Heart Health + Original Articles

Recognize the signs of being a workaholic and learn what to do to protect your health. As more Americans put in 60, 70, or 80 hours at work each week, concerns about the health consequences increase. In some cases, workaholism fuelled by fear, a need for financial security, or even poor self esteem. Being a workaholic isn't all bad. In some cases, it results in products and services that benefit millions such as the light bulb or telephone.

If you've recently had a stroke, there is a lot you need to consider. If you've suffered a stroke recently, you are not alone. Each year, nearly 800,000 people--and about 55,000 more women than men--will have a stroke. Stroke is a sort of "brain attack" in which a blood clot blocks an artery from carrying blood from the heart to the body or a blood vessel breaks, cutting off blood flow to the brain.

ED may be even more serious than it first seemed. At some time in their life, all men will experience erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Although erectile dysfunction is sometimes called "impotence," impotence refers to other problems that interfere with the sexual act, such as low libido, or lack of sexual desire, and problems with ejaculation or orgasm.

Nutritionists are touting melons melons as an important food in the fight against high blood pressure. If you want to lower your blood pressure, eat more melons, like cantaloupe and watermelon, say nutrition experts at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTS) Medical Center at Dallas. Melons are high in potassium, a mineral that is crucial to maintaining normal kidney and heart function.

Migraines may be linked to an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke. A recent study suggests that middle-aged and older women suffering from migraine headaches accompanied by auras (changes in vision, smelling certain scents, and feeling pins and needles in the arms or legs) may have a higher risk of strokes and heart attacks than women who don't get migraines.

Read on for the reasons why this fabulous fruit is more than just your average snack. If you want lower blood pressure and better heart function, try eating grapes and drinking grape juice, especially dark red and purple grapes and grape juice. New studies are showing a link between grapes and reduced heart risks-and it's believed to be the result of phytochemicals, naturally occurring antioxidants found in plants.

Inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis may lead to pericarditis — a heart condition with symptoms similar to a heart attack. Inflammation that is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn't only affect your joints; it targets internal organs as well, such as the heart. This can lead to a condition called pericarditis, which causes symptoms similar to a heart attack.

Here's a breakdown of heart health screenings you should be sure you're getting. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, twice as many women in the U.S. die from cardiovascular disease than from all forms of cancer combined. But being proactive about your health can greatly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you have heart disease, the swine flu vaccine can do more than just prevent the aches, pains, and fever associated with the virus. If you have heart disease, the swine flu vaccine can do more than just prevent the aches, pains, and fever associated with the virus. It may also protect you from having a heart attack, according to study published in the British medical journal The Lancet.

A cereal that lowers cholesterol? A tea that prevents heart disease? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You've seen it all: Health claims made on food packaging that include everything from how to lower cholesterol to how to ward off heart disease. But how accurate are these claims? According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food labeling...

If you suddenly have trouble hearing in one or both ears, are you destined to suffer a stroke at some point in your future? Here's what the researchers are saying. If you suddenly have trouble hearing in one or both ears, are you destined to suffer a stroke at some point in your future? That is the question a group of researchers in Taiwan are pondering after examining follow-up data on more than 1,400 people hospitalized for acute hearing loss.

For the first time, a simple blood test may hold the answer There may be good news for diabetics. Doctors can predict which diabetic patients may come down with the nerve condition called neuropathy by measuring their triglycerides, according to new research. Diabetics with elevated triglycerides are much more likely to suffer from the condition, which can cause tingling, pain and numbness in the hands, arms, feet and legs, according to a study from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

How many hours of slumber do experts suggest for a healthy heart? Chronic lack of sleep can do more than just leave you feeling drowsy the next day, it can lead to a constellation of serious health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, mood disorders, cardiovascular disease and hypertension (high blood pressure).

How do you know if your murmur requires further medical attention? For most people, heart murmurs-abnormal swishing sounds made by turbulent blood flow in the heart-are often harmless and don't require treatment. There are two types of heart murmurs: innocent, which often doesn't have any symptoms; and abnormal, which can cause shortness of breath, light-headedness, chest pain and palpitations (a rapid or irregular heartbeat).

Here, simple ways to improve your numbers—no medication necessary. Understanding the role that cholesterol levels play in your heart health and taking steps to keep these levels under control can significantly reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that circulates in your bloodstream and in all the cells in your body.

Sure fish is good for the heart, but only for people with no major cardiovascular problems, right? Think again. -US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Sure fish is good for the heart, but only for people with no major cardiovascular problems, right? Well, not according to a recent group of studies. A review of these studies (recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology) found that consuming omega-3 fish oil protected the heart not just in healthy people but in patients with established cardiovascular disease as well.

Injecting adult bone marrow stem cells into skeletal muscle may even reverse heart failure, research shows. It's possible to repair heart tissue and thus reverse heart failure by injecting adult bone marrow stem cells into skeletal muscle, a study shows.  Researchers at the University of Buffalo used an animal model to demonstrate that a non-invasive procedure actually increased heart cells, called myocytes, by two-fold and reduced heart tissue injury by 60 percent, according to a news release from the University of Buffalo.

