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Health Line
a day ago
- General
- Health Line
When Should You Have a Heart Health Checkup?
An important part of preventive healthcare, some heart health screening tests may start around age 20. Other tests may not be needed until you are older. Routine heart health screenings are an important part of preventive healthcare for adults. Some heart health screening tests should begin as early as age 20, recommends the American Heart Association (AHA). Other heart health screenings may begin later in life. Your doctor can help you learn which screenings you should get and how often you should get them. Read on to learn about the steps you can take to monitor your heart health. When should you get a heart checkup? Even if you have no history of heart disease, the AHA recommends the following schedule for heart health screenings: Weight and BMI: during regular annual checkups Blood pressure tests: at least once every 2 years, starting by age 20 Blood cholesterol tests: at least once every 4 to 6 years, starting by age 20 Blood glucose tests: at least once every 3 years, typically starting at age 40 to 45 They may also order high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) testing. This test measures C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation or infection that's associated with increased risk of heart attack. If you have certain risk factors for heart disease or a strong family history, your doctor might encourage you to start these screenings at a younger age than usual. For example, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screening if you have: high blood pressure, blood cholesterol, or blood sugar a heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation a family history of heart disease overweight or obesity prediabetes or diabetes certain lifestyle factors, like smoking tobacco had complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes Ask your doctor how often you should undergo heart health screenings, based on your medical history and health needs. What to expect A routine heart health checkup doesn't typically involve complicated tests. During a heart health checkup, your doctor will talk to you about how you're feeling and offer you screening tests to assess your cardiovascular health and risk factors. Your cardiovascular system includes your heart and blood vessels. As part of the checkup, they'll look for any signs of heart disease and consider your risk for developing heart disease in the future. To monitor the health of your heart, your doctor should routinely: assess your weight and BMI measure your blood pressure order blood tests to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels ask about your diet, physical activity, and smoking history ask about your personal and family medical history ask whether you've noticed any changes in your health If the results of your screening tests show signs of heart disease or a high risk of developing heart disease, your doctor may order additional tests. Additional heart health tests If your doctor thinks you might have heart disease, they may order one of more of the following tests to assess your heart health: Electrocardiography (ECG, EKG): Small, sticky electrodes are applied to your chest and attached to a special machine, known an ECG machine. This machine records your heart's electrical activity and provides information about your heart rate and rhythm. Exercise cardiac stress test: Electrodes are applied to your chest and attached to an ECG machine. Then you're asked to walk or run on a treadmill, or pedal on a stationary bike, while a healthcare professional assesses your heart's response to physical stress. Echocardiography: A healthcare professional uses an ultrasound machine to create moving images of your heart to see if you have problems with the pumping function of your heart, and to assess your heart valves. Sometimes, they may do this before and after you've exercised or taken certain medications to learn how your heart responds to stress. Nuclear stress test: A small amount of radioactive dye is injected into your bloodstream, where it travels to your heart. A healthcare professional uses an imaging machine to take pictures while you're at rest and after exercise to learn how blood is flowing through your heart. Cardiac CT scan for calcium scoring: You're positioned under a CT scanner with electrodes attached to your chest to record your heart's electrical activity. A healthcare professional uses the CT scanner to create images of your heart and check for plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. Coronary CT angiography (CTA): Similar to the test above, you lie under a CT scanner with electrodes attached to your chest so a healthcare professional can record your heart's activity and create pictures of your heart based on the CT scan's images. A contrast dye is injected into your bloodstream to make it easier for them to see plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. Coronary catheter angiography: A small tube, or catheter, is inserted into your groin or arm and threaded through an artery to your heart. