High Blood Pressure + Original Articles

An estimated 1 out of 3 people with diabetes over the age of 50 has Peripheral Artery Disease, a condition that increases one's risk of heart attack and stroke. Some 10 million Americans are affected by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes leg pain (especially when walking), numbness, and tingling in the feet or lower legs. Sores on the legs or feet that heal very slowly are also associated with this condition.

Men's biology works differently. Learn the expert's action items for successful slimming. Love handles. Spare tire. Beer belly. Whatever men call it, that abdominal bulge is not healthy and is not a normal part of aging. According to the Mayo Clinic, men who carry extra weight around the belly are at greater risk for serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 2,500 Americans each day. Here's a look at heart health by the numbers. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease has many manifestations. From congenital heart defects (structural problems that arise from abnormal formation of the heart or major blood vessels that can sometimes be corrected with surgery) to acquired heart disease such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and pulmonary heart disease and other conditions that affect the heart and its blood vessels.

Psychosocial factors like stress and depression can have an adverse effect on cardiac health. Here's what you can do. There's an association between psychosocial factors, such as stress, depression, hostility, and social isolation, and risk for adverse cardiac events, especially for individuals who already have heart disease. Peripheral Artery Disease Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is the narrowing of arteries in areas of the body not near the heart-most commonly the pelvis and legs.

Men can prevent health risks by paying attention to changes in their body and seeing their doctor when something isn't right. When it comes to scheduling doctor visits, some men are notorious procrastinators. But this can be risky. Routine preventive care can find diseases in the early stages when there are more options for treatment and better chances of treating the issue.

A university study suggests that the right proteins could help lower blood pressure in patients with diabetes. Occasionally swapping out sugar for protein may help lower high blood pressure, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that was reported by Reuters. But it's unclear whether the study participants' decrease in blood pressure came about because of reduced carbohydrate intake or added protein intake.

Recent statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) give women at birth an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men. So why is there such a gap? On average, men in the United States die approximately five years earlier than women. Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2010 give women an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men.

Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living. In a perfect world, we'd all know exactly when we need to get our important health screenings. In reality, however, these checkups and exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other obligations. Fortunately, you can get on the right track by making a simple phone call to your doctor.

If you're used to the dramatic representations of heart attacks on TV, you may be surprised to learn about real-life scenarios. How many times have you seen this act on TV? The character on the screen gets a glazed look in his eyes, stumbles, and clutches his chest as he slowly (and dramatically) falls to the ground. This is the classic Hollywood depiction of a heart attack. And while this scenario might accurately describe some heart attacks, it's not representative.

Here's how to track your blood pressure at home for greater accuracy and better treatment. Your doctor probably doesn't encourage a do-it-yourself approach to medical care generally. But one area where he's likely to make an exception is in monitoring your blood pressure. Research shows that averaging blood pressure readings you take at home with those taken by a physician can help determine whether you need to be on medication for high blood pressure.

The ups and downs associated with relationships don't pertain only to emotions. In fact, your partnership, good or bad, can have a real effect on your body. When you and your partner or significant other are happy together, your stress level plummets, and your heart thanks you for it. Conversely, a toxic relationship puts considerable stress and unhappiness on a couple, and their hearts can show the strain, experts say.

This mineral helps your heart maintain a steady rhythm and promotes normal blood pressure. It's being studied for its role in preventing and managing such heart ailments as hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease. The mineral magnesium is an important component to the health of every organ in your body, especially for heart health. Magnesium helps your heart maintain a steady rhythm and promotes normal blood pressure and is being studied for its role in preventing and managing such heart ailments as hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease.

Physicians and fitness experts are teaming up to help patients exercise their way to wellness. One of the top fitness trends of 2011 is teaming physicians with fitness experts to bring the power of exercise to health care. That's because exercise is often the best medicine. Studies say that physical inactivity costs the U.S. health care system about $102 billion dollars per year.

