Just 5 Percent of Daily Salt Gets Added at the Table

MONDAY, May 8, 2017 -- Tossing out the salt shaker may not be enough for your heart health. Most of the salt that Americans consume comes from processed foods and restaurant meals, a new study finds.

In a sampling of 450 U.S. adults, only 10 percent of salt, or sodium, in their diet came from food prepared at home. About half of that was added at the table.

Energy Drinks May Give the Heart an Unhealthy Jolt

WEDNESDAY, April 26, 2017 -- The surge from energy drinks can cause unhealthy changes in your heart rhythm and blood pressure that don't occur with other caffeinated beverages, a small new trial suggests.

The blend of caffeine, sugar and herbal stimulants contained in energy drinks may causes changes in the heart's electrical system that can promote an abnormal and potentially dangerous heart rhythm, the researchers found.

Is a Low-Salt Diet Always Healthy?

TUESDAY, April 25, 2017 -- Steering clear of salty foods might not be as helpful for your heart health as previously thought, a new study claims.

Participants in a long-range heart study did not appear to derive any health advantage from a low-salt diet, said lead researcher Lynn Moore.

Who Really Needs Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Meds?

THURSDAY, April 6, 2017 -- High blood pressure and high cholesterol are known risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, but it's unclear who needs medication to help manage these conditions, a new report suggests.

According to a new Consumer Reports review, patients should consider these factors when deciding whether to take medications:

Blood Pressure: Know Your Numbers

TUESDAY, April 18, 2017 -- Having high blood pressure makes you more likely to have heart disease or a stroke. But because high blood pressure doesn't usually cause warning symptoms, you could be at risk without even knowing it.

That's why it's important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional.

The Saltiest Foods May Surprise You

THURSDAY, March 30, 2017 -- You probably know that Americans consume way too much salt, but a new U.S. government report points the finger at some surprising sources of salt in the diet.

The report said the top 5 culprits were: