Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people in the United States. On average, one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that 919,032 people died from cardiovascular disease in 2023, which equates to one in every three deaths. Heart disease is also costly, with the estimated cost of health care services and medications from it amounting to more than $168 billion between 2021 and 2022. 

Although you may not be able to change certain risk factors for heart disease, such as family history or age, you can take steps to manage others. You can adjust your eating habits, level of exercise, and other lifestyle factors to help protect your heart. In this article, we will detail several things you can do to help prevent a heart attack or stroke. 

Know Your Family History And Person Risks

There are some types of heart disease caused by an issue with one or more genes. For example, the following types of heart disease can be passed down through families:

• Certain cardiomyopathies, such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
• Familial hypercholesterolemia
• Certain arrhythmias, such as long QT syndrome

Knowing your family health history and sharing it with your doctor will only benefit you. Ask relatives if they have heart disease and at what age they were diagnosed. Additionally, make sure to tell your doctor about any family members who passed away suddenly from heart disease. You can then consider things like your age, weight, race, weight, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, etc. 

Add More Movement To Your Day

According to a 2018 large-scale study in the United Kingdom, people who were more physically active were less likely to experience heart attack or stroke. That was consistent even if they had a genetic risk for heart disease. Physical activity helps protect the heart by lowering blood pressure, aiding weight loss, helping cells use insulin more efficiently, and reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. 

The general recommendation is to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity each week. Incorporate movement into your everyday life, perhaps doing some strength training as well. One study found that doing less than an hour of strength training per week was associated with a 40% to 70% lower risk of heart attack or stroke. 

Limit Alcohol Intake

There are many risks associated with drinking alcohol, especially if you drink it excessively. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that drinking too much alcohol contributes to cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, and arrhythmia. Ask your healthcare professional whether it is safe to drink, especially if heart disease runs in your family. People at average risk may drink responsibly and in moderation, but make sure to not combine alcohol with sugar-sweetened beverages, such as juices or sodas.

Monitor Your Numbers

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of developing heart disease. Manage these conditions by keeping track of your weight and: 

• Triglycerides
• Blood sugar
• Total cholesterol, including HDL and LDL levels
• Blood pressure

You may not be able to check your cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood sugar levels at home, but you can keep tabs on your blood pressure and weight. Your doctor can check your other levels with a simple blood test on a routine visit. 

Embrace Healthy Eating Habits

Ideally, eat heart-healthy foods to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. By focusing on heart-healthy foods, you can encourage better heart function and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. A lot of foods in the Standard American Diet are rich in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt, all of which contribute to heart disease. A lot of people like to follow diets that have proven abilities to promote heart health. The Mediterranean Diet, DASH diet, TLC diet, and vegetarian or vegan eating plans all encourage healthy heart function. You can focus on consuming:

• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains, including barley, oats, brown rice, and quinoa
• Healthy fats, such as olive or avocado oil

Reach And Maintain A Healthy Weight

Researchers note that excess weight harms your health in several ways. For one, it can accelerate the buildup of plaque that can clog your arteries. Being overweight or obese also contributes to heart disease risk, such as: 

• High triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• High cholesterol

Heart-healthy eating coupled with regular exercise can help you keep your weight under control. Get inspired, work with your doctor, and put things in motion to develop a routine for better heart health. Start with small changes and build on them over time!

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A stroke is a medical emergency and a life-altering event. Chances are that you probably know someone who has been affected by one, the most common of which is an ischemic stroke. This type of stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is either reduced or blocked. That prevents the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue. As a result, brain cells begin to die in minutes. Another type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke, which happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts, causing bleeding in the brain. Blood increases pressure on brain cells, causing damage. 

That was a lot of information to begin an article, but there is some light at the end of that seemingly dark tunnel. Nearly 80% of strokes are preventable, and cardiologists suggest several things you can do to reduce the risk of stroke. Stroke risk is something that builds over time through various factors like lifestyle habits, blood pressure, and underlying health conditions. Consider the following four things to help reduce your risk of stroke. 

