Cardiologist Groups Say Newer Blood Thinners Best Against A-Fib

MONDAY, Jan. 28, 2019 -- Newer blood thinners are recommended over warfarin for people with the heart condition called atrial fibrillation (a-fib) in updated treatment guidelines issued by three major American heart groups.

The newer drugs are called non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Examples include dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and apixaban (Eliquis). They don't require the same frequent monitoring of blood-clotting levels as the older clot-preventing drug warfarin (Coumadin) does. They also don't have the same drug and food interactions that warfarin does.

AHA: 7 Things That Can Affect the Heart -- And What to Do About Them

FRIDAY, Feb. 1, 2019 (American Heart Association) -- Debby Schrecengast's blood pressure was "through the roof." She had gained a lot of weight. A history of heart disease ran deep in her immediate family.

When she looks back at herself in 2014, the year she suffered a stroke, she sees a "stubborn old donkey" in denial about her health.

Nearly Half of American Adults Have Unhealthy Hearts: Report

THURSDAY, Jan. 31, 2019 -- Almost half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of stroke, a new report shows.

That figure is up sharply from what the American Heart Association (AHA) reported last year -- largely because of changes in the definition of high blood pressure. In 2017, guidelines lowered the threshold to 130/80 mm Hg, down from the long-used 140/90 mm Hg.

Why Your Heart Needs a Good Night's Sleep

MONDAY, Jan. 14, 2019 -- Six hours: That's the minimum amount of sleep per night you need to help your heart stay healthy, new research suggests.

The study found that chronic lack of sleep and poor sleep quality raise the odds of fatty plaque accumulation in arteries -- a condition known as atherosclerosis, which increases the odds of heart attack and stroke.

Certain Antibiotics Tied to Deadly Heart Vessel Tears: FDA

FRIDAY, Dec. 21, 2018 -- Patients should avoid a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones due to an increased risk of heart vessel tears associated with their use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned.

"These tears, called aortic dissections, or ruptures of an aortic aneurysm can lead to dangerous bleeding or even death," the agency said in a statement issued Thursday.

6 Signs of a Silent Heart Attack

VIRTUA -- Not every heart attack is accompanied by crippling chest pain. Learning the signs of a silent heart attack could help save a life.