Heart Health News

A type of drug called human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) can lessen cardiac injuries after heart attack and boost patient outcomes, a new study finds.

High levels of an amino acid called homocysteine could harm the eyes, say researchers at the Medical College of Georgia.

The blood pressure drug valsartan shows the ability to reduce Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms in mice, researchers report.

Obese children and those at risk for obesity show early signs of heart disease -- similar to that seen in obese adults, U.S. researchers say.

When married couples lose their cool with one another, it may take a toll on their hearts, too, researchers have found.

About 60 percent of the protection provided to women by exercise against heart disease and stroke comes from its effect on a few specific risk factors, says a U.S. study in the journal Circulation.

Worldwide, 40 percent of men and 30 percent of women are now overweight, and 24 percent of men and 27 percent of women are obese, say researchers who looked at data from 63 countries.

Diets rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and even a little alcohol may help ward off heart woes, new studies show.

Oral thermometers and other standard methods can't accurately gauge core body temperatures in athletes with suspected heat exhaustion or heat stroke, a new study warns.

Garlic lovers, take heart: The pungent root may promote healthier responses in blood vessels.

Someone with "mid-range" -- or intermediate -- coronary artery disease can use a new review of previous studies to help decide between angioplasty to open blocked arteries or bypass surgery to route new vessels around them, cardiologists say.

On Monday, Medtronic -- a leading maker of implantable defibrillators -- voluntarily stopped distribution of Sprint Fidelis electronic leads for the devices, because it said the wires could fracture, potentially triggering cardiac events.

Maintaining blood flow to the brain and other vital organs is the key to simplified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines that emphasize chest compressions over rescue breathing, particularly for heart attack victims.

Using a mask to deliver continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat people with obstructive sleep apnea dramatically reduces early indications of atherosclerosis -- hardening of the arteries -- within months, a new study finds.

Along with taboo topics such as politics and religion, many Americans are reluctant to discuss managing a chronic illness with family or friends, according to a new survey of more than 1,000 adults.

Compared to women with optimal blood pressure, those with high blood pressure are up to three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, a U.S. study finds.

Even low levels of lead exposure accelerated chronic kidney disease in rats by raising their blood pressure and hastening certain kinds of cellular damage, U.S. researchers report.

The beneficial effects of cholesterol-lowering statin therapy lingered for a decade, with significantly lower death rates from cardiovascular disease and all other causes in men who not had been taking the drug for years, a Scottish study found.

Quick assessment and treatment of people who've suffered a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA, or "mini-stroke") cuts their risk of having a major stroke by 80 percent, two new studies find.

Chronic on-the-job stress doubles the risk that someone who has had a heart attack will have another major coronary event, a Canadian study finds.