Control Your Cholesterol

If you have higher levels of “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, you have a higher risk of fatty deposits building up in your arteries. Plaque narrows the arteries that lead to the brain, which can lead to a blood clot that causes an ischemic stroke. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, you can help slow or reverse plaque buildup in the arteries. Ideally, keep your LDL below 100 mg/dL. For those at higher risk or who have previously had a stroke, new guidelines suggest keeping LDL levels below 70 mg/dL. 

Simple lifestyle changes can help you keep cholesterol levels down. Eating a heart-healthy diet, limiting your sodium intake, and focusing on healthy fats are great first steps. Avoid ultra-processed foods at all costs! Additionally, watch out for condiments and dressings, which can contain trans and saturated fats, excess sodium, and preservatives. Cut back on full-fat dairy and meat, as those are two sources of saturated fats, which contribute to high levels of LDL cholesterol.

Eat A Heart-Healthy Diet

According to dietitians, the Mediterranean diet has proven to significantly reduce the risk of stroke. This diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, and seeds), and lean proteins, especially fish and poultry. It also calls for you to limit your intake of sugar, processed foods, and red meat. One study followed women who adhered to the Mediterranean diet for over two decades. The results indicated that those who followed it more closely had a 25% lower risk of stroke. 

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is also a heart-healthy eating pattern. It emphasizes potassium-rich foods and a lower intake of high-sodium foods. According to one study, those who followed the DASH diet significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by up to 4.6 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure by up to 1.1. mmHg. Another study found that individuals with high risk of heart disease who followed either the Mediterranean diet or DASH diet had a lower risk of total stroke or ischemic stroke. 

Manage Your Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the single most important and controllable risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure weakens and damages arteries throughout the body, which increases the likelihood of them rupturing or becoming clogged. You could aim for a target blood pressure of less than 130/80 mmHg to reduce your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events, such as heart attack. 

Even though high blood pressure is something you can easily control, only 1 in 4 adults with hypertension has it under control. You can easily manage blood pressure through lifestyle changes. Regular exercises, following a low-sodium diet, proper sleep, and stress management techniques can help lower blood pressure. Know your numbers and check your blood pressure at home. Click here to learn how to properly check your blood pressure. 

Exercise Regularly

Movement is one of the easiest, most accessible, and free things you can do to lower your risk of stroke. Physical activity encourages blood vessel health by lowering blood pressure and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight and control blood sugar, all of which are essential to lowering your risk of stroke. According to research, people who are active have a 34% lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke and 21% lower risk of ischemic stroke. Ideally, aim to get 30 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic activity per day, which equates to 150 minutes of total exercise per week.

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If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), management is key in order to minimize your risk of heart attack or stroke. In order to manage high blood pressure, you have to avoid or limit certain foods, in addition to supplements, as they can affect blood pressure, or make matters worse. 

High blood pressure is characterized by a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Older adults have a higher risk of the condition, due to large arteries getting stiffer with age. If you cannot control blood pressure on your own with lifestyle changes, medication may be necessary. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimated that 46% of American adults have high blood pressure. Should you have the condition, avoid the supplements in this article. 

Licorice Root

Licorice root is not solely used as a flavoring in food, candy, and even tobacco products. In fact, it has a long history of use in folk medicine, treating wounds and relieving symptoms of lung disease and liver disease. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid (GA), which can elevate blood pressure. Researchers note that doses as low as 100 milligrams (mg) can raise blood pressure. Other supplements with GA can also interact with diuretics and blood pressure meds. It may affect how well blood pressure meds work and increase the risk of side effects. If you have high blood pressure, it is best to avoid products that contain licorice root. 

