Before most elective surgeries such as nose jobs or facelift, patients get a heart ultrasound. It's designed to predict which patients could have complications, but it may not result in improved survival.

Some patients are simply at a higher risk of heart attacks and blood vessel diseases because of genetics. The problem is that all of those factors aren't known, making it tough for doctors to predict who is at risk.

Coping with diabetes or hypertension alone can prove trying. But those same individuals also may be at an increased risk of developing glaucoma.

The risk of stroke is higher for diabetic patients than the general population. A new stroke treatment for diabetics may significantly improve survival and chance of disability.

With the prevalence of strokes, diagnostic tools to predict risk are becoming more useful than ever. A simple ultrasound test could help identify individuals at a high risk of stroke.

With obesity comes the added risk of health problems. One potential risk may be electrical heart abnormalities that can lead to heart arrhythmia.

When it comes to your body, most types of fat have negative implications. Fat around the heart is no different. It may cause heart disease even in healthy individuals, especially in men.

Some patients with coronary blockage benefit from medicine-coated stents to prop the artery open. A new study confirms stents are safe with limited use.

Weight management can be difficult at any age. It is important to achieve and maintain an ideal weight even as we age because life expectancy can decrease with excess weight.

Gout, formerly linked with Europe's royal families, has made its way to middle America. Since 1990, U.S. cases have increased by 50 percent, making it a modern-day royal pain in the joints.