Latest news with #heartdisease
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
8 Signs You Should See a Cardiologist, According to Doctors
Reviewed by Dietitian Kelli McGrane, M.S., RDHeart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Swelling, unexplained fatigue and chest pain are signs that you should see a cardiologist. Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional are key for catching hidden or less obvious disease affects roughly 127.9 million Americans over the age of 20, making it the leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, thanks to ongoing research, it's becoming easier to prevent, detect and treat heart disease sooner. However, signs of heart disease aren't always obvious. We spoke with six doctors to better understand eight signs that may indicate a problem and are worth talking to a cardiologist about. 'This is likely the most infamous sign of a heart issue. Chest pain may be described as pressure, tightness, heaviness or burning, and it can spread to the arm, neck, jaw or back. Not all chest pain is cardiac-related, but ignoring it can be dangerous,' says Blen Tesfu, MD. 'Sometimes it is important to see a cardiologist sooner [rather] than later. Some symptoms, such as chest pain, could represent a serious heart issue that requires urgent or even emergency care. Evaluating potential heart problems can prevent them from getting worse and maybe even save your life,' adds Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. 'If you feel you are short of breath doing regular activities like walking up stairs, carrying groceries or lying down, it could be more than being out of shape,' Tesfu explains. While being short of breath after physical activity isn't abnormal, if you notice a sudden change that doesn't improve over time, it's best to play it safe and talk with a healthcare professional. Tesfu adds, 'Shortness of breath may be a sign that not enough blood is flowing out of the heart, which can be a sign of congestive heart failure or valve disease. A cardiologist can check how well your heart is working and determine if there's an underlying cardiovascular problem that should be addressed.' 'Some other less common signs of heart disease include feelings of rapid heartbeat and dizziness. If someone has feelings of rapid heartbeat (also referred to as palpitations), especially during exertion, this may also indicate significant underlying heart disease,' says Sheharyar Ali, MD, an interventional cardiologist. 'While occasional palpitations are typically benign, experiencing them at high frequency or for a longer duration could be a sign of arrhythmias, [which are] irregular heart rhythms that could raise your risk of stroke or cardiac arrest if not addressed,' adds Tesfu. Chen highlights swelling of the feet or legs as another potential sign of heart disease. When your heart isn't working as well as it should, it can't pump blood efficiently and causes a backup of blood in your lower extremities, such as your calves or ankles. This can cause fluid to leak into surrounding tissues and result in a type of swelling known as edema. Temporary swelling in your lower legs is fairly common and typically harmless. Hot weather, injury, high sodium intake, certain medications, pregnancy and sitting for long periods (like when taking a long flight) can cause extra fluid to pool in your feet or legs. On the other hand, swelling in both legs (bilateral swelling) that does not subside after a few days—especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or fatigue—are signs that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It occurs when the force of blood pressing against your artery walls is consistently too high, making your heart work harder than it should. Over time, this added strain can weaken your heart and blood vessels and increase your risk of heart failure. 'High blood pressure does not always show symptoms, but over time it can quietly do damage and raise your chances of serious heart problems,' explains Michael Ross MacDonald, MD, senior cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre. 'Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease and should be evaluated by a cardiologist,' adds Sergiu Darabant, MD, cardiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. It's recommended that healthy adults have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, typically during their annual physical. You can also check your blood pressure using an at-home monitor or at your local pharmacy, though it's important to note that these methods may not be as accurate as having your levels tested by a trained healthcare professional. Unexplained lightheadedness, dizziness or ongoing fatigue may also be signs of heart issues. 'This dizziness happens due to the inability of the heart to increase blood supply to the brain during exertion due to severe underlying blockages in the heart arteries,' says Ali. 