Your guide to heart health

Cardiac arrest vs. heart attack: What’s the difference?

By Ragavendra Baliga, MBBS

People often misuse or confuse the terms “heart attack” and “cardiac arrest,” but they’re not the same thing, and knowing the difference can save a life.

Survey: Early heart attacks on the rise, but young people might not consider their risks

By Amy Colgan

A new national survey commissioned by the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center found that even though heart attacks are increasingly common in younger people, many don’t believe they’re at risk for heart disease.

Can you reverse heart failure?

By Jim Liu, MD

What causes heart failure, and how can it be reversed? An Ohio State cardiologist explains it all.

When should you get an irregular heartbeat checked?

Having a hiccup in your heart rhythm can be uncomfortable – as well as frightening. But when does an extra heartbeat or other unexpected feeling warrant a visit to your doctor?

Can you get pregnant with heart disease? Yes, but know your risks

By Lauren Lastinger, MD

During pregnancy, your heart rate will increase, and your blood pressure will drop as your blood volume increases up to 50%. If you have a heart condition, it can become dangerous. But healthy pregnancies are possible.

Is ‘white coat syndrome’ why my blood pressure goes up at the doctor’s office?

By Bethany Panchal, MD

Find out whether you might have “white coat hypertension” and what the risks are.

How much is relative? Heart study provides genetic insight into deadly dilated cardiomyopathy

By Amy Colgan

A new study led by Ohio State heart and vascular researchers points to increased genetic risk of developing a deadly genetic heart condition, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Blacks have an even increased genetic risk.

Five signs of heart disease that show up in the bedroom

By Laxmi Mehta, MD

An Ohio State cardiologist explains why these heart symptoms might show up in the bedroom.

Should you shovel that snow? How to protect your heart when winter weather strikes

By Richard Gumina, MD, PhD

Shoveling snow is as strenuous as running on a treadmill at its steepest climb. An Ohio State cardiologist explains the heart attack risks tied with cold-weather activities.

Is drinking a little alcohol a day really doing your heart a favor?

By Ragavendra Baliga, MBBS

Winding down with a glass of wine or a beer every day isn’t healthy for our hearts, as once thought. An Ohio State cardiologist explains why.

The surprising link between sleep, your bedtime and your heart health

By Jim Liu, MD

Can changing your bedtime and getting enough sleep protect your heart? An Ohio State cardiologist shares the latest research.

Knowing where an AED is located can save time and lives

By Henry Young, MD

Knowing where an AED is located could help you save someone’s life. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t know basic life supporting measures, an Ohio State emergency physician explains how you can help.

6 easy steps toward a low-sodium diet

By Liz Weinandy, MPH, RDN, LD

Lowering sodium in your diet can help lower blood pressure and provide other health benefits. An Ohio State nutritionist gives tips on ways to ditch the salt.

Easiest ways to adopt the DASH diet

By Kathy Moore, RDN, LD

You might hear the DASH diet mentioned as one of the healthiest diets to adopt. But how to get started?

Can weight loss drugs improve heart health?

By M. Wesley Milks, MD

Weight loss injectable drugs have skyrocketed in use. Many are using them to combat obesity and diabetes. An Ohio State cardiologist explains what it could mean for your heart health.

A coronary artery calcium scan could be the warning that saves your life

By M. Wesley Milks, MD

If you’re at higher risk for heart disease, the results of a heart scan could be the warning that saves your life.

Plans to watch the big game? Take care of your heart health

By Ragavendra Baliga, MBBS

Sporting events can be both thrilling and stressful. Amid the excitement, it's crucial to watch out for your heart health. Here are some tips and signs to watch for during high-tension moments.

Returning to life after abdominal aortic aneurysm

By Joshua Wright

A potentially deadly aortic aneurysm meant surgery for Paul Colgan of Westerville.

Man with rare disease on road to recovery after lifesaving heart and vascular surgeries

By JoAnne Viviano

Read how surgeons at Ohio State’s Aortic Center combine skills, apply innovative solution to save patient with rare complication.

Recognizing the less common signs of heart disease in women

By Alayna DeMartini

Women can have very different symptoms of heart disease than men, and they also experience some surprising heart conditions more commonly than men.

Aortic aneurysms: A silent killer and the surgeon fighting back

By Wendy Margolin

Vascular surgeon Kristine Orion, MD, is innovating techniques and clinical trials to stay ahead of a growing population at risk for aneurysms.