Cardiovascular Specialists

06/10/2026

LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN? YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE MAY BE PAYING THE PRICE

When you're in acute pain, it's normal for blood pressure to spike — your brain triggers a "fight or flight" response, flooding your body with adrenaline and cortisol that constrict blood vessels and force your heart to work harder. For most people, once the pain resolves, blood pressure returns to normal. But chronic pain is a different story. When pain lingers for months or years — from arthritis, nerve damage, or other ongoing conditions — the body stays locked in a perpetual low-grade stress state, causing blood vessels to gradually stiffen and temporary spikes to become permanent hypertension. Equally important: common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAIDs) can raise blood pressure by causing sodium and water retention — always check with your cardiologist before using them regularly if you have hypertension.

READ MORE — https://blavity.com/health/does-pain-cause-high-blood-pressure
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Imperial Health–Cardiovascular Specialists
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Managing chronic pain is vital. Here is what experts say about how physical pain can cause high blood pressure and hypertension.

06/09/2026

Improve the Health of your Career at Imperial Health! Imperial Health is largest, independent, physician-owned, multispecialty medical group in the Southwest Louisiana region. Here you’ll find more than just your traditional medical practice. You will discover a dedicated team of physicians and em...

06/09/2026

NOT ALL PROTEIN IS CREATED EQUAL — ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEART

Protein is essential for every cell and tissue in your body — but the source and preparation method matter enormously for heart health. Dietitians rank fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel at the top thanks to their heart-protective omega-3s, followed by skinless poultry, legumes, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy, eggs in moderation, and whole grains like quinoa and farro. Research also supports shifting more of your protein intake toward plant-based sources — legumes, tofu, tempeh, and soy — which are high in fiber and low in saturated fat, a combination that actively supports cardiovascular health. On the other end, heavily processed, fried, or high-sodium protein sources can quietly work against your heart, no matter how much protein they contain. The bottom line: choose wisely, prepare simply, and let your protein work for your heart — not against it.

READ MORE — https://www.verywellhealth.com/healthiest-ways-to-eat-protein-11935722
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Imperial Health–Cardiovascular Specialists
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Protein is essential for many functions in the body, but not all proteins are created equal. Lean proteins, complete proteins, and other types of proteins can be better options than others.

06/08/2026

THE PRESERVATIVES IN YOUR PACKAGED FOODS MAY BE RAISING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

A major new study published in the European Heart Journal — the first of its kind to examine a wide range of preservatives and cardiovascular health — has found troubling links between common food additives and heart risk. Analyzing the diets of more than 112,000 adults, researchers identified eight preservatives associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, including sodium nitrite, potassium sorbate, and citric acid. One additive — ascorbic acid — was specifically linked to cardiovascular disease. Critically, the effect held even after accounting for overall diet quality and ultra-processed food intake, suggesting preservatives themselves may play an independent role. The researchers' advice echoes what cardiologists have long recommended: favor fresh, whole, and minimally processed foods, and read ingredient labels carefully.

READ MORE — https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8-common-food-additives-linked-high-blood-pressure-heart-health-study
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Imperial Health–Cardiovascular Specialists
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In a study involving more than 100,000 participants, researchers found that 8 food preservatives could harm cardiovascular health and were linked to a higher risk of hypertension.

06/07/2026

THE HEART CONDITION AFFECTING BLACK AMERICANS THAT TOO FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT

ATTR-CM — transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy — is a rare but life-threatening cause of heart failure that is significantly underdiagnosed, particularly in the Black community. It occurs when a transport protein in the blood becomes unstable, misfolds, and builds up as deposits in the heart, causing the heart muscle to stiffen and eventually fail. One specific genetic mutation linked to ATTR-CM, called V122i, occurs almost exclusively in people of African, African American, or Afro-Caribbean descent — and can appear as early as the 50s and 60s. Symptoms can mimic common heart failure — shortness of breath, fatigue, ankle swelling, irregular heartbeat — but may also include seemingly unrelated signs like carpal tunnel syndrome or digestive problems. If these symptoms sound familiar, talking to a cardiologist to explore this diagnosis could be life-changing.

READ MORE — https://blackdoctor.com/attr-amyloidosis-african-american/
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Imperial Health–Cardiovascular Specialists
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A Life-Threatening Cause of Heart Failure That Often Goes Overlooked

06/06/2026

150 MINUTES A WEEK IS A GOOD START — BUT YOUR HEART MAY BE ASKING FOR MORE

New research is prompting cardiologists to rethink the standard aerobic exercise recommendations — and the findings are eye-opening. Researchers say that while the current guideline of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week is a solid baseline, adults may need to nearly quadruple that amount to achieve substantial cardiovascular protection. For those with lower fitness levels, up to 600 minutes of weekly aerobic activity may be needed to meaningfully reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The encouraging message from experts: any movement is better than none, and every extra step counts. As one cardiologist put it, "the most powerful drug is to step your fitness" — and unlike most prescriptions, it's free.

