Past evidence has shown that severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can damage the heart. But a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that even mild COPD affects heart function. COPD is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two forms of COPD. Both cause narrowed
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People who experience joy, happiness, excitement, enthusiasm, and contentment have what’s called a positive affect. It’s been linked with living longer and a having a lower risk for diabetes and high blood pressure. Now, a study published in the European Heart Journalsuggests that it might also lower your risk for heart problems. Happiness Linked to Heart
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Talk with Your Doctor About ED Although you might feel uncomfortable, it’s important to talk with your doctor if you think you have ED. Your doctor may evaluate you for other heart disease risk factors and suggest treatment to lower your risk for heart problems. In addition, many options exist to treat ED. They range
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Using a computed tomography (CT) test to measure calcium in coronary arteries helps predict a person’s future heart disease, a new study finds. Still in question, however, is whether or not it is worth the cost and risk due to radiation exposure. “This kind of evidence gives encouragement to go on and do additional testing,
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases significantly with low levels of physical activity and fitness, a study of young adults shows. The study in the journal Hypertension found that about one-third of all high blood pressure cases could be prevented with increased physical fitness. “Those who were the least physically fit, as determined by the amount of
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder Defined Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes its sufferers chronic and exaggerated worry and tension that seem to have no substantial cause. Persons with generalized anxiety disorder often worry excessively about health, money, family, or work, and continually anticipate disaster. Although GAD may be accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or another anxiety disorder,
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Performing only chest compressions to help keep the blood flowing during a heart attack can be as effective as standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, that includes mouth-to-mouth breathing, says a new study. The technique forces air into the lungs, which can help a heart attack victim survive three to five minutes long – possibly enough
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About Cardiac Arrest Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, usually because of abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias. Surprisingly, cardiac arrest most often strikes people in the prime of their lives–in their mid-30s to mid-40s. Victims may appear healthy before cardiac arrest and have no obvious symptoms of heart disease. But they typically
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A new approach to clearing plaque from arteries is helping doctors treat patients who require a procedure called balloon angioplasty. Balloon angioplasty is among the standard treatments for peripheral artery disease (PAD). In the U.S., about 8 million people have peripheral artery disease, and about half have no symptoms. PAD is frequently found in people
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Go Easy on the Salt The American Heart Association offers these suggestions to keep your salt intake under control: • Eat mostly foods that are fresh or unprocessed. • When shopping, choose low-sodium or no-salt-added frozen and canned foods. • Perk up dishes with alternatives to salt, such as herbs, vinegar, spices, or even citrus fruits. •
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