Tips to Lower Your Risk for Heart Disease
No matter your age, gender or family history, these five simple things can help lower your risk for heart disease.
Cooking for Heart Health
Try these tasty tips to make heart-healthier meals at home.
Carb-Free Isn't Healthy
Find out how carbohydrates can help your heart health.
Do You Know the Signs of Heart Attack?
Learn which subtle symptoms may signal a heart attack and should not be ignored.
Featured Articles

Four Health Numbers You Should Know
The four numbers that reveal crucial information about your health, and what you can do to improve them.

Early Signs of a Heart Attack
Some symptoms occur months before a heart attack; some are quite mild. Learn about the warning signs to watch.

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally
By changing a few daily habits, you may be able to control your blood pressure without medication.
Heart Health Resources
Spanish
Vivir con insuficiencia cardiaca (PDF)
Monitorear su peso, presion arterial y frecuencia cardiaca (PDF)
Actividad y ejercicio diarios (PDF)
Medicamentos para la insuficiencia cardiaca (PDF)
Habitos saludables para dormir mejor (PDF)
Reduzca el consumo de sodio para tener una mejor salud (PDF)
Opciones de alimentos con bajo contenido de sodio (PDF)
Ask an Expert
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I've been on medication for atrial fibrillation for a number of years. Would it ever be okay to discontinue the medication to see if my arrhythmia is no longer there?
Generally, it is not a good idea to suddenly stop a medication that has been taken for years to manage atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is typically a progressive and chronic condition that, without an intervention... continue reading about I've been on medication for atrial fibrillation for a number of years. Would it ever be okay to discontinue the medication to see if my arrhythmia is no longer there?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
My heart has been skipping and I'm feeling dizzy. I went in for testing and was diagnosed with second degree heart block. The doctor said that if it goes to third degree, he might suggest a pacemaker. What can I do to avoid moving to third degree?
When the heart beat starts to slow down, or when the conduction starts to block every so often, sometimes it is because a medication is stressing the heart's electrical system. If there are no medications to ac... continue reading about My heart has been skipping and I'm feeling dizzy. I went in for testing and was diagnosed with second degree heart block. The doctor said that if it goes to third degree, he might suggest a pacemaker. What can I do to avoid moving to third degree?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
What are the symptoms of a narrowing carotid artery in the neck?
Sometimes a carotid artery can narrow and be 'asymptomatic', meaning that the patient has no symptoms. Symptoms do vary from patient to patient. When symptoms do appear, they are usually the same symptoms as a ... continue reading about What are the symptoms of a narrowing carotid artery in the neck?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have pains in my chest when I exercise. Is this a warning symptom of some blockage in my arteries? Are there other symptoms?
Chest pain while exercising can be a classic symptom of heart problems – indicating some degree of blockage of the arteries to the heart. This symptom should not be ignored. Anyone with chest pain on exer... continue reading about I have pains in my chest when I exercise. Is this a warning symptom of some blockage in my arteries? Are there other symptoms?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My husband had triple bypass open heart surgery with a terrific outcome. Since his heart attack, I'm not sleeping well. My doctor prescribed sleeping pills which I don't take in case he needs me. What can I do to feel more confident that he's doing ok?
To The Caring Wife,Your concern is not uncommon among the over 1000 bypass surgeries I've followed through in the past 30 some years. By the time your husband leaves the hospital, he should be able to get in an... continue reading about My husband had triple bypass open heart surgery with a terrific outcome. Since his heart attack, I'm not sleeping well. My doctor prescribed sleeping pills which I don't take in case he needs me. What can I do to feel more confident that he's doing ok?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Does salt raise blood pressure?
In excess, yes. The numbers:1 gram (1,000 mg) sodium = 2.5 gram of salt = 1 teaspoon of table saltHarmful = more than 5-6 grams, and probably less than 1.5 grams a dayAmerican Heart Association recommendation =... continue reading about Does salt raise blood pressure?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
My dad had a stroke two months ago. He is still having some trouble with walking and speaking. Can you tell me if a stroke victim can ever return to "normal"?
Every stroke patient is different, and each patient's recovery varies depending on several factors. We do know that intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy can significanly impact and improve a pat... continue reading about My dad had a stroke two months ago. He is still having some trouble with walking and speaking. Can you tell me if a stroke victim can ever return to "normal"?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
My dad had a stroke about a year ago and is doing better now, but it made me wonder - is there any way to prevent another one from happening (like a better diet, exercise)?
There are several things that a patient can do to prevent another stroke or TIA. First and foremost, the patient should make sure that they are following up with their primary doctor or neurologist, to ensure t... continue reading about My dad had a stroke about a year ago and is doing better now, but it made me wonder - is there any way to prevent another one from happening (like a better diet, exercise)?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I have heart palpitations and have been tested with the 24-hour monitors. But of course my palpitations never seem to happen when I have the Holter monitor on. So how can my problem be diagnosed?
It is not uncommon to miss heart palpitations during a 24-hour ECG monitor. Palpitations can come and go, and catching them can be elusive at times. There are monitors that can be worn for seven days or longer ... continue reading about I have heart palpitations and have been tested with the 24-hour monitors. But of course my palpitations never seem to happen when I have the Holter monitor on. So how can my problem be diagnosed?