A recent study has reported insignificant impact of e-cigarette use on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.1 The study was published in the American Heart & Stroke Foundation’s journal, Circulation. Specifically, for those who have supplemented some of their conventional (or combustible) cigarette use with e-cigarette use, and now “dual use”, their risk for developing CVD […]
Diet
How to improve heart health with exercise
Regular exercise can be helpful in preventing cardiovascular risk factors, maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, and promoting rehabilitation after a cardiac event. Even just a single 30-minute exercise session can produce immediate benefits and exert a protective short-lasting effect on hearth health through a process called ischemic preconditioning.1 Ischemic preconditioning describes how exercise can train the […]
What’s the link between heart health and teeth?
Adequate dental care is an important part of a healthy life. Brushing twice a day and flossing are well-known parts of most peoples’ daily routines. Did you know, however, that keeping a healthy set of teeth and gums may also help to keep a healthy heart? Considering that periodontal disease, or disease of the gums, […]
Five tips on how to lower cholesterol
Keeping cholesterol levels in check is necessary for the maintenance of heart health.1 According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2.6 million deaths a year are attributed to high cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.2–4 Although cholesterol can be lowered using drug therapy, improved lifestyle changes may also help […]
Can cocoa supplements reduce the risk of cardiovascular events?
A new study was performed to assess whether cocoa supplements can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. Although they are mostly known as an ingredient in chocolate, recent research suggests that the cocoa plant could be a source of many valuable chemicals called phenols.1 Three notable types of plant phenols identified […]
How to Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is a common medical condition. In North America, as many as 1 in 3 individuals are silently living with this disorder. Genetics, being overweight or obese, advancing age, and being African-American all predispose individuals to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes no symptoms early on […]
10 features of a heart-healthy eating pattern
The American Heart Association recently released their ‘2021 dietary guidance to improve cardiovascular health’. Within the article, they covered ten features of a heart-healthy eating pattern, that emphasizes the importance of overall dietary pattern rather than individual foods or nutrients and underscores the critical role of nutrition in all stages of life. Instead of looking […]
Can a short run improve brain function?
A new study investigates whether going on a ten-minute, moderate-intensity run can improve brain function and enhance cognitive performance. Exercise has a variety of benefits for the body, and incorporating it regularly can be a great way to boost overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least either 150 […]
Can diet contribute to chronic pain?
A Western diet has been associated with a variety of negative health consequences, could chronic pain be the next? Omega-6 fatty acids are typically high in Western high-fat diets, compared to omega-3 fatty acids. A diet high in omega-6 fatty acids has been linked with inflammation and disease. A research group from The University of […]
Cannabis use and heart attack – is there a connection?
A new study investigates whether there is an association between cannabis and heart attacks in young adults. Cannabis is becoming legalized in a growing number of places, both for recreational and medical use. Its use is also relatively common; one 2019 Gallup poll found that 12 percent of U.S. adults reported smoking cannabis.1 Young adults […]
Eating walnuts could reduce cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk
Eating a handful of walnuts each day may promote cardiovascular health and reduce cardiovascular disease risk, according to a new study. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol since high levels significantly increase the risk of heart disease and strokes. A […]
Are edibles bad for your heart?
Consuming cannabis products doesn’t have the same effects on the respiratory system as smoking it – but are edibles bad for your heart? Cannabis, which is derived from the hemp plant, is widely known for its psychoactive and anti-nausea properties. The active ingredient in cannabis that is associated with these effects is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis […]
Should You Drink More Pomegranate Juice?
Researchers in the United Kingdom investigated the effects of pomegranate juice on lowering blood sugar levels. Pomegranates are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants. Pomegranates are also an excellent source of fibre and iron. It’s no wonder then that research studies have investigated the effect of pomegranate juice, with positive […]
What fitness test measures cardiovascular endurance?
Cardiovascular endurance, also known as cardiorespiratory endurance, can be measured by simple fitness tests to assess how well your body functions to bring oxygen to muscles during exercise. This measurement can be used to assess overall health. What is cardiovascular endurance? Cardiovascular endurance refers to the efficiency of the cardiorespiratory system when continuously performing full-body […]
What is aerobic conditioning?
Researchers continue to investigate the frequency, duration, and type of exercise (e.g., aerobic and anaerobic exercise) that provides the most cardiovascular health benefits. Often, aerobic conditioning is reported in research to be an important type of exercise for lowering CVD risk. So, what is aerobic conditioning, and what are its health benefits? Aerobic conditioning – […]