Unhealthy diets, smoking and physical inactivity are the leading causes of cardiovascular diseases. These unhealthy lifestyles are more and more frequently acquired at an early age.

According to the World Heart Federation (WHF) overweight children are three to five times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke before they reach 65 than slimmer youngsters. The Federation issued this...

A simple three-part test may mean the difference between life and death, recovery or disability on the part of a stroke victim.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Treatment is available, but only if the stroke is recognized in time. The most common sign of stroke is sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, more often on one side of...

It May Not Be Enough to Reduce Bad Cholesterol to prevent Heart Attacks

Inflammation is the process whereby the body responds to injury. Recent studies by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic suggest that inflammation is important in the process in which fatty deposits build up in the lining of arteries, a leading cause of heart attacks.

The long-term health risks for hypertension in children and adolescents can be substantial. For this reason, the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group (NHBPEP) on Children has established new blood pressure guidelines. They recommend that children have their blood pressure checked regularly beginning at age 13.

Until recently doctors have monitored blood pressure in young children...

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), an arm of the National Institutes of Health, has released new clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, detection, and treatment of high blood pressure. These guidelines feature altered blood pressure categories, including a new "pre-hypertension" level.

Millions of people who previously were told that their blood pressure levels were fine, are...

Reducing risk factors could help you avoid becoming a 'face of stroke'

This year stroke will strike 700,000 Americans of all ages, genders and ethnicities. A member of your family, a friend or neighbor - even you - could be a victim.

Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death of Americans and is a leading cause of disability.