Flu season strikes every year, usually starting in the fall and lasting through spring. While some people treat it as an inevitable part of life, the flu is a serious illness that can lead to complications, especially for older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, there are many ways you can protect yourself and stay healthy …
Like the chaos of a hailstorm on a tin roof comes the electrical storm of atrial fibrillation (AF). During AF, the atria are quivering (fibrillating) and firing hundreds of impulses at the same time. It’s as if the electrical circuits have gone haywire. If this rhythm problem is not diagnosed or isn’t managed properly, it can lead to strokes, heart …
In 2017, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) released updated guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of high blood pressure in adults. These guidelines marked a significant shift in how healthcare professionals approach hypertension, with new thresholds, definitions, and treatment recommendations. Let’s delve into the key aspects of these guidelines and their impact …
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues. One of the most effective strategies for managing hypertension is consistently logging your blood pressure. This practice provides valuable insights into your health, helps you understand the effects of lifestyle choices and medications, and aids in making …
Inflammation, the body’s natural response to injury or infection, plays a crucial role in the development and progression of heart disease. While acute inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process, chronic inflammation can be detrimental, contributing to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This buildup can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Understanding the …
Are you consistently logging 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, only to wake up feeling tired and groggy? Are you asking yourself why do I sleep so much and never feel rested? If so, you may be experiencing the effects of a potentially serious yet treatable condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized …
Some minds rarely take a rest—thoughts keep whirring, even throughout the night. What if you could let worrying and mental rumination work to your advantage? Worrying, often perceived negatively, can have positive aspects when managed appropriately. Feelings at the Root of Thoughts “He who fears he shall suffer already suffers what he fears” is a well-known quote attributed to the …
You have probably heard of meditation, although what meditation actually means can be unclear, as it means different things to different people. While there are many styles, techniques, and traditions, almost all meditation includes a practice of focusing or clearing the mind by quietly witnessing your thoughts and feelings and external stimuli without getting caught up in them. Meditation practices …
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the broad term for a group of diseases that typically coexist and include: About 1 in 3 Americans has at least one type of CVD. Prevention is the best treatment because CVD kills more people than cancer, accidents, and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. CVD risk factors are a mix of modifiable and non-modifiable influences. Modifiable …
Although the overall mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is decreasing for both women and men, it is still the leading cause of death for all American women regardless of ethnicity In 2014, females represented nearly half of deaths attributable to CVD. Over the next month, we will provide information on the differences in cardiovascular disease in women compared to …
