Latest news with #hearthealth
Bloomberg
2 hours ago
- Health
- Bloomberg
Weight-Loss Drugs Should Be First Step to Prevent Heart Disease, Top Cardiology Group Says
Millions more Americans should be taking weight-loss drugs to prevent heart disease, according to the American College of Cardiology. Exercise and a clean diet aren't always enough for heart health, the nation's top cardiology organization said when releasing new recommendations on Friday. Weight-loss drugs should used earlier, making them part of the first line of defense for obese patients, the group said.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop ‘Leaning Too Heavily' on This One Daily Metric
Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop 'Leaning Too Heavily' on This One Daily Metric originally appeared on Parade. It's really easy to fall into TikTok rabbit holes, especially when it comes to your health, and heart health is no exception. Whether it's dangerous diet culture and weight loss discourse, supplement shilling or anti-vaccine messaging, it's easy to feel anxious that you aren't doing enough to stay healthy when you're there yet another thing you should be doing to track your health, or is the latest TikTok wellness trend just a sales tactic to get you to buy a new device or to download another app that may use your data in potentially questionable ways? Below, cardiologists weigh in on the truth about a heart health metric, called , that influencers are insisting you need to measure—you know, along with everything else you're juggling just to exist in this remember: No one knows more about your actual health and what your body needs than you and your doctor, so check with your physician before implementing any changes one way or the other.🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 "Heart rate variability, or HRV, is the variation in time between each heartbeat," , cardiologist and vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart, tells Parade. "It reflects how well your body can adapt to stress, rest and recovery. A higher HRV generally points to better cardiovascular fitness and resilience.""If your heart rate is 60 beats per minute, your heart doesn't beat exactly once per second," , an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company, explains further. "There is some variability in time measured in milliseconds. Heart rate is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating your HRV. When you exercise, your heart speeds up, and when you rest, your heart slows down."Related: Like most other health indicators, there are a lot more factors to HRV than just mere numbers—even sociological and socioeconomic factors play a role."It is influenced by age, race, sex, physical fitness, sleep, medication and health issues," , cardiologist and chief medical officer of L.A. Care Health Plan, Morgan notes that even caffeine intake can play a role in your HRV measurement, so putting too much stock into it may not be the best idea, but in general, there are general ranges. A normal HRV at rest for someone in their 20s is typically around 55 to 105, for example, while for someone in their 60s, it will be more like 25 to Influencer Lucie Fink talks about using Heart Rate Variability to track her COVID journey. That depends on a few factors, experts agree, and it's by far not the most important metric to gauge your cardiovascular health by any means. "For most people, their HRV is stable over time," Dr. Amin tells us. "But some studies have shown a higher risk of heart events or even mortality in those with a reduced HRV."According to Dr. Serwer, a high HRV "means your body can switch efficiently between rest and stress modes which is a sign of good health." Conversely, he notes if you're sick, stressed, fatigued or if you over-exercise, your HRV may be Chances are you don't have the equipment to get a fully accurate picture here. "The gold standard to measure HRV is by performing an EKG and precisely measuring the time between heartbeats," Dr. Serwer says. "Using advanced software, the HRV can be accurately calculated. This, however, isn't practical on a day-to-day basis."That said, Dr. Serwer and Dr. Morgan each note that certain apps and wearable technology (like fitness trackers or smartwatches) may be able to measure, track and store your Honestly, for most healthy people, the answer is probably no: While it doesn't necessarily hurt, it also doesn't reveal as much about your heart health as you think. "HRV is a valuable metric which may lead us to identify stress, illness or overtraining earlier than waiting for apparent symptoms," Dr. Serwer notes, adding, "Like any test or vital sign, it is only helpful when you understand the limitations and the meaning of the value. We are often overwhelmed with data and sometimes don't pay attention to the apparent issues. HRV is a tool and when used appropriately, can be helpful." People who may benefit from HRV monitoring are athletes and anyone worried about over-exerting themselves through exercise, or potentially recovering from an illness, and even