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San Francisco Chronicle
18 hours ago
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
There's been a stunning drop in heart attack deaths — but these other risks are rising
Deaths from heart attacks have fallen dramatically over the past 50 years, even taking into account a short but sharp increase in mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a testament to the remarkable medical investment made by the U.S. to counteract a deadly public health threat, say teams of scientists from UCSF and Stanford who released parallel reports this week. Heart attack deaths dropped by nearly 90% from 1970 to 2022, the time period that the Stanford team studied for their report published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. That's a direct result of immense investment in tools to prevent, test for and treat cardiovascular conditions, in particular heart attacks, said Dr. Latha Palaniappan, senior author of the Stanford paper. 'A 90% reduction in heart attack deaths over the last 50 years is nothing short of a medical miracle,' Palaniappan said. In the paper, Palaniappan and her peers noted that nearly half of global funding for heart disease research comes from the U.S., which 'has had an incredible return on investment.' 'This investment has driven global breakthroughs and continues to shape how we prevent and treat heart disease worldwide,' Palaniappan said. 'These breakthroughs have helped increase life expectancy in the U.S. by a full decade since the 1970s.' On the other hand, progress has flagged in fighting deaths from other types of cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, heart failure and arrhythmia, according to both studies. Overall cardiovascular mortality from non-heart attacks increased by about 80% over the past 50 years. Both the Stanford and UCSF studies analyzed heart disease deaths using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The studies noted sharp increases in heart attack deaths during the pandemic — peaking at about 93 of every 100,000 deaths in 2021 — that have since fallen to pre-pandemic levels. Heart disease has been the leading cause of death among Americans for more than a century. The term describes a wide range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, the main contributor to heart attacks, along with heart failure, heart rhythm disorders and hypertension. The drop in heart attacks comes from a multi-pronged effort, including public health campaigns such as smoking cessation efforts, and medical advances in prevention and treatment. According to the Stanford study, someone over age 65 who was hospitalized for a heart attack in 1970 had a 60% chance of leaving the hospital alive; today, they have a greater than 90% chance. But the drop in heart attacks has coincided with an increase in deaths caused by all other heart conditions. The UCSF study found that deaths from high blood pressure doubled from 1999 to 2023, the time period the scientists analyzed. Deaths from heart failure also climbed, hitting a record high in 2023. Part of the reason deaths from other types of heart disease are climbing is because people are generally living longer — the age expectancy increased by about a decade over the past 50 years. They're surviving heart attacks and then succumbing later to other, sometimes related conditions. Dr. Sanket Dhruva, senior author of the UCSF paper, said these conditions are all treatable and preventable. He said the data should compel the medical community to redouble efforts to battle all types of heart conditions — the immense progress made against heart attacks demonstrates what can be done with money and focus, Dhruva said. 'Really one of the key findings of our paper is where have the patterns been worsening,' Dhruva said. 'Death from cardiovascular disease is getting better over time, but it's not that simple. It's very nuanced. Death from hypertension diseases, and related to heart failure — those deaths are reaching record highs.' Dhruva said that for many of these conditions, tools already exist to improve outcomes for most patients — the work needs to focus on making sure those tools are accessible, and that the people who need them are being diagnosed and connected to treatment. For example, the U.S. needs to do a better job of screening for high blood pressure, then making sure people with high blood pressure have access to health care providers, medication and testing equipment. The UCSF paper found a precipitous increase in heart disease deaths during the pandemic, in large part because people's access to care was interrupted — folks stopped visiting their doctors, checking their blood pressure or even taking their medications. Some people stopped exercising, further increasing their risk. Though that care is getting back on track for most people, its absence should demonstrate how critical it is to maintain access. 'The pandemic halted decades of progress,' the UCSF paper noted. 'We know that people were not coming for care, we know that risk factors got worse,' Dhruva said. 'People gained weight, medication adherence slipped, people stopped seeing their care providers as often. Cardiovascular care got worse during the pandemic.' Still, he said, 'We learned a lot from the pandemic. We learned that it's absolutely necessary to ensure that patients are getting care.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Heart attack mortality rate significantly drops in US; Three other heart conditions are killing Americans instead
