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
Life in plastic isn’t so fantastic. While there’s debate over how much is actually in our systems, microplastics are all the rage right now — and not in a good way for our health. A new study may have found the culprit behind the accumulation in our brains, and it’s much more common than we … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My brothers and I loved our father. He was an alcoholic until he was 37. After he stopped drinking, we became the best of friends. He was both mother and father to me, and I was so proud of him. Dad remarried 33 years later to a woman I can only describe as … Read more
A fit and healthy woman has told how her “back ache” turned out to be a rare spinal stroke which left her paralyzed from the chest down. Lucy Dunford was 19 years old when she first started suffering from “stabbing pains” between her shoulder blades in December 2024 — which she had brushed off as … Read more
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
It’s like salt in a wound. Global warming has been blamed for stronger and more frequent storms, droughts, floods and rare disease outbreaks. Now, it might be fueling kitchen table health crises, too. Researchers are concerned that rising sea levels are contaminating fresh drinking water with seawater — and that the extra salt could have the … Read more
After a minor stroke, there are several risk factors that can predict another event, according to new research. A study published in the journal Circulation by the American Heart Association investigated what happens after someone has a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini-stroke.” This was a follow-up to the previous PERSIST study, which … Read more
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
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
It’s known as a “mini” stroke — but a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is no small thing. Though it typically lasts only a few minutes, this temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain can be an early sign that a full-blown, potentially disabling stroke is on the horizon. “A TIA can be a blessing … Read more
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
It’s utterly simple. Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the US, with heightened risk for low-income and marginalized groups. Outside of genetics, reducing these numbers comes down to improving blood pressure, increasing physical activity and making dietary changes. And a single dietary change can make a surprisingly big difference, according … Read more
It might be time to rethink that little pill in your medicine cabinet. A new study casts doubt on the idea that regularly taking an over-the-counter painkiller can help ward off colorectal cancer — at least for the general population. Worse, researchers warn that the daily habit carries “immediate risks,” including a higher chance of … Read more
Heart disease and stroke deaths are falling in the US — but there’s a quiet health threat that’s spreading fast and putting millions at risk. In fact, the problem has grown so widespread that the condition landed its own chapter in the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, released Wednesday. The … Read more
Many might assume that over-the-counter (OTC) medications are generally safer than stronger prescription drugs, but research shows they can still present risks for some. Certain common OTC painkillers have been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks. Potential risk of NSAIDs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — which are used to … Read more
When it comes to heart health, heart attacks tend to get the spotlight. While 805,000 people die from heart attacks every year in the US, there’s a lifelong genetic disorder that could be lurking in the background, going completely undiagnosed. It’s even been dubbed a “silent killer,” taking the lives of young people who appear … Read more
President Donald Trump admitted in an interview on Thursday that he takes a higher dose of aspirin than what is recommended by his doctors — and said the medication it to blame for bruising often seen on his hands. “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood … Read more
Most people don’t spare a thought for their blood type unless they’re in need of a transfusion — but could yours hold secrets to your health? And is one better than the others? There are four main blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Seventyfour – stock.adobe.com The short answer: No, there is no “best” … 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