then, your doctor will be able to make much more sense of it than most of us laypeople can. "Monitoring HRV can offer a window into how your body is responding to stress, illness or physical overexertion," Dr. Morgan advises. "It's not all-encompassing, but it's a peek into the performance of your autonomic nervous system. Knowing this information and sharing it with your physician can help you make more informed decisions about your health and wellness." Related: For one, it's just not that useful, Dr. Amin says. "In general, I wouldn't suggest leaning too heavily on this measurement," he explains. "Generally, it would be best to focus on tracking more traditional markers of increased heart risk, including blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes control." Dr. Morgan notes that it's easy for people to get too obsessive over their heart rate variability when it can change for purely benign reasons. "The main downside is over-interpreting the data and, frankly, worrying too much about it," she says. "HRV can fluctuate due to many factors, like sleep, hydration or even caffeine intake. It's a useful tool, but it shouldn't be the sole measure of your health. Don't worry too much if one or two readings are off—that's not good for your heart, either." "Think of HRV as part of the bigger picture," she adds. "Trends matter more than single readings, and HRV should be viewed alongside other metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol and lifestyle habits (for example, getting eight hours of sleep per night, standing up and moving at least once per hour, taking any heart medications as prescribed, etc.). Always consult your physician if you notice concerning changes or have questions about your heart rate." Up Next:Dr. Sameer Amin, MD Dr. Jayne Morgan, MD Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD How to Use Heart Rate Variability Data In Your Training, HSS Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop 'Leaning Too Heavily' on This One Daily Metric first appeared on Parade on Jun 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Health Line
12 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
14 Healthy Foods That Are High in Potassium
Many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium. This can include beans and sweet potatoes. Potassium is an essential mineral that the body requires for a variety of processes. Since the body can't produce potassium, it has to come from food. However, most Americans don't get enough potassium from their diets. This is mainly due to a lack of fruits and vegetables in the typical Western diet. In the United States, it's recommended that healthy adults consume 4,700 mg daily. Getting enough dietary potassium is essential for bone and heart health. It's vital for people with high blood pressure, as it may decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. This article lists 14 foods that are highest in potassium. White beans Beans and lentils are both good sources of potassium. White beans are one of the best sources of potassium, with 421 mg of potassium in 1/2 cup (130 grams). White beans contain reasonable amounts of calcium and iron. Additionally, 1/2 cup of white beans provides 4.9 grams of fiber, which is 18% of your daily requirement. They're also an excellent source of plant-based protein. The beans' high fiber and antioxidant content can help decrease inflammation, improve colon health, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. A recent meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in stroke risk with a higher potassium intake in the diet. Potatoes and sweet potatoes White potatoes are one of the best food sources of potassium available. A large baked potato (299 grams) provides 1,600 mg. Since potassium is found in both the flesh and skin of a potato, it's most beneficial to consume them washed and unpeeled. Another starchy tuber rich in potassium is baked sweet potatoes. One of these large vegetables (235 grams) contains 1,110 mg. But potatoes aren't just good sources of potassium. They also contain vitamins A, C, B6, and manganese. Beets Beets, a root vegetable with a naturally sweet flavor, are available in various colors, such as deep red, purple, and white. A 1/2 cup (85 grams) of sliced and boiled beets contains 259 mg of potassium. Beets are also rich in folate and manganese. The pigment that gives beets their rich color acts as an antioxidant, which may help fight oxidative damage and inflammation. Beets are also high in nitrates, which may benefit blood vessel function, high blood pressure, and exercise performance. Beets' potassium content may also help improve blood vessel function and decrease the risk of heart disease. Spinach Spinach is a highly nutritious vegetable. Cooked spinach is a great option for those wanting to increase their potassium intake. It contains 839 mg of potassium per cup. It also provides 104% of the DV for vitamin A, over 7 times the DV for vitamin K, almost 19% of the DV for calcium, and around 73% of the DV for manganese. These nutrients are important for