It's the classic – bad news always accompanies the good news. Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world. For decades, the United States has marked triumphant progress in battling heart attacks – formally known as acute myocardial infarctions. However, overall heart disease death rates over the past five decades dropped by 66% in American adults aged 25 and older, according to a new study. What's even better, deaths from heart attacks dropped by nearly 90%. But as one front recedes, other cardiovascular threats surge forward, changing the battlefield entirely. What does the study say? A recent analysis in the Journal of the American Heart Association reports that, from 1970 to 2022, the age-adjusted mortality from heart attacks dropped by a staggering 89% among adults aged 25 and older – driving a 66% overall reduction in heart disease deaths. In 1970, more than half of heart disease deaths were caused by heart attacks, a form of acute ischemic heart disease. By 2022, the age-adjusted death rate from heart attacks had fallen 89%, with fewer than one-third of heart disease deaths attributed to them. Dr. Sara King, the lead study author and a second-year internal medicine resident at Stanford University School of Medicine in California, said in a statement , 'Over the past 50 years, our understanding of heart disease, what causes it and how we treat it has evolved considerably.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo King added, 'There have been great strides made in helping people survive initial acute cardiac events that were once considered a death sentence.' Why this dramatic decline in heart attack mortality? This extraordinary achievement stems from a constellation of coordinated advances: Prevention and lifestyle interventions: Aggressive anti-smoking campaigns, improved cholesterol and blood pressure control, and heightened public awareness of heart attack symptoms. Faster diagnosis: Empowered by bystander CPR education, streamlined emergency response systems, and advanced biomarker testing (like troponin), early recognition has saved countless lives. Cutting-edge treatments: The rise of percutaneous coronary interventions (stents), mechanical support devices, and potent platelet inhibitors, coupled with refined critical care practices, transformed the management of acute coronary events. The result? What was once a major killer now accounts for less than one-third of all heart disease deaths – down from over 50% in 1970. The flip side of the coin: Unfortunately, that positive news has a flip side. Dr. Latha Palaniappan, associate dean for research at Stanford's School of Medicine and senior author of the study, said in a statement, 'Now that people are surviving heart attacks, we are seeing a rise in other forms of heart disease.' The research team found that deaths from other types of heart disease surged 81% over the same 50-year period, with three conditions driving the increase. So, while we've quelled the acute heart attack battle, other cardiovascular foes are gaining ground – and fast. Arrhythmias Deaths from irregular heartbeats have exploded by 450% since 1970. An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern. These irregularities are caused by disruptions in the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation alone affects nearly 10.5 million U.S. adults – many undiagnosed – and dramatically raises stroke and heart failure risks. Heart failure Mortality rates have increased by 146% since 1970. Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition where the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can happen because the heart muscle is too weak or stiff to pump effectively, or because it can't fill with enough blood. It's important to note that heart failure doesn't mean the heart has stopped working entirely, but it is a serious condition requiring medical attention. Some studies indicate a reversal in earlier declines post-2011, with an annual surge of +3.5%. Currently, 6.7 million Americans have it – with projections hitting 11 million by 2050. Disparities are rising – Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native communities face higher and worsening heart failure mortality. Hypertensive heart disease Deaths have more than doubled (+106%) since 1970. Hypertensive heart disease refers to heart problems that arise from long-term high blood pressure (hypertension). It's a group of conditions, including heart failure and coronary artery disease, that develop when high blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart over time. It's now accelerating – +4.8% per year after 2011, compared to +1.2% prior, as hypertension contributes to 25% of heart failure cases and is linked to 90% of them in older adults. Why such a stark rise? The aforementioned conditions are likely fueled, at least in part, by a growing number of Americans with cardiovascular risk factors, the researchers theorized. Persistent and growing risk factors Obesity: Prevalence surged from ~15% in the 1970s to nearly 40% by 2022. Hypertension: Affects