Heart Health Archive

A diet that includes fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, pollock, and cod, has long been touted to support heart health. Research has found that the health benefit from fatty fish appears to be its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce triglyceride (a type of fat in the blood) and increase "good" HDL cholesterol. Omega-3s also slow plaque buildup in arteries that can cause blood clots and may trigger heart attacks and strokes.

The Watchman, a tiny, basket-like device placed in the heart's left atrial appendage, is designed to prevent blood clots traveling from the heart to the brain and causing stroke. People with atrial fibrillation who face a high risk of bleeding from anti-clotting drugs may be good candidates for the device.

People can adapt the basic guidelines of the Mediterranean diet to any cuisine they like by choosing mostly plant-based foods and healthy fats. Latin America includes Mexico and more than 30 other countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America. Healthy choices include beans, corn tortillas, plantains, avocados and tropical fruits, as well as small amounts of fish, seafood, and queso blanco (a mild, white cheese).

A new study finds that experiencing discrimination in the workplace—where many adults spend one-third of their time, on average—may be harmful to heart health.

GERD, or acid reflux, can lead to heartburn, a bad taste in your mouth, and other unpleasant symptoms. Here are some treatments you can try at home.

Learn to manage your triglyceride levels to avoid having a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

A 2023 study found that playing an 18-hole round of golf on foot (pulling golf clubs) had greater immediate effects on blood sugar and cholesterol than walking briskly for one hour or doing Nordic walking for one hour.

Diets high in free sugar—which includes sugar added to processed foods and drinks as well as the sugar in syrups, fruit juice, and honey—are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

A crescent stretch, which can be done in a seated or standing position, stretches the sides of the torso and strengthens the core.

An estimated 2.5 million Americans have implanted heart devices, which can be affected by magnetic or electrical interference from electric vehicle charging stations, induction cooktop stoves, and smaller gadgets such as smartphones and wireless earbuds. Magnetic energy can cause pacemakers to revert to a preset mode that may be faster or slower than the programmed heart rate. Electrical interference can cause a pacemaker or implanted cardioverter defibrillator to mistakenly stop functioning or deliver an unneeded shock.