One study questions the need for salt restrictions. A 2011 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association questions the body of evidence showing that a low-salt diet decreases the risk of heart disease. The observational study included 3,681 middle-aged Europeans who did not have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease at the start of the study.

If your doctor diagnoses you with metabolic syndrome, don't panic and think you've come down with some fatal disease. Instead, consider it a warning sign that your long-term health is at risk, and resolve to take action. If your doctor diagnoses you with metabolic syndrome, don't panic and think you've come down with some fatal disease. Instead, consider it a warning sign that your long-term health is at risk, and resolve to take action. While metabolic syndrome puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a variety of lifestyle changes can help put it behind you.

Visceral fat, the type found around the waist and belly and surrounding the vital organs, poses much more of a health risk to you than fat that's right under the skin. But upping a particular type of fiber in your diet could help you get rid of it. No one likes to have flabby arms, chubby thighs, or bountiful hips. But fat in these areas is considered subcutaneous fat, and while it may not be pretty, it's not as hazardous to your health as visceral fat. This second type, found around the waist and belly and surrounding the vital organs, poses much more of a health risk to you than fat that's right under the skin.

An occasional increase in blood pressure above your average reading is not usually a cause for alarm. But, over time—and if those spikes in your blood pressure occur frequently enough—they can cause damage to your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys the same way having chronically high blood pressure can. Blood pressure follows a normal daily pattern. It's usually lower at night while you're asleep and when you first wake up than it is during the day. But episodes of anxiety, for example, a visit to your doctor's office for a checkup, can cause your blood pressure to spike, often called white-coat hypertension.

This once-a-day single pill combines aspirin, blood pressure, and cholesterol drugs to reduce heart disease risk and treat the problem once it develops. If you haven't heard about the polypill yet, chances are you will soon. Research is showing that a once-a-day single pill that combines aspirin, blood pressure, and cholesterol drugs to reduce heart disease risk and treat the problem once it develops may be safe and effective.

This juicy little fruit contains a substance that may help prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes. No medical expert's going to advise you to eat a tangerine a day to keep the doctor away. But the juicy little fruit could turn out to have awesome health benefits. It contains a substance called nobiletin, which may protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

There's good news for people looking to lower their risk for heart disease. A new study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition reveals that taking a daily dose of safflower oil—about 1 2/3 teaspoons—might help keep heart disease at bay. The findings come from a study of obese, postmenopausal women who have type 2 diabetes and were given the safflower oil for 16 weeks.

Chances are that your doctor has never mentioned acupuncture as a potential part of your treatment. It's an unconventional approach, but some say it works. You try to get some exercise (most days), you eat right (no extra desserts for you!), and you take whatever medications your doctor recommends. Chances are that your doctor has never mentioned acupuncture as a way to improve your diabetes, though. So far, this ancient form of Chinese medicine is not exactly a standard treatment for the disease.

It's free. It's easy. And it could make a big impact. If you suffer from high blood pressure or have other risks for heart disease, ask your doctor if practicing transcendental meditation could benefit you. According to several studies, the answer is yes. A study presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association found that the mental relaxation produced by the practice of transcendental meditation (TM) may provide physiological benefits. Researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, followed about 200 high-risk patients for an average of five years.

What "real world" preventative steps should you incorporate into your life to lower your chances of heart disease? Earlier this year, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated its cardiovascular prevention guidelines for women, which take into account what works best for women in the "real world" settings as opposed to findings from clinical trial research. First...

Nearly 2,000 people were evaluated against seven heart-healthy criteria set by the American Heart Association. The results may surprise you. Just one out of 1,900 people evaluated in a study published in Circulation, met the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health set by the American Heart Association (AHA). The study, initiated by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, evaluated 1,933 people, ages 45 to 75, through surveys, physical exams, and blood tests.

If you're a middle-aged woman it's especially important to keep your blood pressure under control. There are small changes you can make that will add up big when it comes to your health. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! If you're a woman, you're middle aged and you have high blood pressure, you're at an increased risk of heart attack. "Having high blood pressure is not a good thing, especially for this age group," says Furqan H.

