Some risk factors for heart disease — such as advancing age, or a family history — are beyond your control. Others are completely up to you. Managing these controllable risk factors can go a long way toward reducing your risk of developing heart disease.
5 Risk Factors You Should Avoid to Help Prevent Heart Disease Death
About half the deaths from heart and vascular disease in the U.S. could be prevented, says a recent study. All it takes is eliminating five preventable risk factors. Learn how to protect yourself.
Are You Young (or Old) at Heart?
Heart age defines your risk of heart attack, based on several factors. Most Americans have a heart that’s “older” than their actual age, but it’s never too late to lower it.
New Studies Don’t Tell Whole Story About Heart Valve Implants and Stroke
Some heart valve implants are malfunctioning due to tiny blood clots, says a recent report. Does that mean patients with prosthetic valves are at higher risk of stroke? A Cleveland Clinic expert explains.
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Snow Shoveling—A Real Risk for Heart Attack
Each year, shoveling snow sends more than 11,000 people to the hospital. While most have orthopedic injuries, 7 percent have cardiac problems, and many of these are heart attacks. Doctors advise against shoveling if you are older, have heart disease or think you might. “Shoveling snow is hard work,” says Cleveland Clinic cardiovascular surgeon A. … Read More
Alcohol May Cause You to Develop Irregular Heartbeat
Even in moderation, alcohol may be hard on your heart. Some research suggests that having as little as one to three alcoholic drinks each day may increase your risk for atrial fibrillation (Afib). The most common abnormal heart rhythm, Afib causes symptoms including lack of energy, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pain. The findings are … Read More
The Tumor Your Doctors Usually Don’t Expect
Say the word “tumor” and one of the last places you probably think of it occurring is in the heart. Although rare, cardiac tumors occur in approximately 1 in every 2,000 people. Tumors can and do originate in the heart or heart valves. When cardiologists talk about risk factors for these tumors, there just isn’t … Read More
4 Reasons for Heart Patients to be Cautious About Marijuana
There is a lot of controversy about marijuana as it increasingly becomes legal to use. As of now, 22 states and the District of Columbia have established medical cannabis programs and Colorado and Washington State have legalized recreational use, with Oregon soon to follow. Most people know about the dangers of tobacco use but may … Read More
Coffee vs. Energy Drinks: A Caffeine Wake-Up Call (Video)
Patients often have questions about the safety of coffee, caffeinated soft drinks and other drinks that contain caffeine. I typically tell them that there have been many studies of caffeine over decades, and to date, the vast majority indicate that there is no adverse effect on heart health with normal doses.
Fish Faceoff: Wild Salmon vs. Farmed Salmon
Every trip to the grocery store involves dilemmas. Which bread do you buy? Are the chickens that laid these eggs really cage-free? One of the biggest dilemmas comes at the seafood counter. You know fish such as salmon and trout provide many health benefits and contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids. But you’ve also heard … Read More