Hypertension

H eart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but it's not something we usually associate with kids. In many cases, however, the seeds of heart attacks and strokes may be sown in childhood. That's because high or abnormal cholesterol levels, which are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, are not uncommon in kids. "People may feel that cholesterol is mostly an adult issue, which is not correct," says Dr. Nivedita Patni, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Health in Dallas and an assistant professor of pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center. About 1 in 5 children ages 6 to 19 years in the U.S. have high or abnormal levels of cholesterol. "It's far more common than a lot of us even realize," says Dr. Julie Brothers, a pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphi...

Share on Pinterest The flavanols in cocoa can help reduce blood pressure, research has shown. Juan Moyano/Stocksy Cardiovascular health is essential to overall well-being and health. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure need to be promptly addressed to reduce the risk of further complications. People can also make lifestyle choices that might help prevent blood pressure from rising above healthy levels. A recent real-life study demonstrated that cocoa flavanols may reduce arterial stiffness and lower blood pressure in healthy adults, but only when blood pressure is high. The health of the heart and blood vessels is critical to overall well-being. The heart pumps blood throughout the body, providing it with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Researchers are constantly examining factors that impact and improve cardiovascular health. One area of interest is how a component of cocoa—specifically cocoa flavanols—may impact blood pressure and arteri...

An estimated 40 million adults in the US have anxiety and experience symptoms including nervousness, rapid breathing and a pounding heart. Those are the typical anxiety symptoms that many people are familiar with. One lesser known symptom is chest pain.  Tightness in the chest is often a physical manifestation of panic or anxiety attacks. According to a 2018 study, 30 to 40% of visits to the emergency room for chest pain unrelated to a heart attack are due to anxiety. Here's everything you should know about anxiety chest pain and how to tell it apart from a heart attack.  Why does anxiety cause tightness in the chest? Anxiety is our body's natural response to stress. When we experience fear, our autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response is activated to protect us. This response includes both brain and body changes. Our brains are flooded with adrenaline and cortisol, while physical changes include sweating, shortness of breath or tightening...

Statins are a commonly prescribed drug in the US, but a recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals they're less effective than once thought, cutting heart attack and stroke risk by less than one percent. "A lot of doctors believe statins are the best way to lower cholesterol, but they're overused," says cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, MD, co-author of The Great Cholesterol Myth . "I saw so many women who begged to be taken off them because they experienced side effects like aches, GI problems and brain fog. Natural remedies, on the other hand, lower the inflammatory components that raise cholesterol, without side effects." Note : Statins can be helpful, especially for those with a history of angioplasty, so don't stop taking them without your doctor's okay, but do read on for natural ways to lower bad cholesterol safely. Oatmeal with a twist is the best food. Starting y...

High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the beneficial type of cholesterol. People need a minimum amount of this type for good health. Non-HDL cholesterol includes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is harmful at high levels. Non-HDL cholesterol also includes other potentially harmful types of cholesterol, including very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. When non-HDL cholesterol is too high, it can increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack. It is possible to lower it naturally by making dietary changes and other lifestyle adjustments. However, some people may require medications. Read on to learn how to lower non-HDL cholesterol through diet, supplements, exercise, lifestyle changes, and medication. The cholesterol in food is not a major contributor to LDL cholesterol in the blood. Saturated and trans fats may be more significant contributors. A person who is trying to lower their cholesterol levels may benefit from: Reducing saturated fat: Satu...

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Share on Pinterest Which brain area should deep brain stimulation target in order to improve treatment-resistant depression? Researchers may have found an answer. Image credit: artpartner-images/Getty Images. About 30% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) develop treatment-resistant depression. Researchers from UTHealth Houston say deep brain stimulation applied to certain areas of the brain may help treat it. The research team found that depression in 8 out of 10 treatment-resistant patients decreased by at least 50% after deep brain stimulation. About 30% of people receiving care for major depressive disorder have treatment-resistant depression. Treatment-resistant depression occurs when a person does not respond to at least two different antidepressant medications. Treatment options for this form of depression include additional medications, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation . Now, a team of researchers from UTHealth Houston has found that delivering deep brain stimula...