Bile acid sequestrants are a type of cholesterol-lowering medication that work in the digestive tract to reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, but they can also bind to other drugs and nutrients, potentially affecting how well they are absorbed. Because of this, timing and medication spacing are important considerations when taking them alongside other prescriptions or supplements. […]
Your heartbeat can offer important clues about how hard your heart is working and overall cardiovascular health, with resting heart rate serving as one of the simplest indicators to monitor. While a normal range is typically 60–100 beats per minute, cardiologists note that both unusually high or low readings—and changes from your personal baseline—may signal […]
High LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries over time, a process known as atherosclerosis, which can gradually restrict blood flow and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Because this process develops silently over many years, understanding how LDL affects the arteries is key […]
Anatomy of the heart explains how its chambers, valves, blood vessels, and electrical system work together to circulate blood and sustain life. When any of these components are disrupted, it can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Understanding how each part functions helps clarify how cardiovascular disease develops and […]
Chronic conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) require careful attention to everyday habits, including caffeine intake. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it can increase heart rate and potentially worsen symptoms such as palpitations or irregular rhythms in people with HCM. While some individuals may tolerate small amounts, cardiologists generally emphasize moderation and individualized guidance based on […]
A recent Grey’s Anatomy storyline has brought attention to peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare but serious form of heart failure that can develop around the time of pregnancy or delivery. The condition can be difficult to recognize because its symptoms, like shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, and palpitations, often overlap with normal late-pregnancy changes. However, […]
Research into transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) continues to advance, giving patients and providers new reasons for optimism. Emerging therapies are targeting the disease in innovative ways, from preventing harmful protein buildup to reducing the body’s production of transthyretin and even exploring the potential of gene editing. According to Dr. Mary Greene, amyloid-depleting antibodies currently in […]
Skipping breakfast may seem harmless, but research suggests it can negatively affect cholesterol levels over time. Experts say regularly missing your morning meal may disrupt your body’s internal clock, increase cholesterol production, contribute to overeating later in the day, and reduce overall diet quality. According to Dr. Randy Gould, skipping breakfast can trigger metabolic changes […]
When managing high blood pressure, most people focus on reducing sodium intake. While salt plays an important role, cardiologists and dietitians warn that energy drinks may cause blood pressure to rise even faster due to their high caffeine content and other stimulant ingredients. According to Dr. Randy Gould, caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline, which […]
If you have a pacemaker, it’s usually safe to swim, whether you’ve been swimming your whole life or simply want to start a new workout program. But there are several things you should think about, especially if you just got your pacemaker put in. Based on what that activity is, you should be able to […]