Popular sugar substitute linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk

People who consume greater amounts of a popular artificial sweetener could face a greater risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study suggests. The research, which was presented at the ESC Cardiology Congress in Germany this week, showed that higher levels of xylitol in the blood were associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular … Read more

Microplastics found in majority of heart attack victims’ blood, bombshell study reveals

Microplastics found in majority of heart attack victims’ blood, bombshell study reveals

Patients experiencing severe heart attacks may have significantly higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics in their blood compared to individuals with stable heart conditions, according to new research. Italian researchers analyzed blood samples from the coronary arteries of 61 patients undergoing angiograms, a procedure that analyzes blood vessels for irregularities. They found that nearly 84% … Read more

Exclusive | LI pol hails medical saviors after miraculously surviving heart horror: ‘I watched him die in front of us’

Exclusive | LI pol hails medical saviors after miraculously surviving heart horror: ‘I watched him die in front of us’

It was a real heart-stopper.  Brookhaven Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley is thankful to be alive – and even more grateful to the staff at South Shore University Hospital on Long Island for bringing him back from the dead when his cardiovascular system gave out in March. “I watched him die in front of us,” emergency-room … Read more

Mom so thrilled about daughter’s wedding she developed a rare syndrome that looks like a heart attack

Mom so thrilled about daughter’s wedding she developed a rare syndrome that looks like a heart attack

Being so happy you could die might not be an exaggeration. A 65-year-old mom was so overjoyed after watching her daughter get married that, just three days later, she was rushed to the hospital with chest pain and shortness of breath. Doctors initially believed she was suffering a major heart attack. But what they ultimately … Read more

The coffee sweet spot: How much a day is safe — and linked to heart benefits

The coffee sweet spot: How much a day is safe — and linked to heart benefits

Pour another cup? Science says yes. From reshaping gut bacteria to keeping you young, your morning cup of joe provides a lot when it comes to health. And good news for java junkies: There can even be benefits for the heart — but only if you drink the right amount. A cup of coffee can … Read more

An avocado a day keeps the doctor away: new study

An avocado a day keeps the doctor away: new study

An apple a day keeps the doctor away? There’s a different fruit for the old adage. Avocados have been shown to have plenty of health benefits, including improved sleep and digestion. Now, new research has found the brunch menu staple is associated with a major health benefit for the heart. A fan favorite fruit, avocados … Read more

Ancient longevity drink can lower your cholesterol — consume enough and it reduce risk of dying by 16%

Ancient longevity drink can lower your cholesterol — consume enough and it reduce risk of dying by 16%

Drink up for better health. What we eat plays a clear role in lowering cholesterol, with nutrient-rich foods like oatmeal, brown rice, high-fiber vegetables, fatty fish and seeds helping out. Beverages help too, as one drink that’s been around for centuries — and is still popular today — not only lowers bad cholesterol, but can … Read more

Latest COVID vaccine may have unexpected health benefit, study suggests

Latest COVID vaccine may have unexpected health benefit, study suggests

The latest COVID-19 vaccine (2024-2025) has been linked to fewer serious heart-related events among US veterans. New research confirmed a small reduction in COVID-related cardiovascular events, or COVID-19-associated MACE, due to the vaccine. MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events) is a composite measure of serious heart-related outcomes. It typically includes cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke, and may also include … Read more

Your earlobes may hold a sneaky clue about future heart disease

Your earlobes may hold a sneaky clue about future heart disease

You should be all ears about this stealthy sign of heart health. The leading cause of death in the US, the American Heart Association (AHA) warns that 61% of American adults will likely develop some type of cardiovascular disease. And while there are some clear signs that your heart is weak, others aren’t as well-known, … Read more

‘Revolutionary’ new treatment can lower bad cholesterol by up to 62% — with just one dose

‘Revolutionary’ new treatment can lower bad cholesterol by up to 62% — with just one dose

One and done? Pharma giant Eli Lilly announced Monday that its gene-editing therapy can reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by up to 62% with a single infusion. Not only was the experimental treatment successful, but the results were still apparent in some participants 18 months after they received the dose. VERVE-102 may be a revolutionary treatment … Read more