'Brain fog or trouble concentrating is another one. People often assume it's stress or poor sleep, and many times, that's exactly what it is. But if it comes with low blood pressure, dizziness or fatigue, I might look into whether the heart's pumping efficiently enough to keep the brain properly supplied with oxygen,' adds Asim Cheema, MD, a cardiology specialist at Your Doctors Online. It's not uncommon for individuals to experience multiple health conditions, known as comorbidities. Having comorbidities can increase a person's risk of developing other major health issues, such as heart disease. 'Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease and should be evaluated by a cardiologist,' explains Darabant. Health issues that increase your risk of heart disease include kidney disease, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), peripheral artery disease and overweight or obesity. Having a family history of heart disease is another major risk factor for developing the condition and a good reason to book an appointment with a preventive cardiologist. 'If heart disease runs in your family, it is worth being extra cautious, even if you feel fine right now,' says MacDonald. Darabant agrees, adding, 'A family history of heart disease is another important reason since inherited risks can play a major role in future problems and can strongly influence heart health.' He also emphasizes the importance of prevention through a healthy lifestyle. 'Unhealthy habits like smoking, being overweight or not exercising regularly add to the risk and make early cardiovascular intervention even more important,' he says. Of course, regular check-ups are also a smart way to stay on top of your health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it's best to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional, ideally a cardiologist. 'In cardiology, we're trained to look for patterns—not just dramatic symptoms, but the quiet ones that often get overlooked. The tricky part is that a lot of these signs could point to something heart-related—or they could be from something else entirely. That's why context matters so much,' says Cheema. To help prevent or catch heart disease early, it's critical to schedule regular check-ups with a healthcare professional, such as a cardiologist or primary care physician. Heart concerns should always be taken seriously and discussed with a healthcare professional. While people associate heart disease with obvious symptoms, like sudden, sharp chest pain, it can also present in more subtle and even silent ways. Tesfu urges, 'If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms—or even if you are just at high risk because of age, lifestyle or family history—a visit to a cardiologist can be a life-saving move.' Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
62% of Women Don't Know This Important Heart Health Fact, a Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Warns
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. But many don't realize this fact, or simply don't think they're at risk. A new national survey of women in the U.S. by Cleveland Clinic, in collaboration with YouGov, found that 62% of women don't know that heart disease affects men and women at similar rates. For decades, health experts have been working to raise awareness about women and heart disease, but more work needs to be done, says , a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 'Women are fixated on breast cancer and gynecological cancer—and those are very, very important—but the sad truth is that a majority of women will die from heart disease,' she adds. 'So, it's really important to keep on educating.' Heart disease was responsible for one in five female deaths in the U.S. in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that in many instances, you can lower your risk for heart disease. Here's what you should know. The Cleveland Clinic survey highlighted a few barriers that affect women's health and access to health care. Cost is a big one—most women surveyed said the cost of health care, healthy foods and exercise keep them from prioritizing their health. A third listed stress and anxiety, and 14% said caregiving responsibilities were challenges. Related: This Habit May Make You Six Times More Likely to Have a Heart Attack'Those barriers are very real, and we see them all the time,' Dr. Cho says. Women in their 40s, 50s and 60s, known as the 'sandwich generation,' are typically caring for their parents and children, and may neglect their own needs. Food costs are rising, and healthy foods are typically more expensive than unhealthy items, research shows. Many Americans also live in food deserts, where they don't even have access to healthy foods. Checking out local food pantries or other local resources could help. When it comes to exercise, there are many free options out there. 'We often think we need money for exercise, but we don't need any money for exercise,' Dr. Cho says. She recommends tapping into the many free workout videos on YouTube or starting to walk. It's important to start monitoring your blood pressure and other aspects of your cardiovascular health now, Dr. Cho says. As you get older, your blood pressure usually goes up, so getting a baseline and paying attention to changes is crucial. If you're healthy overall, you should get your cholesterol and glucose levels checked every couple of years (or more often if you're at a high risk for heart disease), Dr. Cho says. Related: A Cardiovascular Dietitian Says This Hidden Ingredient Could Be Wreaking Havoc on Heart Health Monitoring your health will help you recognize when something changes so that you can get treated quickly. Most cases of heart disease are preventable, meaning you can lower your risk factors, Dr. Cho says. 'That's the great news,' she says. 