metabolism, vision health, bone health, and the immune system. Dark leafy green vegetables like spinach also contain antioxidants, including flavonoids, which help protect against cellular damage. Swiss chard Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that's highly nutritious. It's packed with nutrients. One cup (175 grams) of cooked Swiss chard contains 961 mg of potassium. It also contains vitamins A, K, and C, iron, plus magnesium, manganese, and fiber. Like spinach, kale, and other leafy green vegetables, Swiss chard also contains healthy plant compounds that act as antioxidants to help protect your cells. Tomatoes and tomato sauce Tomatoes and tomato products, such as tomato sauce, are full of potassium. One cup (245 grams) of tomato sauce contains 728 mg of potassium. Tomatoes are also rich in other minerals, like manganese, and vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E, and B6. What's more, tomatoes contain beneficial plant compounds like lycopene, which may help fight inflammation and reduce prostate cancer risk. A small study of people with metabolic syndrome who received tomato juice four times a week for 2 months saw significant improvement in inflammation, blood vessel dysfunction, and insulin resistance. A recent review of studies found that lycopene provided significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and lowered the components of metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance, in both animal and human subjects. The participants also experienced a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and a slight increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. The beneficial effects of potassium and lycopene on heart disease risk factors make tomatoes an excellent choice for heart health. Oranges and orange juice Citrus fruits like oranges are well known for being high in vitamin C, but they're also a good source of potassium. One cup (248 grams) of orange juice provides 496 mg of potassium. It's also rich in folate, vitamin A, thiamine, and antioxidants. Observational studies have found that people who regularly consume orange juice have a higher intake of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D, and are also more likely to have a lower BMI. Additionally, the high level of antioxidants in oranges and their juice may help improve the body's ability to fight free radicals, inflammation, and heart disease. Furthermore, consuming orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D may help improve bone health, especially since a high potassium intake may also benefit bone health. But remember that orange juice is higher in sugar and provides less fiber than the whole fruit. Thus, it's best to focus on eating the fruit rather than drinking juice as a source of vitamins and minerals. If you choose to drink orange juice, ensure it's 100% juice without added sugars. Bananas Bananas are known to be a good source of potassium. In fact, one banana has 451 mg of potassium. This tasty fruit is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. While ripe bananas tend to be high in sugar, green bananas are lower in sugar and higher in resistant starch, which may help manage blood sugar and improve gut health. Green bananas and green banana powder may help enhance fullness, improve constipation and diarrhea, and help some people lose weight. The banana's convenient, natural packaging makes it an easy and nutritious way to increase your potassium intake on the go. Avocados Avocados are incredibly nutritious, tasty, and unique. They're high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C, K, B6, folate, and pantothenic acid. Avocados are also a good source of potassium. One cup (150 grams) of whole avocado provides 728 mg of potassium. The high content of antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber in avocados is most likely responsible for their positive health effects. Studies have shown that avocados may benefit heart health, weight management, and metabolic syndrome. A 2017 study associates eating avocados with better diet quality, lower BMI, body weight, waist circumference, and a significantly lower risk of metabolic syndrome. However, more recent studies have found that avocados may not necessarily be linked with lower body weight and instead have a neutral effect on weight, or they may only affect particular populations. In one study, avocados were found to lower weight gain in female participants but not male ones. The rich potassium content of avocados and their other healthy properties make them an easy choice for helping meet your nutrient needs. Yogurt Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, riboflavin, and potassium. One cup (245 grams) of this creamy treat provides you with 380 mg of potassium. Because yogurt is a fermented food, it also contains bacteria that may benefit gut health. Some evidence also suggests that yogurt may be beneficial for managing appetite or weight maintenance. This is likely related more to its high protein than its probiotic content. When buying yogurt, aim for a