High Blood Pressure + Original Articles

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.