'So, how do you do that? You do that by not smoking. You do that by eating healthy, exercising and getting your blood pressure checked, your cholesterol checked, making sure you are not diabetic, and that you know your family risk. Those are the important bottom-line things.' Related: 3 Subtle Signs of Heart Attack Risk Most People Miss, According to a Doctor Along with quitting smoking and keeping up with your health screenings, here are some tips to lower your risk, according to the American Heart Association: Many women have at least one condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history. Women with 'adverse pregnancy outcomes,' such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions during pregnancy, may have a higher risk of developing heart disease later, Dr. Cho says. Nausea, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue, cold sweats, or aches or tightness in your chest, arms, back, neck, jaw or abdomen are symptoms women might experience. Choose lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy and skinless poultry. Limit ultra-processed foods, sugar, saturated fat, red meat and sodium. Strive to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week or 75 minutes of intense activity or a combo. Add in strength training two or more days a week. It's never too early or too late to take care of your heart, Dr. Cho says. 'I desperately want women to know that the number one killer for women is heart disease. You can reduce your risk, and risk factors are preventable.' Up Next:Leslie Cho, MD, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Clinic Survey Reveals Insights into Women's Health, Sheds Light on Gaps in Knowledge and Barriers to Care, Cleveland Clinic About Women and Heart Disease, CDC The 'sandwich generation': women caring for parents and children, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Food-at-home prices forecast to rise by 3.3 percent in 2025, USDA Healthy Food Prices Increased More Than the Prices of Unhealthy Options during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Concurrent Challenges to the Food System, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health How to Help Prevent Heart Disease At Any Age, American Heart Association
Medical News Today
a day ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Seed oils: Omega-6 fatty acids may lower diabetes, heart disease risk
Higher linoleic acid levels may help lower heart disease and diabetes risk, a new study finds. JavierCardiometabolic health is a gauge of the fitness of the body's cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Poor cardiometabolic health may increase a person's risk for cardiometabolic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes . . Lifestyle factors such as diet can also impact a person's cardiometabolic health. Two new studies recently presented report that consuming a diet higher in linoleic acid, or omega-6 fatty acids, may help support cardiometabolic health, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 'Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases — mainly heart attack and stroke — are the leading cause of death in the U.S.,' Kevin C. Maki, PhD, adjunct professor in the School of Public Health-Bloomington at Indiana University and chief scientist at Midwest Biomedical Research told Medical News Today . 'Type 2 diabetes is very common — about 10% of the adult population — and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as well as other issues such as kidney failure.' 'It is well accepted that lifestyle — diet, physical activity, smoking, sleep , etc. — is important for the development of these cardiometabolic disorders,' Maki continued. 'Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of efforts to minimize cardiometabolic risks. We have a large body of evidence to demonstrate that lifestyle interventions can improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.' Maki is the lead author of two new studies recently presented at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, NUTRITION 2025, which has found that consuming a diet higher in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid may help support cardiometabolic health, and lower a person's risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. For these studies, researchers analyzed medical data from 1,894 adult participants of an observational study focused on COVID-19. Study participants had an average age of 50, an average body mass index (BMI) of 29, and more than half identified as female and non-Hispanic White. Scientists focused on the amount of linoleic acid found in the serum in the blood of all participants. Are seed oils bad? 'Linoleic acid is found mainly in vegetable oils that are used in cooking and are ingredients in many food products. Recently, there has been a great deal of controversy surrounding 'seed oils' such as corn oil and soybean oil. Some have claimed that these seed oils, which are rich in linoleic acid, cause inflammation.' — Kevin C. Maki, PhD 'The level of linoleic acid in the blood is influenced by how much is consumed in the diet — higher intake leading to a higher level in the blood,' Maki continued. 'We were interested in looking at the level of linoleic acid in the blood to see if it would be associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, specifically biomarkers of inflammation and blood glucose (sugar) regulation.' Upon analysis, Maki and his team found that study participants with a higher concentration of linoleic acid in their blood serum were linked to lower levels of the inflammation biomarkers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and glycoprotein acetyls. 'Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases,' Maki explained. 