Cholesterol guidelines released last year made many more people eligible for medicine to lower their cholesterol. Now, fewer people are experiencing heart problems and related death, new research suggests.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What would it take to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes before 2017?

People take statin medications to fight high cholesterol. While these medications also may help those with high heart risks but not high cholesterol, statins are not always prescribed to those patients.

Following a low-fat diet may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. A Mediterranean-style eating plan, however, may help you live longer.