Ultra-processed and uber-risky. Cardiology researchers published new findings Tuesday linking junk foods to cardiovascular distress, falling in line with the Department of Health and Human Services’ new dietary guidelines urging Americans to steer clear of foods like chips and candy. Diets made up mostly of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) were found to increase a person’s risk … Read more
Most people know what a heart attack is — someone in the US has one about every 40 seconds. But there’s a lesser-known condition that can look nearly identical and sounds like it belongs in a romantic drama: broken heart syndrome, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It’s a temporary condition most often triggered by intense … Read more
As snow blanketed parts of the US this week, heart health experts have shared warnings of the physical strain shoveling can take — particularly for older adults. A 2025 Mayo Clinic review found that just 10 minutes of heavy snow shoveling can push the heart to about 97% of its maximum rate. Exposure to cold air … Read more
This is T-rrific news for some men. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been historically difficult to get because it requires proof of consistently low testosterone levels along with symptoms like fatigue, low libido or erectile dysfunction that’s not just from aging. Now, a US Food and Drug Administration panel is recommending loosening testosterone restrictions by declassifying these … Read more
After his father died of a massive heart attack at the age of 66, Johnjay Van Es started doing literally everything he could to keep his ticker tickin’. The congenial Phoenix radio host shed about 160 pounds, transforming himself from morbidly obese to impressively sleek, with just 12% body fat. He also embarked on an … Read more
Do well to live well, folks. Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally and in the US, where it kills over 700,000 Americans each year. The good news is that one simple, selfless act could help lower your risk of heart disease — giving blood. Heart disease is a major killer in the … Read more
These are not the joyful, helpful SMuRFs of your childhood. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and a smoking habit are what’s known as standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRFs) for cardiovascular disease (CVD). These four common behaviors increase the odds that you’ll have a heart attack or stroke. Yet a significant portion of cardiac events … Read more
So much for feeling young at heart. A startling Northwestern University study recently revealed that most Americans’ hearts are aging faster than they are. Men’s tickers were, on average, seven years older than their chronological age, while women’s were approximately four years older. A higher “heart age” than your actual age means you’re at greater … Read more
Sex may not be all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, it can be really uplifting for health. Sex is a form of aerobic exercise that conditions the heart and lungs — and it triggers the release of endorphins that improve psychological well-being. But there’s also the risk of injuries. Most boudoir blunders, like minor … Read more
Bob Harper didn’t hear from Jillian Michaels after his heart attack in 2017. In a new interview with The Guardian, Harper, 59, said many people from “The Biggest Loser” reached out to him after the near-fatal health incident — but not Michaels, 51. “We weren’t besties, but we were partners on a television show for … Read more
WWE legend Hulk Hogan’s sudden death last month rocked the wrestling world — leaving fans stunned that a man known for his strength and stamina could suffer a fatal heart attack at 71. But while bulging biceps may look like the peak of health, experts warn that a ripped physique can be misleading. “The truth … Read more
There’s nothing sweet about this. A new study suggests that a popular sugar substitute found in everything from protein bars to low-calorie ice creams may be messing with the blood vessels in your brain. It’s the latest red flag in a growing body of research linking the common ingredient to a higher risk of stroke … Read more
We’ve all done it: You plug your aches and pains into WebMD’s Symptom Checker, see that it could be either “cancer” or “seasonal allergies,” and promptly close out the window and decide to ignore whatever issues brought you there in the first place. Sometimes, what ails you really isn’t a big deal and will clear … Read more
Dear Dr. Zac, I’ve been seeing a lot of influencers online talking about the carnivore diet and eating raw meat like it’s the key to perfect health. I started following this guy who goes by the name of the ‘Liver King’, who loves eating kilos of raw liver each week and preaching animal-based everything. But … Read more
A fitness and caffeine enthusiast died at the age of 28 from a heart attack — her devastated mother believes energy drinks are to blame. Florida teacher Katie Donnell was committed to a healthy lifestyle — even as she often drank three energy drinks a day and took a caffeine supplement before hitting the gym. … Read more
Arrest-ed development? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, killing around 700,000 Americans each year. New research estimates that nearly 50,000 US lives could be saved annually with a one-two punch of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, killing around 700,000 Americans each year. … Read more
A heartbreaking new study found that childhood cancer survivors are nearly three times more likely to develop aging-related diseases compared to the general population. Cancer is the number one cause of death by disease among children and adolescents in the United States. Meanwhile, an estimated 500,000 individuals have survived childhood cancer in the US. As … Read more
It has pot-tential to ease your mind, but cannabis could put strain on your heart. Two major studies suggest that active cannabis users face a staggering six times higher risk of heart attack compared to those who stay away from the drug, even among young and otherwise healthy adults. “Asking about cannabis use should be … Read more
If you have these three concerning symptoms, it’s time to get to the heart of the problem. Dr. Jeremy London, a heart surgeon based in Savannah, Georgia, warns that struggling to breathe while walking or laying down and/or experiencing leg swelling may mean you have a weak heart. “These should be red flags,” London said Tuesday … Read more
A history of COVID-19 can double the long-term risk of heart attack, stroke or death, according to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Southern California. Researchers analyzed data from 10,000 people treated for COVID-19 in 2020 and roughly 200,000 people who were not infected. Doctors followed the health progress of the … Read more