Media Highlights

More than one alcoholic drink a day raises heart disease risk for women

Young to middle-aged women who drink more than one alcoholic beverage a day, on average, were more likely to develop coronary heart disease than people who drink less, according to new research by Kaiser Permanente Northern California.



Women in the study who reported drinking eight or more alcoholic beverages per week were 33 to 51 percent more likely to develop coronary heart disease. And women who binge drink — three alcoholic beverages per day — were 68 percent more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those who drink in moderation, the research showed.

‘I'm a Cardiologist and This is the Type of Protein I Eat Almost Every Day for Heart Health’

While it’s important for people of all ages to get adequate protein, it’s even more important to prioritize this crucial macronutrient as we age. Protein needs increase with age because muscle mass declines as we get older and protein is important for maintaining muscle mass.

It’s important to be mindful of how you increase your protein because while some protein sources are beneficial for heart health, others can increase the risk of heart disease when eaten in excess. Here, cardiologists share what they want everyone to know about protein and heart health, and reveal the type of protein that’s the absolute best for cardiovascular health.

How Much Salt Is Too Much Salt When It Comes To Your Health?

Low-sodium soy sauce, soup and snacks dominate supermarket shelves, so it seems pretty obvious that a lot of Americans are aware that they need to lower their sodium intake. But to what extent is it really a problem?

Most people have no idea how much salt they’re eating every day, or how much is recommended (particularly for those with certain health conditions). And did you know that some people are actually encouraged to eat more salt?

Eating 12 Eggs a Week Didn’t Raise Cholesterol Levels, New Study Finds

• People who ate 12 fortified eggs per week had similar cholesterol levels after four months as people who ate fewer than two eggs per week.
• The study was small, but suggests that fortified eggs may be a heart-healthy addition to the diet, even for people with or at risk of heart disease.
• Experts recommend that eggs be eaten in moderation due to their high cholesterol content.

While eggs are a nutritious, lean source of protein, they contain high amounts of cholesterol. So do they fit in a heart-healthy diet?

Strength Training Can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure, Especially If You're Over 50

Nearly 116 million adults in the United States have high blood pressure—and only 24% of these people have their condition under control. Having high blood pressure, also called hypertension, can increase someone’s risk for diseases like heart disease and stroke and over time, making interventions especially important. A study published early this year highlights a fairly simple approach to lowering blood pressure: strength training.

Dr. Nieca was interviewed by Cardiology Advisor

Women in Cardiology: Exploring Challenges and Pathways to Empowerment

February is American Heart Month, a time when physicians and patients alike are asked to reflect on cardiovascular health. At the beginning of American Heart Month is National Women Physicians Day (or Women in Medicine Day), which takes place on February 3, and is held to honor the achievements and contributions of women physicians.

In observation of this day, Cardiology Advisor reached out to Payal Kohli, MD, FACC, founder and medical director, Cherry Creek Heart; associate clinical professor of medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz; and associate adjunct professor, Cardiology Division, Duke University; Nieca Goldberg, MD, medical director, Atria New York City and clinical associate professor of medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine; and Roxana Mehran, MD, director of interventional cardiovascular research and clinical trials, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai to learn more about their experiences as women in cardiology.

Cardiologists reveal what they eat for lunch and the foods they avoid

Doctors share their favorite heart-healthy options for the mid-day meal.

High noon can be a time of high anxiety for heart health as a greasy, salty lunch can undo the nutritious choices people make at breakfast or dinner. Lunch has the potential to be the unhealthiest meal of the day, cardiologists say. They see their patients trying to eat in a hurry, grabbing pre-packaged and processed food, or succumbing to the temptation of burgers and pizza.

Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist, clinical associate professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, calls it “the danger zone.”

“You’ve got to get a quick bite, so it’s fast food, french fries and fried foods,” Goldberg, author of “The Women’s Healthy Heart Program: Lifesaving Strategies for Preventing and Healing Heart Disease,” tells TODAY.com.