Why perimenopause is actually a ‘window of opportunity’ for your health

Why perimenopause is actually a ‘window of opportunity’ for your health

Most women dread the “change of life” — but what if it could offer a chance to save yours? A new study found that women are more than twice as likely to have a poor score on a key health metric as their reproductive years wind down. But there’s a silver lining: Experts say the … Read more

How much exercise should you be doing a week? It’s not 150 minutes, new study claims

How much exercise should you be doing a week? It’s not 150 minutes, new study claims

Time to start logging more minutes on the treadmill — think marathon distances. New research out Tuesday reimagines the rules for how much we should be exercising each week for heart health benefits, and it’s a lot more than we were previously told. Guidelines from the CDC and other health agencies recommend adults get at … Read more

STI we nearly eradicated in the ‘90s has surged in recent years — and it’s raising heart attack risk

STI we nearly eradicated in the ‘90s has surged in recent years — and it’s raising heart attack risk

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that almost disappeared is back — with a vengeance. The medieval STI can silently but significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and dangerous swelling of the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel, a large new study found. Once nearly eradicated in the 1990s thanks to safer sexual practices, … Read more

Blockbuster drug can lower your risk of heart attack by 13%

Blockbuster drug can lower your risk of heart attack by 13%

Medical innovation has really give people a shot at better heart health. About 805,000 people in the US have heart attacks every year, with one occurring every 40 seconds — and an alarming increase in those under 45. But new blockbuster medications that have taken the health world by storm could offer protection from adverse … Read more

4 health issues more likely to kill you in the morning

4 health issues more likely to kill you in the morning

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is the least of your worries. While major cardiovascular events can occur at any time of day and often at unexpected times, scientists are aware of some potential patterns, thanks to the body’s circadian rhythm or internal biological clock. In the morning, the body prepares itself … Read more

The 20-minute habit that may be the secret to a healthier heart, sharper brain — and longer life

The 20-minute habit that may be the secret to a healthier heart, sharper brain — and longer life

Walk this way to a longer and healthier life. For years, 10,000 steps has been the magical number promoted by fitness trackers and health apps for daily activity. You may need even less than that — a mere 20 minutes a day could bring positive health effects and more. Walking has plenty of health benefits, … Read more

You’re 9 simple steps away from a heart-healthy diet that will help you live longer

You’re 9 simple steps away from a heart-healthy diet that will help you live longer

Fewer steps to a healthier heart than many skincare routines. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently updated the dietary guidelines for heart-healthy eating patterns at a time when cardiovascular deaths are on the rise. And the new features don’t just focus on what foods to consume, but place firmer emphasis on what should be avoided, … Read more

4 easy things that are surprisingly good for your heart, according to a cardiologist

4 easy things that are surprisingly good for your heart, according to a cardiologist

When it comes to heart health, you don’t want to skip a beat. The leading cause of death for adults in the US, heart disease claims a life every 34 seconds and strains the healthcare system to the tune of $168 billion, according to the CDC. Aside from the obvious lifestyle interventions like getting more … Read more

Exclusive | Tragic caffeine death of college student, 21, fuels parents’ battle for energy drink reform

Exclusive | Tragic caffeine death of college student, 21, fuels parents’ battle for energy drink reform

Sarah Katz wanted to ride a roller coaster.  In a high school essay she once recalled a time in second grade, when her mom took her to the Six Flags in her native New Jersey. She wrote about how desperately she’d wanted to ride “the biggest and scariest” coaster in the park, how she wanted … Read more

What is cauda equina syndrome? Nicholas Brendon’s nerve condition — as Buffy star dies at 54

What is cauda equina syndrome? Nicholas Brendon’s nerve condition — as Buffy star dies at 54

Nicholas Brendon was open with fans about his health before his untimely death at 54. The actor, best known for playing the lovable and wisecracking Xander Harris on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” died in his sleep from “natural causes,” his family revealed in an Instagram post Friday. “We are heartbroken to share the passing of … Read more