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter while a healthcare professional takes X-ray pictures of your heart, allowing them to see if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked. If you receive a diagnosis of heart disease, your doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments to manage it. How much do heart checkups cost? You may be able to access heart health screening tests at low or no cost, depending on where you live and your insurance coverage. If you don't have health insurance, federal health centers offer many essential health services regardless of ability to pay. You can see if there's a qualified health center near you using their search tool. Some pharmacies also offer free heart health screenings in February, National Heart Health Month. If you have health insurance, you may have no cost for basic heart checkup tests. Under the Affordable Care Act, many health insurance plans are required to cover the cost of certain preventive health screenings with no copayment, coinsurance, or deductible fee. Depending on your health insurance coverage, age, and health history, you may be able to get blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings for free. If your doctor orders additional tests to evaluate your heart health, you may have charges for those tests. Some or all of the cost of the tests may be covered by your health insurance. If you have health insurance, contact your insurance provider to learn if you're eligible for free heart health screenings. Ask them how much specific tests will cost. How to check your heart health at home Depending on your health history, your doctor might encourage you to monitor your own heart health and risk factors between checkups. For example, they might advise you to monitor one or more of the following: your body weight or BMI, using a scale your blood pressure, using a home blood pressure monitor your blood sugar levels, using a glucose monitor your heart rate and rhythm, using a wearable fitness tracker, smartwatch, or other device If your doctor wants to assess your heart's electrical activity over the course of multiple hours or days, they might ask you to wear a Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a small battery-operated device that functions as a portable ECG machine. Your doctor may ask you to wear it for 24 to 48 hours before returning the monitor to them. Your doctor may also ask you keep track of your fitness activities, diet, or other lifestyle factors that might affect your heart health. Similarly, they may ask you to log any symptoms of heart disease that you develop. Tips for maintaining heart health To help lower your risk for heart disease, it's important to practice a healthy lifestyle. For example: Avoid smoking tobacco. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your consumption of trans fat, saturated fat, and sugar-sweetened foods and drinks. Take steps to manage your weight. Follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan if you've received a diagnosis of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, diabetes, or other health conditions. Getting routine heart health screenings is also important for maintaining your heart health. These screenings can help your doctor identify potential problems early so you can get the treatment you need. The takeaway To monitor your heart health, your doctor may regularly check your: weight blood pressure blood cholesterol blood sugar They will also ask you about your medical history and lifestyle habits, which can affect your chances of developing heart disease. Many other tests are also available to evaluate your heart's function and health, if your doctor thinks you might have developed heart disease.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Where there s smoke, there s fire and heart health risks
( NewMediaWire ) - May 30, 2025 - DALLAS — Smoke from Canada wildfires is rapidly drifting into the U.S. and the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, warns that this wildfire smoke exposure may pose an increased risk for heart disease. 'While breathing problems and respiratory health dangers are often considered the biggest health impact from wildfire smoke, it's important to recognize the impact on cardiovascular health, as well.,' said Keith Churchwell, M.D., FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer president, an associate clinical Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut and adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee. 'Wildfire smoke contains a lot of pollutants including fine, microscopic particles linked to cardiovascular risk. As these fires continue to burn that contaminated smoke is traveling many miles beyond the immediately affected area.' Several research studies have linked smoke exposure to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and a higher volume of visits to local emergency rooms for other cardiovascular disease-related causes. People with underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors may be at risk for an acute cardiovascular event when exposed to wildfire smoke. According to the American Heart Association, recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke are important. Churchwell urges pay attention to your body and call 911 if you have: Additionally, knowing and performing CPR can more than double the chance of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with other government and private agencies, offers a zip code-level tracking map of current air quality at Churchwell recommends checking that site regularly if you're seeing signs of wildfire smoke and haze developing where you live. It's also important to stay informed about any special alerts sent out by your local health department. Churchwell offers the following tips for reducing exposure to wildfire smoke: 'While these types of wildfires and the extent of their smoke reach can't always be predicted, protecting yourself and your family from poor air quality throughout the year is something to consider,' Churchwell said. 'In the American Heart Association's 2020 scientific statement on air pollution exposure, we note that one of the most effective measures is the use of portable air cleaners, which have been shown to reduce indoor particulate matter by as much as 50-60%. Given their modest upfront cost ($50-200) and potential benefits in reducing cardiopulmonary outcomes, this measure has a high benefit for the cost.' Churchwell said while most people in the U.S. are not directly impacted by the physical wildfires burning in Canada, the exposure to this lingering smoke can be extremely harmful and shouldn't be taken for granted. 'Protect yourself, be alert and prepared,' he said. The American Heart Association has resources to help at Additional Resources: ### For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Cathy Lewis: 214-706-1324, [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
