Cholesterol Archive

Heart Health

Does early heart disease run in your family?

Published September 1, 2021

People with a family history of premature or early coronary artery disease (defined as a heart attack that occurs before age 55 in a man or before age 65 in a woman) face a higher risk of heart disease than people without that family history. Some of this elevated risk comes from genetic factors linked to higher cholesterol and blood pressure values. But unhealthy habits—such as smoking and poor eating and exercise habits—also tend to run in families and may contribute as well.

Women's Health

Reducing heart risks in the wake of breast cancer treatment

Published August 1, 2021

Hormone therapy is a highly successful breast cancer treatment for women, but it can elevate cardiovascular risk. Women can reduce those risks by being vigilant about their heart health and working closely with their doctors. Women who have taken or are taking these medications as part of breast cancer treatment should focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and keeping close tabs on their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.

Heart Health

Fruit of the month: Melons

Published August 1, 2021

Melons have a high water content and are fairly low in calories, making them a good choice for people watching their weight. Watermelon contains lycopene and citrulline, two nutrients thought to benefit heart health.

Mind & Mood

What's the relationship between diabetes and dementia?

Published July 12, 2021

It has been known for many years that type 2 diabetes increases a person's risk for stroke and heart disease, and more recent studies have shown that diabetes also increases risk of dementia. But new research examined the association between when a person first is diagnosed with diabetes and their risk of developing dementia later.

Diseases & Conditions

Which disease starts first?

Published July 1, 2021

Among atherosclerosis, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are all related, cholesterol deposits start first.

Mind & Mood

Thoughts on optimism

Published July 1, 2021

Science continues to find that people with an optimistic outlook enjoy healthier and longer lives. The power of optimism is not just having a sunny disposition, but applying this mindset to make positive change. Even if people are not naturally optimistic, there are ways to change one’s outlook, such as looking for opportunities during trying times, focusing on personal strengths, practicing gratitude, and visualizing their best possible self.

Women's Health

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Updated June 1, 2021

A study published Feb. 16, 2021, in Circulation found that women with blood pressure readings in a normal range may still be at higher risk for cardiovascular events. For example, heart attack risk in women rose at a systolic (the upper number) reading of 110 to 119 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and was the same at this level as men with a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg. But experts say it’s too soon to change blood pressure recommendations for women until more research confirms the results.

Staying Healthy

Facts about fiber

Updated June 1, 2021

Fiber improves digestion and may help lower a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most people meet only half their daily fiber needs. The main reason is not following a basic healthy diet with foods high in fiber. Making small changes in dietary habits and adopting new fiber-rich foods can help people reach their quota.

Heart Health

Are you wasting money on supplements?

Updated June 1, 2021

Taking multivitamins doesn’t prevent heart attacks or strokes, and most dietary supplements (such as fish oil, red yeast rice, and coenzyme Q₁₀) offer no or limited benefits for avoiding heart-related problems. For people who don’t have heart disease, eating two servings of fatty fish weekly or following a healthy vegetarian diet rich in nuts, legumes, and healthy oils makes more sense than spending money on over-the-counter fish oil supplements. People with heart disease would be better off asking their doctor about the prescription drug icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), a high-dose, purified EPA that lowers cardiovascular risk when taken with a statin.

Staying Healthy

Expand your healthy cooking oil choices

Updated June 1, 2021

The healthiest fats for cooking and using on food come from plants. Plant oils consist mostly of unsaturated fat, which in limited amounts is good for the heart. One can enjoy a wide variety of plant oils, such as avocado, canola, corn, flaxseed, grapeseed, olive, peanut, rice bran, safflower, soybean, sunflower, and walnut oils. But high heat can break down plant oil molecules and reduce health benefits. The most fragile plant oils include extra-virgin olive oil and nut oils, such as walnut oil.

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Cholesterol Archive

Articles

Does early heart disease run in your family?

Reducing heart risks in the wake of breast cancer treatment

Fruit of the month: Melons

What's the relationship between diabetes and dementia?

Which disease starts first?

Thoughts on optimism

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Facts about fiber

Are you wasting money on supplements?

Expand your healthy cooking oil choices

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