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Smoking during pregnancy may predispose kids to heart trouble

Children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy have lower levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, which may increase their risk of heart attack and stroke later in life, a new study suggests. More>>

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Cholesterol CenterMore>>
Trouble walking may be a sign of peripheral arterial disease
Trouble walking may be a sign of peripheral arterial disease
A slow walk in the park or a trip to the bathroom at night can cause excruciating pain in your leg if you have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Learn how to treat it and prevent it.More >>

Cholesterol CenterMore>>
What does it mean to have heart disease?
What does it mean to have heart disease?
Here are the facts about heart disease.More >>
Brain food: can diet help preserve your memory?
Brain food: can diet help preserve your memory?
A heart-healthy diet may help ward off such diseases as Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.More >>
What is metabolic syndrome?
What is metabolic syndrome?
Learn what metabolic syndrome is and how you can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.More >>
Heart disease care: get regular checkups
Heart disease care: get regular checkups
Coronary heart disease is a serious condition, but it can be managed. Fortunately, you don't have to go it alone. Your doctor's help is key.More >>
Beta-blockers and coronary artery disease
Beta-blockers and coronary artery disease
Beta-blockers are often prescribed for high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Find out how they work, and learn the steps to help support a healthy heart.More >>
Frequently asked questions about coronary artery disease
Frequently asked questions about coronary artery disease
Here are the answers to the top questions about coronary artery disease.More >>
Heart disease and diet: could you use some TLC?
Heart disease and diet: could you use some TLC?
If you have high cholesterol, are at risk for heart disease or just want to follow a healthy diet, see what the TLC diet can do for you.More >>
Cholesterol and Bone Loss
Cholesterol and Bone Loss
If you have high cholesterol you might want to consider being tested for osteoporosis.More >>

CholesterolMore>>
Health tip: Improving your cholesterol
Health tip: Improving your cholesterol
High levels of LDL (the so-called "bad" cholesterol) or triglycerides puts you at higher risk of heart attack and stroke.More >>
Cholesterol-lowering drugs safe for long-term use
Cholesterol-lowering drugs safe for long-term use
British researchers have good news for anyone taking the cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins: These drugs are effective and safe, even when used for long periods of time, they say.More >>
Does psoriasis thwart the benefits of 'good' cholesterol?
Does psoriasis thwart the benefits of 'good' cholesterol?
Inflammation caused by psoriasis may trigger changes in a person's cholesterol, including weakening the function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, new research suggests.More >>
Liposuction may lower certain blood fats
Liposuction may lower certain blood fats
A new study suggests that liposuction -- which plastic surgeons often use to sculpt the bodies of people who aren't extremely overweight -- can lower levels of a type of blood fat called triglycerides.More >>
Cholesterol deposits around eyes linked to heart risk
Cholesterol deposits around eyes linked to heart risk
Men and women who develop visible deposits of cholesterol in the skin around their eyelids appear to face a higher risk of heart disease in general and suffering a heart attack in particular, new Danish research suggests.More >>
Health tip: Why do I have high cholesterol?
Health tip: Why do I have high cholesterol?
High cholesterol may be triggered by a number of factors, many of which you can control.More >>
Statins may help heart in some young stroke patients
Statins may help heart in some young stroke patients
Statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that includes Lipitor and Crestor, appear to help young people after they've had a certain kind of stroke with unknown cause, a new study has found.More >>
Heart disease prevention may save billions annually in U.S.
Heart disease prevention may save billions annually in U.S.
Prevention is the key to stemming the soaring cost of heart disease in the United States, which reached $450 billion last year, according to a new policy statement from the American Heart Association (AHA).More >>
Smoking during pregnancy may predispose kids to heart trouble
Smoking during pregnancy may predispose kids to heart trouble
Children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy have lower levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, which may increase their risk of heart attack and stroke later in life, a new study suggests.More >>
Health tip: The dangers of having high cholesterol
Health tip: The dangers of having high cholesterol
High cholesterol usually refers to above-normal levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the so-called "bad cholesterol" that can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease.More >>

Heart HealthHeart HealthMore>>
Coronary artery bypass grafting
Coronary artery bypass grafting
Coronary artery bypass surgery eases symptoms of chest pain in those with heart disease. Find out how it's done and why it makes living an active lifestyle possibleMore >>
Strokes rising among teens, young adults: CDC
Strokes rising among teens, young adults: CDC
Strokes are on the rise among teens and young people, a new government report shows.More >>
Stay on track with high blood pressure treatment
Stay on track with high blood pressure treatment
If you have high blood pressure, treatment can help prevent heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and medications.More >>
Too much sodium? Learn to shake the salt habit
Too much sodium? Learn to shake the salt habit
Love the taste of salt but need to cut back? Learn which foods pack the most sodium, and get tips on how to flavor your food without using the salt shaker.More >>
Heart failure and exercise
Heart failure and exercise
Heart failure may make you tired and not feel like exercising. But for some, it might be just what the doctor orders.More >>
How soluble fiber affects your cholesterol
How soluble fiber affects your cholesterol
Soluble fiber is where it's at for helping to get your cholesterol under control. Check out sources and ideas for how to include this fiber in your diet.More >>
African Americans and heart disease
African Americans and heart disease
If you're African American, you're right to be worried about heart disease. Luckily, there are many ways you can protect your heart.More >>
Can eating certain mineral-rich foods help to lower blood pressure?
Can eating certain mineral-rich foods help to lower blood pressure?
Certain minerals can play a role in helping to reduce blood pressure. Get the facts and find out the best food sources for these important nutrients.More >>
What does it mean to have heart disease?
What does it mean to have heart disease?
Here are the facts about heart disease.More >>
More from heart health
More from heart health