nearly 50% of American adults, up from ~30% in the late 1970s. Type 2 Diabetes: Now afflicts nearly half of adults, amplifying the risk of heart disease. An aging population: As lifespans lengthen, more people live long enough to encounter chronic heart issues like heart failure and arrhythmias. Lack of care and health equity gaps: With fewer dying from heart attacks, more individuals transition into states of chronic cardiovascular stress – fueling heart failure, rhythm disorders, and hypertensive complications. Besides, the benefits of scientific progress have not been shared equally. Lower-income and marginalized communities often lag behind in access to prevention and care – resulting in higher mortality from chronic cardiovascular conditions. As per Palaniappan, 'All of these risk factors contribute to an ongoing burden of heart disease.' As per King, 'We've won major battles against heart attacks, however, the war against heart disease isn't over.' She added, 'The next frontier in heart health must focus on preventing heart attacks, and also on helping people age with healthier hearts and avoiding chronic heart conditions later in life.' 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New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Fewer people are dying of heart attacks — but these 3 deadly conditions are on the rise
Even good news can break your heart. A new study found that the number of Americans dying from heart attacks has dropped nearly 90% over the last 50 years — but your ticker still isn't in the clear. Researchers are warning that three other heart conditions are on the rise, now making up a larger share of cardiovascular disease deaths than ever before. Advertisement 4 Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the US. dragonstock – Age-adjusted heart disease death rates among adults 25 and older from 1970 to 2022 were analyzed for the study, published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers found that heart disease deaths overall dropped by 66% during this five-decade period, largely driven by a sharp decline in heart attacks. Advertisement In 1970, more than half of heart disease deaths were caused by heart attacks, a form of acute ischemic heart disease. By 2022, the age-adjusted death rate from heart attacks had fallen 89%, with fewer than one-third of heart disease deaths attributed to them. 4 Advancements in prevention and treatment have dramatically reduced heart disease deaths in recent years. PintoArt – Advertisement 'This evolution over the past 50 years reflects incredible successes in the way heart attacks and other types of ischemic heart disease are managed,' Dr. Sara King, a second-year internal medicine resident at Stanford University School of Medicine and the study's first author, said in a statement. 'There have been great strides made in helping people survive initial acute cardiac events that were once considered a death sentence,' she added. Among these advances: more bystander CPR, greater awareness of early heart attack signs, improved imaging tools and treatments and public health measures like no-smoking laws. But don't celebrate just yet. Advertisement 'Now that people are surviving heart attacks, we are seeing a rise in other forms of heart disease,' said Dr. Latha Palaniappan, associate dean for research at Stanford's School of Medicine and senior author of the study. 4 Roughly 1 in 5 deaths in the US is attributed to heart disease. tiero – The research team found that deaths from other types of heart disease surged 81% over the same 50-year period, with three conditions driving the increase. Deaths from arrhythmias — when the heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly — increased the most, with the age-adjusted death rate soaring 450%. Heart failure deaths, caused by the heart's inability to pump enough blood, climbed 146%. And deaths from hypertensive heart disease, linked to long-term high blood pressure, rose 106%. These conditions are likely fueled, at least in part, by a growing number of Americans with cardiovascular risk factors, the researchers theorized. Advertisement For example, obesity rates in the US jumped from 15% in the 1970s to 40% by 2022. Type 2 diabetes now affects almost half of all adults, while the percentage of people with high blood pressure increased from 30% in 1978 to nearly 50% in 2022. 4 The rise in obesity in the US started in the late 1970s and early 1980s. motortion – Advertisement 'All of these risk factors contribute to an ongoing burden of heart disease,' Palaniappan said. The researchers also pointed to the country's aging population and longer life expectancy as potential factors, with more Americans living to ages when heart disease becomes more common. 'We've won major battles against heart attacks, however, the war against heart disease isn't over,' King said. 'The next frontier in heart health must focus on preventing heart attacks, and also on helping people age with healthier hearts and avoiding chronic heart conditions later in life,' she added. Advertisement The American Heart Association has outlined steps to significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, called 'Life's Essential 8.' They include eating a healthier diet, managing weight, quitting smoking, getting more physical activity, improving sleep and maintaining healthy cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Still top cause of death, the types of heart disease people are dying from is changing