A new study reveals yet another reason to exercise, one that may have a positive impact on those living with heart disease in the future. It's a well-known fact that engaging in regular physical activity can improve your health and well-being and actually reduce your risk of developing or dying from some of the most common diseases, including colon cancer, heart disease, and high-blood pressure.

Special envoy Richard C. Holbrooke died after suffering a torn aorta. What does that mean and what should you know? Last December, the world was shocked to learn that veteran diplomat and special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard C. Holbrooke had suddenly died after suffering a tear in his aorta. Aortic tears are rare, killing about 2,000 Americans a year, and are more common in men than women.

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. But heart disease is actually a category of diseases and it pays to know the different types. The term "heart disease" broadly refers to a range of diseases-more than 50-that affect your heart and blood vessels and is often used interchangeably with "cardiovascular disease." Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. ...

When it comes to mercury exposure from fish, what do you need to know to make the healthiest choices? According to a Swedish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the benefits of eating fish may outweigh the potential negative impact of mercury exposure from fish. The study analyzed responses from more than 900 Swedish adults about the amount of fish in their diet and then examined the subjects' red blood cells for levels of mercury and selenium.

This little root vegetable is rich in powerful nitrates that boost the flow of blood throughout your body and even help prevent cognitive decline. Add the humble beet to an ever-growing list of fruits and vegetables that are packed with protective substances that guard your good health. This little root vegetable is rich in powerful nitrates that boost the flow of blood throughout your body. You already know that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps keep you healthy by supplying many of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function normally and fight disease.

One antioxidant touted for lowering blood pressure and reducing heart disease risk offers no heart benefit. In the largest study of its kind, researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine have found that pine bark extract, a powerful antioxidant, has no effect in lowering blood pressure or in reducing other risk factors for heart disease. Pine bark extract has been thought to be heart beneficial because it was believed to have an antioxidant mechanism that interferes with several biological mechanisms that cause blood pressure to rise.

Take advantage of the bounty of autumn with these healthy, hearty, heart-smart foods. Good nutrition is essential in your fight against heart disease, and autumn offers some of the most colorful-and healthful-foods. To stay heart healthy, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you stick to a diet that includes: At least 4.

New research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S. Red meat is making headlines again. This time, new research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S. The Study In the National Institutes of Health and AARP's Diet and Health...

Here are five ways to help you enjoy the outdoors this autumn and stay heart fit. If the record-breaking heat kept you cooped up indoors this summer, the cool, crisp days of autumn give you the perfect excuse to spend time outside. The days may be getting shorter, but that shouldn't keep you from enjoying fun fall activities, just remember to dress for the weather and the activity you have planned.

One study showed the risk for cardiac arrest soared to two to four times higher while watching heart-pounding sports events. But does it matter if your team wins or loses? Can the excitement of watching heart-pounding sports matches be bad for your heart? According to research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the answer is yes. A group of German researchers compared cardiac events in Munich during the five weeks of the 2006 World Cup, held in Germany, to the number of cardiac events during other times of the year and found that on the days the German team played, cardiac emergencies more than tripled for men and nearly doubled for women.

Findings suggest that eating just a half-cup of soy nuts each day may work as well in reducing high blood pressure as anti-hypertension medication, and may also be beneficial in lowering cholesterol. Although the data are inconclusive, soy products have long been touted as an important addition to the diet to keep bones strong, alleviate menopausal symptoms, and even help protect against certain cancers. Now, findings from a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine show that eating just a half-cup of soy nuts each day may work as well in reducing high blood pressure as anti-hypertension medication, and may also be beneficial in lowering cholesterol.

