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Read More about How can I tell if my statin is working?
How can I tell if my statin is working?

How can I tell if my statin is working?

Statin therapy can help lower the risk of developing new plaques in the arteries and having a heart attack, although the effect may not show up on coronary artery calcium scans that measure the amount of calcium in the walls of the heart's arteries.

Read More about Measuring ejection fraction
Measuring ejection fraction

Measuring ejection fraction

Ejection fraction is the fraction of the blood that the heart "ejects" out to the rest of the body each time it contracts. A normal ejection fraction is about 55% to 70%. Levels below 40% indicate reduced ejection fraction and may result in heart failure symptoms.

Read More about Less heart disease in people with a dairy-rich diet?
Less heart disease in people with a dairy-rich diet?

Less heart disease in people with a dairy-rich diet?
People who eat more dairy fat—which is plentiful in whole milk, yogurt, and cheese—may be less likely to develop heart disease than people who eat smaller amounts of dairy.
Read More about Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure
Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure

Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure
People with high blood pressure should avoid certain popular over-the-counter drugs used to treat cold and flu symptoms and pain. The problematic products are those that contain decongestants such as oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Because drugstores contain an overwhelming number of products that feature those drugs, people should ask their pharmacist to recommend a product.
Read More about Fruit of the month: Citrus fruits
Fruit of the month: Citrus fruits

Fruit of the month: Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines contain heart-healthy nutrients such as fiber and flavonoids. But grapefruit also contains compounds that may increase the blood level of certain statins.
Read More about Switching to a salt substitute may reduce stroke risk
Switching to a salt substitute may reduce stroke risk

Switching to a salt substitute may reduce stroke risk
Swapping regular table salt (sodium chloride) with a salt substitute containing some potassium chloride may lower the risk of strokes and related heart problems.
Read More about Constipation: A connection to cardiovascular disease?
Constipation: A connection to cardiovascular disease?

Constipation: A connection to cardiovascular disease?
People with chronic constipation may be more prone to heart disease, but the connection remains unclear. Straining and bearing down to have a bowel movement can temporarily boost blood pressure, putting the cardiovascular system at risk. And a possible link between constipation and blood clots may be worth further study. In rare cases, clots form in the veins that serve the gastrointestinal organs, including the large intestine (colon). Known as splanchnic venous thrombosis, the problem seems to be far more common in people with constipation than in those without.
Read More about What is palliative care for heart failure?
What is palliative care for heart failure?

What is palliative care for heart failure?
Palliative care, which focuses on comfort and quality of life, is gradually becoming more widely used in people with advanced heart failure. The approach includes discussions about advance care planning and is often confused with hospice care. But palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness. For heart failure, it may include tiny doses of morphine to ease breathing and help people feel less distressed. Increasing doses of diuretics, which help flush fluid from the body, are often prescribed as well.
Read More about What to do when your blood pressure won’t go down
What to do when your blood pressure won’t go down

What to do when your blood pressure won’t go down
Doctors recommend several strategies to lower resistant hypertension. One strategy is discontinuing medications that may be contributing to high blood pressure, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, certain antidepressants, and corticosteroids. Another strategy is treating underlying conditions that can boost blood pressure, such as sleep apnea. Other ways to lower stubbornly high blood pressure include getting lots of aerobic exercise, eating a plant-based diet that’s low in salt, getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Read More about Anti-inflammatory food superstars for every season
Anti-inflammatory food superstars for every season

Anti-inflammatory food superstars for every season

Inflammation is part of the body's healing process, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of health issues. In every season, regularly eating a variety of anti-inflammatory foods can benefit your health.

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