New York Post
a day ago
- Health
- New York Post
Weed increases risk of major health issue — even without smoking: ‘Boy does it screw up the public health messaging'
Your best bud might be breaking your heart. Though many Americans believe daily marijuana use is safer than tobacco, a new study suggests it could increase your risk for some serious cardiovascular issues. Worse yet, gummies, teas and tinctures appear to offer no advantage over lighting up when it comes to one critical factor for your heart health. Advertisement 4 More Americans are using marijuana regularly than ever before. bukhta79 – High stakes for your heart The study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco involved 55 outwardly healthy Bay Area residents who regularly smoked marijuana or consumed THC edibles. None of the participants used nicotine, and all of them consumed cannabis at least three times a week for a year or more. Smokers averaged 10 years of chronic use; edible users, five. Advertisement Researchers found blood vessel function in regular cannabis users was about half that of non-users — putting them on par with tobacco smokers. 'We found that vascular function was reduced by 42% in marijuana smokers and by 56% in THC-edible users compared to nonusers,' Dr. Leila Mohammadi, lead author of the study, told CNN. That surprised co-author Dr. Matthew Springer. Groups like the American Heart Association had previously suggested edibles might be less harmful to the heart. 'When I first saw the THC result, I said to Leila, 'Scientifically, this THC result is really interesting but boy does it screw up the public health messaging,'' he told SFGATE. Advertisement 4 Studies suggest that smoked marijuana is the most commonly used form. Impact Photography – Notably, researchers found that only marijuana smokers had harmful changes in their blood serum that negatively affected their endothelial cells. These cells line the inside of blood and lymph vessels and help regulate blood flow. Advertisement Springer said this could mean smoking marijuana delivers a 'double whammy' of damage to heart health. The researchers emphasized that while their study indicates a strong association between chronic marijuana or THC use and vascular damage, it doesn't definitively prove the link. Still, it adds to mounting evidence that chronic cannabis use could be bad news for the heart. A 2024 study found daily marijuana use increase heart attack risk by 25% and stroke risk by 42%. 4 Chronic marijuana use may increase your risk of cardiovascular problems. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – 'The public (and the medical field) should view cannabis and THC itself as products that are not without health risks,' Springer told Newsweek. 'THC seems to have some beneficial effects also, so there needs to be a balance between risk and benefit that is best decided with both eyes open,' he added. Research suggests that marijuana has the potential to ease chronic pain and reduce muscle spasms and stiffness linked to MS. Advertisement Cannabis products have also been shown to boost appetite in HIV/AIDS and cancer patients, and combat chemo-related nausea. Other potential benefits include easing stress, alleviating PTSD symptoms and aiding sleep in some people. 4 Research suggests that marijuana may help alleviate symptoms linked to several chronic health conditions. contentdealer – Springer and Mohammadi are calling for longer, larger studies to pun down exactly how marijuana and THC affect heart health — and to find out if there's a safe level of use. Advertisement The study comes as more Americans are using marijuana regularly than ever before. While alcohol is still more widely used overall, heavy marijuana use beat out heavy drinking for the first time in 2022, according to Carnegie Mellon researchers. That year, about 17.7 million Americans used cannabis daily or near-daily — compared to 14.7 million who drank that often. It marks a staggering 15-fold jump in chronic cannabis use since 1992. Advertisement Marijuana remains illegal federally, but 38 states and DC have legalized it for medical use. Of those, 24 states and DC have also cleared the way for adults 21 and over to use it recreationally. The recent legalization efforts have sparked a boom in cannabis use. In 2024, 47% of Americans said they'd tried marijuana at least once — up from 34% in 1999, according to Gallup polling.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
American Heart Association responds to sugary drink tax litigation in Santa Cruz
( NewMediaWire ) - May 30, 2025 - DALLAS — The American Beverage Association and allies filed a lawsuit yesterday in Sacramento Superior Court against the city of Santa Cruz, challenging the city's sugary drink tax. The two cents per fluid ounce tax on sugary beverages was approved by voters in November 2024 and went into effect May 1. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, the world's leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, issued the following statement: 'Big Soda is once again grasping at straws. 'Let's remember how we got here. Back in 2018, stung by multiple losses at the ballot box, this self-serving industry secretly cut a deal that put a 12-year moratorium on sugary drink taxes, aiming to take away the ability of California cities and citizens to raise revenue for important community priorities and to help fight heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. In 2023, the courts wisely found the penalty provision of the moratorium unconstitutional. Santa Cruz voters stood up for health and passed a sugary drink tax in November, but the beverage industry still won't accept the will of the people. 'The American Heart Association stands with the citizens of Santa Cruz and remains committed to curbing sugary drink consumption and protecting health. The beverage industry stands for profits over health and burdens consumers and taxpayers with billions in needless health care costs, illness and premature death. 'The backroom dealing was wrong in 2018 and it's wrong today. We call on Big Soda and its allies to stop with their lies and this costly litigation.' ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Shelly Hogan: 214-706-1782; [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