'In particular, many studies have shown that a higher level of C-reactive protein is associated with increased risks for heart attack and stroke. There are also studies showing that drugs that reduce inflammation lower risks for heart attack and stroke.' Are omega-6 fatty acids inflammatory? 'Our findings do not support the view that higher linoleic acid intake is associated with more inflammation. In fact, they are more consistent with the opposite view because higher linoleic acid was associated with lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers.' — Kevin C. Maki, PhD 'Some caution is needed because this was not an intervention study, so we cannot say that this association is cause and effect,' Maki added. 'We can only say that we found the opposite of what would be predicted if linoleic acid was having a pro-inflammatory effect.' Additionally, researchers found these same participants with more linoleic acid in their serum also experienced more favorable levels of BMI and biomarkers of glucose homeostasis, or even blood sugar levels. 'Higher BMI, along with higher fasting levels of glucose and insulin are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have shown that a higher circulating level of linoleic acid is associated with lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Our results are consistent with those, since they show lower levels of risk factors for type 2 diabetes in those with higher levels of linoleic acid in the blood.' — Kevin C. Maki, PhD 'While we have to be cautious about interpretation of the results, our findings are consistent with favorable effects of linoleic acid consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors and not with unfavorable effects, as has been claimed by some online influencers,' Maki said. 'Intervention studies will be needed to further investigate the influence of changing intake of linoleic acid on the risk factors we studied,' he added. MNT had the opportunity to speak with Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, about these studies. 'This research found that increased blood levels of linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) were associated with lower blood glucose levels and lower levels of inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and glycoprotein acetyls,' Chen commented. 'These findings are in line with our understanding of linoleic acid — found in vegetable oil, nuts, and seeds — as likely being beneficial to cardiometabolic health.' 'Heart disease continues to be one of the major disease burdens in our society. Lifestyle modifications such as diet improvements are essential in helping us improve cardiometabolic health in our patients and are a necessary part of improving health outcomes,' he said. 'Future research should prospectively study the impact of increased linoleic intake in the diet on the development of cardiovascular disease,' he added. For readers who are now thinking about increasing their linoleic acid intake to possibly improve their cardiometabolic health, Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Nutrition-In-Sight, urged them to remember that the biomarkers measured in the studies are influenced by a variety of factors and nutrition science is complex. Why nutrition is more than one 'magic' ingredient 'Nutrition science is rarely about one nutrient in isolation — context is everything. Nutrition is about patterns, not just parts. Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid, and like all nutrients, its benefit depends on the company it keeps. Foods that naturally contain linoleic acid — like sunflower seeds, walnuts, tofu, eggs, and fish — come packaged with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, not just isolated fats.' — Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN 'Consider linoleic and other fatty acids to be an accessory or an assistant in helping bring out the food's flavor, such as in a saute, marinade, sauce, or a vehicle to add spice, herbs, or enhance mouthfeel and moisture,' she continued. 'Chronic low-grade inflammation can be exacerbated from poor dietary sources of linoleic acid, so those that have conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome do need to be aware of overall patterns, quality of ingredients, and amounts,' Richard added. Omega-3 vs. omega-6 ratio important 'It is important to note the necessary and optimal balance of the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (is) something a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can assist in assessing.' — Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN Diabetes Type 2 Heart Disease Cardiovascular / Cardiology Nutrition / Diet
Fox News
3 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Smoking marijuana and eating cannabis gummies both linked to dangerous health risk, study finds
