Heart Health Archive

Researchers have increasingly found links between poor mental health and higher heart disease risk. Stress, childhood trauma, and other issues may affect behavior and trigger physical changes that elevate heart risk. Taking steps to support mental health can potentially improve heart health as well.

It has been known for many years that type 2 diabetes increases a person’s risk for stroke and heart disease, and more recent studies have shown that diabetes also increases risk of dementia. But new research examined the association between when a person first is diagnosed with diabetes and their risk of developing dementia later.

Among atherosclerosis, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are all related, cholesterol deposits start first.

After receiving an implanted cardiac defibrillator, people are often anxious about receiving a shock from the device. But relaxation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and support groups may help people cope with this anxiety.

Taking blood pressure readings in both arms can help reveal potential heart risks.