Arnica

Some people use arnica ointment to reduce swelling and bruising, while others take it orally as a supplement. Arnica belongs to the sunflower family and is usually taken by mouth homeopathically. There are typically no. active ingredients in homeopathic products, so side effects are unlikely. That said, taking arnica by mouth can increase blood pressure or potentially damage some organs, including the heart. This is not for certain, but if you have high blood pressure, avoid arnica supplements. 

Bitter Orange

Taken from the fruit or peel of a bitter orange, this supplement is typically used to aid weight loss or improve athletic performance. The fruit and peel of bitter orange can also be used to flavor drinks or in perfumes and other beauty products for aromatic purposes. Bitter orange does contain p-Synephrine, which is a type of stimulant similar to ephedrine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned ephedrine stimulants because they can cause health issues, such as heart attack and stroke. Although bitter orange is not on a banned list, use it with caution, especially if you have high blood pressure. Studies show that this supplement can not only raise heart rate and blood pressure, but also increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Bitter orange found in food and drinks is not likely to cause these issues, though. 

Vitamin D (In High Doses)

The body produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Vitamin D is necessary for optimal bone health, inflammation reduction, and other bodily functions. It is naturally available in foods and supplement form. Some research indicates that vitamin D may play a role in treating high blood pressure, specifically in doses of 200 – 8,000 International Units (IU) per day. Doses larger than 10,000 IU per day can lead to dangerous side effects, such as high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Over time, hypercalcemia can cause high blood pressure. High doses of vitamin D can also interact with certain diuretics, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. The body may not get rid of enough calcium, raising calcium and blood pressure in the process. 

St. John’s Wort

This plant is often used to treat symptoms of menopause and depression. Despite its longstanding use in traditional medicine, this plant may negatively interact with a variety of medications. St John’s wort weakens the efficacy of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Some of the blood pressure meds that St. John’s wort interacts with include Talinolol, Verelan, and Procardia. The interactions are likely due to the fact that St. John’s wort blocks the medication from being absorbed by the body.

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One of the scariest things about heat stroke is that people are not aware of when they are in danger until it’s too late. By the time symptoms occur, you are too confused or delirious due to nerve damage. If you want to ensure that your health is never in harm’s way during hot weather, take preventative measures to hydrate the body and keep yourself cool. Additionally, avoid actions that increase your risk of developing heat stroke, such as engaging in hot yoga or exercising in direct sunlight. 

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate its internal temperature. That causes core temperature to rise rapidly, typically to temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. That is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention to save your life. Without prompt treatment, heat stroke can result in organ damage, brain injury, or even death. The two primary types of heat stroke are:

• Classic (non-exertional) heat stroke: This type of heat stroke affects vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses. It usually occurs after prolonged exposure to high temperatures in poorly ventilated areas during heat waves. You do not need to physically exert yourself to develop this type of heat stroke. 
• Exertional heat stroke: This type of heat stroke affects healthy, active individuals, especially military personnel, laborers, and athletes. They perform intense physical activity in hot and humid conditions, and heat stroke can progress rapidly. 

Once the body’s core temperature rises, all of the innate processes that are in place to regulate core temperature break down. That creates serious, life-threatening problems, such as loss of consciousness or organ damage. If the heat index is higher than 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the number of deaths caused by heat illness increases. Do your best to stay cool and prevent heat-related illness and heat stroke with the following tips. 

Avoid Sugary Drinks, Caffeine, And Alcohol

Hydration is the goal when the weather is hot, so there is no sense in drinking beverages that dehydrate the body. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine because they dehydrate the body by increasing urination and expediting electrolyte loss. Consuming too much sugar can also lead to inflammation, which makes heat stroke even worse. Sports drinks are marketed to keep you hydrated during physical activity, but many of them contain excess sugar and added chemicals. Opt for a natural electrolyte drink instead, such as unsweetened coconut water, mineral water, and even pickle juice. 

