Have you ever felt your heart flutter, race, or skip a beat unexpectedly? These sensations, often called heart palpitations, can be startling. While they’re usually harmless, they may sometimes signal underlying health issues. Understanding the causes and when to seek medical advice is key to staying heart-healthy. What Are Heart Palpitations? Heart palpitations are feelings of your heart racing, pounding, …
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the broad term for a group of diseases that typically coexist within a person and are interrelated. Examples 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 …
Did you know that sleep apnea and high blood pressure often go hand in hand? Many people are unaware that poor sleep could be a key reason behind elevated blood pressure, which puts extra strain on your heart and body. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension or think you might have sleep apnea, this is something you’ll want to pay …
Dementia is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with symptoms ranging from memory loss to impaired thinking, affecting daily life. While age is the strongest risk factor for dementia, it is not an inevitable part of aging. Fortunately, research shows that lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, taking steps …
What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a substance that is both made by the body and found in certain foods. Cholesterol is part of a structure called a lipoprotein which is made up of varying amounts of both lipids and protein. Cholesterol has a waxy consistency and is used by the body in hormone and cell production and the digestion of …
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 …
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 …