plain variety, as fruit-flavored yogurts tend to have lots of added sugar. Greek yogurt may be a better option due to its higher protein content. If you find plain yogurt is too tart, sweeten it with fresh fruit, nuts, a little honey, or maple syrup. Clams Clams are an excellent source of potassium. A 3-ounce serving (85 grams) provides 534 mg. Clams are also extremely rich in other nutrients. One serving offers 99% of the DV for selenium and surpasses the DV for vitamin B12. They're also a great source of protein and high in healthy omega-3 fats, which are associated with various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and other risk factors associated with related diseases. Salmon Salmon is a highly nutritious food. It's packed with high quality protein, healthy omega-3 fats, and many vitamins and minerals, including potassium. Half of a filet of salmon (178 grams) provides 684 mg of potassium. A diet rich in fatty fish has also been linked with various health benefits, most notably a decreased risk of heart disease. In fact, a meta-analysis of 18 studies found that eating 2-3 150 g portions of fish a week was linked to an 8% reduced risk for both fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease. The rich potassium content of salmon may make it beneficial for heart disease, as well. Coconut water Coconut water has become a popular health drink. It's sweet and nutty, low in sugar, and high in electrolytes. The body needs electrolytes to help balance its pH and maintain proper nerve, heart, and muscle function and hydration. One of these electrolytes is potassium. Drinking 1 cup (240 grams) of coconut water will provide 600 mg of potassium. Coconut water's high electrolyte content makes it an excellent drink for rehydrating after challenging physical activities.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop ‘Leaning Too Heavily' on This One Daily Metric
Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop 'Leaning Too Heavily' on This One Daily Metric originally appeared on Parade. It's really easy to fall into TikTok rabbit holes, especially when it comes to your health, and heart health is no exception. Whether it's dangerous diet culture and weight loss discourse, supplement shilling or anti-vaccine messaging, it's easy to feel anxious that you aren't doing enough to stay healthy when you're there yet another thing you should be doing to track your health, or is the latest TikTok wellness trend just a sales tactic to get you to buy a new device or to download another app that may use your data in potentially questionable ways? Below, cardiologists weigh in on the truth about a heart health metric, called , that influencers are insisting you need to measure—you know, along with everything else you're juggling just to exist in this remember: No one knows more about your actual health and what your body needs than you and your doctor, so check with your physician before implementing any changes one way or the other.🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 "Heart rate variability, or HRV, is the variation in time between each heartbeat," , cardiologist and vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart, tells Parade. "It reflects how well your body can adapt to stress, rest and recovery. A higher HRV generally points to better cardiovascular fitness and resilience.""If your heart rate is 60 beats per minute, your heart doesn't beat exactly once per second," , an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company, explains further. "There is some variability in time measured in milliseconds. Heart rate is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating your HRV. When you exercise, your heart speeds up, and when you rest, your heart slows down."Related: Like most other health indicators, there are a lot more factors to HRV than just mere numbers—even sociological and socioeconomic factors play a role."It is influenced by age, race, sex, physical fitness, sleep, medication and health issues," , cardiologist and chief medical officer of L.A. Care Health Plan, Morgan notes that even caffeine intake can play a role in your HRV measurement, so putting too much stock into it may not be the best idea, but in general, there are general ranges. A normal HRV at rest for someone in their 20s is typically around 55 to 105, for example, while for someone in their 60s, it will be more like 25 to Influencer Lucie Fink talks about using Heart Rate Variability to track her COVID journey. That depends on a few factors, experts agree, and it's by far not the most important metric to gauge your cardiovascular health by any means. "For most people, their HRV is stable over time," Dr. Amin tells us. "But some studies have shown a higher risk of heart events or even mortality in those with a reduced HRV."According to Dr. Serwer, a high HRV "means your body can switch efficiently between rest and stress modes which is a sign of good health." Conversely, he notes if you're sick, stressed, fatigued or if you over-exercise, your HRV may be Chances are you don't have the