Check Your Medications

There are many medications that can increase the risk of heat stroke. The reason for this is because they affect how the body reacts to the heat, or they interfere with your salt and water balance. Some medications that can alter the body’s ability to deal with hotter temperatures are:

• Laxatives 
• Diuretics
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Medications for seizures
• Antipsychotics 
• Antidepressants
• Drugs for heart disease, cholesterol, and blood pressure

Drink Lots Of Water

The most important thing you can do for the body when the weather is scorching is to drink a lot of water. The heat makes you sweat, which means that you lose both water and electrolytes. Drink two to four cups of water every hour when you are outside or exercising. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink water, you are already in a mild state of dehydration. Keep drinking water to lower your risk of heat stroke, and make sure that your children and those higher at risk do the same. 

Eat Hydrating Foods

In addition to drinking water, you can also eat water-rich foods. Many fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other valuable electrolytes that benefit the body. These fruits and vegetables can help you maintain fluid balance, keep blood pressure levels in check, and aid with nerve signaling. Some of the best hydrating foods include:

• Watermelon
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Coconut water
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Pineapple
• Broccoli
• Avocado
• Radishes

Avoid Direct Sunlight

If you are sensitive to hot weather, avoid heat stroke by limiting your time in direct sunlight. If you have to be outside, do your best to find shade, or bring an umbrella and hat to keep yourself shaded. Midday heat is the worst, so do your best to avoid being outside during that time of day. If you want to exercise outside, schedule your workouts earlier or later in the day when the temperatures are cooler.

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Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when the body overheats, typically as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures. During the summer, it is very common to experience heat stroke or heat exhaustion. If you experience a heat stroke, it is very important to seek emergency treatment as it can be a life-threatening situation. When you don’t treat heat stroke immediately, you can damage muscles, heart, kidneys, and the brain. 

The scary part about heat stroke is that you don’t always know that you are in danger of it until it’s too late. What happens is that you end up in a state of confusion or deliriousness because nerve damage takes place. If you want to keep yourself out of harm’s way this summer, you have to take steps to ensure that you are hydrated and cool. There are things you can do and things you can avoid to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. 

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion

Heat stroke happens when the body’s ability to regulate core temperature fails, so you overheat as a result. It is the most serious phase of heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, is the phase just before you experience heat stroke. You start to feel the signs of heat illness, including muscle weakness and fatigue. How does the body get to these stages, though? Well, the body regulates core temperature to maintain a constant of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the hottest and coldest climates. When the mechanisms that regulate core temperature break down, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur. If you want to prevent this from happening and avoid heat exhaustion this summer, make sure to keep the following tips in mind. 

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Avoid heat-related illness by limiting your exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. The sun tends to be at its hottest during midday, so make sure to find shade or remain inside during those times. If you are outside, take additional measures to protect the skin by applying sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

Drink Water

When you are in the sun, it is natural to sweat because that is the body’s way of regulating core temperature. The body loses water and other minerals via sweat, though, meaning that you need to replenish that water by drinking lots of it. If you enjoy electrolyte powders, you can incorporate them into your hydration efforts as well; just don’t go for sugary electrolyte beverages. Always keep a full water bottle handy if you venture outside during the summer, and make sure to refill throughout the day. Additionally, consume more liquids if you do any sort of physical activity outside. 

Eat Hydrating Foods

In addition to drinking a lot of water, enhance your hydration efforts by eating water-rich foods. Various fruits and vegetables have high water content and contain electrolytes that can replenish the ones you lose via sweat. When you are able to maintain your fluid balance in the body, you can help keep blood pressure stable and aid with nerve signaling. Some great hydrating fruits and vegetables include carrots, watermelon, berries, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, grapefruits, kiwis, pineapples, oranges, broccoli, honeydew, cantaloupe, and grapes. 

Check Your Medications

Believe it or not, certain medications increase your risk of heat stroke. They either interfere with your salt and water balance or affect how the body reacts to heat. Medications that increase the risk of heat exhaustion include antibiotics, laxatives, diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure or cholesterol meds, and antipsychotics. If you take any of those medications, talk to your doctor about an increased risk of heat stroke. 

Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, And Sugary Drinks

When you go through the effort to drink a lot of water during hot weather, the last thing you want to do is sabotage your hydration. When you focus on sugary, sweetened drinks, or beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, you work to dehydrate the body. All of these drinks increase the need to urinate, which depletes your water and electrolyte supply. Additionally, consuming too much alcohol or sugary drinks can increase inflammation, which worsens symptoms of heat exhaustion.

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Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly referred to as omega-3s, are healthy fats that have powerful antioxidant effects in the body. According to research studies, omega-3s work to benefit everything from brain health and immunity to heart function. Even though these foods are essential for overall health, close to 90% of Americans do not meet the recommended daily intake of omega-3s. That is even true for people who eat fish on a weekly basis!

What Are Omega-3s?

First off, there are two main types of fatty acids: saturated and unsaturated. Unsaturated fat breaks down into polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are terms you commonly see on nutrition facts labels. These chain-like molecules are made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. Carbon atoms form the foundation of the chain and oxygen and hydrogen atoms latch onto available slots.

A monounsaturated fat has one open slot, while a polyunsaturated fat has more than one open slot. Contrarily, saturated fat has no open slots and is typically referred to as “bad” or “unhealthy.” The reason saturated fats are labeled as such is because they increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Unsaturated fats, such as omega-3s, are healthy because they support the heart and brain and may reduce inflammation within the body. 

Because the body cannot produce a sufficient amount of omega-3s necessary for its own survival, you have to obtain them from the foods you eat. The specific types of omega-3s include DHA and EPA, which you can find in seafood, and ALA, which exists in plants. Great foods to increase your omega-3 consumption include mackerel, salmon, and other fatty fish, or flaxseed, chia seeds, avocados, walnuts, and other plant-based foods. Failure to eat these foods may yield a few signs that indicate low omega-3 levels. Continue reading to learn more.

Low Mood

Your mood is closely tied to the health of your brain, which oversees serotonin and dopamine, two feel-good hormones. Researchers are not exactly clear how omega-3s like EPA and DHA influence how the body uses and responds to those hormones. What the research does say, however, is that low levels of omega-3s can compromise a person’s mental health. Taking an omega-3 supplement, such as the Dherbs Omega 3 Formula, may assist in elevating your mood and outlook.

Dry And Tired Eyes

Staring at screens all day is a great way to fatigue your eyes. If your eyes are particularly parched, though, you may be low in omega-3s. Both EPA and DHA help ensure that the cells in the retina function optimally. According to research, omega-3s help the eyes combat oxidative stress, so don’t believe that carrots are the only vegetable beneficial for eye health.

Dry Or Irritated Skin

There are numerous causes for dry, scaly, red, or irritated skin. If you use cleansers, lotions, serums, and body butters to improve the skin quality and nothing calms irritated skin, you may need to increase your omega-3 intake. According to researchers, omega-3s support the skin barrier, helping to seal in moisture and keep environmental pollutants out. Additional research shows that increasing your intake of omega-3s, especially through supplements, can help improve the texture, tone, and overall appearance of skin. 

Brain Fog

Both EPA and DHA contribute to the structure of cell membranes in the brain, in addition to aiding the communication between cells. One study involving 176 adults with low omega-3 intake found that supplementing with 1.16 grams of DHA daily for six months was able to improve episodic and working memory when compared to the placebo group. Feeling a little sluggish and unclear mentally? Improve concentration and find a clearing in the fog by increasing your omega-3 intake.

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Yep, it’s true. Extreme heat can kill you. Stay cool this summer by following the tips listed in the video.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:11 1. Heat Kills
1:04 2. How to Know You’re in Danger
1:32 3. How you can save yourself
2:29 Outro

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Known as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure affects about 45% of American adults. Data from 2017 to 2018 revealed that it was higher among men than women. About 70% of Americans will have high blood pressure at some point in their lifetimes. Only one in four patients with elevated blood pressure levels will have blood pressure under control. 

