How to Prevent Heart Disease
Get trusted guidance on what you can do to take care of your heart.
Early Heart Attack Signs
Early heart attack signs can be subtle — especially in women.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk
Keep your heart healthy, no matter your age or family history.
Cooking for Heart Health
Try these tasty tips to make heart-healthier meals at home.
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 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?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
In general, heart palpitations are not a serious problem as long as the heart is healthy. Being in good physical shape and staying active are good signs that the heart is indeed healthy. There are times, howeve... continue reading about Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
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?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
When is blood pressure too low? Also what are the signs of low blood pressure, and should it be treated?
Blood pressure refers to the pressure inside the major arteries of the body. The left ventricle of the heart contracts and pumps the blood out of the aorta, which delivers blood to the brain, arms, legs, organs... continue reading about When is blood pressure too low? Also what are the signs of low blood pressure, and should it be treated?
Powell O. Jose, M.D., FACC
Sutter Medical Foundation
My husband and I both have a large black coffee every day. After drinking his coffee, my husband's heart rate is elevated for hours. I don't see any increase in my heart rate from drinking coffee. Is this due to metabolism? Should my husband drink decaf?
Caffeine has multiple effects on the central nervous system, as well as the heart. Typically most people will experience an increase in heart rate, the degree of which differs among individuals. The amount of i... continue reading about My husband and I both have a large black coffee every day. After drinking his coffee, my husband's heart rate is elevated for hours. I don't see any increase in my heart rate from drinking coffee. Is this due to metabolism? Should my husband drink decaf?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm looking for a natural way to lower my cholesterol. Besides watching what I eat and exercising, is there anything else, like dietary supplements, that would work?
A food supplement called red rice yeast, used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown by reasonable scientific studies to lower cholesterol as well as bad cardiovascular events by 15-30%. The suggested ... continue reading about I'm looking for a natural way to lower my cholesterol. Besides watching what I eat and exercising, is there anything else, like dietary supplements, that would work?
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?
Modern Weng, DO
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I was recently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). I am being treated with Xarelto. What else can I do to promote healing during next six months of treatment? I'm physically active and I wear a compression stocking on the leg with DVT.
I'm sorry to hear that you recently suffered from a deep venous thrombosis (DVT), but I'm glad to you have been treated with anti-coagulation medications and are recovering nicely. There is a condition called p... continue reading about I was recently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). I am being treated with Xarelto. What else can I do to promote healing during next six months of treatment? I'm physically active and I wear a compression stocking on the leg with DVT.
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia a few years ago. I can usually keep it under control, except when I over exercise or if I've been stressed. Then my heart rate goes really up. Is there anything I can do to keep this from happening?
Control of ventricular tachycardia depends a lot on the type of tachycardia that you have. Based on the fact you have had this for several years and have been controlling it without medications, you most likely... continue reading about I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia a few years ago. I can usually keep it under control, except when I over exercise or if I've been stressed. Then my heart rate goes really up. Is there anything I can do to keep this from happening?
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