Doctors may have found a new marker capable of suggesting a teen suffers from high blood pressure. Abnormal levels of uric acid, a build-up associated with gout attacks, may act as a mechanism for hypertension. Though a cause and effect link between uric acid and hypertension was not found, researchers said the findings suggest uric acid may act as a biomarker of high blood pressure. Avoid smoking to maintain healthy blood pressure. Lauren Loeffler , MD, MHS , lead investigator and a nephrologist at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, noted that high blood pressure is no longer...

When blood is flowing rapidly, scientists have found that cells cling together tightly, reducing vascular leaks. The discovery could become a consideration in heart surgery or influence drugs to treat high cholesterol.

Living in a big city may have its benefits when it comes to convenience, but a new study reveals added pollution may not be doing any favors for your heart.

Researchers are constantly working to come up with new methods for preventing or treating heart attacks. A new candidate, however is surprising. The answer may be intense light.

Scientists have long had a general understanding of the cardiac conduction system, the complex electrical system in charge of muscle contractions within the heart.

Following a heart attack, scar tissue comprised of cells called fibroblasts accumulates. Since the heart muscle can't easily regenerate, the patient is at an increased risk of heart failure.

The heart's own "rogue DNA" appears to play a role in the development of heart failure. A new study has found that the heart's own cells mistakenly activate the immune system, contributing to heart failure. During heart failure, immune cells cells invade the heart. This process, called inflammation, which ultimately leads to a less efficient heart with less pumping ability in the case of heart failure, can be caused by the body's own DNA. Don't smoke to protect your heart. Professor Kinya Otsu , study leader and British Heart Federation Professor of Cardiology at King's College...

Drinking too much sugar-sweetened soda may increase your risk of having a stroke -- even if it's a diet soft drink. Coffee, on the other hand, was associated with a lower risk of stroke. Sugar-sweetened soft drinks and beverages have previously been tied to diabetes, weight gain, hypertension, high cholesterol, gout and coronary artery disease. Women appeared to be at a higher stroke risk as compared to men. Consume more fruits and vegetables to lower stroke risk. Adam Bernstein, MD, ScD , study author and research director at Cleveland Clinic's Wellness Institute, said that...

True or false : Chocolate is good for you. Yes, it's a trick question, so a couple of nutrition researchers set out to find out what kind of benefits chocolate does offer. One of the ingredients in chocolate thought to offer some health benefits are flavanols , which are antioxidants that appear to help reduce inflammation. Although various studies have shown a link between how many flavanols a person consumes and their reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, this association does not mean eating chocolate will prevent a heart attack. Consider eating a daily piece of dark chocol...

A newly developed monitoring test may provide surgeons with real time data about a child's brain health during heart surgery to repair congenital defects.