All articles tagged with #heart disease
A study reported by The Wall Street Journal finds deaths from severe first heart attacks among adults aged 18–54 rose 57% from 2011 to 2022. About 60% of patients had high blood pressure, over half had high cholesterol or smoked, and roughly a third had diabetes; many were low income, suggesting limited access to preventive care. Notably, young women died at higher rates than men.
Using national surveys and census projections, the American Heart Association forecasts that cardiovascular disease in U.S. women will rise from 10.7% in 2020 to 14.4% in 2050, driven by aging and increasing rates of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, with larger increases among younger and minority women. The report underscores the need for better prevention and early detection, notes that risk factors are rising across ages (including 20–40 year-olds), and highlights uncertainties around the impact of weight-loss GLP-1 drugs and affordability that could affect disparities.
A two-year study of 65 patients found successful root canal treatment for apical periodontitis was associated with reduced systemic inflammation and improved markers of glucose and lipid metabolism, suggesting oral health interventions could influence heart and metabolic risk and supporting integrated care between dental and medical professionals.
Three cardiologists emphasize that heart disease can present with subtle signs, with new or worsened shortness of breath during everyday activities being a major red flag. They explain that SOB can reflect the heart failing to meet the body's oxygen needs, not just a lung issue, and that other warning signs include chest pain or discomfort, jaw/neck/back/arm pain, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness, nausea, or cold sweats. Regardless of risk factors, if SOB appears or worsens, stop the activity, rest, and contact a healthcare provider, seeking emergency care if the symptoms are sudden or accompanied by other signs. Early recognition and prompt treatment can improve survival and reduce heart damage.}
A Health feature explains that erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, with reduced night-time erections and less rigidity as early clues; underlying issues like high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity may be involved, and lifestyle changes (more exercise, Mediterranean-style diet, good sleep) plus medical treatments (Viagra/Cialis and vacuum devices) can help improve function and potentially avert serious health problems.
A Washington Post Well+Being column outlines eight science-backed habits to improve heart health, highlighting that stronger cardiovascular health also lowers risks for diabetes, dementia and cancer through everyday choices like regular activity, quality sleep, and nutritious eating.
The piece emphasizes that heart disease is the leading killer of women and often presents with subtle, nonclassical symptoms—especially during perimenopause—so proactive risk tracking (blood pressure, fasting glucose, A1C, lipid panel, hs-CRP, resting heart rate) and advanced screenings (CAC scans, lipoprotein(a)) are crucial. It also advocates targeted lifestyle changes (prioritize sleep, Mediterranean-style eating, regular movement, stress management) and proactive patient advocacy—keeping symptom records and asking doctors about personalized risk and screening.
A long-term study of over 5,000 adults finds men reach clinically significant cardiovascular disease around age 35—about seven years earlier than women—especially for coronary heart disease, with risk diverging in the mid-30s and not fully explained by traditional factors; experts urge earlier, regular heart-health screening for both sexes and preventive habits, noting risk for women can rise after menopause.
U.S. life expectancy rose to a record 79 years in 2024, driven by the fading impact of COVID-19 and falling death rates from heart disease, cancer, and drug overdoses, with preliminary data hinting at further gains in 2025.
A long-term study of 5,112 people followed for about 34 years found that men’s risk of cardiovascular disease starts rising in their mid-30s—earlier than women—with coronary heart disease driving most of the difference. After accounting for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, smoking, activity, and weight, the gap narrows but persists. Men reach a 5% CVD incidence around 50.5 years vs 57.5 for women, and CHD reaches 2% roughly a decade earlier for men. Stroke risk shows little difference, while heart failure differences emerge later. Experts call for earlier heart health screening and preventive care for men.
A new study suggests diseased kidneys release tiny particles that are toxic to the heart, helping explain why more than half of people with advanced kidney disease develop cardiovascular problems and pointing to new directions for diagnosis and treatment.
A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s 2025 meeting finds that long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is linked to more severe coronary artery disease, even at low exposure levels. Researchers report women showing higher calcium scores and arterial narrowing and men showing higher calcium scores and plaque burden with greater PM2.5 exposure, underscoring the cardiovascular risks of urban air pollution and the rationale for policies to curb vehicle emissions.
Ray J says in videos that after a pneumonia hospitalization his heart is only beating at about 25%, with doctors telling him he may not have long to live and that 2027 could be his last year. He notes a history of heavy alcohol and drug use, says he’s on eight heart medications, and reports doctors advised bed rest and avoiding smoke or alcohol, with the possibility of needing a pacemaker or defibrillator.
A long-term CARDIA study shows men reach a 5% cardiovascular disease risk around age 50.5—about seven years earlier than women (57.5)—driven largely by coronary heart disease; traditional risk factors explain only part of the gap, suggesting other biological or social factors. The findings imply heart screening and prevention may need to start earlier in adulthood, especially for men.
The American Heart Association’s 2026 update shows deaths from cardiovascular disease have fallen but remain the leading U.S. killer, with someone dying from cardiovascular disease roughly every 34 seconds. While mortality declined for heart disease and stroke, obesity and related CKM syndrome (heart/kidney/diabetes/obesity) are rising risks, and prevention via Life’s Essential 8—healthy eating, activity, no tobacco, good sleep, healthy weight, and controlling cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure—remains crucial to reduce future risk.