Did you know that in addition to being a nighttime nuisance, snoring can also be downright dangerous? If your partner is a snorer, you're all too familiar with this irritating habit. But did you know that in addition to be a nighttime nuisance, snoring can also be downright dangerous?  In fact, research suggests that heavy snoring may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

A University of Michigan School of Public Health study has uncovered some startling findings. Women who have their last period before age 42 are two times more likely to have a stroke down the road than those who experience menopause later in life, according to a University of Michigan School of Public Health study.  Most women go through menopause, which is marked by completing one year without periods, at an average age of 51.

Although an aspirin a day can minimize your risk of heart attack and stroke, it doesn't come without its set of risks. Aspirin-who knew it could be so powerful? For years, aspirin was touted as a quick, safe remedy for various aches, pains, and fever. But now doctors know that aspirin should be prescribed and used with caution. Why? Aside from muting minor discomforts, aspirin prevents your blood from clotting properly.

The timing varies, but experts say it can be the best medicine of all. If you've had a heart attack or heart surgery, you've probably wondered when, if ever, it's okay to resume sexual activity. And if you're the partner of a heart attack victim, you may be scared to initiate anything for fear of causing another attack. Well, worry not.

Some studies show that in heavy patients who have cardiovascular disease, obesity may play a protective role. But is this recent realization an invitation to indulge? For years, we've been warned that being overweight or obese puts us at risk for heart disease. But some studies show that in heavy patients with cardiovascular disease,  obesity may play a protective role. Obese patients with heart disease seem to do better and live longer than skinny ones, according to a review article in the May 26, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Research shows that women who nurse have a lower incidence of cardiac disease. The longer women breastfeed, the lower their risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease, according to University of Pittsburgh researchers. The findings were published in "Obstetrics & Gynecology," and reported in Heart Disease Weekly.

If you use statin therapy to manage high cholesterol and also happen to suffer from asthma, you could find that your breathing may also have benefits Other Possible Benefits of Cholesterol Medicine This  finding was released at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in the winter of 2009.  Researchers who looked at claims data of patients who suffer from both...

Learn more about this important connection. Doctors aren't sure why, but depression is much more common in heart disease patients than in the general population. In fact, people with heart disease run twice the risk of depression, according to a study published in the April 2009 issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics and reported in Science Daily.

Recent findings suggest that a lengthier change of life may have one big advantage: a healthier heart. You'd be hard put to find a woman who wanted a longer menopause, with its constellation of annoying symptoms. But a lengthier change of life may have one health advantage: women who transition more quickly through menopause appear to face an increased risk of "preclinical atherosclerosis.

Health officials assert that cardiovascular disease is preventable in many cases. Find out if you’re at risk for stroke and what you should—or must—do about it. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the country and a major contributing factor to disability. Every year there are approximately 600,000 strokes that cause about 158,000 deaths. For 2005, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that the cardiovascular disease would cost the U.

Several studies now suggest that your risk of stroke may be hardwired in your genes. There are many lifestyle factors that can up your risk of stroke as well as other cardiovascular problems-poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, just to name a few. But close examination of data from several long-term shows that stroke risk may also lie in your genes.

The dangers of energy drinks keep piling up. Maybe it’s time to find ways to get a healthier energy boost — especially one that has staying power. Red Bull may give you wings, but apparently, it also increases your risk of several health problems including heart attack and stroke, according to an Australian study. The proliferation of booster beverages such as Red Bull, Rock Star and Monster on the market has health professionals and organizations calling for more warning labels about the dangers of energy drinks.

High Blood sugar increases risks of heart disease for people with diabetes and non-diabetics. The numbers are a bit scary: two out of three people with diabetes will die from heart disease or stroke, reports the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Through their campaign Make the Link! Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke, the ADA and the American College of Cardiology are hoping to raise awareness of the connection between diabetes and heart disease.

Lupus affects more women than men, but it also worsens two of the most common health problems women have — heart disease and osteoporosis. Lupus affects about 1.5 million Americans and nine times more women than men. There are several forms of lupus, but the most common is systemic lupus erythematosus. This autoimmune condition has serious side effects ranging from joint pain and stiffness, muscle aches, anemia and chronic fatigue.

Cardiologist Merle Myerson, MD, EdD, FACC, answers a reader's question about lowering his blood pressure without the use of medication. Q: I'm a 47 year old male in generally good health but recently found out that my blood pressure is higher than it should be.  I'm worried that I may be at risk for heart disease.  What steps can I take to lower it naturally, so that I don't have to use medication? A: You're right to be slightly concerned.

Music may be the fix your heart needs. Listening to your favorite tunes is not only good for your mood, but it also may help your heart. A study by Italian researchers, published in "Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association," found that both blood flow and respiratory rates can synch with music.

