When Bob Harper collapsed at the gym from a heart attack last year, according to a New York Times report, it was the ultimate head scratcher. Host and trainer on NBC’s hit show, “The Biggest Loser,” Harper, 52, was about as fit as they come. It is now known that Harper had high levels of a blood particle called lipoprotein …
POTUS’s Teachable Moment
What the President’s Physical Exam Results Can Teach Us About Heart Health While cardiologists have debated the finer points of the President of the United State’s recent health report, his yearly check-up is raising awareness of heart disease risk indicators that can help gauge risk over time. Among the more common risk factors, the President’s body mass index (BMI), 29.9, …
6 Essential Heart Healthy Habits for the New Year
The start of a new year is a good time to reflect on past behaviors and identify where you need to improve. One of the best ways to promote your overall well-being is to nurture your heart’s health. Here are six key measures to ensure you’re doing right by yours in the coming year: 1. Know your numbers Your cholesterol, …
Questioning the HDL Hypothesis
For decades, the relationship between cholesterol and heart health seemed to be black and white: High levels of “bad” or “lousy” LDL cholesterol raised the risk for heart disease. High levels of “good” HDL or “healthy” cholesterol reduced it by removing cholesterol from artery walls. The belief has been so solid that doctors routinely prescribed drugs like niacin to help …