READ MORE — https://www.healthline.com/health-news/more-aerobic-exercise-needed-cardiovascular-disease-prevention
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Imperial Health–Cardiovascular Specialists
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Researchers say adults may need to quadruple the current weekly exercise recommendations to achieve substantial heart health benefits. Those with lower levels of fitness may need as much as 600 minutes of aerobic activity per week to lower heart attack and stroke risks.

06/05/2026

THE BLOOD-RED VEGETABLE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE WILL LOVE

Beets may be one of the most underrated foods for heart health — and the science behind them is fascinating. Beets are loaded with naturally occurring nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes and widens blood vessels to ease blood flow and lower blood pressure. A 2024 meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials found that regular beetroot juice consumption can reduce systolic blood pressure by an average of 5 mmHg in people with hypertension — and research shows whole beets and other nitrate-rich vegetables like spinach, arugula, and celery deliver similar benefits. Best of all, you don't have to drink beet juice to reap the rewards — roasting, juicing, adding to salads, or blending into smoothies all count. Your heart will thank you for every bite.

READ MORE — https://www.health.com/how-beets-affect-blood-pressure-11983603
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Imperial Health–Cardiovascular Specialists
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Beets contain nitrates that the body turns into nitric oxide, a compound that helps relax blood vessels to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

06/04/2026

WHAT YOU DO AFTER 7 P.M. COULD BE QUIETLY WORKING AGAINST YOUR HEART

Your evening routine matters more to your heart health than most people realize — and three common habits in particular deserve a second look. First, alcohol within three hours of bedtime activates your sympathetic nervous system, raises your resting heart rate for hours, and disrupts sleep quality — a combination directly linked to coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Second, strenuous late-night exercise delays sleep onset, shortens sleep duration, and elevates nighttime heart rate — experts recommend finishing intense workouts at least four hours before bed. Third, late-night eating — especially heavy meals close to bedtime — is linked to artery stiffening, atherosclerosis progression, chronic inflammation, and increased cardiovascular mortality in adults over 50. A light, balanced dinner at least three hours before bed, followed by a good book or a relaxing walk, may be one of the simplest evening prescriptions for a healthier heart.

READ MORE — https://www.verywellhealth.com/habits-to-avoid-after-7-pm-for-a-healthier-heart-11963923
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Imperial Health–Cardiovascular Specialists
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Learn three habits to avoid in the evening to help protect your heart health, including steering clear of alcohol, strenuous exercise, and snacking.

06/03/2026

21 MINUTES A DAY. 30% LESS HEART DISEASE RISK. IT'S REALLY THAT SIMPLE.

One of the most powerful tools for protecting your heart doesn't cost a thing and requires no equipment — just a pair of shoes and a little time. A Harvard Health report found that walking just 21 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by 30%, while also lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing diabetes and cancer risk, and keeping you mentally sharp. And if your schedule only allows shorter walks, research shows that even those add up — with 7,000 steps a day linked to a 25% lower cardiovascular disease risk. The best walk for your heart is simply the one you actually take, consistently, every day.

READ MORE — https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-much-you-need-to-walk-every-day-to-cut-your-risk-of-heart-disease-goog_l_69fb7bcfe4b06e786e3b26aa
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Imperial Health–Cardiovascular Specialists
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Data suggests there's a certain number of minutes you should aim for to improve your cardiovascular health. Here's how you can sneak them in.

06/02/2026

5 MEDITERRANEAN LUNCHES YOUR HEART WILL THANK YOU FOR

The Mediterranean diet is consistently ranked the best eating pattern for heart health — and research backs it up with a 38% reduction in heart disease risk compared to a standard diet. But knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Nutrition experts say lunch is the perfect entry point, and these five simple options deliver the protein, fiber, and healthy fats your heart needs: a chickpea and veggie grain bowl, a salmon salad pita, lentil soup with a side salad, a tuna and white bean salad, and avocado toast topped with sardines. Each one is quick to prepare, packed with omega-3s, plant-based protein, and anti-inflammatory ingredients — and delicious enough to make heart-healthy eating a habit you'll actually stick with.

READ MORE — https://www.verywellhealth.com/mediterranean-diet-lunch-ideas-11963839
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For expert cardiovascular care you can trust, connect with
Imperial Health–Cardiovascular Specialists
📞 337-33HEART • ❤️ CSSWLA.com

Discover 5 quick and easy Mediterranean diet lunches to add to your routine to support heart health.