Can popping a tomato pill a day be good for your heart? Scientists have devised a pill made from lycopene,  the pigment found in tomatoes, that they say can prevent heart disease and stroke, according to the London Daily Mail. Lycopene not only turns tomatoes red but is recognized for its health benefits.

Cuddle up with that fabulous feline of yours. New research shows that cat owners are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than non cat owners, according to the American Heart Association. Researchers involved with a Minnesota study analyzed 4,435 participants between the ages of 30 and 75 from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study. They found a decreased death rate from heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases such as stroke.

Although your lifestyle can go a long way toward keeping your heart healthy as you age, some cardiac changes are pretty much inevitable. Although your lifestyle can go a long way toward keeping your heart healthy as you age, some cardiac changes are inevitable. Below, some of the most common things that happen to your heart as you pass through your middle years into your senior ones: A slower heart rate.

How good will the care you receive be if you're sick or injured? The answer may depend partly on where you live. Find out how your state stacks up. If you tripped and fell and needed to go to the emergency room to have your leg examined, how quickly would you be seen by a doctor? When was the last time you had your cholesterol levels checked? Do you and your neighbors have health insurance? The data for these questions and more helped to reveal how good healthcare is in various locations in this country.

If heart health is your concern, take a hike--literally. To find the fountain of youth is a task that has captivated humans for millennia. Although eternal youth is an impossibility--for now--recent studies seem to point to at least one thing that can turn back the hands of your heart's clock at least: exercise.

Smoking, overeating, and physical inactivity will ensure heart disease, so here’s what to do to avoid these vices. If caring for your heart were easy, heart disease wouldn't be the number-one killer in the U.S., as well as many other countries. Unfortunately, we have lives to live, and in the course of doing so, we eventually wear out the cardiovascular system. But there is one way we can shield ourselves from heart disease: quit the bad habits that are wreaking serious damage on the heart.

Heart disease can be difficult to peg even if you have chest pain. Here’s what you need to know. Perhaps the most frightening fact about heart disease is that it can inflict a lot of damage before its victims become aware that there's a problem. High blood pressure, which taxes the blood vessels and stiffens the heart muscles, is famously known as the silent killer.

By staying vigilant you can ensure that any heart problem is caught in time. Though the sudden deaths of pop legend Michael Jackson and infomercial personality Billy Mays were untimely and tragic, they have provided us with yet another reminder of why we need to be aware of our cardiovascular health. A recent study published in the May issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice found that less than one in five heart problems are caught before they become serious enough for symptoms to surface.

Taking statin drugs are found to have an unintended benefit of helping some users who were on corticosteroid inhalers to improve their asthma. When it comes to controlling your asthma, you probably take a multi-pronged approach that involves using medicine, avoiding triggers, and following an asthma management plan to stay on top of any changes. This strategy seems to help most patients to keep their symptoms under control.

Does calcium prevent or cause heart disease? The answer is not so clear cut. Calcium and heart disease share a somewhat complicated relationship. On the one hand, calcium has been associated with heart disease prevention, so much so that it is a key component of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. In numerous studies it has shown an inverse relationship with blood pressure: The lower your calcium level, the higher your blood pressure, and hypertension is a known contributor to heart disease.

Up your amount of this often overlooked contributor to heart health by munching on a handful of nuts and raisins. A linchpin in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, magnesium sometimes seems like the forgotten mineral. Sure, people commonly wonder if they're getting enough calcium or potassium, but how often is their attention drawn to their need for magnesium? Seeing as it's vital to 300 biochemical functions in the body, magnesium deserves a closer look.

Sun and statins, among other things, can keep your heart ticking. Of the 550,000 people who die of cardiovascular disease every year, 82 percent of them are 65 and older. But staying heart healthy when you become a member of this age group is not an easy order. Over the years, your blood vessels and heart muscle become worn and damaged, even if you've taken exceptional care of your heart.

A keystone in the World Health Organization’s fight against cardiovascular disease, the polypill passes its first crucial hurdle. If the naysayers had their way, we'd still be living in caves, our greatest technological achievement being the mastery of fire. A recent target of the doubting Thomases is the idea of a polypill, the nickname of a heart medication that combines aspirin with a cholesterol buster and blood pressure medicines.

While Jackson’s death is tragic, much can be learned about cardiac arrest and what you can do to prepare yourself for a heart emergency. It came as a sudden, heartbreaking surprise that enveloped the entertainment world. Michael Jackson, known fondly as the undisputed King of Pop, died at his California home at the age of 50. Jackson began his fame in the family outfit The Jackson 5 with such hits as "I Want You Back" and "ABC".

How are these most feared diseases related? Among the causes of death that threaten individuals 35 and older, heart disease ranks number one, killing about 900,000 American every year. Cancer, responsible for claiming the lives of 550,000 yearly in the U.S., comes in second place. But heart disease and cancer share yet another bond: Ironically, the quest to cure cancer has sometimes given the incidence of heart disease a boost.

