Drink Up!  Daily Coffee Tied to Longer, Healthier Life

• Consumer news
• March 24, 2022
• Full Page

In yet another finding that highlights the health perks coffee can brew, new studies show that having two to three cups a day not only wakes you up, it's also good for your heart and may help you live longer.

In this largest ever analysis of nearly 383,000 men and women ...

Too Many Americans Are Getting 'Low-Value' Medical Tests, Procedures

• February 23, 2022
• Full Page

When your cardiologist orders a test, do you stop to ask why you need it? You probably don't - but perhaps you should, according to a new report from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Too many Americans receive heart tests and treatments that do little good, and more...

Study Finds No Heart Benefit From Veggies. Nutritionists Disagree.

• February 21, 2022
• Full Page

Eating vegetables may not help protect you against heart disease, according to a new study that's triggered strong reactions from critics.

The analysis of the diets of nearly...

Valentine's Chocolates May Do Your Heart Good - Really

• February 14, 2022
• Full Page

Giving dark chocolate to your sweetheart on Valentine's Day may be a win-win emotionally and physically, an expert suggests.

But it's important to keep any potential health benefits in perspective, noted Lizzy Davis, an assistant professor of nutrition sciences at the Un...

How Healthy Is Your State? New Federal Data Ranks Each

• February 10, 2022
• Full Page

To live healthier and longer in the United States, it helps to have money and education -- and if you live in Hawaii or California, your odds are even better, according to a new government report.

Life expectancy varies dramatically from state to state, health offic...

'Ultra-Processed' Foods Up Odds for a Second Heart Attack or Stroke

• Ernie Mundell and Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporters
• December 1, 2021
• Full Page

If you've had a heart attack or stroke, you might want to avoid ultra-processed foods, new research suggests.

The study found that a high intake of such foods significantly increases the risk of another heart attack or stroke, and it's more likely to be fatal. This was t...

Your Morning Cup of Coffee Can Affect Your Heart's Rhythms

• Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
• November 15, 2021
• Full Page

Your daily cup of joe might be a quick pick-me-up, but it comes with a mixed bag of good and not-so-good effects on your health, a new study reports.

Drinking coffee helps people stay more active, but it also significantly robs some of sleep, researchers say.

...

Get Your Dietary Fat From Plants, Cut Your Stroke Risk

• Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
• November 8, 2021
• Full Page

People who get their dietary fat from olive oil rather than steak may help reduce their risk of suffering a stroke, a preliminary study suggests.

The study, of more than 100,000 health professionals, found that those who favored vegetable oils and other plant foods as th...

Breastfeeding May Strengthen a Baby's Heart

• September 6, 2021
• Full Page

Breast milk can give preemies' hearts a big boost, a groundbreaking study suggests.

"This study … adds to the already known benefits of breast milk for infants born prematurely," said study leader Dr. Afif El-Khuffash, a clinical professor of pediatrics at the Royal Co...

Cutting Sugar in Packaged Foods Would Keep Millions of Americans From Illness: Report

• Robert Preidt
• September 1, 2021
• Full Page

Sugar is killing Americans in droves, according to researchers who found that reducing the sweetener in packaged foods and beverages could prevent more than 2 million strokes, heart attacks and cardiac arrests.

Less sugary packaged foods and drinks would also curb nearly...

Change in the Kitchen Could Help Men in the Bedroom

• Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
• August 30, 2021
• Full Page

The Mediterranean diet can bring many benefits for the human body, including a healthier heart and a sharper brain.

But there's another benefit that might be of particular interest to men.

Following a Mediterranean diet can lower a man's future risk of erectile dys...

Getting Healthy After Heart Attack Could Add Over 7 Years to Life

• Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
• August 27, 2021
• Full Page

Heart attack survivors could gain more than seven healthy years of life if they take the right medications and improve their lifestyle, new research estimates.

Unfortunately, studies have found, heart attack survivors rarely get optimal control over their risk factors.

A Little Wine & Certain Foods Could Help Keep Blood Pressure Healthy

• Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
• August 24, 2021
• Full Page

An apple and a pear a day may help keep blood pressure under control -- a benefit partly explained by gut bacteria, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that adults who regularly ate certain foods -- apples, pears, berries and red wine -- tended to have lower blood pr...