Cardiovascular HealthMore>>
Palpitations may signal future heart rhythm problem
Palpitations may signal future heart rhythm problem
Heart palpitations and high blood pressure are strong risk factors for a common heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, a new study reports.More >>
Heart palpitations and high blood pressure are strong risk factors for a common heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, a new study reports.More >>
Plavix's new generic status could be boon for patients
Plavix's new generic status could be boon for patients
The blockbuster drug Plavix (clopidogrel), used to prevent clotting in some heart patients, will go off patent in the United States on Thursday.More >>
The blockbuster drug Plavix (clopidogrel), used to prevent clotting in some heart patients, will go off patent in the United States on Thursday, making it considerably more affordable.More >>
Lifesaving defibrillators often not nearby when needed
Lifesaving defibrillators often not nearby when needed
Potentially lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are not close at hand in most cases of cardiac arrest that occur in public places, according to a new study.More >>
Potentially lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are not close at hand in most cases of cardiac arrest that occur in public places, according to a new study.More >>
Sex after heart attack? Doc's OK may be key
Sex after heart attack? Doc's OK may be key
Heart attack survivors are more likely to resume their sex lives if doctors reassure them it's safe, a new study shows.More >>
Heart attack survivors are more likely to resume their sex lives if doctors reassure them it's safe, a new study shows.More >>
Pot belly boosts risk of sudden cardiac death
Pot belly boosts risk of sudden cardiac death
A "spare tire" around the midsection raises the odds of sudden cardiac death in obese people, a new study finds.More >>
A "spare tire" around the midsection raises the odds of sudden cardiac death in obese people, a new study finds.More >>
Statins may help prevent irregular heartbeat in elderly
Statins may help prevent irregular heartbeat in elderly
The widely used class of cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins may help elderly patients with high blood pressure avoid developing atrial fibrillation.More >>
The widely used class of cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins may help elderly patients with high blood pressure avoid developing atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm abnormality tied to stroke.More >>
A heart disease veteran at just age 12
A heart disease veteran at just age 12
Even youngsters who seem to be in perfect health can be at risk for heart disease. Just ask Heather Link.More >>
Even youngsters who seem to be in perfect health can be at risk for heart disease. Just ask Heather Link.More >>
Study finds direct link between obesity, heart disease
Study finds direct link between obesity, heart disease
A large new study is the first to show a direct link between a high body-mass index and the risk of developing heart disease, British and Danish researchers say.More >>
A large new study is the first to show a direct link between a high body-mass index and the risk of developing heart disease, British and Danish researchers say.More >>
Tasers can trigger fatal heart trouble
Tasers can trigger fatal heart trouble
Taser guns used by law enforcement can cause heart rhythm problems, sudden cardiac arrest and death, according to a new study.More >>
Taser guns used by law enforcement can cause heart rhythm problems, sudden cardiac arrest and death, according to a new study.More >>
What causes hot flashes, anyway?
What causes hot flashes, anyway?
Millions of middle-aged women experience it: that sudden onset of intense heat, sweating and flushing known as a hot flash.More >>

Blood PressureMore>>
Palpitations may signal future heart rhythm problem
Palpitations may signal future heart rhythm problem
Heart palpitations and high blood pressure are strong risk factors for a common heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, a new study reports.More >>
Heart palpitations and high blood pressure are strong risk factors for a common heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, a new study reports.More >>
Fitness fights high blood pressure, even with family history
Fitness fights high blood pressure, even with family history
Although people with a family history of high blood pressure (hypertension) are at much greater risk of developing the condition themselves, regular exercise and physical fitness may significantly lower that risk.More >>
Although people with a family history of high blood pressure (hypertension) are at much greater risk of developing the condition themselves, regular exercise and physical fitness may significantly lower that risk.More >>
Statins may help prevent irregular heartbeat in elderly
Statins may help prevent irregular heartbeat in elderly
The widely used class of cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins may help elderly patients with high blood pressure avoid developing atrial fibrillation.More >>
The widely used class of cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins may help elderly patients with high blood pressure avoid developing atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm abnormality tied to stroke.More >>
Home birth poses danger for higher-risk pregnancies
Home birth poses danger for higher-risk pregnancies
A five-year study of home births in Oregon found an elevated rate of deaths among babies that had to be transferred to the hospital because something went wrong during the delivery.More >>
A five-year study of home births in Oregon found an elevated rate of deaths among babies that had to be transferred to the hospital because something went wrong during the delivery.More >>
That long commute may be harming your health
That long commute may be harming your health
Now there's another reason to hate your commute.More >>
Now there's another reason to hate your commute.More >>
Diabetes groups issue new guidelines on blood sugar
Diabetes groups issue new guidelines on blood sugar
Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder, and treating the disease often requires a personalized, multi-pronged approach, say new expert guidelines on treating high blood sugar levels, issued Thursday.More >>
Fast food is saltier in U.S. than overseas
Fast food is saltier in U.S. than overseas
Large differences exist in the levels of salt in foods sold at major fast-food restaurants in the United States and other developed countries, a new study says.More >>
Blood pressure variance between arms points to heart risk
Blood pressure variance between arms points to heart risk
Calculating the difference in blood pressure readings taken from the left and right arms might help predict a patient's odds of dying from heart disease, a new study suggests.More >>
Health tip: Is your blood pressure too low?
Health tip: Is your blood pressure too low?
While high blood pressure is the more common medical issue, people can also have low blood pressure, medically called hypotension.More >>
More doubt on link between a blood chemical and heart disease
More doubt on link between a blood chemical and heart disease
Having high levels of the amino acid homocysteine won't raise your risk of developing heart disease, a new analysis indicates.More >>