Though the gender gap regarding heart attacks has been narrowed over the past couple of years, it is still sizable. The notion that heart attacks strike only steak-eating, cigar-smoking, nose-to-the-grindstone men in their late middle ages once prevailed. Although it afflicts women in almost equal measure, especially those 50 and older, heart disease used to be seen a man's predicament.

What are they, but more importantly--how do you spot, treat, and prevent them? Blood clots, which are basically hardened clumps of blood formed by platelets and the protein in plasma to stem the bleeding of an injured blood vessel, have numerous causes: a surgical procedure, an injury, oral contraceptives, prolonged immobility, obesity, heredity, etc.

Stress has been shown time and again to negatively impact the heart. Here’s how to get some relief. With the economy in shambles, the environment on the verge, and a collective lifestyle whose pace seems to get faster by the minute, it's hard for even the most Zen among us to feel stress-free nowadays. And all this stress can have an adverse effect on the cardiovascular system.

How much slumber does your heart need? Read on to find out. One in five Americans gets less than six hours of sleep a night, according to the National Sleep Foundation's 2009 Sleep in America poll. While that might be good news for the purveyors of caffeine, it could spell bad news for those who want to lower heart disease rates in the U.

These leisure-time activities do more than entertain. Sure, knitting and scrapbooking are popular and afford a great creative outlet, but let's face it-they don't offer much in the way of physical activity, which many of us sorely need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 30 percent of adults report being physically active in their free time, a number that seems to be in decline, an article in the June issue of the American Journal of Medicine reports.

Not all cardiovascular diseases are created equal—some affect more people than others.   There are more than 50 types of heart disease, including infections, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects, but there are three in particular that afflict a larger segment of the population. According to the American Heart Association's (AHA) Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2009 Update, of the estimated 80 million people who have heart disease, 73.

When one or more of your arteries are clogged, thankfully there’s more than one way to undo the damage. Arteriosclerosis, the disease responsible for the sticky plaque buildup on arterial walls, affects as many as 12 million Americans. Unfortunately, many are unaware that their arteries are blocked, and left untreated, the plaque-filled lesions rupture and create blood clots that lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease and what you can do to protect yourself. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in America. It kills more people each year than cancer. Depression, an underrecognized and undertreated disease in the medical population, may be contributing to this worrisome public health threat.  Origins of The Idea In 1628 William Harvey, an English physician, defined the circulatory system as we know it and proposed a link between the heart and the mind as it pertains to health.

Here's a collection of notable folks who are learning to live with and conquer heart disease. You would think because celebrities have the money to employ personal trainers and chefs and the motivation of keeping their careers afloat as a reason to stay fit, that heart disease would rank among the least of their worries. But given that 80 million Americans, or one in three, have some form of cardiovascular disease, that idea suddenly seems reasonable.

One of America’s favorite pastimes—driving—could be linked to heart disease. The automobile is as American as apple pie, and an estimated 220 million Americans spending at least 90 minutes a day behind the wheel. According to a poll conducted by ABC, Time, and the Washington Post a few years back, 75 percent of drivers in the U.

Though heart attacks seem to attack suddenly, there’s usually an event that sets it off, and you can often take steps to bypass such events. A heart attack is a lifetime in the making. Over the years, the excess low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides that result from poor food choices, bad habits such as smoking, unfortunate genetics, or even just natural processes can collect on the walls of blood vessels, forming atherosclerotic lesions called plaque.

Researchers have recently established that resting heart rate is a good indicator of whether heart disease looms in a woman’s future. Thanks to a study published on the British Medical Journal's Web site, middle-aged women have a new weapon to use in their heart-disease-detecting arsenal: their resting heart rate. Researchers at George Washington University reviewed the resting heart rate data collected from nearly 130,000 postmenopausal women as a part of the Women's Health Initiative.

Whether you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you can still enjoy a delicious meal at any restaurant. Right after receiving a diagnosis of hypertension or high cholesterol, you might feel as if all the new restrictions and requirements will mean that you’ll never be able to dine out again. And though it’s safe to say that most fast food is now forbidden fruit for you, with an attitude adjustment and a greater nutritional awareness, you can score a heart-healthy meal even at the greasiest greasy spoon.

Find out how diabetes and heart disease are related and what you can do to reduce your risk. According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is on the rise, with more than one in 10 adults over the age of 20 suffering from diabetes and one in three having prediabetes. The metabolic disorder—in which the body’s ability to...

Find out if this common condition has a genetic link. Heartburn can arise from many places—a heavy pasta dinner, an afternoon jog, a panic attack from a missed train. However, heartburn can typically be prevented by taking prescription or over-the-counter medicine, or by enacting lifestyle changes that focus on factors such as diet, exercise, and stress.

