Are You Getting the Best Cholesterol Test to Predict Heart Attack Risk?
For decades, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) — the notorious “bad” cholesterol — has been vilified as public enemy number one by the medical profession. Yet none of the hundreds of cholesterol studies performed to date has ever shown that LDL-C causes heart attacks. This unscientific belief has become so ingrained in medical thinking that it’s […]
The Hidden Heart Attack and Stroke Risk Most Doctors Overlook
J.P. Moore thought he was in perfect health until he suffered a “widow-maker” heart attack on July 4, 2014, while riding his mountain bike. The then-42-year-old auto dealer from Richland, Wash., was rushed to the hospital, where tests showed that one of his coronary arteries was 98% blocked and several others were partially blocked. Treatment […]
The Surprising Stroke Risk that Affects 50% of Americans Over Age 30
Nikki Carney is so dedicated to fitness that she gets up at 4 a.m. every day and runs several miles before heading to work. The second-grade teacher from Spokane, Wash., also eats a heart-healthy diet, has never smoked and gets regular medical checkups. Her doctor has consistently praised her excellent lifestyle and has often told […]
Can Anti-inflammatory Therapies Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?
You’ve probably seen headlines reporting that in 2015, researchers at Pfizer made a startling discovery that the company kept secret from the world. According to the Washington Post, which broke this story, “The company’s blockbuster rheumatoid arthritis therapy Enbrel, a powerful anti-inflammatory drug, appeared to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 64 percent.” The finding came […]
The Skinny on Diet Soda and Your Health
For more than a decade we’ve been warned about the health risks of sugar-sweetened drinks, which have been linked to increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and obesity. A new Harvard study reported that the more of these beverages people drink, the higher their risk for premature death, particularly from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and, […]
What Your Mother’s Health May Reveal About Your Genetic Risks
The genes you inherit from your mother’s side of the family tree can have a powerful influence on your prospects for a long, healthy life. For example, a recent study found that women have a 25% greater likelihood of living past age 90 without developing any chronic disorders — such as heart disease, diabetes or […]
Simple Blood Test Reveals If You Are At Risk for Atrial Fibrillation
Up to 6.1 million Americans have atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, heart failure and increased risk for death from cardiovascular causes. Having AF quintuples risk for stroke and doubles it for heart attack or dementia. Although early detection and treatment can help save lives, this dangerous disorder often […]
New Guidelines on Aspirin for Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention: What Should You Do?
For decades, aspirin has been hailed as a panacea to prevent heart attacks and strokes, as well as some forms of cancer. Until recently, guidelines from leading medical groups, including the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), advised certain patients to take daily low-dose aspirin to avoid cardiovascular (CV) events […]
Why Are Heart Attacks and Strokes on the Rise in Young Adults?
After Luke Perry’s death from a massive stroke at age 52, many people asked how this could have happened. Wasn’t the “Beverly Hills, 90210” star too young for a stroke? And could this tragedy have been prevented? Perry joins a growing list of celebrities who have fallen victim to heart attacks or strokes before age […]