Heart Disease

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Why does cholesterol go up after menopause?

It’s one of the most predictable metabolic shifts of the menopausal transition: your cholesterol has been great all your life, then suddenly it’s not. But none of your doctors explained why. Here’s why losing estrogen pushes cholesterol up, and what you can do.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The artery plaque most likely to trigger a heart attack

Most of us think heart attack risk comes down to clogged arteries. But a more immediate threat may be plaque that’s vulnerable to rupture. The good news? Several of the risks tied to dangerous plaque are ones you can change.

Margaret Cantwell

Aortic dissection: Risks, warning signs and the blood pressure check to know

Aortic dissection can strike suddenly, but the risks behind it may build quietly for years. Learn the warning signs, risk factors and why an often-skipped blood pressure check could uncover a hidden vascular problem before it becomes an emergency.

Carolyn Gretton

The blood sugar reset that cuts heart attack risk nearly in half

Prediabetes may sound like “not diabetes yet,” but your heart may not see it that way. There’s one blood sugar milestone that could change the story, cutting the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious cardiovascular trouble nearly in half…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

A cardiologist explains why women’s hearts need strength training

Think walking is enough for heart protection? A cardiologist explains why women who skip strength training may be missing out on an opportunity to lower heart attack risk by almost 45 percent…

Carolyn Gretton

The hidden heart risk in processed foods may not be what you think

Ultra-processed foods have long been linked to high blood pressure and heart trouble. New research points to eight stealthy additives that may explain why. And they’re hiding in packaged, shelf-stable and ready-to-eat foods on grocery shelves…