When the going gets rough, how bad does it tax the heart? Recent research provides some interesting answers. Stress is a natural part of life. But there are moments when the pressures of keeping our families afloat, ourselves together, and our futures bright are so great that we feel as if we're living through times that try not only our souls but our hearts as well—quite literally.

Can this controversial yet useful technology one day knock heart disease from its spot as the leading killer of American women? Seeing as 64 percent of women who died suddenly due to coronary heart disease showed no symptoms of the disease beforehand, you'd think that the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology would be imploring women to get heart scans, which can detect blockages and calcium buildup in people with heart disease who have exhibited no signs whether through actual symptoms, blood tests, echocardiograms, or otherwise.

Turn back the dial on your hypertension by following these tips. Though you might be upset that you’ve been told you have high blood pressure, you should be glad for one thing: America’s “silent killer”—so called because about a third of the people who suffer from it are unaware that they have it—has fortunately tripped your body’s alarm system.

Each year, heart disease kills more Americans that any other illness, but in many cases, it’s actually preventable. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. By the end of 2009, about 785,000 Americans will have suffered their first coronary event, and 470,000 will have experienced a repeat attack—that amounts to about one every 25 seconds, and every minute someone dies from cardiovascular complications.

Ripped from the headlines, here are a few recent topics that have the cardiology community abuzz. Since heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, it’s among the most studied illnesses. As a consequence, there’s wealth of information out there. Read on for the latest must-know news. A study headed up by Dr. Ross D.

Ripped from the headlines, here are a few recent topics that have the cardiology community abuzz. Since heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, it’s among the most studied illnesses. As a consequence, there’s wealth of information out there. Read on for the latest must-know news. A study headed up by Dr. Ross D.

These snacks are good for your heart—and your taste buds. Mostly laden with fat and calories, snacks are often the cause of heart disease, not the cure. But if think outside the potato chip bag, you can find treats that are not only delicious but also good for your heart. Here are five tasty and healthy ideas: Edamame.

Find out why taking a vacation could be one of the best ways to help your heart. According to the most recent estimates, about one in three Americans has high blood pressure (or hypertension), which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other forms of heart disease. If you’re among this group, you’ll need to make some lifestyle adjustments to avoid the worst-case scenarios, but fret not—as serious as a diagnosis of high blood pressure can be, you can still make room in your life for a little fun.

As with every other substance we consume, alcohol can be harmful in excess and beneficial in moderation, especially when it comes to heart health. Researchers first reported this correlation between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease as early as 1904 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. But because alcoholism has been a long-standing problem in the United States, experts are reticent to wholeheartedly endorse raising a glass or two for your heart’s sake.

Depression has been linked to a higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease and depression share a circular relationship: In some cases, heart disease can bring about depression, with an estimated one in six heart-attack sufferers facing clinical depression after the event, which can increase their mortality rate to 17 percent.

Learn about how stem cell research can benefit various fields of medicine. In March of 2009, after years of hotly debated political, religious, and scientific debates, President Barack Obama lifted the long standing ban on the federal funding of stem cell research. Although the political and religious arguments make for a provocative discussion, the scientific and medical benefits of stem cell research cannot be disputed.

Embarking on a path to a new heart-healthy you may seem daunting, but patience, persistence, and the support of loved ones can help you through this difficult time. According to the American Heart Association, a heart attack can shave 14.2 years off the typical lifespan. But if you take the proper corrective and preventative steps after such a cardiac event, you can defy this rather grim prediction. Embarking upon...

Learn effective ways to get your high blood pressure under control. There’s a reason hypertension is called the silent killer—of the one in three adults who suffer from the condition, the American Heart Association estimates that about a third of them haven’t a clue since the symptoms can range from subtle to nonexistent.

Learn to manage your cholesterol where you spend the most time. Once you’ve come to terms with the fact that you’re among the 17 percent of Americans over the age 20 whose total cholesterol has been clocked at or above 240 milligrams per deciliter, you need to make a plan as to how you’re going to reverse this number and put a stop to the heart disease that is now encroaching upon your arteries with clogging plaque.

Which cooking oils are actually healthy for you and which ones you should steer clear of? Let’s face it: We need oil—cooking oil, that is. It makes food flavorful and moist, and without it, we couldn’t sauté or fry or whip up a cake from a store-bought mix. But it’s our insatiable desire for fried foods and baked goods that has given oil a bad name, one associated with type-2 diabetes, clogged arteries, and hearts strained by love handles gone wild with excess fat.

The human genome was successfully mapped in April 2003, a relatively short time ago. In the wake of the map’s completion, we have learned much about the link between genes and disease, but research is still in a nascent stage—our genome is composed of 3 billion base pairs and 30,000 genes, after all. For years, scientists suspected that heart disease had a genetic component, making observations like people with a parent who developed coronary artery disease before the age of 55 faced a much greater risk of becoming afflicted with it themselves. Now the evidence written in our genes is coming to light on an almost daily basis.

