Berkeley Wellness Alerts

Healthy Heart Alerts

What’s Your Cholesterol IQ?

You may know your cholesterol numbers, but what do you really know about blood cholesterol? See how you do on this pop quiz.

The Heart-Healthy Diet Effect

After you’ve started a heart-healthy diet, how soon can you expect to see improvements in your cholesterol levels?

Will Tooth Brushing Protect Your Heart?

Research has linked gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Will treating one help prevent or reverse the other?

Getting a Grip on Your Blood Pressure

Imagine a simple hand exercise that can lower your blood pressure. That’s the claim of a computerized hand-grip device called the Zona Plus. Here’s the lowdown on isometric hand-grip training for blood pressure control.

Two Plant Compounds That Really Do Lower Cholesterol

Sterols and stanols block the absorption of dietary cholesterol. Even government guidelines and the American Heart Association recommend them.

The Coffee-Cholesterol Connection

If you have high cholesterol, could your morning cup of Joe be at least partly to blame? Maybe, depending on how it’s brewed and how much you drink.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you to buy a home monitor so you can track your levels yourself. Keeping your blood pressure under control reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Sodium Shakedown

Salt substitutes are a good option if you’re trying to cut back on sodium. But they are not for everyone, so it is essential that you talk to your doctor before using one.

The Scoop on Psyllium

Many people take psyllium as a fiber supplement and laxative. But it has other benefits, too—notably a cholesterol-lowering effect.

Potassium Power

If sodium is the bad guy when it comes to hypertension, then potassium is the good guy. So a good strategy for lowering blood pressure is to not only reduce sodium but to increase potassium.

Trans Fats: Natural Versus Artificial

Artificial trans fats—used in margarines, baked goods, and other processed foods—have known health risks. But what about the trans fats found naturally in small amounts in the fat of dairy and meat products? Are they a risk, too?

The Dish on DASH

The DASH diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods—helps lower blood pressure. Recent research suggests it has other health benefits, too. Here’s how to put DASH into action.

Cholesterol Busters?

If you have high cholesterol, you may be tempted to try a "heart-health" supplement. Some have evidence to back their use, but others are questionable.

What’s Your Cholesterol IQ?

You may know your cholesterol numbers, but what do you really know about blood cholesterol? See how you do on this pop quiz.

The Sunny Side of Eggs

Eggs have a bad reputation because of their high cholesterol level. But, in fact, eggs do not raise blood cholesterol in most people—and they may even be good for your heart in some ways.