Research Highlights: Over the past 50 years, overall heart disease death rates have dropped by 66% and deaths from heart attacks have declined by nearly 90%. The types of heart disease people are dying from most often have shifted from heart attacks to an increase in deaths from heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertensive heart disease. Researchers say this shift, in part, is the result of advances in public health measures focused on prevention and life-saving interventions to improve early diagnosis and treatment, allowing people to live longer while managing chronic heart conditions Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (NewMediaWire) - June 25, 2025 - DALLAS While heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for over a century, the past 50 years have seen a substantial decrease (66%) in overall age-adjusted heart disease death rates, including a nearly 90% drop in heart attack deaths, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. During that time, there have been major shifts in the types of heart disease people are dying from, with large increases in deaths from heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertensive heart disease. In an analysis of data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers reviewed the age-adjusted rates of heart disease deaths among adults ages 25 and older from 1970 to 2022. The analysis found: Over this 52-year period, heart disease accounted for nearly one-third of all deaths (31%). During this time, heart disease death rates decreased substantially, from 41% of total deaths in 1970 to 24% of total deaths in 2022. In 1970, more than half of all people who died from heart disease (54%) died because of a heart attack a type of acute ischemic heart disease. The age-adjusted death rate decreased 89% by 2022, when less than one-third of all heart disease deaths (29%) were caused by a heart attack. Conversely, during this time, the age-adjusted death rate from all other types of heart disease (including heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and arrhythmia) increased by 81%, accounting for 9% of all heart disease deaths in 1970 and 47% of all heart disease deaths in 2022. "This distribution shift in the types of heart disease people were dying from the most was very interesting to us," said the study's first author, Sara King, M.D., a second-year internal medicine resident in the department of medicine at Stanford School of Medicine in Stanford, California. "This evolution over the past 50 years reflects incredible successes in the way heart attacks and other types of ischemic heart disease are managed. However, the substantial increase in deaths from other types of heart conditions, including heart failure and arrhythmias, poses emerging challenges the medical community must address." During the decades reviewed: Deaths from arrhythmias had the largest relative increase, with the age-adjusted death rate rising by 450%. However, arrhythmias still accounted for only about 4% of all heart disease deaths in 2022. Arrhythmias occur when electrical impulses to the heart may be too fast, too slow or erratic, causing an irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common types of arrhythmias. The age-adjusted death rate from heart failure a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen increased 146%. The rate of deaths from hypertensive heart disease heart problems that occur because of high blood pressure that is present over a long time increased by 106%. In addition to analyzing the types of heart disease deaths, the researchers also identified several underlying factors that may account for the shift in deaths from ischemic heart disease to other heart conditions. "Over the past 50 years, our understanding of heart disease, what causes it and how we treat it has evolved considerably. That's especially true in how we address acute cardiac events that may appear to come on suddenly," King said. "From the establishment and increased use of bystander CPR and automated external defibrillators to treat cardiac arrest outside the hospital setting, to the creation of systems of care that promote early recognition of and quick procedural and medical intervention to treat heart attacks, there have been great strides made in helping people survive initial acute cardiac events that were once considered a death sentence." Other specific advancements noted in the study included: The invention in the 1960s of coronary artery bypass grafting and the formation of coronary care units improved in-hospital and long-term heart disease death rates. Cardiac imaging improved in the 1970s with coronary angiography, which was capitalized by the advent of balloon angioplasty in 1977, followed by coronary stenting to open blocked heart arteries in the 1980s to 1990s. Simultaneously, there was significant development of medical therapies in the 1970s to 1990s, including thrombolytics and aspirin to reduce blockages; beta blockers to treat high blood pressure; renal-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors to slow the progression of heart and kidney