These conditions often have the same symptoms of heart attacks. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen limbs and ankles, dizziness—when presented in certain combinations, the symptoms of heart disease can be mistaken for other illnesses. Worse still, because women’s symptoms are slightly different than men’s (sometimes the disease can manifest itself in the fairer sex through discomfort in the neck or shoulder and nausea or vomiting), they stand a greater chance of having their heart disease initially misdiagnosed.

Whether you have a family history of heart disease or you’ve recently been diagnosed with it, you not only need to adopt a healthier lifestyle, you should also prepare yourself for any emergencies that might loom on the horizon. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S.; in fact, according to the American Heart Association, 37 percent of those who suffer a heart attack will die within a year of its occurrence. But the sooner someone experiencing a cardiac event receives treatment, the better his or her chances of survival become.

When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it’s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack. Quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic exercise at least three times a week, and eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will all contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL); if the former is 60 or above, it actually prevents heart disease, while a level below 100 for the latter is desirable for people who have a higher likelihood for developing heart disease.

Getting quality shut-eye may benefit you more than you ever thought. To sleep provides more than a chance to dream. Scientists are waking up to the fact that the right amount of shut-eye restores bones, gives the brain a much-needed break from the daily grind, and prevents a whole host of maladies, including heart disease.

Not all fats are created equal. Choose those that are best for your heart. Fat has gotten a pretty bad rap, and in all fairness, much of it is well deserved.  Consuming too much saturated fat can up your LDL (or bad cholesterol) level, while trans fat, once considered to be a healthy alternative to animal fat, not only raises your LDL level, it also lowers your HDL, or good, cholesterol level.

The next time you have a craving for a deli meats, think twice. There could be health dangers lurking behind that deli counter. Here is the information you need to know before you make or buy your next sandwich. Meat Menace Your seemingly harmless deli meat may have a secret that could harm your health according to a growing number of health officials and researchers. Processed meats can be bad for your heart according to the American Heart Association due to their high levels of sodium and fat.

It's the number one killer of women, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk. Even if heart disease runs in your family, getting it is not inevitable. There are many steps you can take to minimize your risk and live a long, healthy life, from making smart food choices to bumping up your exercise. So ditch the excuses, and check out this list: Burn as many calories as you take in.

See how this disorder that affects 6 million Americans can be a burden to your heart. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some 6 million Americans have been diagnosed with panic disorder, a condition in which one is frequently besieged by an inexplicable, intense bout of fear that manifests itself through a range of physical ailments and lasts anywhere from 15 seconds to an hour.

When is a cough more than just a cough? When you cough, you probably assume you're sick. But did you know that coughing, instead of hurting your body, actually helps it heal and protect itself? This is because coughing is a reflex that keeps your throat and airways clear. In other words, it's working to prevent sickness.

Sweet tooth or addiction? Find out for yourself. There's nothing wrong with the occasional post-dinner sweet. In fact, some studies suggest that, in moderation, chocolate can be beneficial. One study conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) found that the natural nitric oxide in coca can help lower blood pressure and aide in overall heart function.

Exercise of any kind is beneficial. Perform these specifically for a healthy heart. The benefits of exercise are aplenty, but the cardiovascular system is the big winner when it comes to aerobic activities such as swimming, elliptical training, rowing, and stair climbing. The following options are relatively easy forms of aerobic exercise that you can engage in without spending a whole lot of cash or stepping foot into a gym (just remember to consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise regimen): Brisk walking.

Be savvy on how supplements can (or cannot) help your heart. A slew of research has emerged about the efficacy of nutritional supplements in combating various illnesses, and the overall verdict is not good. In December 2008, a study of almost 15,000 male physicians across the U.S. concluded that vitamins E and C showed no preventative effects on prostate or other cancers.

Find out why women are at such a high risk for heart disease. Though men are still perceived to comprise the majority of heart disease sufferers, as women age, their heart attack risk starts to equal that of men's. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death among older women, with about twice as many dying of cardiovascular disease than all the cancers combined.

Find out what you can do to prevent the number one killer of American women. Heart disease should be a concern for every American. According to The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States. However, among all U.S. women who die each year, one in four dies of heart disease.

Long known to help your digestive system, fiber is good for your heart health, too. Find out why, and how you can incorporate more of it in your diet. As the saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." And for those who have high cholesterol or high blood pressure,  this may very well be true. Apples are good sources of fiber, and experts believe that the more fiber you eat, the less likely you are to develop heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack.

Spice up your diet with these foods that you might not have known are good for your heart. By now, you probably know that salmon and blueberries are good for your heart. In fact, you're probably sick of hearing that salmon and blueberries are good for you. Fortunately, you can keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels low and still enjoy a more varied diet.

When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it’s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack. Quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic exercise at least three times a week, and eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will all contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL); if the former is 60 or above, it actually prevents heart disease, while a level below 100 for the latter is desirable for people who have a higher likelihood for developing heart disease.

