The American Heart Association (AHA) has revealed the list of their five (5) most-read research stories for 2024. Major topics included marijuana use, time-restricted eating, stroke symptoms, COVID-19, and coffee consumption as they relate to cardiovascular health. Each story is well worth a read in case you weren’t counted among their original news page view count.
Here’s the summary from their main story:
1. Marijuana use linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke
Using marijuana – whether by smoking, eating or vaping it – may increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes, new research finds.
2. Time-restricted eating may raise cardiovascular death risk in the long term
New evidence suggests a popular weight loss strategy believed to improve heart health risks in the short term might actually raise the long-term risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
3. When symptoms suggest a stroke, but it’s something else
Some health conditions can mimic a stroke. But don’t waste time trying to tell the difference, stroke experts say.
4. COVID-19 may increase heart attack and stroke risk for years
Even if they never became severely ill, people who had COVID-19 in 2020 may face double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death up to three years later, new research finds.
5. Can people with an irregular heartbeat drink coffee?
Many people think being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation means giving up the caffeine in their beloved cup of coffee. Experts say that may not be necessary.