Get Moving to Lower Stroke Risk

Cleveland HeartLab exercise, Stroke

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown changed the fitness habits of most Americans. But many people still haven’t started exercising again. Here’s a good reason to do it: A new study in the journal Stroke found that the less active people were, the higher their risk for stroke. A stroke happens when a blood clot cuts off the blood supply to your …

The Unexpected Heart Benefit of Getting the Shingles Shot

Cleveland HeartLab heart attack and stroke, inflammation, Stroke

You probably know a few ways to prevent problems like strokes and heart attacks. These include things like eating a heart-friendly diet, walking or being physically active regularly, and not smoking. Now there’s a surprising new way to avoid heart attacks and strokes—the shingles vaccine. Shingles results from the same virus (herpes zoster) that gave you chicken pox as a …

A Heart Month Special Report: The Surprising Facts About Women in Your Life and Heart Disease

CHL Marketing blood pressure, exercise, heart attack and stroke, lifestyle habits, Stroke, women's health

Heart disease is the top killer of men and women, but it affects men and women differently. It’s important to understand the differences to protect the hearts and lives of women and help them get the best care. For Heart Month, we look at some of the differences between men and women. In the past, experts used to think women’s …

Say Yes to Fish Oil!

Cleveland Heartlab cholesterol, diabetes, diet, heart attack and stroke, inflammation, Stroke, vitamins and supplements, women's health

Confused if you should be taking a fish oil supplement? That’s not surprising. Sometimes headlines say the omega-3 fatty acids in them can lower heart risks. Others say the opposite. But the data in favor of fish oil has been growing. Two recent studies show a strong benefit – especially if you don’t like or can’t eat fish itself. The …

The Not-So-Sweet Link Between Sugar and Heart Disease

Cleveland Heartlab blood pressure, diabetes, diet, heart attack and stroke, inflammation, Stroke, women's health

To keep your heart healthy, you’ve probably heard it’s good to eat only small amounts of saturated fats like butter and full-fat dairy as well as carbs like white bread and starchy vegetables. But one food ingredient doesn’t get enough attention when it comes to heart health: sugar. More and more research shows that the sweet stuff can be rough …

The Heart Benefits of Seeking Green

Cleveland Heartlab blood pressure, diet, exercise, heart attack and stroke, lifestyle habits, Stroke, women's health

Everyone knows a walk in the park or the woods is good for the soul. But did you know it might also be good for your heart? More and more research shows that spending time in green spaces boosts heart health. In a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2018, researchers found that people who lived …

Can Positive Thinking Prevent a Heart Attack?

Cleveland Heartlab blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, lifestyle habits, Stroke

You probably know that diet and exercise are important for your heart health. But did you know that the way you think about life also makes a difference? It’s true. A growing number of studies show that people who are optimistic (think in positive, hopeful ways, such as seeing a glass half full instead of half empty) have better heart …

Young women, heart attacks and how to prevent them

Cleveland Heartlab blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, diet, exercise, heart attack and stroke, lifestyle habits, Stroke, women's health

Here’s some good news about heart disease, the number one killer of Americans:  the rate of heart attacks and strokes is dropping and has been for decades. That means you are less likely to develop these problems than in the past. But there’s bad news, too: heart attacks are striking more young people, particularly younger women. New research shows that …

Top Herbs for Your Heart

Cleveland Heartlab blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, diet, heart attack and stroke, inflammation, Stroke, women's health

A healthy diet is the first step toward a healthier heart. Eating lots of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, healthy fats like olive oil, and lean protein like fish and chicken, can’t be beat for preventing heart attacks and strokes.   But how you prepare these foods also makes a big difference. A variety of herbs have been shown to give …

You Probably Don’t Get Enough of this Hidden Heart Helper

Cleveland Heartlab cholesterol, diet, heart attack and stroke, inflammation, lifestyle habits, Stroke

Heart-healthy diets include plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread and pasta. One thing these foods have in common is fiber. Fiber is good for your body in many ways and especially good for your heart. The results of a large review study just released by the World Health Organization (WHO) are …

Do You Have High Blood Pressure?

Cleveland Heartlab Stroke

New Definitions Designed to Stop This Silent Killer The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recently released long awaited new guidelines for managing blood pressure and they include significant changes for monitoring and treating this critical factor in heart health. Nine other health professional organizations endorsed the changes. Blood pressure is always reported using two numbers. The …

Stopping Stroke is a No-Brainer!

Cleveland Heartlab Stroke

Every two seconds, someone in the world has a stroke. Every five seconds, someone dies due to stroke. World Stroke Day, on October 29, is an opportune time to make note of the progress that’s been made to stop stroke—and the efforts that have fallen short. First the good news: Strokes can be prevented and if they do occur more …

The New Heart Threat for Young Adults

Cleveland Heartlab inflammation, Stroke

About 90 percent of strokes each year in the U.S. occur in people age 50 and older. Yet alarming new research shows that significantly more young adults are experiencing stroke, even as rates among older people may be improving. The new data, from the Centers for Disease Control, found a significant increase in hospitalizations due to stroke among men and …