(kateholms/iStock, Getty Images) Moderate to heavy drinking over an extended period may increase the risk of a dangerous type of irregular heartbeat in adults under 40, according to a new study from South Korea. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and can increase stroke risk fivefold if left untreated….

Heart attack survivor Michael Capalbo. (Photo courtesy of Michael Capalbo) Michael Capalbo was standing in an aisle at the pharmacy chain where he was a manager when he felt an intense burning sensation raging across his chest from shoulder to shoulder. He texted his supervisor. She rushed to call 911 and get Capalbo aspirin. Sitting…

Maizy Ferrell had a congenital heart defect that led to open-heart surgery as a baby. (Photo courtesy of Traci Poore) In this day of over-the-top, gender-reveal parties, Traci Poore was different. She and her first husband didn’t want to know whether they were having a boy or a girl. They didn’t find out with their…

(mr.suphachai praserdumrongchai/iStock, Getty Images) Public radio fans knew NPR books editor Petra Mayer as an exuberant lover of science fiction, romance novels, comic books and cats. “If it’s fun and nerdy, I’m all about it,” she declared. Friends and family now are mourning the loss of the witty, bubbly 46-year-old. She died earlier this month…

(kajakiki/E+, Getty Images) Lea en español Since before Americans officially celebrated Thanksgiving, turkey has had a place at the holiday table. Lately, it also has developed a reputation as a relatively healthy part of the big meal. Does it deserve that reputation? “Yes, it does,” said Catherine M. Champagne, a professor of nutritional epidemiology and…

(DrAfter123/DigitalVision Vectors, Getty Images) Lea en español Headaches, brain fog and that peculiar inability to smell or taste things. By now most people know these symptoms as a few of the hallmarks of COVID-19. Researchers say they are a clear indication the virus impacts neurological functions. But what that impact means to long-term brain health…

Mike Wigal (right) with his wife, Kathy. (Photo courtesy of Mike Wigal) Just before Mike Wigal was put under for arthroscopic knee surgery, the anesthesiologist stopped the procedure. He needed to check something he saw on a heart monitor. After the procedure, the orthopedic surgeon told Wigal that he hadn’t found anything wrong inside the…

(deteetarkan/iStock, Getty Images) Improving your overall sleep health could help lower your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and other cardiovascular threats, according to new research. Experts already knew a lack of sleep and having sleep disorders can put health at risk. But the new study looked into whether the multiple factors that go…

(jacoblund/iStock, Getty Images) Lea en español Annie Clement has a lot of feelings about attending her family’s big traditional holiday gathering. Last year was the first time the 43-year-old did not go home for Christmas. This year, she was excited when a COVID-19 vaccine finally became available for her 10-year-old daughter, Hazel Clement-Weber, allowing her…

(Agustin Vai/iStock, Getty Images) Intermittent fasting could increase a key protein that controls inflammation and protects the heart, according to a new study. Intermittent fasting limits a person’s consumption of food and beverages to certain times of the day or week to achieve weight loss. There’s no single way to practice it, though one popular…