I Stopped Eating Sugar for a Week and Here's What Happened
As a dietitian, I'm the first to tell you that too much of anything (especially sweets) isn't exactly your body's best friend. The guidelines are clear—limit added sugar, keep it under control, yada yada. But here's the thing about the sweet stuff…it's delicious. Like, really, really good. We're talking cake-at-a-birthday-party good. Or that first bite of a chocolate chip cookie still warm from the oven good. You get the point. I preach moderation, sure, but recently something happened that made me face the sweet stuff head-on, to figure out what happens to your body when you stop eating sugar. So I cut out added sugar for a week, and put my money where my mouth (and sweet tooth) is. Giving up sugar for a period of time seemed like a manageable challenge. After all, I don't even have much of a sweet tooth—or so I thought. As soon as I decided to part ways with added sugar, I quickly realized that my mission was more complicated than I'd anticipated. Foods I'd always considered healthy, like my go-to Greek yogurt or the delightful splash of sugar-added 'natural' creamer in my morning coffee, were suddenly off-limits due to their added sugar content. Even my go-to bread had some added sugar baked into the mix! I gave Greek yogurt the boot, begrudgingly swapped out coffee creamer for plain milk, and avoided anything with an ingredient list that included 'sugar,' 'corn syrup,' or its many aliases. Of course, I didn't count the touch of honey in my salad dressings... because c'mon, I had to draw the line somewhere! After a couple of tough days, though, something surprising happened—I stopped missing sweets. Here's what I learned about myself, sugar, and the impact this tiny ingredient has on our bodies. You've likely heard the buzzword 'sugar addiction' thrown around. But is it real? Well, in some ways, yes. Sugar has been shown to activate the brain's reward center, releasing dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good. When we consume excessive sugar regularly, our brains may learn to crave it for that pleasurable dopamine hit. That's why you might find yourself reaching for a handful of candy even when you're not genuinely hungry. However, sugar by itself is not inherently evil. According to the American Heart Association, sugar can be enjoyed in moderation. The problem arises when we overconsume it, which can contribute to concerns such as weight gain, inflammation, dental health issues, and a higher risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes or heart disease. OK, I committed to giving up all added sugar for a week. And I will admit, the first few days were a little rough. I felt a touch irritable, occasionally sluggish, and maybe even a little foggy-headed. I also felt an overall feeling of being out of sorts, likely because my routine was tweaked. Experiencing these feelings didn't come as a surprise, though, because the body needs time to adjust to functioning without the quick energy boost that sugar provides. And I think I was eating less because I was avoiding foods that I may normally grab-and-go in the morning, like a pre-made overnight oats cup or a high-protein granola bar. So, was it the lack of sugar or the consumption of fewer calories that caused this feeling? Then the magic happened. By around day three or four, my energy levels began to stabilize. I slept better at night, felt more alert during the day, and even noticed my desire for sweets softened. I didn't notice any physical changes in my body, though—perhaps because I am not a huge sugar consumer and my 'experiment' only lasted a week, which may not have been enough time for the sugar-free diet to have a profound impact on my skin, bloat, or other physical factors. I did find simple swaps for my added-sugar foods, like including mashed fruit in my oats when I couldn't have added sugar in there, so I do think that helped. It was fascinating to realize how quickly my body responded to the absence of added sugar. The impact wasn't profound, but it was enough to show me the benefits of limiting sugar intake. Cutting out added sugar didn't mean giving up sweet-tasting food. There are plenty of substitutes out there that can add sweetness to dishes without the same glycemic results. For example, I found that a ripe banana blended into my oatmeal provided all the sweetness I brown sugar necessary. Cinnamon, vanilla, and almond extract also became my best friends when I needed a coffee fix. Alternatives like stevia and Monk fruit help satisfy a sweet craving, too, and thankfully, there are many foods out there that lean on these ingredients. That said, there's ongoing debate about the health impacts of sugar substitutes. Some studies suggest potential benefits, such as that they don't cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, making them useful for blood sugar management, while others raise concerns about possible long-term effects, like having a negative impact on the gut microbiome. Still, it's important not to outright villainize sugar substitutes, especially when considering the well-documented downsides of excess added sugar. Moderation and variety seem to be key. Using natural options like fruits, and occasionally turning to stevia or Monk fruit, helped me strike a balance without feeling deprived. Here's where we need to make peace with sugar. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, added sugar should ideally make up no more than 10% of generally healthy adults' daily calorie intake. For women, this translates to about 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of sugar per day, and for men, it's 9 teaspoons (36 grams). These numbers may sound small, but they allow room for enjoying that occasional treat or sweetening your coffee when needed. Sugar is part of life's pleasures, and, in moderation, it can absolutely be incorporated into a healthy diet. Of course, you don't HAVE to consume that much every day. It's also important to remember that carbohydrates, which break down into sugar (glucose) in the body, are essential for energy. Natural sugars found in fruits and dairy serve a nutritional purpose, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an important and healthy part of your diet. However, the body may not always differentiate between natural and added sugars, especially in people with insulin resistance. Experts emphasize that while natural sugars in foods like fruit and dairy are not considered the same as added sugars found in candies, sodas, and other processed treats, it's essential to consume all sugars in moderation and understand their impact on overall health. Ever wondered why you always seem to have room for dessert, no matter how full you feel? There's actually a term for this phenomenon called 'dessert stomach.' Research suggests that sugary treats activate the brain's reward center, which helps override signals from your digestive system that tell you you're full. This explains why a slice of cake can seem appealing even after a huge dinner. For our ancestors, our "dessert stomach" signaled safety and provided quick energy, which was crucial for survival. Today, however, with sugary treats readily available, these cravings don't necessarily mean we NEED the sweets our brain is telling us we need. Understanding this may help some people limit their sugar intake, especially after meals. Another culprit is conditioning. If you've consistently had a cookie with your coffee or a treat after dinner, your brain begins to associate those events with sugar. It becomes a behavioral habit, and breaking it takes some effort, at least at first. The good news is that while sugar's rewarding taste might seem addictive, research suggests it's not the same as the way addiction works for drugs. Finally, sugar is often linked to feelings of joy and comfort. Sometimes, sugar cravings have less to do with physical hunger and more to do with emotions. Feeling bored, lonely, or stressed? These emotions can trigger a desire for sweet treats as a form of self-soothing. Some data shows that high intake of added sugars was linked to greater depressive symptoms, with this connection being influenced by factors like difficulty controlling cravings and emotional eating patterns. Identifying and addressing underlying emotions may help break this cycle and reduce reliance on sugar for comfort. When it comes to sugar, I don't count fruit or 100% fruit juice as sources of added sugar, and here's why. Whole fruits are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that are incredibly beneficial for your body. The natural sugars found in fruit are digested more slowly due to the fiber content, helping to balance blood sugar levels. Similarly, 100% fruit juice, while lacking the fiber of whole fruit, still provides the nutrients and natural energy from the fruit it's made from. Unlike ultra-processed sugary snacks, fruit isn't just about the sugar; it's a whole food that contributes to overall health and well-being. That being said, the body may still react to the sugar in fruit by raising blood sugar levels, so those with insulin resistance should consume these foods with caution. Giving up sugar doesn't have to last forever. In fact, giving up sugar altogether may not even be necessary. While some people choose to give it up entirely as a lifestyle, the key takeaway for most of us is moderation. Some added sugar may actually be A-OK, especially if it helps incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into your diet. I was surprised, and truthfully quite disappointed, to realize that by accepting this challenge, I couldn't enjoy some foods I consider nutritious. For instance, my favorite yogurt, which contains a bit of added sugar, was off-limits. The same went for my tea, which I love to sweeten with a touch of honey, and even my wholesome granola that pairs perfectly with fresh fruit. Other examples included my homemade pasta sauce, which has a small amount of sugar to balance the acidity, and my favorite whole-grain bread that uses sugar for fermentation. And when I was traveling for work during my sugar-free week, I skipped my favorite Farmer's Fridge chia pudding because it contains 13 grams of sugar per serving. Felt a little silly to me. This experience reminded me that context truly matters. While it's a good idea to be mindful of how much sugar you're consuming, it's just as important to pay attention to the overall quality and nutritional value of the food you're eating. Ultimately, the goal isn't to vilify sugar; it's to enjoy it in harmony with a balanced diet. And while giving it up taught me how pervasive added sugar is in our food system, it also showed me that life without it isn't as hard as it seems. With some creativity and mindfulness, I could enjoy delicious meals sans added sugar. But let's be real...I'm not about to live a life without chocolate chip cookies. Sure, I learned a lot during this sugar-free adventure, but I'm not a superhero. Balance is key, and sometimes that balance tips toward a brownie. Or *gasp* a salad dressing made with a touch of sugar. No regrets. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