Medical experts call it “the silent killer” because it usually doesn’t exhibit symptoms. It does, however, increase the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral artery disease. It’s well-established that high blood pressure affects the heart, but new research indicates that it also affects brain health. Continue reading to learn what the latest research says about the relationship between high blood pressure and cognitive decline, and how you may be able to manage heart and brain health simultaneously. 

The Link Between High Blood Pressure And Cognitive Changes

Several studies indicate associations between high blood pressure and cognitive decline, dementia, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers note that the evidence is strongest between high blood pressure and cognitive outcomes during middle age. The links are less clear in older age, according to doctors. High blood pressure also increases the risk of stroke and not-so-silent stroke-like changes that can be seen on brain scans. All of those changes have been associated with cognitive alterations, such as dementia. 

Why Is High Blood Pressure In Middle Age Risky For Brain Health?

Health experts have a few theories as to why high blood pressure in midlife is integral for brain health. One theory is that it represents a time of vulnerability, while another is that people with high blood pressure in midlife likely have it for a longer period of time. Some people have factors that contribute to high blood pressure for years before ever being diagnosed. 

When a doctor diagnoses high blood pressure, a person has reached a tipping point. They have had relatively normal blood pressure (even if slightly elevated) and the body has adjusted to maintain normal changes under pressure. All of a sudden, though, the body can no longer adapt and some sort of intervention is necessary. Diet and exercise can help manage blood pressure, but some people require medication if they cannot keep levels in check with natural remedies. 

By examining data, researchers found that the trajectory for developing high blood pressure was similar. People generally have stable blood pressure until the systolic pressure (top number) approaches a range of 120 to 125 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Once a person passes that threshold, blow pressure increases at a relatively rapid rate until hypertension is diagnosed. Other factors that increase hypertension include chronic stress, smoking, lack of sleep, poor diet, and obesity. 

What Happens To The Brain In A Person With High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension can negatively impact the brain in several ways. Long-term hypertension impacts arteriolar and arterial health over time, which increases the risk of stroke or stroke-like changes that can impact overall cognition. Years of elevated blood pressure levels may cause small clots that make their way to the brain. The accumulation of plaque in the arteries also reduces blood flow. 

Researchers note that brain matter tries to adapt to the lack of oxygen that stems from partially blocked arteries. The brain grows support tissue around itself, but it isn’t neurological tissue. It is more akin to scar tissue that develops due to a lack of oxygen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the capacity or function that brain cells or neurons have. Although this is an adaptive response, the adaptation can cause its own harm because it is trying to defend itself in a state of low oxygen.

That gradual loss of cognitive function over time can lead to the loss of overall brain matter mass, and occasionally, dementia. Health experts believe that high blood pressure can change the efficacy of blood-brain barrier function. It may even impact how the glymphatic system functions. The glymphatic system, not the lymphatic system, is a pathway in the brain that seemingly removes waste from the central nervous system. It is a newer concept that is being discussed in the medical field. By removing toxins from the brain, you may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

The Takeaway

As of right now, most of the evidence from observational trials shows that there is a cognitive benefit from managing blood pressure. Physical activity and dietary changes are promising for both cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes. A meta-analysis from 2022 found that higher rates of physical activity were associated with decreased risk of all-cause dementia. It also improved vascular function and decreased risk factors for hypertension. 

High blood pressure is but one of the risk factors for cognitive decline that you can control. You can reduce blood pressure via a combination of healthy lifestyle habits, and medication when necessary. It is never too early to talk to your doctor about your blood pressure. Do what you can to keep it in a healthy range, and your heart and brain will thank you.

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Cholesterol isn’t bad…unless you have too much of it. Your body actually needs it to build cells and make vitamins, but too much of it can cause high cholesterol which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:15 There are two types of cholesterol
1:10 Bad Cholesterol is extremely dangerous
1:50 The Fix is In
2:49 Outro

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Hotter temperatures and summer go hand in hand. The heat should not come as a surprise to you during the summer. The heat may do more than make you sweat, though. Researchers note that rising temperatures increase certain health risks. 