Although garlic may not ward off evil spirits, it may be instrumental in warding off a variety of health problems, including heart disease. Although scientific studies showing a heart-protective benefit are not conclusive, they are showing promise in the use of garlic to help prevent heart disease, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries that can prevent blood flow and possibly lead to heart attack or stroke), high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Is caffeine good or bad for your health? Get the truth here. That the morning cup of coffee to get your day started is a hard thing to imagine letting go of—especially if you've been in the habit for years. But the question on many people's minds is if injesting caffeine is good or bad for their health. Caffeine today is considered the most commonly used mind-altering drug in the world.

A simple, inexpensive way to predict a woman's risk for a future heart attack may be just a fingertip away. A simple, inexpensive way to predict a woman's risk for a future heart attack may be just a fingertip away. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, a woman's resting pulse rate is a good measurement of her heart attack risk regardless of other risk factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption.

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, but it is also highly preventable. These are the five worst things that you can do to your heart. Although heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S., it's often an avoidable problem. While some risk factors for heart disease, such as family history or age, can't be changed, there are many things you can do to prevent heart disease that aren't burdensome or complicated and will help you avoid using medication.

You may have heard that sea salt is healthier than regular table salt because sea salt isn't as heavily processed. So are the benefits real, or is it just a matter of taste? You may have heard that sea salt is healthier than regular table salt, but most experts say it's simply a matter of taste. The main difference between sea salt and table salt is that table salt is mined from the earth and refined before it's sold, whereas sea salt is produced by evaporation of sea water and rarely undergoes further processing.

Blood pressure levels can fluctuate over time, but too much fluctuation can increase your risk of this potentially fatal condition. According to new findings from a British study released at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in Atlanta in March, fluctuations in blood pressure levels over time can be a key indicator of increased stroke risk.   These findings confirm similar results from earlier studies.

Low-carb living isn't just for weight loss; it can help you reduce your blood pressure and help your heart as well. According to a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, those that followed a low-carb diet lost as much weight as those who followed a low-fat diet and also took a popular weight-loss drug called orlistat (marketed as Xenical in a prescription form and Alli, as an over-the-counter drug).

The number of people affected by metabolic syndrome is rising, and expanding waistlines may be a contributing factor. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about 47 million adults in the U.S. suffer from metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes a cluster of risk factors specific for heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The underlying causes of metabolic syndrome are being overweight or obese and physically inactive and having genetic factors such as a family history of hypertension and heart disease.

Eating a low-cholesterol, low-saturated-fat diet can go a long way in helping you manage your blood cholesterol levels—and it doesn't have to be boring. Eating a low-cholesterol, low-saturated-fat diet can go a long way in helping you manage your blood cholesterol levels (aim for a total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL) and reduce your risk of having a heart attack and stroke—and it doesn't have to be boring.

The consequences of drug interactions with food and beverages may include delayed, decreased, or enhanced absorption of a medication, according to the FDA. Furthermore, mixing certain foods with medications can cause serious side effects. Some medications should be taken with food, and some should not. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the consequences of drug interactions with food and beverages may include delayed, decreased, or enhanced absorption of a medication.

The statistics are daunting. Sixty-seven percent of Americans ages 20 and older are overweight or obese. So what can you do? The statistics are daunting.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 67 percent of Americans ages 20 and older are overweight or obese.  And along with the extra pounds, comes the risk for a constellation of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, arthritis and other conditions.

According to recent studies, exposure to some common pathogens (infectious organisms) may raise the risk of having a stroke. Exposure to some common pathogens (infectious organisms) may raise the risk of having a stroke, according to a study published in the Archives of Neurology. The study, led by Mitchell Elkind, M.D., associate professor of neurology at Columbia University...

You probably knew that too much salt can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. But were you aware that a sodium-laden diet can also up your chances of developing kidney stones and osteoporosis? Table salt is our primary source of the mineral sodium, which our bodies use to help regulate blood volume and cellular fluids, transport nutrients, facilitate nerve impulses and muscle contractions, and maintain a normal acid-base balance. To keep all of these functions running smoothly, adults need no more than 1,500 mg, sodium, or less than a teaspoon of salt, daily.