Long-term cannabis use in any form has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease. In a new study, researchers at UC San Francisco determined that eating edible cannabis, such as gummies, has the same impact on cardiovascular risk as smoking marijuana. The risk stems from reduced blood vessel function, according to the study, which was published in JAMA Cardiology on May 28. The study included 55 people between 18 and 50 years of age who were "outwardly healthy." The participants were divided into three groups: those who regularly smoked marijuana, those who ate edibles containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and those who didn't use cannabis, according to a UCSF press release. The cannabis users had been consuming the substance at least three times weekly for at least one year. On average, the smokers had the habit for 10 years, while those consuming edibles had been doing so for five years, the release noted. In September 2024, the participants underwent testing to determine how well their blood vessels functioned and whether the cells lining the blood vessels were affected. All cannabis users were found to have "decreased vascular function," comparable to those who smoke tobacco. Their blood vessel function was roughly half compared to those who did not use cannabis. This side effect has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, the researchers noted. The participants who smoked marijuana were also found to have changes in their blood serum that harmed cells lining their blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, an effect that was not seen in those who ate edible cannabis. The researchers noted that while smoking marijuana and consuming edibles both affect vascular function, they likely do so for different reasons. "Chronic cannabis smoking and THC ingestion were associated with endothelial dysfunction [impaired functioning of the endothelial cells lining the inside of blood vessels] similar to that observed in tobacco smokers, although apparently occurring via distinct mechanisms," the researchers wrote. "This study enhances the understanding of the potential risks to vascular health linked to cannabis use and provides more evidence that cannabis use is not benign." Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, said he was not surprised by the study's findings. "We have known that the chronic use of THC-containing compounds can have negative health consequences — this study just reaffirms those prior studies," Serwer, who was not involved in the UCSF research, told Fox News Digital. The study did have some limitations. "Variability in cannabis strains complicates standardization," the researchers wrote. "Self-reported cannabis use may introduce recall bias; thus, participants were queried at multiple points: in the online survey, at the eligibility interview and before each visit." It was also challenging to determine whether blood vessel function could have also been affected by lifestyle factors like stress, caffeine and secondhand smoke exposure, they noted. Serwer pointed out that this was a "very small" study of only 55 people, all living in the San Francisco Bay area. "The decision to use or avoid it should be made with all benefits and risks in mind." "The study did not allow for variability in the different strains of cannabis, and they used a self-reporting survey, which can be under- or over-reported," he told Fox News Digital. "They looked for physiologic endpoints and not hard endpoints, such as heart attacks, strokes or death. We have to infer that the physiologic endpoints would result in cardiovascular events." The cardiologist said he agreed, however, with the conclusion that cannabis use is "not benign." "Chronic use does have potential cardiovascular risks," he warned. "There are therapeutic uses of cannabis, and the decision to use or avoid it should be made with all benefits and risks in mind." In general, Serwer said he cautions all of his patients to avoid any unnecessary cardiac risks. "As clinicians, we must weigh the benefits and the risks of a medicine/drug or intervention," he said. "If the risks outweigh the benefits, it should be avoided." For more Health articles, visit The study was funded mainly by the National Institute on Drug Abuse; the California Department of Cannabis Control; the California Tobacco-Related Disease Program; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. Fox News Digital reached out to cannabis industry organizations requesting comment.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Just three sleepless nights could be enough to strain your heart
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Annie Curtis Wednesday 28 May 2025 11:19 BST Scientists pinpoint how many hours sleep will increase your risk of heart disease A new study from Uppsala University in Sweden reveals that just three nights of restricted sleep (around four hours) can trigger changes in the blood that are linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Researchers found that sleep deprivation caused a rise in inflammatory markers in the blood, which can damage blood vessels and raise the risk of heart failure, coronary heart disease, and irregular heartbeat. The study involved 16 healthy young men who underwent periods of normal sleep (8.5 hours) and sleep restriction (4.25 hours) in a controlled lab setting. Exercise-induced boosts in healthy proteins like interleukin-6 and BDNF were weaker after poor sleep, indicating that sleep deprivation can diminish the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity. The study showed that even short-term sleep deprivation can have significant negative impacts on cardiovascular health. In full
