How to recognize, respond to, and prevent a stroke A stroke occurs when the blood flow to parts of the brain is reduced or interrupted. Sometimes a stroke is called a “brain attack.” Brain cells die when they do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms vary depending on which parts of the brain are […]
All of us experience stress—such as before a test, when we are late or working under a deadline, or in traffic. Stress is a way for your body to adapt to changes in the environment. Although some stress is considered usual, research shows that prolonged stress or chronic stress can negatively impact your heart. How […]
Nonalchoholic fatty liver disease is a risk factor for the development of heart disease, and vice versa. This is the conclusion of a study published in the Journal of Hepatology that investigated the link between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and heart disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a chronic liver disease that occurs in people […]
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by difficulty with memory, thinking, and behavior that gets progressively worse over time. Researchers have discovered that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a build-up of amyloid beta proteins in the spaces between brain cells. Although the brain is where symptoms of the disease are first […]
Carotid arteries are the arteries that supply the brain with oxygen and nutrients. There are two carotid arteries, one on either side of your neck that provide blood to the brain, neck and face. Carotid arteries can become clogged and blocked with plaque, just like other arteries in your body. However, if blood flow through […]
People with depression have an increased risk of stroke and dying from heart disease. This is the conclusion of a recent study that investigated the association between depression and heart disease. The study began with 22,666 participants without heart disease. Each participant was evaluated for depression by completing a depression screening questionnaire. The average age […]
Blood pressure measures the force or pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Normal blood pressure for an adult is considered to be 120/80. The first number, 120, represents systolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure measures the force with which the heart pumps blood around the body. The second number, 80, represents diastolic blood […]
The heart is important because it pumps blood around your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your cells and removing waste products. The heart has four chambers: two upper chambers called the right and left atria (singular: atrium) and two lower chambers called the right and left ventricles. There are valves between the atria and […]
Eat less sugar. That’s the conclusion of a recent study published in the journal Atherosclerosis that investigated the effects of sugar consumption on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cholesterol and triglycerides are markers of heart disease, which is the number one killer of Americans according to the Centers for Disease Control. Cholesterol and triglycerides are fats […]
There are many microorganisms or microbiota living in our gastrointestinal tract. These microbiota help with digestion, and interact with each other to influence our immune system and our health, including our cardiovascular system. The types of microorganisms that inhabit your gut may be determined by the food you eat. People who eat a diet low […]