Heart surgery Archive

People with cardiovascular disease often take five or more medications, some of which may be unnecessary, inappropriate, or even harmful. For some people, stopping or lowering the dose of certain medications under a doctor’s guidance (deprescribing) may be a good strategy.

For people with sleep apnea and hypertension, using a mandibular advancement device provided similar blood pressure control and less daytime sleepiness as continuous positive airway pressure, according to a 2026 study.

While a large study found that a drug to lower inflammation failed to prevent heart attacks and related risk, inflammation is still important in the development of coronary artery disease.

Low-carb diets can have varied effects on LDL cholesterol levels based on a person’s body mass index. In lean people, LDL cholesterol values can rise dramatically, while levels may decline in people with obesity.

Replacement heart valves, which are mechanical (made of metal or carbon) or tissue (made from heart tissue from a cow or pig), are inserted during either open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. The best option for each person depends on age and other factors.

Carotid artery dissection can affect blood flow to the brain. Explore possible symptoms, causes, and the tests and treatments doctors may consider.

Avoiding a painful shingles attack is reason enough to get vaccinated, but protecting your heart may be another. A major study found that people who received two doses of the Shingrix vaccine have a 9% lower risk of serious heart-related issues over seven years compared to those who got the old Zostavax vaccine.

A 2026 study found that larger waist measurements increased heart disease-related risks, even among people with normal weight. Obesity with a small waist conferred no greater risks compared to people with normal weight and a small waist.

Open-heart surgery leaves people with a long chest incision and a lengthy recovery. Most of the precautions that people must follow during the first four to six weeks after surgery are to protect the incision and the breastbone while they heal.

Labile hypertension refers to blood pressure that fluctuates more dramatically than usual. Possible contributors to blood pressure elevations include stress, diet, and medication. Deep sleep and very warm weather can cause blood pressure dips.