Choose your location
AHA News
Many older adults may not get the intensive blood pressure treatment they need
Fewer than 30% of older adults who need more intensive treatment for high blood pressure actually get it, new research shows. And the problem may be worsening. Nearly half of U.S. adults – about 116 million people – have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. When not properly controlled, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Dad's stroke at 49 inspired daughters to help patients
One Sunday morning at church, Alejandra Rosales Murillo and her four sisters were sitting with their parents when one of the girls noticed their father's face was drooping. She whispered the news to their mom, Maria Rosales Murillo. She leaned toward her husband, Jose Rosales Campos, and asked if something was wrong.
Breathing polluted air may trigger skipped heartbeats in otherwise healthy teens
Breathing polluted air may trigger irregular heart rhythms in otherwise healthy teens – even when pollution levels fall within standards set by the government, new research suggests. The study found teens experienced skipped heartbeats within two hours of breathing fine particulate matter, the type of pollution that comes from...
People with rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases may face greater risks after heart attack
After having a heart attack, people with autoimmune disease are more likely than others to die or experience further serious heart problems, including a second heart attack, new research finds. The study, published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association, helps fill a gap in what's known about...
She had a stroke during a video call with her congressional representative
Getting ready for her annual meeting with members of Congress to seek more funding for Alzheimer's disease research, Ann Walters Tillery needed strong Wi-Fi for the video meeting. She had been working from home earlier that day but decided to go into the office at the University of Nebraska Foundation....
Self-care is not self-indulgent, and you can start now with these tips
"Slow down, you move too fast," Simon and Garfunkel once cautioned. Today, that musical advice could be the anthem for self-care – the act of making our own health and well-being a priority. While it could include kickin' down the cobblestones, as suggested in the duo's "59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)," good self-care covers far more.
Where you live may impact how likely you are to take your blood pressure meds
People who live in large urban areas may be less likely to take prescribed medications for high blood pressure and less likely to have a primary care provider than those living in smaller rural communities, new research suggests. The findings also suggest there are regional differences, with those living in...
She tried to forget her stroke. Now, she's putting it into words.
Beth Bonness talked into the mirror as her hairstylist, standing behind her, applied reddish highlights to her brown shoulder-length hair. They'd known each other for years, and Bonness was relaying a funny story from a trip to Rome. Suddenly, the stylist started moving her hands around in the mirror like...
Her research is getting worldwide attention. But for now, she needs to finish high school.
Explaining her research, Maria Balhara sounds like a typical scientist: She had a hypothesis. She recruited participants to evaluate. She analyzed the data. Soon, she'll present her work at major scientific conferences. This might be routine stuff for a professor or graduate student. For a 16-year-old high schooler, not so...
Diet change may return bigger heart health rewards than other lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are known to reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes. A new study that simulated the effect of lifestyle change on future cardiovascular risks for people with high blood pressure suggests one change – adopting a heart-healthy diet – may do more than others. The...
Myocarditis from COVID-19 booster rare, but risk highest among teen boys, young men
The risk of developing myocarditis – an inflammation of the heart muscle – following a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is low, according to new research from Israel. When vaccine-related myocarditis does occur, cases are typically mild, according to the study published Tuesday in the American...
Educators, other experts aim to build momentum in fight against youth vaping
For more than a decade, the cloud of vaping has encompassed more and more kids in the United States. Now, with a new school year underway, educators and health experts are building on recent progress as they enter the latest round of the vaping fight. Research into the health impact...
Triathlete's heart stopped at the start of a half Ironman
At 47, Mark Allen was in the best shape of his life. He was well on his way to his goal of competing in 50 events before his 50th birthday. That day, he would hit No. 21. The race – in Augusta, Georgia – was an Ironman 70.3, so named because competitors would swim, bike and run a cumulative 70.3 miles. Also known as a half Ironman, it would be his fourth such race.
Take a fresh look at oatmeal – it's not as simple as you think
Let's admit it: Oatmeal is a total nerd. It lacks fashion sense – the color they named after it is somewhere on the drab side of beige. It's often seen with Sesame Street's Bert, who also loves bottle caps, paper clips and pigeons. But when it comes to healthy...
Addiction care urged for people who inject drugs and develop dangerous heart infection
People who inject opioids or other drugs and develop a potentially deadly heart infection require a unique approach to care that should include consultation with an addiction specialist, according to a new report from the American Heart Association. Previous AHA guidance on the condition, called infective endocarditis, did not provide...
She thought her heart problems were resolved – until she got pregnant
Practically from the time she figured out crawling, Kacie Nowakowski began somersaulting around her home. Her parents, picking up on her high energy level and love of movement, enrolled her in gymnastics at age 2. The class also checked another box. Kacie's pediatric cardiologist had suggested she go into a...
Shift workers with high blood pressure may face higher heart disease, diabetes risk
People with high blood pressure may be at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes if they work frequent night shifts, new research suggests. The higher risk was more pronounced among people who also slept too much or too little when they weren't working, according to the findings published Monday in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Newborn was 'very sick little boy' despite several normal prenatal ultrasounds
With three children over the age of 10, Delaware couple Mark and Jenn Parrish thought they might be finished growing their family. Finding out Jenn was pregnant was a pleasant surprise. "It was more of a surprise when we saw the ultrasound and there were two heartbeats!" she said. At...
People with dementia may be less likely to receive an advanced treatment for stroke
Among people having the most common type of stroke – one caused by a blood vessel blockage – those with dementia appear less likely than others to receive an advanced clot removal treatment, a large new study reports. The treatment, called mechanical thrombectomy, uses a device to remove...
Black adults' religious practices linked to better heart health measures
Black adults who frequently attend church or have a deep sense of spirituality are more likely to meet key measures for good cardiovascular health, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and maintaining blood pressure in the normal range, new research finds. The study, published Wednesday in the Journal of...
AHA News
1K+
Posts
6M+
Views
Heart and Stroke News: Stories about people, science and health, from American Heart Association News.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.