As we get older, taking care of our heart becomes even more important. The good news is that eating for heart health doesn't have to mean giving up everything you enjoy. In fact, some of the foods cardiologists eat regularly are simple, affordable, and easy to add to everyday meals. Here are three heart-friendly food combinations that doctors themselves enjoy. 1. Nuts and Raisins: A Simple Snack If you need something to eat between meals, try a small handful of unsalted nuts

Getting older can bring some changes you expect: You may tire more easily, slow down a little, or find that stairs aren't as easy as they once were. But some changes deserve more attention. Heart failure doesn't mean your heart has stopped. It means the heart isn't pumping blood as effectively as it should. The condition can develop gradually, and some of its earliest symptoms can look like ordinary signs of aging. For adults over 50, knowing what to watch for can make it eas

When it comes to monitoring your health, most people keep track of familiar numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. But there is another important measurement that is easy to check and may provide valuable clues about your overall well-being: your resting heart rate. Your resting heart rate is more than just a number. It can offer insight into how efficiently your heart is working and may help identify changes in your health before they become bigger concerns. W

If you're over 50, you've probably heard plenty of advice about eating healthier, exercising more, and getting better sleep. But new research suggests that when you eat may be just as important as what you eat. According to a recent study from researchers at Northwestern Medicine, finishing your last meal at least three hours before bedtime—and giving your body about a 12-hour break from food overnight—may improve several important markers of heart and metabolic health. The b

We spend a lifetime working, providing, and solving problems, but sometimes the biggest threat to our future is one we cannot see coming. After all, we've spent decades working, raising families, paying taxes, and taking care of everyone else. But one thing experience teaches is that ignoring a problem rarely makes it disappear. High blood pressure is one of those quiet health issues that often gives no warning at all. You can feel perfectly fine while damage is slowly being

For many Americans over 50, staying healthy isn't about chasing the latest health trend—it's about making practical choices that keep you active, independent, and able to enjoy life with your family. While genetics play a role, many of the biggest threats to heart health come down to everyday decisions. The good news is that small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference. Quit Tobacco—It's Never Too Late If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting remains one of the smar

When you hit 50, you start realizing something your parents probably tried to tell you all along: your health isn't built by miracle pills or the latest social media trend. It's built by the small decisions you make every single day. We've become a culture obsessed with shortcuts. Every week there's a new "life hack" promising to fix everything from weight loss to heart disease. The truth is much less exciting—but far more reliable. Good health comes from consistency, discipl

After age 50, keeping cholesterol in a healthy range becomes even more important. As we get older, our risk of heart disease naturally increases, but everyday food choices can make a meaningful difference. While medication is the right choice for many people, a heart-healthy diet remains one of the most effective ways to support healthy cholesterol levels and protect your cardiovascular health. The key isn't eliminating entire food groups—it's adding more foods that naturally

High blood pressure becomes more common with age, but taking medication isn't the only way to manage it. For many adults over 50, healthy lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference—especially when high blood pressure is caught early. The key is understanding when lifestyle improvements may be enough and when medication remains an important part of treatment. Lifestyle Changes Can Have a Big Impact According to cardiologists, people with mildly elevated blood pressure

Bananas are notoriously high in potassium, an electrolyte that’s important for fluid balance, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. It’s why they’re often handed out at the end of races, sports games or other high-traffic areas for a group of sweaty people. But bananas do more for the body than replenish electrolytes after working out. For example, bananas help support healthy blood pressure when eaten regularly because the potassium it contains helps the body get rid of e

The Bigger Picture You've probably heard to watch the amount of salt you eat, especially if you're concerned about your blood pressure. That's because it makes your body hold on to water, putting extra stress on your heart and blood vessels. Salt -- and worry, and anger -- aren't the only things that can raise your blood pressure. Although temporary "spikes" aren't necessarily a problem, numbers that remain high over time can cause serious damage. Added Sugar It may be even m

If you have ever tossed and turned under heavy blankets, you’ve felt firsthand how being too warm can wreck your sleep. “Temperature is one of the most underappreciated factors in sleep,” said Joseph Dzierzewski, senior vice president of research and scientific affairs at the National Sleep Foundation. “We often hear about light, screens and stress, but even modest changes in temperature and airflow can influence how quickly you fall asleep and how deeply you stay asleep.” Yo

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and factors like high blood pressure, elevated LDL cholesterol and chronic inflammation all increase your risk. While habits like regular movement and eating a balanced diet matter most for long-term heart health, the small choices you make in the kitchen—like the herbs you reach for—can support those efforts. Among the many herbs used in everyday cooking, cilantro stands out for its mix of phytosterols, carot

Eating eggs regularly usually doesn't raise blood pressure in most healthy adults. Their impact depends largely on how many eggs you eat, what you eat with them, and your current health status. 1. Eggs Don’t Directly Raise Blood Pressure in Most People Eggs themselves are not high in sodium, one of the main dietary risk factors for hypertension ( high blood pressure ). One large egg contains roughly 60 milligrams (mg) of sodium—a relatively small portion of the optimal adul

The percentage of American adults who smoke cigarettes has dropped to the lowest level ever recorded, according to a new study. About 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024, a drop from 10.8% in 2023, according to an analysis of National Health Interview Survey data published Tuesday in the journal NEJM Evidence. The findings mark the first time the adult smoking rate in the U.S. has fallen to the single digits, a milestone public health officials have pursu

Frozen meals may be convenient, but they can also affect your health. An occasional frozen meal can help ease the burden of weekly meal planning, but relying on them too often may harm your health. 1. You May Consume Too Much Sodium Frozen meals tend to be higher in sodium. Sodium helps preserve food and enhance flavor. Frozen meals generally contain at least 400 milligrams (mg) of sodium per serving, which can quickly add up, especially if the meal is more than one serving.

Cholesterol plaques can be the cause of heart disease. Plaques begin in artery walls and grow for years, slowly blocking blood flow in the arteries. Worse, a cholesterol plaque can rupture. The sudden blood clot that forms over the rupture then causes a heart attack or stroke. Blocked arteries caused by plaque buildup and blood clots are the leading cause of death in the U.S. Reducing cholesterol and other risk factors can help prevent cholesterol plaques from forming. Occasi

It’s not uncommon to have a late-night dinner (or snack) right before hitting the hay. But according to a new study conducted by Northwestern University, cutting yourself off approximately three hours before bed can actually improve your cardiovascular health over time. “Among middle-aged and older adults who are at higher risk for cardiometabolic disease, extending the participants’ overnight fast by about two hours, dimming the lights, and not eating for three hours prior t

When it comes to controversial foods, dairy is often near the top of the list, especially with the specific recommendation of whole milk and other full-fat dairy products in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans . Full-fat dairy is a source of saturated fat, a nutrient known to have adverse effects on heart health when consumed in excess, so many people are confused by the new recommendations to prioritize it. 1. Your Blood Fats May Rise Research shows that foods hig

For the last century, heart disease has sat atop the list as the most common cause of death among U.S. adults. And symptoms often start with something other than the severe or sudden chest pain that signals a heart attack . “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, yet many people either don’t recognize early warning signs or misinterpret them as something minor,” says Dr. Tina Shah, MD , a cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. “The sooner symptoms are ident