Living Well Blog

For years high blood pressure was defined as a reading of 140/90 or higher. Now 130/80 or higher is considered high or hypertensive, according to new scientific guidelines released by the American Heart Association. Although 120/80 remains normal, systolic readings (top number) between 121 and 129… See more

Sudden cardiac arrest is scary: Someone collapses. They have no pulse, they’re not breathing, and they have a complete loss of consciousness. Their heart has suddenly and unexpectedly stopped beating. Usually, they die. In fact, about 350,000 Americans will suffer a sudden cardiac arrest this year… See more

The average American gets about 10 percent of their calories from added sugars. Added sugars — from high fructose corn syrup to honey — are sugars and syrups that manufacturers add to processed foods. Ten percent may not seem like very much, but added sugars are empty calories that can lead to… See more

Eating the right foods for your heart is especially important if you have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACSVD), which occurs when plaque builds up in your arteries. A heart-healthy diet can also help prevent ACSVD. But if you’re confused about what to put in your grocery cart, you’re not… See more

At age 61, Oscar Mestas didn’t have any obvious symptoms of cardiovascular disease. His cholesterol and blood pressure were normal. And he was physically active—he spent his career as an urban forester for the Texas Forest Service. Hiking and backpacking were part of his job. In his spare time, he… See more

Until a few years ago, millennials were the driving force behind sales of Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar and other so-called energy drinks. But that trend has been changing. In fact, Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers are now significant consumers of the highly caffeinated beverages.

While energy drinks… See more

The lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease after age 40 is 49 percent for men and 32 percent for women. Almost 800,000 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each year making it the leading cause of death among men and women, and over 50 percent of those who suffered from a sudden… See more

Linda Smith fondly reflects on cherished moments over the past year with her grandson, Caleb. She thinks back to trick-or-treating and eating watermelon balls during sleepovers. She remembers attending his preschool graduation, visiting the Arizona Art Museum and spending holidays with family.
… See more

For decades, our public health system, healthcare providers and media have touted that lifestyle behaviors like a high-fat diet and elevated cholesterol levels can lead to  coronary artery disease, raising the risk of a heart attack or stroke. However, recent studies have ignited debates… See more

The impressive findings of a peer-reviewed collaboration between MDVIP and Cleveland HeartLab were as striking as the study process itself utilizing one of the largest patient screening data sets of its kind. Based on results from laboratory… See more