A 2022 study of more than 219 million American adults over the age of 20 suggested a link between extreme heat and all-cause mortality. The most significant risks were associated with older individuals. Health experts note that everyone, regardless of age, should understand the health risks that come with extreme heat. That is especially true because there are a lot of outdoor activities that occur during summer. It’s easy to get distracted on a beach day, for example, and that can be a detriment to your health if you aren’t paying attention to bodily signals. 

Being aware of how extreme heat affects the body can help you take proper precautions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that 2023 was the warmest year on record. Early indications suggest that 2024 will follow suit, so be prepared and do your best to stay cool during these summer months. 

Health Risks That Increase With Hotter Weather

Specific populations are at a higher risk of experiencing health issues when temperatures rise. That said, nobody is immune to heat-related health issues. Understanding the signs can help you protect yourself (and others) from severe outcomes resulting from heat exposure. The populations at a higher risk include:

• Older adults, especially people with underlying health conditions
• Infants and young children because their bodies cannot regulate temperature as well
• Pregnant people
• People with chronic health issues

Heart Attack

According to research published in 2023, cardiovascular disease deaths caused by heat could surge by approximately 162% by 2036-2065. Another study from 2023 examined more than 202,000 heart attacks in Jiangsu, China. Study authors noticed a strong correlation between a person’s chances of dying from heart attack and extremely hot and cold temperatures. When the body is exposed to heat, especially temperatures higher than body temperature, the heart has to work a lot harder. It needs to circulate the blood out toward the skin to allow for sweating and other mechanisms that protect the body from heat. The harder the heart has to work, the greater the risk of heart problems in those at risk. 

Heatstroke

Although it seems obvious that heat increases the risk of heatstroke, a lot of people do not understand the symptoms or risk. Heatstroke, much like stroke, is a medical emergency. Signs of heatstroke include confusion, altered behavior, change in speech, or even seizure. Heatstroke differs from heat exhaustion, although the two are related. Heat exhaustion is the body’s warning sign that it is overheating. You may experience headache, dizziness, nausea, etc. You should slow down and rehydrate with fluids and electrolytes and seek shade if you experience these symptoms. Refrain from consuming caffeine and alcohol in the heat because they can dehydrate the body.

Higher Or Lower Blood Pressure

Hot weather can cause blood pressure to become too high or too low. When you sweat a lot, the body loses fluids and blood volume, the decrease of which can drop blood pressure. This issue becomes more pronounced when you change positions, such as standing up after lying down. Dehydration also puts undue strain on the kidneys, which can decrease blood pressure. On the other side of the coin, heat can elevate blood pressure because the body has to work harder to circulate blood in order to cool down. Although high blood pressure can be asymptomatic, it may trigger dizziness or headaches. 

Migraine Attacks

Speaking of dizziness and headaches, let’s talk about migraines. Data indicates that migraine attacks affect 12 to 15% of the general population, and the effects can be debilitating. Migraines can cause irritability, light sensitivity, dizziness, nausea, cravings, and seeing of odd shapes. According to recent research, hotter temperatures may increase the risk of a migraine attack. Heat can increase inflammatory effects that can prolong migraines. Plus, dehydration can decrease the body’s ability to fight a migraine. 

Stroke

A study from 2020 found that weather conditions, especially high heat, are becoming a factor for the risk of stroke. There may be a lag period of one to six days between extreme weather exposure and stroke. Another study from 2020, which has yet to be published in a scientific journal, found that stroke severity increased by more than 67% for every 9ºF uptick in average temperature over the course of three days. Extreme heat puts stress on the body, especially in the elderly, which can lead to an increased risk of stroke. Look out for vision changes, facial droop, slurred speech, and weakness of arms or legs (especially on one side).

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