Healthy Living Tips

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. In fact, it affects more than 18 million adults in the United States. Although the condition is common, many people don’t know they have CAD until it leads to a serious problem. Here is what you need to know about CAD and the steps you can take to keep your heart and arteries healthy.

Women have historically been underrepresented in clinical research, particularly in cardiovascular studies. This has created gaps in health equity and can impact outcomes on a broad scale. At Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), we are committed to changing that narrative.

Years ago, a heart attack was often life-threatening. Thankfully, that story has changed thanks to cutting-edge research at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), which has created protocols that allow more people to survive heart attacks than ever before. Today doctors use advancements to open a blocked artery in the heart in just a few minutes. Yet while emergency care has improved dramatically, many people still don’t know they are at risk. Our next challenge is closing the gap between lifesaving treatment and preventive care that avoids heart attacks altogether.

Heart disease does not affect all women equally. Research shows that rates among Hispanic/Latina, White, Asian, and American Indian/Alaska Native women generally fall within the national average, between 35% and 45%. However, nearly 60% of non-Hispanic Black women are living with heart disease. They also face the highest death rates and the greatest overall risk.

One of the foundations of a heart-healthy lifestyle is a diet rich in whole foods (like fruits,  vegetables, whole grains) and low in saturated fats – but there’s still room for dessert. Amanda Folberg, RN, clinical research coordinator at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, recently developed a cookie that prioritizes cardiovascular health without sacrificing flavor. By using fiber-rich oats and swapping saturated fats for surprising ingredients like creamy avocado, she’s created a base that’s easy to customize with your favorite flavors.

High blood pressure has been getting a lot of attention lately — and for good reason. It’s strongly linked to heart and brain health and affects one in two adults in the United States, nearly 30% of whom don’t even know they have it.

With the new blood pressure guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, it’s a great time to review what high blood pressure is and steps you can take to protect your heart health.

As we turn the calendar to spring, the first signs of fresh produce are beginning to emerge. This salad celebrates one of the season’s most anticipated arrivals, asparagus. By pairing this crisp, nutritious vegetable with healthy fats and minimal sugar, this recipe captures the essence of spring while supporting cardiovascular health. It’s a wholesome, delicious way to welcome the warmer months.