in their twenties have better brain health by the time they reach middle age, according to a new study. In the report, published in the journal Neurology,...

By Alexandra Sifferlin July 19, 2017

Coffee Drinkers Really Do Live Longer

Researchers have found that drinking coffee—both decaf and regular—is linked to a longer life.

By Alice Park July 10, 2017

Heart Disease

How AI Can Predict Heart Attacks and Strokes

Scientists Calculated How Much Longer You Can Live With a Healthy Lifestyle

Low-Dose Aspirin May Not Reduce Heart Risks for Black Americans, Study Finds

Weight-Loss Surgery Dramatically Lowers the Risk of Early Death, a New Study Finds