Health

Harvard Health Publications and the faculty of Harvard Medical School have developed the Harvard Heart Letter and in-depth Special Health Reports to help you understand the importance of heart and circulatory health, and what you can do today to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Whether you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or already have heart disease, these publications will offer guidance on managing your risk, information on the latest treatment options and medications, and explain the lifestyle changes that can make a real difference.

It is important to remember that 80%–90% of people who have coronary artery disease have at least one major controllable risk factor. Most of these risk factors can be managed or eliminated, decreasing the chance for serious heart problems and poor circulatory health. Cholesterol levels can be lowered, and high blood pressure can be reduced through good nutrition, weight control and exercise. The risk for ischemic stroke, a circulatory problem that starves the brain of blood, can also be reduced. There are also steps you can take to prevent hemorrhagic stroke, the type that causes bleeding in the brain.