Spice up your diet with these foods that you might not have known are good for your heart. By now, you probably know that salmon and blueberries are good for your heart. In fact, you're probably sick of hearing that salmon and blueberries are good for you. Fortunately, you can keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels low and still enjoy a more varied diet.

Read on to find out how stress can be a burden on your body. In the movies, traumatic news is enough to trigger a heart attack. On TV shows, a dramatic mother tells her rebellious teen son that he's going to give her a heart attack. As it turns out, these situations may not be too far from the truth. Research shows a direct link between stress and an unhealthy heart.

Poor diet and lack of exercise aren't the only factors that can damage your heart. Your stress levels also play a huge role. In the movies, traumatic news is enough to trigger a heart attack. On TV shows, a dramatic mother tells her rebellious teen son that he's going to give her a heart attack. As it turns out, these situations may not be too far from the truth. Research shows a direct link between stress and an unhealthy heart.

These heartwarming stories may leave you believing in miracles. We all know the story of Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol-the sickly son of Bob Cratchit who is miraculously cured of his illness at the end of the story. As inspirational as fictional stories like this may be, there's nothing like the real thing.

Clean teeth and healthy gums might be your first line of defense against other diseases. Learn more. As a kid, brushing your teeth may have seemed like a hassle, but as an adult, you should be aware of how important healthy teeth and gums really are. Oral health goes hand in hand with your overall health. Think of your mouth as a window to your body's health.

This decadent dessert does more than just please your taste buds—it could benefit your health as well. It may be hard to believe that something as delicious as chocolate could actually be good for you? But it's true. According to a growing body of research, America's favorite sweet treat comes with a host of surprising health benefits-from regulating your blood pressure to reducing your risk of dementia.

Concerned about high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Avoid these foods at all costs. You probably already knew junk food is bad for your waistline, but did you ever stop to think about what it's doing to your heart? In particular, watch out for foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol—all of which can raise the risk of heart disease and heart attack, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The nation's costliest conditions rack up a combined tab of more than $500 billion a year. What's the cost of poor health? A lot more than you may think. The nation's 10 most expensive medical conditions cost about $500 billion to treat in 2005, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

A diet rich in whole grains can help lower the risk of some serious health conditions. Numerous studies continue to reveal the many health benefits of eating whole grains. While the benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least three servings daily, according to the Whole Grains Council, some studies show reduced risks of certain conditions from as little as one serving daily.

Could you be sick and not know it? Some diseases can sneak up on you without a single warning sign or with symptoms so nonspecific that it may take your physician precious time to figure out what's ailing you. Since early detection often results in more effective treatment, illnesses that slip under your (and your doctor's) radar can be especially dangerous.

Not getting enough z's? You could be doing serious damage to your health. With a long list of to-dos and not enough hours in the day, you might be tempted to skimp on the amount of z's you get. Besides, you can sleep when you're dead, right? But, if you sleep less than six or seven hours a night, death might come sooner than you think.

Some may be hard to believe, but all are true. Maggots can heal wounds. Yawns are contagious. Laughter can keep the doctor away. Perhaps you've heard some of these before and have seriously doubted their verity. Is it possible, though, that they really are true? Read on for five of the strangest—yet truest—health facts:   Drinking too much water can be harmful.

When consumed in moderation, this age-old brew can impart a host of health benefits. One of the oldest and most consumed alcoholic beverages, beer has served many roles since it was first brewed nearly 7,000 years ago. It's been featured in religious ceremonies, praised in literature, and prized for its medicinal properties. What the ancients suspected about the health benefits of beer, modern-day science continues to prove.

Learn what you can do to protect yourself from this debilitating health threat. According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. And although many people survive these medical emergencies, the disease can have a devastating impact, not only on the survivor, but on everyone who cares about him or her.

In a hurry? Don't forget about nutrition. Here, the seven worst convenience snacks and their good-for-you alternatives. When you're time-crunched and starving, pre-packaged foods may seem like a tempting solution. But according to experts, these speedy snacks often come with a high price. Some are loaded with so much sodium that they could send your blood pressure sky high, while others are packed with preservatives, artificial flavorings, and empty calories.

Early steps in childhood to keep cholesterol low can help reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke later in life. High cholesterol is often thought of as an adult's health concern. However, research shows that parents may need to start thinking about the cholesterol levels of their children. In fact, it's now believed that coronary artery disease, which is caused by a buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the arteries and leads to heart disease and stroke, begins in childhood.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 2,500 Americans each day. Here, a look at heart health by the numbers. Heart disease, known as a silent killer, claims the lives of millions of Americans each year. An umbrella term for multiple conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, heart disease includes coronary artery disease, pulmonary heart disease, and hypertension.

These simple lifestyle changes can help you improve your levels no prescription required. If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you're not alone. More than 100 million American adults have "borderline high" total blood cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL and higher, according to the American Heart Association. And more than a third of those have "high" total blood cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher.