disease; and statins to control cholesterol. These advances all contributed to the decline in deaths from treatment and deaths due to a second or subsequent acute cardiac event. At the turn of the 21st century, high-intensity statin therapy to lower cholesterol and dual antiplatelet therapy to reduce clotting were established, as well as landmark "door-to-balloon" trials that displayed substantial benefits when care to open blocked arteries was expedited. From 2009 to 2022, high-sensitivity troponins that improved the rapid diagnosis of heart attacks and advanced antiplatelet agents to reduce clotting and restore blood flow to the heart further improved death rates, while lipid-lowering therapies such as ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors emerged to improve options for secondary prevention. In addition to medical advances, significant public health strides, such as smoke-free policies, increased emphasis on physical activity and updated practice guidelines that support improved blood pressure and cholesterol management, have driven much of the improvements, according to the report. Study researchers point out that, despite overall reduction in heart disease and the progress in therapies and guidelines, there has been a substantial rise in many CVD risk factors, such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and physical inactivity, in the United States. An aging population is also contributing to an increase in the types of heart disease people are dying from. The report found: From the 1970s to 2022, obesity prevalence has risen from 15% to 40%. Type 2 diabetes including prediabetes, has risen to impact nearly half of all adults in the U.S. in 2020. Hypertension has increased from a prevalence of approximately 30% in 1978 to nearly 50% in 2022. Demographic shifts in the U.S. have also contributed significant changes to the landscape of heart disease mortality. From 1970 to 2022, there has been a notable increase in life expectancy, from 70.9 years to 77.5 years. "All of these risk factors contribute to an ongoing burden of heart disease, especially as related to heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and arrhythmias," said senior author of the paper Latha Palaniappan, M.D., M.S., FAHA, associate dean for research and a professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. "While heart attack deaths are down by 90% since 1970, heart disease hasn't gone away. Now that people are surviving heart attacks, we are seeing a rise in other forms of heart disease like heart failure. The focus now must be on helping people age with strong, healthy hearts by preventing events, and prevention can start as early as childhood." "The American Heart Association has been a leader in both the medical advancements and the policy and guideline initiatives that have contributed to the reduction in overall heart disease deaths," said Keith Churchwell, M.D., FAHA, the 2024-2025 American Heart Association volunteer president, an associate clinical professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut and an adjunct associate professor of Medicine at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. "Through the nearly $6 billion dollars the Association has invested in scientific research since 1948, we have enhanced the knowledge of how we diagnose and treat heart disease in almost all forms. We have been a catalyst in collaborations with the public and private sectors in support of public health policies to improve the communities in which people live, work, learn and play. And we know, that by following the prescription of our Life's Essential 8(TM) health measures, we can prevent most heart disease and reduce deaths from heart disease by reducing the health risk factors that contribute to it." The American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 is a measure of cardiovascular health that includes eight essential components for ideal heart and brain health 4 health behaviors and 4 health factors, including: Eat better. Be more active. Quit tobacco. Get healthy sleep. Manage weight. Control cholesterol. Manage blood sugar. Manage blood pressure. "We've won major battles against heart attacks, however, the war against heart disease isn't over. We now need to tackle heart failure and other chronic conditions that affect people as they age," King said. "The cardiology community must prepare to meet this evolving burden through prevention, longitudinal management and multidisciplinary care that supports healthy aging. The next frontier in heart health must focus on preventing heart attacks, and also on helping people age with healthier hearts and avoiding chronic heart conditions later in life." The authors note several limitations to this study: There is likely substantial differences in these reductions in heart disease deaths by age, sex, race, ethnicity, region and urbanization. The study did not analyze data including these components, and research including these factors should be prioritized in future studies to confirm if these overall trends remain valid in subpopulations. The use of multiple iterations of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding system may allow for potential miscoding and presents challenges in maintaining consistency in comparisons across the years. Particularly prominent is the change from ICD-8 to ICD-9 in the year 1979, where the mortality of several conditions (valvular heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, pulmonary heart disease) dramatically increased. The true burden of ischemic heart disease may be underestimated in the findings presented in this study, since certain conditions including heart failure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias and in particular ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, may be overly simplistic. Many of these cases likely have underlying causes that cannot be precisely differentiated using current or past ICD codes. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of release link. After June 25, view the manuscript online. AHA news release: Heart disease remains leading cause of death as key health risk factors continue to rise (January 2025) AHA health initiative: Healthy Living Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews Follow news from the Journal of the American Heart Association @JAHA_AHA ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Cathy Lewis: For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Say goodbye to sleepless nights with this fat-rich everyday snack
Say goodbye to sleepless nights with this fat-rich everyday snack Avocados are no longer just salad toppings or toast companions. A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association by Dr Kristina Petersen and her team at Penn State found that eating one Hass avocado daily may improve sleep quality. Originally focused on heart health in adults with abdominal obesity, the research involved 969 participants aged 25 and older with waistlines over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men. Those who added a large Hass avocado to their diet over 26 weeks did not see significant cardiovascular gains. What stood out instead was better sleep. That unexpected discovery has opened new questions about how nutrients in everyday foods, like avocados, might support rest. Dr Petersen highlights that while no single food works miracles, avocados hold promise within a balanced lifestyle. Avocados may help you sleep better, study finds by surprise Dr Petersen and her colleagues set out to explore how avocados affect heart health, but stumbled on sleep benefits instead. Their trial split participants into two groups. One added a Hass avocado to their meals daily. The other maintained usual habits without significant avocado intake. Over 26 weeks, the sleep quality reports stood out. Those eating avocados regularly slept better without changing their sleep routines. Though the study was not designed for sleep outcomes, knowledge of these new results adds context and invites further investigation. It highlights how a single dietary change can lead to unexpected benefits. Hass avocado What in avocados could promote sleep The powerhouse of nutrients in an avocado may explain the sleep connection. Hass avocados provide monounsaturated fatty acids known to support heart health and cellular recovery. They also offer dietary fibre, which supports digestion and metabolic balance, potassium that helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function, folate and vitamin K that support brain and bone health, copper involved in neurotransmitter production, and pantothenic acid that supports hormone regulation and stress response. Taken together, these nutrients may promote relaxation, better sleep cycles and overall restfulness. Dr Petersen highlighted the emerging role of nutrition in sleep and overall heart health in her report. Why avocados wont fix everything The researchers stress that one avocado cannot replace sleep hygiene or medical care. They recommend pairing it with regular exercise, reduced caffeine and alcohol use, less evening screen time, and quitting smoking. Experts point out that avocados are calorie-dense, so eating more than one per day may result in unintended weight gain. For most people, though, one avocado is a safe and nutrient-rich addition to a regular diet that supports multiple areas of health. What we already know about avocado benefits This new sleep finding builds on existing research. Studies from previous years link regular avocado intake to lower levels of bad cholesterol and reduced abdominal fat in women. A recent 2024 trial showed that daily avocado consumption may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. When viewed together, the data demonstrates that this beloved fruit could influence heart health, metabolic function and now potentially sleep. That makes avocados useful within a well-rounded diet rather than just a trendy food item. How to add avocados to your day Try starting simply with half or one full Hass avocado at breakfast on toast or oatmeal, add it to salads at lunch, or use it in smoothies or wraps for dinner. Balance it with vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Make sure you are practising good sleep habits such as sticking to a schedule and managing light exposure in the evening. Over time, you may notice changes in how easily you fall asleep or how refreshed you feel in the morning. Also read | Want to know how long you'll live? This 10-second sit-stand test might have the answer One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