Eating Meat Raises Risk of Heart Disease: Study

• Robert Preidt
• July 21, 2021
• Full Page

Eating beef, lamb, pork and processed meats spells trouble for your heart, and the more you eat, the worse it gets, new research warns.

The meta-analysis -- an overview of data from a large number of studies -- included more than 1.4 million people who were followed for ...

Plant-Based Diet Best for Your Heart

• Robert Preidt
• July 7, 2021
• Full Page

Want to be good to your ticker?

Load up on veggies -- especially beans, Italian researchers recommend.

They've published a comprehensive review of research on eating habits and heart disease that provides consistent evidence that eating less salt and animal protein...

Obesity in Teens Raises Adult Diabetes Risk, Even After Weight Loss

• June 16, 2021
• Full Page

In a finding that confirms what many suspect, a new study shows that teens who are overweight or obese may be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes or have a heart attack in their 30s and 40s.

These teens are also more likely to have other health issues down the road, r...

'Plant-Based' or Low-Fat Diet: Which Is Better for Your Heart?

• Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
• June 9, 2021
• Full Page

Hoping to eat your way to a healthier heart?

Diets rich in plant foods may beat low-fat eating regimens for cutting the risk of heart disease and stroke, a new study finds.

Saturated fat, the kind largely found in animal products, has long been viewed as the enemy ...

Fewer Than 1 in 10 American Adults Get Enough Dietary Fiber

• Cara Murez
• June 8, 2021
• Full Page

If you're like most American adults, it might be time to reach for a piece of fruit, a plate of vegetables or a bowl of whole grains.

Only 7% of adults get enough fiber, a type of carbohydrate that passes through the body undigested and supports not only regular bowel mo...

Fat Around Your Heart Could Be Especially Deadly

• Robert Preidt
• May 25, 2021
• Full Page

Too much fat around your heart could increase your risk of heart failure, especially if you're a woman, researchers warn.

They looked at nearly 7,000 45- to 84-year-olds across the United States who had no evidence of heart disease on initial CT scans. Over more than 17 ...

How a Little Alcohol Might Help the Heart

• Robert Preidt
• May 7, 2021
• Full Page

A bit of booze may help protect your heart by reducing stress-related brain activity, a new study suggests.

"The thought is that moderate amounts of alcohol may have effects on the brain that can help you relax, reduce stress levels and, perhaps through these mechanisms,...

Heart Disease Often Comes in Pairs, Spouse Study Shows

• Ernie Mundell and Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporters
• May 5, 2021
• Full Page

Couples share a lot together, but heart disease wouldn't be on any couples' list. However, new research out of China shows that if your spouse has heart disease you're likely at high risk for it, too.

Living together can often mean unhealthy habits are shared, explained...

Chocolate, Butter, Sodas: Avoid These Foods for a Healthier Middle Age

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• April 22, 2021
• Full Page

It's no secret that too much sugar and saturated fat aren't good for you, but what food combos put you at greater risk for heart disease and death in middle age?

The answer, from a new University of Oxford study, is likely to disappoint a lot of folks.

Researchers ...

Diet High in Processed Meats Could Shorten Your Life

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• March 31, 2021
• Full Page

That piece of sausage you're about to enjoy? You may want to put it down for something healthier.

New research found an association between eating even small amounts of processed meats, 150 grams (a little over 5 ounces) per week, and a higher risk of major heart disease...

Too Much Restaurant Fare Could Shorten Your Life

• Ernie Mundell and Cara Murez
• March 25, 2021
• Full Page

Whether it's takeout or dining in, lives filled with lots of restaurant fare could turn out to be shorter, new research shows.

The study found that dining out frequently -- two or more meals prepared away from home each day -- is tied to an increased risk of death from a...

Daily Coffee Tied to Lower Risk for Heart Failure

• Ernie Mundell and Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporters
• February 9, 2021
• Full Page

Fill up that mug: Having one or more cups of caffeinated coffee a day may reduce your risk of heart failure, new research suggests.

There was one caveat, however: Decaffeinated coffee doesn't appear to provide the same protection as caffeine-rich blends.

"The assoc...

Exercise Doesn't Boost Health If You Stay Obese, Study Finds

• Robert Preidt
• January 22, 2021
• Full Page

The harmful effects of obesity on the heart can't be undone by exercise, and it's not possible to be "fat but healthy," Spanish researchers warn.