According to a recent study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, smoking just one cigarette stiffens the arteries of young adults by a staggering 25 percent. According to a recent study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, smoking just one cigarette stiffens the arteries of young adults by a staggering 25 percent. Arteries that are stiff or rigid increase resistance in the blood vessels, making the heart work harder.

Sodium is essential, but too much of anything is bad news for your body. Now, studies show that intake of salt needs to be even less than previously thought to ward off the risk of stroke. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal could have you shaking the salt habit. According to the study, which examined the results of 13 studies involving more than 170,000 people over 12 years, consuming just an extra teaspoon of salt a day increases a person's risk of suffering a stroke by 23 percent and the risk of developing heart disease by 17 percent.

More than 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, making it the third leading cause of death in this country. But would you even know if you had one? A stroke is sometimes referred to as a "brain attack" because stroke occurs when either blood flow to the brain is cut off due to a clot blocking an artery or by a rupture in an artery. When that happens, brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they're not getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function.

Ginkgo Biloba may soon find its claim to fame as a benefactor in preventing heart disease. Long touted as a brain elixir that could boost memory and ward off dementia, a large randomized study of over 3,000 volunteers called Ginko Evaluation of Memory (GEM) found that the herb did not prevent or delay dementia or Alzheimer's disease in older adults and had no effect on slowing cognitive decline.

Learn about the wonders that avocados can do for your heart. Avocados are more than just a delicious fruit to be enjoyed in favorite party dips like guacamole or as a garnish on sandwiches; they're a nutrient-rich food that packs a variety of nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. They're also high in heart-healthy, unsaturated fats.

Results from a study published in the journal Neurology suggest that high blood pressure may cause memory problems--and even raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It's been well documented that chronic high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can lead to a series of serious medical problems, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. Now, results from a study published in Neurology show that it may also cause memory problems-and raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease, an irreversible, progressive brain disease.

If your kids often opt for television over playing outside, the consequences could be more severe than you imagine. Much attention has focused in recent years on the widespread nature of childhood obesity and the health risks that being overweight brings, including elevated blood pressure levels that can increase the risk of having a heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

Nutritionists are touting 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.

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.

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.

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).

General health problems that put your sexual health at risk — and what you can do about it. Consider this: Thirty to 50 percent of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction. Men in their 40s who have erectile dysfunction (ED) are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to men without ED. These are just a few examples of how your sexual health relates to overall health.

Glucosamine, a popular herbal supplement to relieve joint pain in conditions such as arthritis, may affect your blood pressure. Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring amino acid found in cartilage and other connective tissue in the body. It is one of the most popular dietary supplements used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis and many patients swear by it. However, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the supplement can increase blood pressure.

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.

Read on for 10 ways to cut down on salt. The result? A healthier heart. Our taste for salt is an acquired taste and the more you eat, the more you desire.  Conversely, the less you eat, the less you desire.  A high salt diet has been linked with an increased risk for high blood pressure.  There have been many published studies, looking at various populations that have shown that a high salt diet is associated with high blood pressure.

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.

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.

Is salt detrimental to your diet? Here, the truth behind salt and why you need some in your daily intake. Salt is made up of sodium and chloride.  Both are essential nutrients needed by the body.  Sodium  maintains the body's fluid balance, helps with nerve impulse transmissions and muscle contractions.  The adequate intake for sodium is 1500 milligrams for adults 19-50 years old and 1300 milligrams for adults 51-70 years old.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

As with most other substances 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 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.

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.

The next time you have a craving for 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.

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.

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.

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 plenty, 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): 1.

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 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.

Consumed in moderation, salt is essential to our health. But be careful—too much can wreak havoc on your body. Salt plays numerous roles.  Among other things, it helps balance electrolyte levels and transmits nerve impulses. Unfortunately, a majority of Americans take in too much salt, ingesting an average of 3,500 milligrams each day-1,200 milligrams above the maximum recommended daily intake.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.