Follow these tips to prevent complications and keep your disease under control. Although diabetes can lead to a host of health problems, you can prevent most complications by keeping your blood glucose levels under control, eating healthy, and being physically active, reports the Centers for Disease Control. What's more, diabetics should work with their health-care providers to keep their blood pressure in check.

Along with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, certain medications can help get cholesterol levels in a normal range. It seems as though medications for lowering cholesterol are constantly being developed, tested, and enhanced. As a result, it can be difficult to keep them all straight, especially as new research comes out to show that drugs once thought effective don't actually work the way doctors had hoped.

Do you know the facts about cholesterol? Test your knowledge now. High cholesterol affects an estimated 100 million Americans, or roughly one-third of the U.S. population, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). But despite its prevalence, most people are so unaware of the condition's risks that they don't even know their own cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Here, a look at cholesterol by the numbers. Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body. This fat-like substance is an important component of cell membranes and a building block in the formation of certain hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood, though, can cause fatty deposits to develop in blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries.

As it turns out, heartbreak may be more than just a metaphor. You've seen the movies, read the books, and heard the stories of love and loss of people not being able to go on without their significant others. But is there really such a thing as a broken heart? A growing body of research suggests that the emotional trauma of losing someone you love may lay the groundwork for a genuine medical condition.

Heart disease is the nation's number one killer. Learn what you can do to prevent a heart attack. This year, 1.2 million Americans are expected to have a heart attack. Of those, about 452,000 will die, making coronary heart disease the nation's single leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease can affect anyone, but certain factors put you at greater risk.

Do you see the glass as half-empty or half-full? Your answer could have major effects on your health. They're like night and day: Optimists manage to maintain a sunny outlook, even in the worst of times; pessimists assume the darkest possible outcomes, even when things are going their way. Which one are you? A growing body of research suggests that your answer could affect not only your attitude, but also your health, success, and longevity.

You might be tempted to try home cholesterol tests purchased from a pharmacy or online. But are they safe and accurate? When the heart's blood vessels become clogged with cholesterol, it sets the stage for a heart attack, and this year, nearly half a million Americans will die from heart disease, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). What's more, due in part to rising obesity rates and the popularity of fast food, heart-attack victims are getting younger and younger.

These delicious superfoods can help to lower your levels. If you have high cholesterol, that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to a bland diet. In fact, a tasty salmon entree, a handful of sweet berries, or even a glass of red wine can all help to lower your levels and improve your heart health. The next time you go grocery shopping, look for these cholesterol-lowering treats recommended by the American Heart Association.

Following these simple tips can help you lower your cholesterol levels and your health risks. Everyone needs a basic amount of cholesterola waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body to function. But if your cholesterol is at an unhealthy level, it could mean you have an increased risk of developing heart disease. What can you do to keep your cholesterol at or reduce it to healthy levels? Try these nine tips: Eat a hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.

Do you know your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride numbers? Learn how to decipher these terms and reduce your disease risk. At this point, it's no secret that high cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease or stroke. But according to the American Heart Association, only about 13 percent of Americans know their cholesterol numbers or what they mean. In addition to keeping your levels in check by making healthy lifestyle choices, follow these guidelines to learn what your cholesterol levels are and what they mean.

Savor these treats without sacrificing flavor--or your health. At first blush, a heart-healthy diet might sound pretty bland: reduced salt, low cholesterol, limited calories, decreased fat. But luckily, there are a variety of foods that are both delicious and healthy, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

These simple tests can help detect common health conditions before they escalate. In today's busy world, medical exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other commitments. In fact, 28 percent of women don't go for their annual Pap tests, and only 32 percent know their cholesterol numbers. Could this behavior be compromising your health? Here's a list of five exams you can't afford to put off another day.

These numbers could potentially save your life. Your phone number, credit-card pin, social-security digits—these are all crucial numbers to remember. And according to health experts, you should also commit another set of numbers to memory. Why? These numbers could potentially save your life: Total cholesterol LDL bad cholesterol HDL good cholesterol Total cholesterol is, of course, the total of your low-density (LDL) cholesterol, high density (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Follow these simple strategies to get your cholesterol levels where you want them to be. You're working hard to eat right so you can lower your cholesterol levels. You're reading nutrition labels, buying fewer pre-packaged foods, and testing yourself often. But you're still struggling to keep your cholesterol down. What are you doing wrong? The answer may surprise you.

A new study reveals that women are far more likely to remember their high-school weights than their cholesterol levels. Adult women are more than twice as likely to know how much they weighed in high school than they are to know their current cholesterol number, and only half have had their cholesterol tested in the past year, according to results of a nationwide survey released today.

While experts continue to debate the safety of Avandia, they urge type 2 diabetes patients to talk with their doctors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week issued a safety warning for the diabetes drug Avandia after a new study indicated a potentially significant increase in the risk of heart attack and heart-related deaths linked to taking the medicine. ...