equipment to get a fully accurate picture here. "The gold standard to measure HRV is by performing an EKG and precisely measuring the time between heartbeats," Dr. Serwer says. "Using advanced software, the HRV can be accurately calculated. This, however, isn't practical on a day-to-day basis."That said, Dr. Serwer and Dr. Morgan each note that certain apps and wearable technology (like fitness trackers or smartwatches) may be able to measure, track and store your Honestly, for most healthy people, the answer is probably no: While it doesn't necessarily hurt, it also doesn't reveal as much about your heart health as you think. "HRV is a valuable metric which may lead us to identify stress, illness or overtraining earlier than waiting for apparent symptoms," Dr. Serwer notes, adding, "Like any test or vital sign, it is only helpful when you understand the limitations and the meaning of the value. We are often overwhelmed with data and sometimes don't pay attention to the apparent issues. HRV is a tool and when used appropriately, can be helpful." People who may benefit from HRV monitoring are athletes and anyone worried about over-exerting themselves through exercise, or potentially recovering from an illness, and even then, your doctor will be able to make much more sense of it than most of us laypeople can. "Monitoring HRV can offer a window into how your body is responding to stress, illness or physical overexertion," Dr. Morgan advises. "It's not all-encompassing, but it's a peek into the performance of your autonomic nervous system. Knowing this information and sharing it with your physician can help you make more informed decisions about your health and wellness." Related: For one, it's just not that useful, Dr. Amin says. "In general, I wouldn't suggest leaning too heavily on this measurement," he explains. "Generally, it would be best to focus on tracking more traditional markers of increased heart risk, including blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes control." Dr. Morgan notes that it's easy for people to get too obsessive over their heart rate variability when it can change for purely benign reasons. "The main downside is over-interpreting the data and, frankly, worrying too much about it," she says. "HRV can fluctuate due to many factors, like sleep, hydration or even caffeine intake. It's a useful tool, but it shouldn't be the sole measure of your health. Don't worry too much if one or two readings are off—that's not good for your heart, either." "Think of HRV as part of the bigger picture," she adds. "Trends matter more than single readings, and HRV should be viewed alongside other metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol and lifestyle habits (for example, getting eight hours of sleep per night, standing up and moving at least once per hour, taking any heart medications as prescribed, etc.). Always consult your physician if you notice concerning changes or have questions about your heart rate." Up Next:Dr. Sameer Amin, MD Dr. Jayne Morgan, MD Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD How to Use Heart Rate Variability Data In Your Training, HSS Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop 'Leaning Too Heavily' on This One Daily Metric first appeared on Parade on Jun 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Emma Willis says heart issues ‘pretty scary'
TV presenter Emma Willis said her 'heart has got to learn how to refunction', after undergoing keyhole surgery. Willis had the procedure after discovering she had a hole in her heart earlier this year. Advertisement Appearing on Heart Breakfast on Thursday, she told hosts Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden the situation had been 'pretty scary'. She said: 'I found out in January and by March I was in on the table and having a little device fitted into my heart to fill a hole that I never knew existed. Emma Willis on the red carpet at the TV Baftas last month. Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA. 'I've had it my whole life and just had no idea.' The former Big Brother presenter said she had always experienced heart palpitations, but thought they were simply down to stress. Advertisement 'For the past couple of years, I've been having them more and more, and they got to a point where it was quite a lot,' she said. Since the surgery, which saw the hole plugged, she said the palpitations have reduced in frequency. Emma Willis is married to Busted star Matt (Ian West/PA) But she added: 'I might have them forever. My heart has got to kind of learn how to refunction hole-free.' Meanwhile, Willis, who has three children with Busted bassist Matt Willis, refused to say when questioned about which she thought was the better band out of Busted or McFly. Advertisement Entertainment Howard Jones announces second gig in Dublin in Nov... Read More The two acts are due to take part in the Busted vs McFly Tour together later this year. 'The proof will be in the pudding,' Willis said. 'They've got a lot of dates to show who is the better band. I like to boogie to both of them.'
