For years, heart disease and stroke have been among the two leading causes of death in the US. But new research suggests a more hopeful trend in cardiovascular health outcomes.

The Mayo Clinic recently assembled a task force to update existing cholesterol guidelines.

Salt is a pantry staple and an ingredient present in many recipes. But too much of the seasoning can lead to high blood pressure and the potential for other serious heart conditions.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disease in the United States. And some people may be more at risk than others — even if they have the same symptoms.

Cardiovascular exercise like running or walking has a number of health benefits. But too much exercise may be unhealthy, especially after a heart attack.

The increased risk of heart problems in patients with elevated blood pressure is well-established. But lower blood pressure may not decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack and other complications.

Guidelines issued in November aim to reduce cholesterol and cardiovascular disease in adults across the board, but they highlight the risk men face when it comes to heart disease. Doctors may need to go even further than the guidelines suggest to keep men healthy.

For those with Type 2 diabetes, heart disease is a major cause of death. Cholesterol-cutting statins, however, may help fight heart disease and prolong lives.

A sedentary lifestyle may not seem dangerous, but it can put good  health in peril. Some physical activity, however, may remedy its ill effects.

The obesity epidemic in America has led to disease and increased health care costs. This epidemic may be hitting some ethnic groups harder than others.