"Exercise does not seem to compensate for the negative effects of excess weight," said study author Alejandro Lucia, a profes...

Prescription-Strength Fish Oil Won't Help Your Heart -- Or Will It?

• Steven Reinberg and Ernie Mundells
• November 16, 2020
• Full Page

Does high-strength fish oil help the heart or doesn't it?

Prior research into a prescription medicine derived from fish called Vascepa, announced earlier this year, suggested it might be of real value for heart patients.

But the results from a trial of another suc...

Living Healthy Good for Your Heart, Even if You're on Meds

• Steven Reinberg
• November 12, 2020
• Full Page

No matter how many medications you take, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and getting plenty of exercise will help keep you alive, a new study finds.

"We've long known about the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. The results from our study underscore the importan...

After a Heart Attack, a Joint Effort to Lose Weight Works Best

• Robert Preidt
• August 27, 2020
• Full Page

Heart attack survivors are more likely to lose weight if their spouses join them in shedding excess pounds, new research shows.

"Lifestyle improvement after a heart attack is a crucial part of preventing repeat events," said study author Lotte Verweij, a registered n...

More Evidence Sugary Drinks Harm Women's Hearts

• Steven Reinberg
• May 13, 2020
• Full Page

Women who drink a lot of sodas, sweetened juices and other sugary drinks are at greater risk of developing heart disease, a new study finds.

Those who drink one or more a day have nearly a 20% higher risk than women who never do. And it's not just soda that's p...

Major Study Casts Doubt on Routine Use of Stents, Bypass

• Dennis Thompson
• March 31, 2020
• Full Page

Folks with clogged arteries do as well with medication and lifestyle changes as they do after undergoing invasive procedures to reopen their blood vessels, a major new clinical trial reports.

Bypass surgery, balloon angioplasty and stenting are no better than drugs, ...

For Heart Health, Not All Plant-Based Diets Are Equal: Study

• Robert Preidt
• March 18, 2020
• Full Page

A plant-based diet can benefit your heart, but only if you eat certain healthy types of food, researchers say.

They tracked the eating behavior and the development of heart disease among more than 2,000 adults in Greece over 10 years, starting in 2002.

Comp...

After Heart Attack, Following Doctor's Orders Greatly Boosts Survival

• Dennis Thompson
• March 5, 2020
• Full Page

Heart attack survivors receive a laundry list of tasks from their doctors as they leave the hospital, all aimed at improving their heart health.

It would be understandable to look at the list with a raised eyebrow and ask just how important all of it is.

Vi...

Meat Still Isn't Healthy, Study Confirms

• Serena Gordon
• February 3, 2020
• Full Page

After a weekend of football-shaped pigs-in-a-blanket, you probably don't want to hear that the latest study on red and processed meat found that these foods boost your risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

The study also found that meat ups your risk of premature ...

Highly Processed Diets Tied to Heart Disease, Earlier Death

• Amy Norton
• May 30, 2019
• Full Page

People who get many of their meals from packages may have heightened risks of heart disease, stroke and premature death, two large studies suggest.

The findings, published online May 29 in the journal BMJ, are the latest to point the finger at "ultra-processed...

New Evidence That Veggies Beat Steak for Heart Health

• Robert Preidt
• April 17, 2019
• Full Page

Your heart will thank you if you replace red meat with healthy plant proteins.

Doing so will lower your odds for heart disease, according to a new study.

Researchers analyzed data from 36 trials involving more than 1,800 people to learn how different diets ...

Stay Away From Sugary Sodas, Spare Your Heart

• Amy Norton
• March 18, 2019
• Full Page

People who regularly down sugar-laden sodas, juices and sports drinks aren't doing their heart any favors.

A new study of more than 110,000 U.S. health professionals found that the more people drank sugary beverages, the higher their risk of death from cardiovascular...

When it Comes to Diet, Not All Plants Are Created Equal

• Robert Preidt
• March 6, 2019
• Full Page

Want to take care of your heart and live longer? Adopt a plant-based diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and nuts.

That's the key conclusion from a study of nearly 48,000 women and 26,000 men, average age 64. Researchers assessed their eating habits i...