A recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension revealed that consuming less sodium would not lower the risk of heart disease or stroke. Now the American Heart Association is questioning the study's findings and trying to put that research into perspective.

In the United States deaths from strokes are declining, dropping from the No. 3 cause of death to No. 4. But poor countries are still reporting disproportionately higher rates of disability and fatalities from strokes.

Usually we think to take aspirin when we have a headache or are in pain. The drug that's in so many of our medicine cabinets may do so much more for people with diabetes.

Patients at smaller, rural hospitals may not be getting the same quality of care as some of the larger hospitals inside major cities. A study indicates patients at these less accessible hospitals have a greater chance of dying from serious illnesses such as congestive heart failure.

Cigarette smokers may be ready to kick their habit, but a popular smoking cessation drug may only add health risks. A new study indicates that Chantix (varenicline) may come with a heightened risk of serious heart problems.

Patients with acute coronary syndromes often must resort to stents or balloon angioplasty to relieve artery constriction. Now the European Society of Cardiology is suggesting new strategies to minimize bleeding during such procedures.

Medical care has become fairly standardized across the United States with residents of Iowa expecting to receive similar care as those in Louisiana. A recent study shows that the exception might be U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico.

Overweight children have a significantly higher prevalence of psoriasis - and they are also at higher risk for heart disease that starts in childhood with higher cholesterol levels.

It's long been noted that African-Americans are at an increased risk for heart attacks, but the reason remained unknown. Investigators have now discovered a potential reason for the higher heart risk.

Just the thought of a bypass operation is scary for most people. But it may be that lower risk heart patients can opt for a surgery that is just as effective only not as invasive.